When sizzling temperatures in June affected the air pressure in pipelines in West Texas, companies in five counties vented millions of pounds of natural gas and other toxins into the air.
July 2023
Posted in
Energy
A Texas energy company will pay $1.3 million over pollution in the Permian Basin, EPA says
The EPA last year announced aerial surveillance of “super-emitters.” At least one other company in New Mexico faced a similar fine.
Posted in
State Government
State investigating claim that DPS troopers were told to push migrants back into the Rio Grande and deny them water
The Office of the Inspector General is investigating the claims, which include pushing small children and women with nursing babies back into the river and turning away a 4-year-old girl who later passed out on the riverbank from the heat.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2023
Houston sues state in attempt to block new law that erodes cities’ power
House Bill 2127 — dubbed the “Death Star” law by opponents — prevents local governments from creating rules that go further than what’s allowed under broad areas of state law. Houston’s suit says the new law violates the state’s constitution.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas A&M interim dean resigns after university backtracks on hiring professor to revive journalism program
José Luis Bermúdez, who led the school’s College of Arts and Sciences, will leave his position after a deal to hire respected journalist Kathleen O. McElroy fell apart amid conservative pushback.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Prisoners’ relatives and former inmates plead for help as deaths mount in sweltering Texas prisons
Several lawmakers supported a call for Gov. Greg Abbott to bring lawmakers back immediately to approve air conditioning for prisons, which the Legislature declined to do during its regular session.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Travis County won’t pursue driving while intoxicated charges against State Sen. Charles Schwertner
The Republican from Georgetown was arrested in Austin in February. But the county attorney said there wasn’t sufficient evidence to prosecute.
Posted in
Ken Paxton Impeachment
6 large donors fuel Ken Paxton’s post-impeachment campaign fundraising
The suspended attorney general’s campaign disclosure did not shed light on how he is paying for his impeachment legal defense.
Posted in
T-Squared
T-Squared: We’ve added 100 new speakers to the 2023 Texas Tribune Festival program
Dive into the latest list of names, which features change-makers who will take part in deep and meaningful conversations about our state and nation.
Posted in
Ken Paxton Impeachment
Pro-Paxton group gives $3 million to impeachment trial judge Dan Patrick
Defend Texas Liberty was the lieutenant governor’s largest benefactor in late June, providing a $1 million donation and $2 million loan to his campaign.
