The article discusses the aftermath of Hurricane Laura in Orange, Texas, and the surrounding areas. Residents and officials express relief as the damage was less severe than anticipated, despite Orange being the worst-hit area in Texas. The hurricane, which was predicted to bring an 'unsurvivable' storm surge, turned slightly east, sparing Orange from the worst. Local figures such as Robert Walker, a city drainage foreman, and Sandy Simpson, a Home Depot employee, share their experiences and relief upon finding their homes relatively undamaged. The article also touches on the history of hurricanes in the region and the challenges of evacuating during a pandemic. Governor Greg Abbott and Orange County Judge John Gothia are mentioned as they survey the damage and acknowledge the residents' compliance with evacuation orders. The article concludes with personal reflections on the frequency of hurricanes in the area and the desire to move away from the hurricane-prone region.

Ecuador is about to implement a new visa policy that will restrict the entry of most Venezuelans, leading to a rush of migrants trying to cross the Ecuadorian border before the policy takes effect. The border area, Rumichaca, is experiencing cold temperatures, and many Venezuelans are unprepared for the conditions as they wait in long lines. The policy change requires visas in passports, aligning Ecuador with Peru and Chile, and has been criticized for potentially pushing migrants towards unsafe, informal crossings. Migrants, including families, are trying to reunite with relatives in other South American countries or return to warmer areas after facing scams and hardships on their journey. The situation at the border remains uncertain as the deadline approaches, with Colombia shouldering much of the Venezuelan exodus.

The article discusses the environmental concerns related to the disposal of fracking wastewater in West Texas, particularly in the Permian Basin. It highlights the case of David Shifflett, a farmer who fears that the injection of wastewater into underground rock formations could contaminate the groundwater and lead to land instability. The region has seen an increase in earthquakes, which some research links to injection wells. The Texas Railroad Commission, the oil field regulator, is criticized for not adequately protecting the groundwater. The article also touches on the massive volume of wastewater produced in the Permian Basin and the potential risks of subterranean pollution. It includes perspectives from other landowners, researchers, and an environmental attorney, all expressing concerns about the long-term effects of wastewater injection on groundwater quality. The Texas Oil and Gas Association and several injection well developers did not comment for the report.

The article provides a weather forecast for Victoria, TX, with the zip code 77901. It describes current weather conditions, including areas of fog and freezing drizzle, with a high temperature of 33 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind is coming from the north at a speed of 10 to 20 miles per hour. The forecast for the evening predicts cloudy weather early on, which will give way to partly cloudy skies and gusty winds overnight. The temperatures are expected to reach near record lows, with a forecasted low of 18 degrees Fahrenheit and stronger northern winds at 20 to 30 miles per hour.

The article discusses how The Texas Tribune's photojournalists documented significant events in Texas during 2020, a year marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and a national reckoning with racial injustice and police brutality. As Texans worked from home, including the Tribune's staff, their photojournalists captured the changing world. The article highlights a panel discussion featuring Miguel Gutierrez Jr., Eddie Gaspar, Shelby Tauber, Pu Ying Huang, and Jordan Vonderhaar, who shared their experiences covering these events. The discussion is available on-demand for Texas Tribune Festival ticket holders, and the article offers a glimpse into the photojournalists' work for those not attending the Festival.

The Texas Tribune's photo department showcased nearly 18,000 photos from 2023, capturing significant events and daily life in Texas. The year was marked by extreme heat, political trials, and legislative actions affecting education, healthcare, and immigration. The state experienced record temperatures, with Laredo reaching 115 degrees. The Texas House impeached the attorney general, who was later acquitted. The legislature rejected school vouchers and banned diversity offices at public universities. State troopers installed razor wire along the Rio Grande to deter migrants. The U.S. Supreme Court's abortion ruling had profound effects in Texas, leading to lawsuits over reproductive healthcare. Photojournalists documented these events, providing a visual narrative of the state's spirit and diversity. The article also highlights individual stories of Texans, including the first female chief of the Alabama-Coushatta tribe, a West Texas rancher dealing with an oil leak, and families affected by the Uvalde shooting advocating for gun control.

