The Republican race for Texas Railroad Commission is chugging toward a runoff between Rosenberg rancher and real estate mogul Gary Gates and former state Rep. Wayne Christian.
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 inState Government
At Last Minute, Presidio GOP Finds Place to Vote
Presidio County’s few Republicans will have a spot to vote Tuesday after the party’s county chair — prodded by the state GOP — tracked down a place to set up shop just hours before primary election day.
Posted in
Politics
With Chaplain, Texas Agriculture Chief Brings Faith to Work
Since naming an official volunteer chaplain at his agency, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has reserved a place for Christianity in the Stephen F. Austin building, and invited his employees to join.
Posted inState Government
Budget Board Restores Funding for Racing Commission
Also, Gov. Greg Abbott meets with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto and David Dewhurst makes a campaign contribution to former rival Ted Cruz.
Posted in
State Government
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Dismisses Rick Perry Indictment
The state’s highest criminal court dismissed the remaining indictment against former Gov. Rick Perry on Wednesday morning, apparently ending the case that started with his threat to veto state funding for a local prosecutor if she refused to quit her office.
Posted in
Energy
Geoscientist’s Latest Experiment: Running for Statewide Office
In the Republican primary for Texas Railroad Commission, Lance Christian — a political novice — is embarking on something of an experiment: Can the agency staffer win statewide office based on scientific expertise alone?
Posted in
Economy
In Major Water Case, Win for Ranchers is Loss For Cities
The Texas Supreme Court has handed a victory to farmers, ranchers and other longstanding water rights holders by declining to take up a Brazos River case with widespread implications for future water battles.
Posted inState Government
Hillary Clinton Starts Expansion of Texas Campaign Footprint
Also, CD-29 challenger Adrian Garcia raises hackles with some tough rhetoric on incumbent U.S. Rep. Gene Green’s campaign surrogate.
Posted in
Energy
West Texas Drillers Asked to Cut Light Pollution
The Texas Railroad Commission is asking West Texas oil and gas operators to curb light pollution — particularly around the University of Texas’ McDonald Observatory — so astronomers can see the stars at night.
Posted in
Economy
No State Help for Crystal City Council Meltdown
After most of its elected officials were arrested, questions swirled about whether — and how — Crystal City’s government can function in the coming months. This much is clear, experts agree: The city must wade through the mess largely on its own.
