In this episode of Observer Radio, our staff discusses the big Republican victory on election night and what it means for the upcoming legislative session.
The tiny South Texas town of Nordheim is reaping the costs of fracking in the Eagle Ford Shale, but few of its profits. In the first of an occasional series on the social costs of the oil boom, “Fractured State,” Alex Hannaford examines how open-air waste disposal pits are threatening to tear the town apart.
Photos by Jen Reel
Texas governor-elect Greg Abbott shakes hands with one of his constituents at his campaign headquarters in Austin, TX on Election Night.
Photo by Jen Reel
Dan Patrick’s victory press release.
For more on Election Night 2014, read the Observer’s analysis.
Very, very few Texans have gotten election identification certificates (EIC), the new state-issued form of photo ID for those who don’t have it—340 Texans, to be precise. As a matter of fact, there are more licensed auctioneers (2,454) in Texas than there are people with EICs. Read more and see an interactive map breaking down EICs by county.
The center panel depicts Texas lt. governor candidate Van de Putte’s great-grandmother: “This aged mother, Mrs. Porfiria Estrada of 207 South Las Moras Street, crawls six blocks on hands and knees to Our Lady of Guadalupe church on El Paso street, thus fulfilling pledge made in prayers that her two soldier sons be spared. Those who assisted her spread handkerchiefs and coats on the pavement before her.”
Read Chris Hooks’ report from Leticia Van de Putte’s campaign bus.
In this episode, Observer contributor Priscila Mosqueda explains how Denton may become the first Texas city to ban fracking.