‘This is a years-long recovery’: The Panhandle rebuilds after devastating wildfires

‘This is a years-long recovery’: The Panhandle rebuilds after devastating wildfires

Around this time last year, a few downed power lines started a series of fires that would eventually go on to burn more than a million acres of land in the Texas Panhandle. It took three weeks before the Smokehouse Creek Fire was declared 100% contained by the Texas A&M Forest Service. But by that time, at least two people had been killed, as well as an estimated 15,000 head of cattle and more than…

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Austin community unites to combat wildfires with Firewise program

Austin community unites to combat wildfires with Firewise program

“It’s not all hard work. It’s just a matter of steps to harden your homes.” AUSTIN, Texas — A community in northeast Austin is taking the initiative to stop the spread of wildfires in their neighborhood. Firewise USA is a program that helps neighborhoods plan how to protect their homes against wildfires. On Saturday, Walnut Creek Enclave became the 21st Firewise community in Austin after learning tips and tricks to prevent wildfire spread. One neighbor…

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$37M drainage improvement project designed to combat flooding in NE Harris County

$37M drainage improvement project designed to combat flooding in NE Harris County

In addition to flood mitigation, the project will improve storm sewer systems, upgrade streets, and provide new sidewalks in the Pine Trails subdivision. HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A new drainage project designed to provide much-needed flood relief for residents in the Pine Trails subdivision officially broke ground Thursday. The $37 million initiative aims to tackle recurring flooding issues that have plagued the northeast Harris County community for years. The Pine Trails neighborhood was devastated by…

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California homeowners face potential hikes as State Farm defends wildfire rate increase

California homeowners face potential hikes as State Farm defends wildfire rate increase

This request comes just six months after a pending 30% rate hike application, potentially impacting millions of California homeowners. SAN DIEGO — State Farm, California’s largest home insurance provider, has requested a 22% emergency rate increase from state regulators, citing financial strain following the recent Los Angeles wildfires.  This request comes just six months after a pending 30% rate hike application, potentially impacting millions of California homeowners. The insurance giant, which covers approximately one in…

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After Hurricane Beryl, Texas lawmakers push for generators at senior living facilities

After Hurricane Beryl, Texas lawmakers push for generators at senior living facilities

Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy, and give us feedback. Sign up for The Brief, The Texas Tribune’s daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news. When a storm hits the Texas coast during the summer hurricane season, state Sen. Borris Miles knows among the first calls he’ll get is from a constituent letting him know power is down…

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20-million-gallon detention basin in Meyerland designed to help prevent flooding

20-million-gallon detention basin in Meyerland designed to help prevent flooding

Meyerland has a history of flooding issues but local leaders say the Meyer Grove Detention Basin will help prevent future floods. HOUSTON, Texas — The cutting of a ceremonial ribbon Friday marked the completion of a project designed to lower the flooding risk in the Meyerland area. The Meyer Grove Detention Basin is located between Brays Bayou and North Braeswood Boulevard where the old Meyer Grove Apartments once stood.   It can hold some 20…

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HUD claims discrimination in Hurricane Harvey relief grant awarding

HUD claims discrimination in Hurricane Harvey relief grant awarding

“For too long, equitable access to recovery resources has been wittingly or unwittingly withheld from communities of color,” Congressman Al Green said. HOUSTON — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is claiming the Texas General Land Office (GLO) discriminated based on race when awarding grants for Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts. Former Houston mayor and current Congressman Sylvester Turner is scheduled to join Congressman Al Green Wednesday morning to discuss HUD’s findings. “For…

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Tips for filing your taxes if you were a victim of a natural disaster like Hurricane Beryl or the derecho storm

Tips for filing your taxes if you were a victim of a natural disaster like Hurricane Beryl or the derecho storm

Southeast Texas was hit hard by two major disasters in 2024: the derecho storm in May and Hurricane Beryl in July. If you were affected, it could lower your taxes. HOUSTON — Hundreds of thousands of people had damage to their homes and businesses after a powerful derecho storm slammed Southeast Texas with hurricane-force winds in May 2024. The area was still reeling and trying to recover when Hurricane Beryl roared ashore last July.  Damage…