The Texas Tribune's photo department showcased nearly 18,000 photos from 2023, capturing significant events and daily life in Texas. The year included extreme heat waves, political trials such as the impeachment and acquittal of the attorney general, legislative actions on education, healthcare, and immigration, and the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court's abortion ruling. Photojournalists documented these events, offering a window into the diverse experiences of Texans. The article features various individuals and their stories, highlighting the state's challenges and the spirit of its people. It also touches on topics like gun control, LGBTQ rights, and the effects of climate change.

The Texas Tribune's photo department showcased nearly 18,000 photos from 2023, capturing significant events and daily life in Texas. The year was marked by extreme heat, political trials, legislative actions on education and healthcare, and the ongoing impact of the U.S. Supreme Court's abortion ruling. Photojournalists documented the state's diversity and spirit, covering stories such as the first female chief of the Alabama-Coushatta tribe, the struggles of transgender individuals, and the aftermath of the Uvalde shooting. The article also highlights the challenges faced by Texans, including those related to immigration, healthcare, and natural disasters. The photos provide a visual narrative of the year's events, reflecting the resilience and complexity of life in Texas.

The Texas Tribune's 'Texas 2023: Year in Photos' showcases nearly 18,000 photos from staff and freelance photojournalists, capturing significant events and everyday life in Texas throughout 2023. The collection includes images of record-breaking heat, the impeachment and acquittal of the Texas Attorney General, legislative actions on education and healthcare, the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court's abortion ruling, and the state's response to increased migration. It also features personal stories, such as the first female chief of the Alabama-Coushatta tribe, a family affected by the Uvalde shooting advocating for gun control, and the challenges faced by Texans in healthcare and social services. The photos reflect the diversity and spirit of Texas amid a dynamic year of news and moments.

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced that the state is projected to avoid a recession and instead have a surplus of over $18 billion by the end of the current budget cycle. This comes as a result of an unexpected increase in state revenue. Hegar's updated Certified Revenue Estimate indicates that Texas has outperformed the national economy and does not anticipate a recession. The surplus is timely as lawmakers prepare for a special session to debate public school funding, teacher pay raises, and school vouchers. The state's Economic Stabilization Fund is also expected to have a balance of $23.8 billion. Despite the positive economic forecast, Hegar advises caution due to potential future economic disruptions. The upcoming legislative session will also see decisions on constitutional amendments that could affect the surplus, including initiatives on broadband expansion, water infrastructure, and property tax relief. Public education funding remains a contentious issue, with calls to invest in the system and teacher salaries.

The Texas Tribune Festival, an annual event focusing on politics and policy, celebrated its 13th year in downtown Austin from Sept. 21-23, 2023. The festival featured nearly 300 speakers across over 125 sessions, attracting attendees from across Texas and the nation. Highlights included backstage interactions, such as Tribune co-founder Evan Smith meeting with U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin and Texas Tribune CEO Sonal Shah speaking with New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu. The event also saw Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner's reaction to Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson's party switch, and discussions on various topics including Texas politics, women in leadership, and confronting racial injustice. The festival concluded with Smith's closing keynote with Manchin. The Texas Tribune provides on-demand recordings and news from the festival on their website.

The Texas Tribune Festival, an annual event focusing on politics and policy, celebrated its 13th year in downtown Austin from Sept. 21-23, 2023. The festival featured nearly 300 speakers across over 125 sessions, attracting attendees from across Texas and the nation. Highlights included backstage interactions with political figures such as U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin and New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, discussions on various topics including Texas politics, business, technology, and public policy, and a keynote speech by Manchin. The event was documented by Tribune photographers, capturing moments from the sessions and the atmosphere of the festival. Texas Tribune CEO Sonal Shah and other journalists like Dave Weigel and Katie Couric participated in panels and interviews. The festival concluded with on-demand recordings available for those who missed the live events.

