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.