Bracken Cave, north of the burgeoning San Antonio metropolitan area, has been the summer home to the world’s largest colony of bats for thousands of years. But conservationists worry a developer’s plan threatens the bats.
Chris Hooks
Posted in
Energy
Slideshow: Bracken Bat Cave
Every summer night, a swirling vortex of Mexican free-tailed bats emerges from Bracken Cave, the largest such colony in the world. It’s a sight the cave’s protectors say is threatened by a developer’s plans.
Posted in
Politics
Craddick Faults Nichols Over Texting-While-Driving Bill
State Rep. Tom Craddick, who authored a bill that would have made texting while driving a criminal offense in Texas, is pointing the finger at Senate Transportation Chairman Robert Nichols over the measure’s failure.
Posted inState Government
Mostyn Announces $135 Million TWIA Settlement
Negotiators have reached a final settlement for the majority of remaining claimants in the multi-year legal battle over the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, Houston attorney Steve Mostyn said on Tuesday.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Clock Runs Out on Bill Requiring Drug Testing for State Benefits
UPDATED: The Texas House allowed the clock to run out Tuesday night on Senate Bill 11, an initiative that would have created a drug testing regimen for some welfare benefits.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
DNA Testing Mandate Gets Early House Approval
The Texas House gave early approval on Tuesday to a requirement that the Department of Public Safety perform DNA testing on all biological evidence prior to the start of cases that involve the death penalty.
Posted inPolitics
Interactive: Comparing Perry, Cruz as Potential Presidential Candidates
Two Texans, Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, are on the GOP’s radar as potential 2016 presidential candidates. Use this interactive to see how they compare on issues like health care, abortion and immigration.
Posted in
State Government
House Gives Final Approval to Craft Brewing Overhaul
UPDATED: A dramatic overhaul of Texas’ craft brewing industry easily won final approval in the House on Monday.
Posted in
Energy
Smart Meter Resistance Rises as Towns Say No
Smart electricity meters have long been criticized by those who say they present a health risks and infringe on individual rights. Now, with legislative action to allow property owners to deny meters failing, municipalities are picking up the slack.
Posted inState Government
Senate Panel Backs Bill Mandating Drug Tests for Legislators
A bill that would require Texas legislators to submit to drug tests and pass the results to the State Ethics Commission was voted out of the Senate Committee on State Affairs on Thursday.