The article reports on protests across various cities in Texas, including Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Fort Worth, in response to the death of George Floyd, a black man killed in Minneapolis police custody. The protests were marked by demonstrations against police brutality and racial injustice. Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster and activated the Texas National Guard in response to the protests. The article describes incidents of violence and property damage, as well as the use of tear gas and rubber bullets by police. It also mentions the case of Mike Ramos, another victim of police shooting in Austin. Photographers documented the protests, and the article includes images from the events. The Texas Tribune updated the story throughout the weekend as events unfolded.

The article focuses on the plight of Venezuelan migrants living in the Alfonso Gómez settlement on the outskirts of Cúcuta, Colombia. Nearly 1,000 families have settled there, fleeing Venezuela's economic and healthcare collapse. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation has worsened as the Colombian border is closed, and jobs are scarce. The community lives in makeshift homes with limited access to food, water, and medical care. Children face challenges in accessing education, and informal workers are unable to earn a living due to the lockdown. Humanitarian aid is insufficient, but some organizations like the World Food Programme and the International Rescue Committee are providing assistance. The article includes personal stories of the migrants and describes the community's efforts to build a life despite the hardships, including planting trees and organizing leadership training.

The article by Elliott Woods for the Texas Tribune discusses the environmental and economic impact of industrial development along the northern coastline of Corpus Christi Bay in San Patricio County, Texas. It focuses on the growth of petrochemical and industrial facilities, such as the Cheniere Energy Corpus Christi Liquefaction facility, and the use of Chapter 313, a tax abatement program that has been criticized for favoring large corporations at the expense of public school funding. The program, which expired on December 31, allowed companies to lock in minimal property valuations in exchange for economic growth commitments. Despite its expiration, last-minute proposals may have long-term effects. Critics argue that the program has led to a loss of tax revenue for the state and has not adequately considered environmental concerns. The article also covers the opposition to the program and the efforts to prevent its renewal in the 2023 legislative session.

The article discusses the concerns of West Texas landowners over the potential contamination of aquifers due to the injection of fracking waste. David Shifflett, a local farmer, has observed land deformations and increased seismic activity, which he attributes to the high-pressure injection of wastewater by oil companies. The practice, regulated by the Texas Railroad Commission, has been linked to earthquakes, but its impact on groundwater is less understood. Massive volumes of wastewater from the Permian Basin's oil production are injected underground, raising questions about the capacity of subsurface disposal and the integrity of old wells. Despite landowners' protests and evidence of surface pollution, the Railroad Commission has not acknowledged a direct link between injection wells and groundwater contamination. The article highlights the challenges of proving such contamination and the potential long-term risks to the region's water supply.

The article discusses the concerns of David Shifflett, a farmer in Reeves County, Texas, regarding the impact of wastewater injection wells on groundwater and the increase in earthquakes in the region. The fracking boom in West Texas has led to a significant rise in wastewater production, which is disposed of by injecting it deep underground. Shifflett and other landowners fear that the pressure from these injections is causing seismic activity and could potentially contaminate aquifers. Despite decades of research linking injection wells to earthquakes, the effects on groundwater are less understood. The Texas Railroad Commission, the state's oil field regulator, is responsible for issuing permits for these wells. However, landowners like Shifflett and Neta Rhyne have struggled to challenge permits, as they have not been granted legal standing. The article also highlights instances of surface pollution and potential groundwater contamination in other counties, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of wastewater disposal practices in the oil industry.

The article discusses the environmental and agricultural concerns in West Texas, particularly in Reeves County, due to the practice of injecting wastewater from fracking into underground wells. David Shifflett, a local farmer, has protested against the permits for these injection wells, fearing they could contaminate groundwater and lead to seismic activity. Despite decades of research linking injection wells to earthquakes, less is known about their impact on groundwater. The Texas Railroad Commission, the state's oil field regulator, is responsible for issuing permits for these wells. The article highlights the massive volume of wastewater produced in the Permian Basin and the potential risks it poses to the environment and local agriculture. It also touches on the legal challenges and protests by residents like Shifflett and Neta Rhyne, who have been unsuccessful in convincing the commission to reconsider the permits. The article includes statements from various experts and stakeholders, as well as a mention of financial support disclosures for The Texas Tribune.

