Many Texans trying to flee Hurricane Rita ran out of gas. The next time a hurricane forces Gulf Coast residents to flee, state officials say such a nightmarish scenario is less likely to occur. This is part of our “Road From Rita” series, a collaboration with the Beaumont Enterprise.
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
Workplace Deaths Up in Texas, Which Still Tops List
The number of people killed on the job in Texas increased in 2014, and the state retained its grim spot as the county’s leader in workplace deaths, according to preliminary federal data released Thursday.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas to Injured Worker: “You Have Been Sued”
Teresa Hammond, who was injured on the job at a youth lock-up, thought she had won her more than two-year battle against the state’s workers’ compensation insurer. But last month, the state sued her, leaving her scrambling to find help.
Posted in
Energy
Tiny Nordheim Proclaims Small Victory in Oilfield Waste Vote
With the eyes of Nordheim cast upon them, state regulators have granted new life — if just a breath — to the tiny South Texas town’s effort to thwart an oil and gas waste site that locals argue threatens their way of life.
Posted inState Government
Abbott Strikes Accords With Mexico on Transportation, Energy
Also, George P. Bush wields the sword of zero-based budgeting and Glenn Hegar says he’s within $200 million on his revenue estimate.
Posted in
Economy
Examiners: Company Not To Blame For Quakes
The Texas Railroad Commission looks poised to clear a second oilfield company of responsibility for a series of earthquakes that rattled two North Texas towns — despite research suggesting otherwise.
Posted in
Energy
West Texas Company Fined in Deadly Oil Rig Explosion
Federal regulators have slapped a roughly $50,000 fine on a West Texas oil company six months after a fiery explosion killed three of its workers at a well.
Posted in
Economy
Coal-Dependent Power Company Eyes West Texas Sun
The state’s biggest electricity generator is adding solar power to its mix. In the latest sign that solar energy is fast gaining a foothold in Texas, Dallas-based Luminant has announced plans to tap 116 megawatts of West Texas solar power.
Posted in
Energy
EPA Water Rule Applies to Texas After All
The Obama administration’s controversial new clean water regulations apply in Texas after all. Clarifying an injunction issued last week, a federal judge says he blocked the federal Waters of the U.S. rule in only 13 states. Texas is not one of them.
Posted inState Government
Gov. Abbott Makes First International Visit to Mexico
The visit, intended to bolster economic and cultural ties between Texas and Mexico, was prompted by an invite from the Mexican foreign affairs secretary during a visit to Austin in July.
