A monthly column from Sen. Robert Nichols Here are five things happening around your state:   1. Texas Energy Fund oversubscribed The Public Utility Commission of Texas announced this month that the newly created Texas Energy Fund (TEF) has received 125 notices of intent to apply for the In-ERCOT Generation Loan program. The notices request almost $40 billion in financing for new dispatchable power generation projects. This indicates strong industry response and interest in the low-interest loan program created by the Legislature last year. The initial program was designed to provide … [Read more...] about My Five Cents

UPDATE: TxDOT reopened the area of I-10 Tuesday morning after putting a barrier over the crack to keep vehicles off the crack. From Beaumont Police: Due to a significant crack in the roadway, I-10 at Washington (Southbound, toward Houston) is currently closed. Traffic is being diverted off of the highway at the Washington exit. Motorists can travel on the service road and re-enter the highway at Walden Road. BPD Officers are directing traffic on the service road. … [Read more...] about Major Traffic Issue in Beaumont (UPDATE)

TxDOT ORANGE COUNTY – The left lane of the IH-10 eastbound frontage road from Adams Bayou to SH 87 will be closed beginning Monday, July 1 through Wednesday, July 3. Contractors will be working in the area beginning at 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Expect delays. JEFFERSON COUNTY – The right lane of SH 73 westbound from US 69 to 9th Avenue will be closed starting Monday, July 1 through Wednesday, July 3. Contractors will be working in the area beginning at 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Expect delays. … [Read more...] about Traffic Report

After recent heavy rains the Trinity River Authority has announced that the Lake Livingston Dam is under a "potential failure watch." June 28, 2024 - The Trinity River Authority (TRA) is confirming that the spillway of the Lake Livingston Dam (spillway) has been adversely impacted by the recent heavy rainfall and flooding in the dam’s drainage area.  This has resulted in the declaration of a “potential failure watch” condition which requires continued monitoring and evaluation of the spillway’s integrity, as well as the implementation of necessary repairs and remedial actions. Although … [Read more...] about Dam Being Watched Closely

By John Green, Orange, Texas' Certified Expert Gardener Gardeners another week has served us well and delivered more rainfall! Fortunately, rainfall has been plentiful during spring and continues into summer, perhaps an indication normalcy has returned to SETX weather patterns. Our hottest months are yet to come so let’s all hope for the best! People frequently ask plant specific or gardening-related questions (which I always enjoy answering) while about town or through email. Recently, a few gardeners (novice and seasoned) have shared ‘bits’ of information with me that, well…simply … [Read more...] about Fact or Fiction: Garden Myths…Debunked