Rice farmers in Southeast Texas are braced to receive less water in the future, amid growing demand from cities.
June 2011
Posted in
Energy
Rice Farmers’ Livelihoods at Stake in Water Battle
Despite the drought, rice fields in Southeast Texas are emerald green this time of year, thanks to water released from two reservoirs hundreds of miles up the Colorado River. But the rice growers fear for their future, as water restrictions tighten.
Posted inState Government
Peña Intends to Stay in Texas House
The political ambitions of state Rep. Aaron Peña, R-Edinburg, have been the subject of speculation since he switched parties prior to the recent legislative session. But he’s announcing today that — for now, at least — he doesn’t intend to go anywhere.
Posted in
State Government
Lawmakers: Get Lobbyists Out of Windstorm Fight
Lawmakers and consumer groups say special interests need to butt out of the battle over the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.
Posted in
Politics
Updated: Williams vs. Williams?
There might be more than one Williams in the race for that new Arlington-based congressional district. Former Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams, who had been after Kay Bailey Hutchison’s Senate post, switched officially this morning. Now Roger Williams is looking at it.
Posted in
Energy
Series Explores Central Texas’ Water Supply
The Texas Tribune and KUT 90.5 FM are running a five-part series this week on water supplies in Central Texas, looking specifically at the long-term future of two key lakes that supply water to Austin and other growing cities, as well as to rice farmers a few hundred miles down the Colorado River.
Posted in
Health care
Rule Will Prescribe Fewer Potent Drugs to Kids
Children on Medicaid under the age of three will not be prescribed powerful anti-psychotic drugs without a special authorization, under new rules the state Health and Human Services Commission implemented last week.
Posted in
State Government
The Weekly TribCast: Episode 85
This week on the TribCast, Ross, Reeve, Thanh, and Ben talk about vetoes, groping, and the imminent end of the special session.
Posted in
State Government
Updated: Senate Approves TWIA Bill, Awaits Fight
Like ringing the bell at the boxing ring, the Senate today approved a bill that is all but certain to restart a brawl with the House over how to reform the state’s windstorm insurer of last resort. “I intend to fight for this tougher than I’ve ever fought for anything,” said state Sen. John Carona.
Posted inState Government
The Midday Brief: June 22, 2011
Your afternoon reading: Borris Miles takes school trustees to Costa Rica; lawmakers and governors across the U.S. locked in budget and education funding feuds; TWIA overhaul may make for a long summer.