The ongoing drought in Central Texas is claiming an innocent bystander: hydroelectricity. As the Lower Colorado River Authority limits water releases downstream, hydroelectricity — a power source that spurred the LCRA’s creation almost 80 years ago — has faded further into obscurity.
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
Politics
In Crowded Primaries, Names Can Be Everything
What’s in a name? For some candidates in this week’s primaries, including Jim Hogan and Malachi Boyuls, the answer may have been a few thousand votes.
Posted in
Politics
Tone of Races Could Grow Nastier During Runoffs
Candidates in several races came out swinging during the primary season, and that is not expected to ebb during the runoff campaign — particularly in the GOP races for lieutenant governor and attorney general.
Posted in
Energy
Report: Texas Could Lead on Methane Reduction
A report released this week says oil and gas companies could help slash methane emissions. But Texas, the nation’s top energy producer, is unlikely to lead the way.
Posted in
Politics
A Rundown of the Runoffs on the May 27 Ballot
Republican primary races for lieutenant governor and attorney general are among several that are headed for runoffs this year in Texas. Check out the list of races that are set for the May 27 runoff ballot.
Posted in
Politics
Statewide Races Offer Some Surprises, Runoffs
The down-ballot statewide races on both the Republican and Democratic sides yielded a number of runoffs and some surprises on Tuesday night.
Posted in
Politics
Two Republican Factions Split House Races
In Tuesday’s House primaries, establishment Republicans and movement conservatives split the trophies, and at least one incumbent — a Democrat — was a hair’s breadth from a runoff.
Posted in
Energy
ERCOT: Growth in Texas Energy Demand Slows
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas says the state’s peak power demand is growing more slowly than previously thought, buying time for regulators hoping to bolster reliability on the electric grid.
Posted in
Economy
Tapped-Out Town Turns Rusty Reminders Into Art
Luling, a tapped-out oil town once known as Texas’ “toughest,” has found a unique way to celebrate its heritage: decorating its aging pump jacks with a full cast of characters.
Posted inState Government
Stickland: Audio Shows Cargile Counting On Democrats
In an email to supporters, state Rep. Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford, says an audio recording proves that Andy Cargile’s campaign is encouraging Democrats to vote in the GOP primary. Cargile’s campaign dismissed the accusation.