Convincing Congress to lift a 55-year-old trade embargo with Cuba could dramatically bolster the fortunes of struggling Texas farmers and cattle raisers, state lawmakers were told Thursday.
Jim Malewitz
Jim Malewitz was a reporter at the Tribune from 2013 to 2017, covering energy and environment and then working on investigations. Previously, he covered those issues for Stateline, a nonprofit news service in Washington, D.C. The Michigan native majored in political science at Grinnell College in Iowa and holds a master’s from the University of Iowa. There, he helped launch the nonprofit Iowa Center for Public Affairs Journalism, where he currently serves on the board of directors. Jim also coaches the Texas Tribune Runoffs, which, sources say, is the scrappiest coed newsroom softball team west of the Mississippi.
Posted in
Economy
In South Texas County, an Investment in Survival as Oil Boom Stalls
Thanks to a surge in drilling, La Salle County was able to finance a multi-million upgrade to its emergency response capabilities. While the oil boom has stalled, the dramatic improvements are here to stay, officials say.
Posted in
Economy
Texas Lawmakers Mull Boosting Eminent Domain Protections
State lawmakers are considering whether to tighten eminent domain laws to help landowners battling pipeline companies, electric utilities, public agencies or other entities seeking to condemn land their land for public use.
Posted in
Politics
Indictment Aside, Crystal City Mayor Runs Again
Shrugging off federal corruption charges and possible prison time, Ricardo Lopez, the former mayor of Crystal City, says he is running for re-election and eyeing statewide office.
Posted inState Government
AG Ken Paxton Asks Court To Halt Haze Reduction Plan
Also, an audit report reveals contract management problems at the Department of Agriculture, and CHOMP — a feral hog eradication program — is launched.
Posted in
Economy
Texas Regulators Approve Oncor Deal, But Uncertainty Persists
Texas regulators on Thursday approved the Ray L. Hunt family’s high-stakes plan to purchase and reshape the state’s largest electric utility. But they added major revisions, prolonging the battle to own Oncor.
Posted inState Government
More Flash Than Bang at Capitol Open-Carry Demonstration
Also, Texas intervenes in a land dispute between the feds and landowners along the Red River and the U.S. House votes to intervene in a challenge to President Obama’s executive action on immigration.
Posted inState Government
Cruz Drops Two New TV Ads Ahead of Utah, Arizona Contests
Also, Ted Cruz creates a new energy policy task force for his campaign and rounds up an endorsement from a prominent voice among House establishment Republicans.
Posted in
Economy
As Oil Prices Fell, Texas Campaign Donations Followed
For decades, the petroleum industry has largely fueled Texas’ influence in national Republican politics. But operatives are seeing early signs that the current oil bust has depressed the sector’s political giving.
Posted in
Economy
Railroad Commission Hopeful Unclear on Agency’s Duties
Wayne Christian, a candidate for Texas railroad commissioner, frequently touts his energy expertise. But he did not know one of the agency’s key duties — regulating natural gas utilities — until a reporter told him.
