Advances in oilfield technology have reawakened Big Lake, a town that long ago helped cement Texas’ reputation as an oil-rich state. Soar a few hundred feet above the town to see how it has evolved. This slideshow is part of our Shale Life project.
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
Energy
In Need of Dialysis, but Stuck in Oilfield Traffic
The Southwest Area Regional Transit District helps shuttle people who cannot otherwise get to their medical appointments. But a rush to the Eagle Ford Shale is clogging that lifeline. This story is part of our Shale Life project.
Posted in
Energy
In Oil Country, One Town Peers Beyond the Boom
Some Texas towns are welcoming the bars, strip clubs and “man camps” that come along with an oil boom. Not Karnes City, which wants businesses that will stick around when the oil is gone. This story is part of our Shale Life project.
Posted in
Energy
First Lawsuits Filed Over Denton’s New Fracking Ban
That was fast. Just hours after Denton residents voted to ban hydraulic fracturing, the state’s General Land Office and biggest petroleum group filed legal challenges to the new rule.
Posted in
Energy
Denton Bans Fracking, But Challenges Almost Certain
Denton on Tuesday became the state’s first city to ban hydraulic fracturing, setting up a high-profile property clash likely to be fought in courtrooms and the Legislature.
Posted inState Government
Democrats Also Drubbed in State House, Senate Races
Wendy Davis on Tuesday lost a bit more than her gubernatorial race. Her vacated Texas Senate seat flipped to Republicans on a rough night for Democrats in legislative races.
Posted in
Guides
Texplainer: Do Falling Oil Prices Threaten Budget?
Hey, Texplainer: I heard that oil prices are plunging – down more than 20 percent since June. What does that mean for the state budget?
Posted inEnergy, Environment
Understanding the Boom
The oil and gas industry almost singlehandedly lifted Texas from the country’s last recession. But how long will the bonanza last? And will an eventual drop in oil prices decimate local economies? This story is part of our Shale Life project.
Posted inState Government
Libertarian Candidate: Earthquake Response Plan Falls Short
Mark Miller, a Libertarian running for railroad commissioner, is no fan of the commission’s latest effort to address earthquakes possibly linked to disposal wells for oilfield waste.
Posted in
Economy
An Unvarnished Interview With T. Boone Pickens
The legendary oilman reflects on plunging oil prices, cranky folks in Denton and silly congressmen.
