The Latest Breaking News from Dustin Fawcett

Running water will finally reach West Odessa thanks to $17 million from state lawmakers

The Legislature approved $600 million for standalone water improvements, a dramatic increase over prior years.

The Texas Tribune · Dec 4, 2025

Economic boom or environmental disaster? Rural Texas grapples with pros, cons of data centers

Local leaders see data centers, which help power the world’s shift to artificial intelligence, as a way to keep their towns open. Residents worry their way of life — and water — is at stake.

The Texas Tribune · Oct 2, 2025

“It will affect all families”: Challenges await Texas parents if birthright citizenship ends

The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for President Donald Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship to take effect in certain states in 30 days.

The Texas Tribune · Jun 27, 2025

Texas lawmakers propose historic investments to broadband and water infrastructure — but voters will have the last word

If passed during this legislative session, this would be the state’s biggest investment in broadband, but some local officials question whether it would make the service more affordable in areas with few providers.

The Texas Tribune · Mar 8, 2023

With billions for broadband on the line, Texas asks federal government for more time to improve access maps

Local officials, echoing Glenn Hegar, say the current maps are flawed and the process to lodge complaints is cumbersome.

The Texas Tribune · Dec 14, 2022