Kiah Collier
Texas Lawsuit Alleging Fraud in Construction of First Border Wall Comes Apart
Hidalgo County’s claims of improper enrichment by a former employee and his family are either dismissed or withdrawn. Employee sees vindication; the county says it could appeal or head to federal court.
New Details Alleged in Scheme to Make Millions Off First Border Wall in Texas
The latest lawsuit filing in Hidalgo County talks of kickback deals worked out over drinks and steak dinners.
How Harvey Hurt Houston, in 10 Maps
The city got two “100-year” storms in the two years before Harvey made landfall. All three storms flooded thousands of houses, many outside of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood plains.
How a Local Bureaucrat Made Millions Amid the Rush to Build a Border Fence
The feds faced a deadline to finish the first version of a border wall. Godfrey Garza Jr. of Hildalgo County, Texas, made it happen, and made himself a small fortune along the way. Other than Garza, no one seems too happy about that.
A Border Wall’s Uncompensated Victims
Scores of Texas landowners in the shadow of the border wall say the government should pay them for their damaged property values.
The Taking
The federal government’s boldest land grab in a generation produced the first border wall — and a trail of abuse, mistakes and unfairness.
Everyone Knew Houston’s Reservoirs Would Flood — Except for the People Who Bought Homes Inside Them
Despite concerns about flooding in and around the Addicks and Barker reservoirs, government officials prioritized development.
Independent Monitors Found Benzene Levels After Harvey Six Times Higher Than Guidelines
After an oil tank in Houston’s Manchester neighborhood caved in, private monitors found levels that far exceeded California’s health guideline
Houston Officials Hope Harvey Convinces Congress to Fund Coastal Barrier
Mayor Sylvester Turner on Tuesday gave his strongest endorsement to date for constructing a physical coastal barrier to protect the region from deadly storm surge.
Houston’s Dams Won’t Fail. But Many Homes Will Have to Be Flooded to Save Them
The water that goes around the spillways is going to have to leave the reservoir somehow — and enter areas surrounding it.
Why Houston Isn’t Ready for Harvey
Houston faces massive flooding from Harvey. Here’s where it’s flooded in the past.
Border Agency Set to Jumpstart Trump’s Wall in a Texas Wildlife Refuge
Customs and Border Protection indicates it will use its own funds to build 3-mile segment of wall amid one of the nation’s most cherished bird-watching locales.
Boomtown, Flood Town
Climate change will bring more frequent and fierce rainstorms to cities like Houston. But unchecked development remains a priority in the famously un-zoned city, creating short-term economic gains for some while increasing flood risks for everyone.
Boomtown, Flood Town (Full Text)
Climate change will bring more frequent and fierce rainstorms to cities like Houston. But unchecked development remains a priority in the famously un-zoned city, creating short-term economic gains for some while increasing flood risks for everyone.
Hell and High Water
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the country. It's home to the nation's largest refining and petrochemical complex, where billions of gallons of oil and dangerous chemicals are stored. And it's a sitting duck for the next big hurricane. Why isn't Texas ready?
Hell and High Water (Full Text)
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the country. It's home to the nation's largest refining and petrochemical complex, where billions of gallons of oil and dangerous chemicals are stored. And it's a sitting duck for the next big hurricane. Why isn't Texas ready?
