News from the South - Texas News Feed
Senior residents continue facing rat infestation issues, seek answers amid retaliation fear
SUMMARY: During an interview about a rat infestation at a housing complex, residents expressed fear of retaliation for speaking out, with one resident, Marlay Kennedy, visibly shaken after the report. Despite her willingness to stay in her unit, she received communication suggesting a relocation. Management denied requesting her move, citing privacy concerns. A letter from Harris County Housing Authority pointed to pest issues in her unit, requiring repairs by November 26. Attempts to verify communication between the Authority and the complex were unsuccessful, but guidelines indicated that properties must be free from significant structural issues, which the management seemingly overlooked.

After our first report on an apartment complex dealing with rat issues, a woman at the complex said she received a message from her caseworker saying management asked her if she would be moving properties.
News from the South - Texas News Feed
Magnitude 5.0 earthquake strikes West Texas
Large earthquake strikes West Texas, among strongest ever in state
“Large earthquake strikes West Texas, among strongest ever in state” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
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A 5.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded in West Texas late Friday evening, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, and could be felt by residents more than 150 miles away in El Paso.
The earthquake struck near the border of Culberson and Reeves counties at 11:23 p.m. CST with an epicenter about 33 miles northwest of Toyah, Texas. Three smaller aftershocks also occurred within minutes of the first quake. There have been no immediate reported deaths or injuries associated with the quakes. And economic losses are expected to be minimal.
According to the geological survey, shaking in neighboring cities ranged from “weak” to “light” with about 950,000 being exposed to the quake. The earthquake was also felt by Texans as far west as El Paso and in some cities in eastern New Mexico.
About 20 minutes after the initial earthquake, the National Weather Service El Paso posted to X, asking residents if they had felt the earthquake and a subsequent aftershock.
Friday’s earthquake is tied for the sixth strongest in Texas history, according to the website Earthquake Track. Texas has also experienced two magnitude 5.1 earthquakes in the past six months, both tying for the fifth strongest in state history.
The number and strength of earthquakes in West Texas has grown in recent years. In November 2023, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck near the borders of Reeves and Culberson counties, tied for fourth strongest in Texas history.
Scientists have attributed higher earthquake activity in the Permian Basin in West Texas to an increase in hydraulic fracturing — also known as fracking — in the area, which is the most productive oil and gas region in the state. When water is injected into the ground for fracking, fluid pressures increase within faults, scientists say, which can lead to more seismic activity in oil fields.
Since 2000, a dramatic increase in seismic activity in the Permian Basin has likely been triggered by increased wastewater disposal due to fracking, a 2021 study by USGS and University of Texas scientists found.
There are more than 20 deep injection wells in the Culberson County and Reeves County area, according to data from the Railroad Commission of Texas, which regulates the state’s oil and gas industry. That figure is slightly lower than in 2022.
The decrease comes as the commission has made efforts to reduce seismic activity in West Texas. After the largest Texas earthquake in three decades struck near the border of Reeves and Culberson counties in November that year, commission staff also expanded the area where water injections could be restricted and asked companies to reduce how much water they inject underground in the area.
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2025/02/15/texas-west-earthquake-magnitude/.
The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org.
The post Magnitude 5.0 earthquake strikes West Texas appeared first on feeds.texastribune.org
News from the South - Texas News Feed
Fire breaks out at home where Lamar CISD employee was killed last weekend
SUMMARY: In Fort Bend County, a house that caught fire overnight is the same residence where Lamar CISD educator Iona Pard was allegedly shot and killed by her husband David Pard, a district employee, just days earlier. The fire broke out on Rocky Lane, with neighbors reporting popping sounds before flames erupted. Firefighters responded, but the cause of the blaze is still under investigation. David Pard, arrested following the shooting, remains in jail on a $300,000 bond and is scheduled for a bond reduction hearing. The situation is shocking to neighbors, raising numerous questions about the events at the property.

This comes nearly a week after David Pollard, 47, is accused of shooting and killing his wife, 52-year-old Iona Pollard, at the home on Sunday, Feb. 9.
News from the South - Texas News Feed
Austin man could score his 2nd world record at this weekend's marathon
SUMMARY: Austin runner Ben Duong aims to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon while dribbling a basketball at the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon. He previously set the record for the fastest half marathon in 2022, finishing in 1 hour, 21 minutes. This year, he is targeting the full marathon record of 2 hours, 50 minutes set in 2021, which requires maintaining a pace of about six minutes and 31 seconds per mile. Duong emphasizes the challenge of training on Austin’s hilly terrain while handling a basketball. Supported by friends, family, and the Spurs, he looks forward to race day.
The post Austin man could score his 2nd world record at this weekend's marathon appeared first on www.kxan.com
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