Texas earmarked $1.4 billion to help fund flood prevention projects. But after learning that so many communities turned down the money, two lawmakers who approved the program acknowledged it was flawed.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Hill Country floods
Camp Mystic announces enhanced safety plans after deaths of 25 girls, two counselors
Months after parents criticized plans for the camp to reopen next summer, Mystic’s owners said in a letter Tuesday that safety upgrades will exceed new state law.
Posted in
State Government
Texas will unveil its newest state park with a guided hike on New Year’s Day
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park in North Texas will open sometime next year. Visitors can reserve spots for a sneak peek on New Year’s Day.
Posted in
Hill Country floods
They couldn’t save their daughters’ lives in the July 4 floods. Now they’re dealing with the grief and the guilt.
RJ and Annie Harber have leaned on faith, their community and each other to move through each day after losing their daughters and RJ’s parents. But memories of that night still haunt them.
Posted in
Hill Country floods
Texas summer camp owners brace for more mental health issues among youth
Mental health experts expect the July 4 floods have resulted in post-traumatic stress disorder, unhealthy hypervigilance and recurring thoughts on disasters among campers.
Posted in
Economy
Proposed data center project for Waco area would be “paradigm-changer”
The project is at a scale of industrial development and investment unmatched in McLennan County’s history: acres of computer hardware, substations and a 1.2-gigawatt gas-fired plant capable of powering about 300,000 homes.
Posted in
The 2025 Texas Tribune Festival
Listen to highlights from the 2025 Texas Tribune Festival
Hear conversations on the issues shaping Texas and the nation, including education, the economy, politics, public policy, the arts and more.
Posted in
State Government
Trump administration considers moving FEMA to Texas and tapping state’s top emergency official, report says
According to Politico, federal officials could relocate the agency here and tap Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd to lead it.
Posted in
The 2025 Texas Tribune Festival
Texas still needs a plan for its growing water supply issues, experts say
Panelists at The Texas Tribune Festival shared their opinions on what the state should do after voters approved a historic investment in water infrastructure.
Posted in
Environment
Texas oil and gas regulators win new power to approve projects that shoot carbon underground
The EPA handed over power to the Railroad Commission after a two-year review. Critics say the commission has been too lax with the industry.