With Wildfire Risk High, Military Alters Training in Texas
As the worst one-year drought in Texas history wears on, officials at some military installations around the state have banned the use of tracer fire and other pyrotechnics. Full Story
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![Colonel Crow demonstrating practice techniques at the indoor firing range simulator at Camp Swift, Texas.]()
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Texas Politicians Press Feds for Fire Relief Money
Over the past year, Texas has battled wildfires that cover an area larger than the state of Connecticut. It's straining the budgets of both state and local firefighting units, and as the prospect of a multiyear drought looms, wildfire season is in no way over. Full Story
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Christi Craddick: The TT Interview
Christi Craddick, daughter of former House speaker and current state Rep. Tom Craddick, R-Midland, on why she wants to run for the Texas Railroad Commission, whether her dad's politics will get in the way, and why the oil and gas industry needs her as a regulator. Full Story
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Fire Crews Straining Amid Devastation in Central Texas
Federal authorities arrived in Bastrop on Tuesday to assist with the wildfires that have killed two, charred more than 30,000 acres and destroyed at least 600 homes. Matt Largey of KUT News reports that the crisis has stretched fire crews to their breaking point. Full Story
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Controversial Pollution Rule On Track, Despite White House Shift
Even as the Obama administration delighted conservatives last week by pulling back on a broad regulation to combat ozone pollution, the controversial "cross-state" rule that would also reduce smog-forming pollutants in Texas remains on track. Full Story
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Updated: "Risks of Outages" Under EPA Rule, Grid Operator Warns
The Environmental Protection Agency said Texas "has an ample range" of ways to comply with an impending pollution rule, after the state grid operator reported this morning that the rule would badly strain the electric system. Full Story
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![Steam rises from the stacks at the Martin Lake Coal-Fired Power Plant in Tatum, TX March 30, 2011.]()
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Todd Staples: The TT Interview
The Texas commissioner of agriculture on the "catastrophic" devastation he's seen from the worst one-year drought in recorded Texas history, what the feds and state are doing and what needs to happen to cope with a potential multiyear drought. Full Story
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![Texas Commissioner of Agriculture, Todd Staples - August 29, 2011.]()
Credit: Todd Wiseman -
New LCRA Head Orders Reorganization
As the Central Texas utility struggles to retain electric customers, its new general manager, Becky Motal, announced that four senior positions have been eliminated and said staff reductions "may be necessary." Full Story
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Drought Scrambles Water Utilities' Finances
A number of cities are making more money than usual from selling water this year because people are using more water to compensate for the lack of rain. But rates in many places are going up, to fix broken pipes and fund new supplies. Full Story
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Credit: AgriLife Today / Kathleen Phillips -
31 Days, 31 Ways: Days, Services at State Parks Cut Back
DAY 26 of our month-long series on the effects of new state laws and budget cuts: 23 of the state's 94 parks face reductions in staff or operations. Full Story
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Attention, Texas: It's Going to Get Hotter
Are the drought and record heat due to climate change? Scientists hedge, especially on the drought question, but there's no question it's been getting hotter in Texas — and it's going to continue to do so. Full Story
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Drought Pushing Thirsty, Hungry Black Bears Farther From Home
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is warning that the worst one-year drought on record is causing black bears to change their behavior, roaming farther from traditional habitats and potentially becoming more aggressive toward people. Full Story
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Despite Scrutiny, Perry Gives Two Donors Plum Posts
Despite the national media's intense scrutiny of his history of appointing big-dollar donors to high-profile positions, Gov. Rick Perry named two such donors to key boards Wednesday. Full Story
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Cost of Wind Power Transmission Lines Rises Sharply to $6.79 Billion
The cost of building several thousand miles of transmission lines to carry wind power across Texas is now estimated at $6.79 billion, a 38 percent increase from the initial projection three years ago. Full Story
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In Drought, Ranchers Sending More Cattle to Auction
The relentless drought still gripping the state has dried up drinking water for cattle, pushing ranchers to sell off parts or all of their herds at auction. Matt Largey of KUT News reports. Full Story
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Perry Has Sought Energy Diversification — Within Some Important Limits
Gov. Rick Perry often emphasizes that he favors diversification of energy sources — and the record mostly bears him out. Wind farms and gas drilling have proliferated under his tenure, and he has tried to make building coal plants easier. Full Story
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Video: Austin Filmmaker Bradley Beesley on Newly Legalized Noodling
Throughout August, the Tribune will feature 31 ways Texans' lives will change come Sept. 1, the date most bills passed by the Legislature take effect. DAY 18: The sport of catching catfish with bare hands, known as noodling, is now legal in Texas. Watch the Trib's interview with filmmaker and avid noodler Bradley Beesley. Full Story
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In "Liberal Bastion," Perry Receives an Unfriendly Welcome
Rick Perry came to press the flesh with voters in Portsmouth, N.H., Thursday — but he ran instead into a vociferous protest of his views on Social Security and Medicare outside a local cafe. It wasn't much better inside. Full Story
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![Protesters in Portsmouth await Perry's arrival at Popovers restaurant Thursday, where Texas Governor
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A Lizard Causes Oil and Gas Industry Drama
The sand dune lizard, located in parts of West Texas and New Mexico, could potentially be interfering with the drilling of oil and gas. Full Story
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ERCOT Urges Continued Energy Conservation
As the scorching summer days march on, so does the fear of blackouts. Full Story
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Credit: Callie Richmond
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