Dozens of experienced senior staff members have left Texas’ health and human services agency, saying morale has sunk under the new executive director, and critics say it’s hampered the state’s ability to aid victims of Hurricane Harvey.
In Harvey's Wake
Hurricane Harvey wreaked havoc on the Texas Coast, dumping more than 50 inches of rain in parts of the Houston area, flooding thousands of homes and killing more than 80 people. The devastation was swift, and the recovery is far from over. The Texas Tribune has assigned a team to examine Harvey’s aftermath, including rebuilding efforts, the government’s response, and what Texas is doing to prepare for future storms.
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In Harvey's Wake
Houston mayor calls off property tax hike after Abbott delivers $50 million
Gov. Greg Abbott said during a Friday news conference in Houston that there “is a possibility for a special session” to allocate funds for Hurricane Harvey recovery.
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In Harvey's Wake
Livestream: Abbott, Turner hold news conference on Harvey relief
After a week of trading jabs in the media on funding for Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts, watch Gov. Greg Abbott and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner address the media together from Houston.
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In Harvey's Wake
Harvey recovery czar says insurance agencies should “write a damn check”
Texas A&M University Chancellor John Sharp, charged with leading the state’s Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts, called on insurance agencies to “step up” in an interview with The Texas Tribune.
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In Harvey's Wake
EPA: Hurricane Harvey compromised cap on toxic waste site
The Environmental Protection Agency confirmed that rains from Hurricane Harvey damaged a temporary protective cap on a pit of toxic sludge along the San Jacinto River east of Houston, exposing “underlying waste material.”
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In Harvey's Wake
Hey, Texplainer: Will previous home damage affect filing claims post-Harvey?
Previous home damage doesn’t impact someone’s ability to file a claim post-Harvey. And just to be safe, both state and federal officials encourage anyone who sustained home damages during Hurricane Harvey to apply for aid.
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In Harvey's Wake
Can flooded-out Houstonians win lawsuits against Army Corps?
During Tropical Storm Harvey, the federal agency released a torrent from Houston’s two reservoirs, knowing it would flood properties downstream. Now, flooded property owners on both sides of the reservoirs are demanding compensation.
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In Harvey's Wake
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick releases Hurricane Harvey-related interim charges
As recovery efforts in southeast Texas continue after Hurricane Harvey, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Thursday released a list of Harvey-related topics for Texas Senate committees to look into ahead of the next legislative session.
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In Harvey's Wake
Documents detail concerns about Houston dams — before Harvey
How concerned is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about the integrity of Addicks and Barker reservoirs? The agency has never answered the question clearly, but documents offer new clues.
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In Harvey's Wake
Slideshow: For southeast Texas, recovery after Harvey is slow
Reporter Morgan Smith and photographer Michael Stravato recently toured southeast Texas to document Harvey’s aftermath.