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If you were affected by Hurricane Beryl or the derecho storm, you could save money on your income taxes

If you were affected by Hurricane Beryl or the derecho storm, you could save money on your income taxes

Southeast Texas was hit hard by two major disasters in 2024: the derecho storm in May and Hurricane Beryl in July. If you were affected, it could lower your taxes. HOUSTON — Hundreds of thousands of people had damage to their homes and businesses after a powerful derecho storm slammed Southeast Texas with hurricane-force winds in May 2024. The area was still reeling and trying to recover when Hurricane Beryl roared ashore last July.  Damage…

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Rain chances ramp up midweek; low-end severe weather risk

Rain chances ramp up midweek; low-end severe weather risk

From Arctic air to a heavy rain threat? We’re tracking a big pattern change here in Central Texas. AUSTIN, Texas — Our weather has been wild this past week, with a 5-day streak of below-freezing lows coming to an end Saturday morning and a dusting of snow this past Tuesday.  However, we’re now much milder, which means anything that falls from the sky will be of the liquid variety – and we could have a…

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Austin-area firefighters join battle to contain deadly wildfires in Los Angeles

Austin-area firefighters join battle to contain deadly wildfires in Los Angeles

Firefighters from the Austin area have traveled to Southern California to help battle the Los Angeles wildfires as another round of powerful Santa Ana winds are expected Monday and Tuesday. More than 40,000 acres have burned and 14,000 structures have been destroyed in the Palisades and Eaton fires. At least 27 people have died. Round Rock Fire Chief Shane Glaiser estimated around 15 to 20 personnel from the Austin area were deployed to the region,…

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SA-raised artist mourns loss of California ranch due to wildfires

SA-raised artist mourns loss of California ranch due to wildfires

Rianna MacMillan drove to San Antonio during the holidays and was visiting family when the wildfires erupted. During that time, the Eaton Fire destroyed her home. SAN ANTONIO — The start of the new year wasn’t what Rianna MacMillan imagined.  She was raised in San Antonio and Bandera, but now lives in California. She drove to San Antonio during the holidays and was visiting family when the wildfires erupted. She lives in Altadena, where in…

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'You could probably describe it as apocalyptic' | Central Texas firefighters help contain wildfires in Los Angeles

'You could probably describe it as apocalyptic' | Central Texas firefighters help contain wildfires in Los Angeles

The firefighters say the devastation in California is far more overwhelming than what is captured on television or in online footage. LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. — Central Texas firefighters are lending their expertise to battle the wildfires currently raging in Los Angeles. Among them are three Killeen firefighters and one from Morgan’s Point Resort, who have been on the frontlines of the Palisades fire this week. The firefighters say the devastation in California is far…

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San Antonio-based H-E-B donates $1 million, sends supplies to victims of California wildfires

San Antonio-based H-E-B donates $1 million, sends supplies to victims of California wildfires

click to enlarge Shutterstock / Moab Republic H-E-B has donated supplies and money to victims of natural disasters in the past. San Antonio-based grocery store chain H-E-B – recently ranked the best grocery store in the nation – is sending aid and supplies to folks affected by the California wildfires. H-E-B is donating $1 million to nonprofits to help support the victims of the wildfires in Southern California. The San Antonio-based company is also sending…

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Austin ranks 5th in major cities vulnerable to wildfires

Austin ranks 5th in major cities vulnerable to wildfires

Those who were in Austin in 2011 remember the tragic wildfires that hit Bastrop, Steiner Ranch and Spicewood that summer. The fires collectively burned through thousands of acres of land and destroyed over a thousand homes. “You can still drive down 21 in Bastrop and see where the trees were,” Travis County Fire Marshal Gary Howell said. “The scar is still there. And it’s starting to grow back up, but you can still see some…

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