The article reports on the widespread protests in various Texas cities following the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis. Demonstrations took place in Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Fort Worth, with protesters demanding justice and calling attention to police brutality. The protests were largely peaceful, but there were instances of violence, property damage, and clashes with the police. The Texas Department of Public Safety dispatched officers to the cities, and the Texas National Guard was activated in response to protest violence. The article includes details of the protests in each city, the reactions of local officials, and the measures taken by law enforcement. Photographers documented the events, and the article includes images from the protests.

The article discusses the plight of Venezuelan migrants, focusing on the Sanchez family and their struggle to find stable work and housing in Colombia. Lisandro Sanchez, after fleeing Venezuela, has been unable to secure stable employment and has resorted to building a makeshift shack in a settlement named Alfonso Gomez. Colombia, facing its own economic challenges and recovering from a civil war, has limited capacity to absorb the influx of Venezuelan migrants. The country has received insufficient international funding to address the crisis, leaving it to manage the situation largely on its own. The article highlights the growth of informal settlements on the outskirts of Colombian cities and the vulnerability of these communities to criminal groups. It also touches on the historical context of internal displacement in Colombia due to the conflict with FARC and the challenges posed by the new wave of Venezuelan migrants.

In Matamoros, Mexico, thousands of asylum seekers, primarily from Central America and Cuba, are living in a makeshift encampment as they await the processing of their asylum cases in the United States. The camp has grown into a shantytown, with infrastructure and charity support coming from across the border. The US government's Migrant Protection Protocols, known as the 'Remain in Mexico' program, requires these individuals to wait in Mexico, often for months. Local charities, grassroots groups, and NGOs like World Central Kitchen and Global Response Management have stepped in to provide food, medical services, and other basic needs. The Mexican government has also contributed by providing infrastructure such as awnings, portable bathrooms, and a water filtration system. Legal representation is scarce, with less than one percent of asylum seekers having counsel, resulting in a low success rate for asylum claims. The article highlights the challenges faced by these individuals, including the difficulty of navigating the US immigration system without legal assistance.

The article discusses the high rates of teen pregnancy among girls in the Texas foster care system, revealing systemic issues that contribute to this problem. Arianna, a former foster child, shares her experience of becoming pregnant while in the system. The state's Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) has been criticized for inadequate efforts to prevent such pregnancies. Factors like heavy caseworker loads, a shortage of foster homes, and a culture of silence around sex education exacerbate the issue. The influence of the religious right is also mentioned as a barrier to providing comprehensive sex education. Experts argue that the state is failing to protect vulnerable children, and the article calls for better accountability and tracking of foster teens' sexual health. DFPS has defended its efforts, but the criticism remains that Texas policies are outdated and insufficient.

The article details the arduous journey of Venezuelan migrants, including Diagnori Gomez, as they trek through Colombia's diverse terrains in search of better opportunities in neighboring countries like Peru. Facing cold climates and exhaustion, these migrants, who have left behind an economically ravaged Venezuela, walk and hitchhike over a thousand miles, often without proper food, shelter, or clothing. The Colombian Red Cross and other organizations provide some aid, but the sheer number of migrants, reaching over 935,000 in Colombia alone, overwhelms local resources. The article highlights the personal struggles of these individuals and the broader implications of the Venezuelan migration crisis on regional stability.

Tens of thousands of Texans joined the 'March for Our Lives' rallies across various cities to demand stricter gun laws following the Parkland, Florida school shooting. Major cities like Austin, Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth saw significant turnout with speeches from local leaders, activists, and students. The rallies called for actions such as banning assault-style weapons and improving background checks. Texas politicians have proposed different measures in response to gun violence, with some focusing on enhancing school security and others on improving the background check system. The rallies in Texas were part of over 800 events nationwide, with a significant gathering in Washington, D.C. as well. Counter-protests by gun rights supporters also took place.