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Pensacola received initial approval for a $76 million grant to help fund a $275 million shipbuilding center that would expand Navy manufacturing along the Gulf Coast and bring an estimated 2,000 jobs to Northwest Florida.
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Wildlife officials released 100 rehabilitated sea turtles into the Gulf of Mexico near Galveston after rescuing about 150 cold-stunned turtles during a recent freeze. Fifty-two turtles died following the cold snap.
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Jury selection and testimony are set to begin Wednesday in the trial of Cianna Mims, who is accused of helping cover up a hit-and-run crash that killed a well-known Galveston physician riding her bicycle in 2022.
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Forecasters say another cold front will push subfreezing temperatures across parts of Louisiana and Alabama this weekend, bringing gusty winds and a brief chance of rain but no wintry precipitation.
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After winter weather closures Monday, Galveston ISD and most school districts across the coastal region plan to reopen Tuesday, urging families to prepare for frigid morning conditions and possible transportation delays.
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An Extreme Cold Warning from the National Weather Service remains in effect through noon Tuesday for Galveston County, with wind chills in the single digits and several local warming centers open to help residents, officials said.
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As an arctic front pushes freezing temperatures across Texas, cruise departures from Galveston are moving forward with caution, offering some travelers a warm-weather escape even as state officials warn of icy roads and hazardous travel.
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As extreme cold approaches the Upper Texas Coast, the Galveston Fire Department is urging residents to follow fire safety guidelines when using heaters, generators and fireplaces, warning that winter is the most dangerous season for home fires.
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As a winter storm threatens several days of subfreezing temperatures in the Houston area, energy experts and state officials are urging residents to prepare by protecting pipes, gathering supplies, and checking on vulnerable neighbors to avoid outages and costly damage.
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Texas Parks and Wildlife has closed an oyster harvesting area in Matagorda Bay after samples showed too few legal-sized oysters. The closure reflects ongoing strain on the state’s shellfish industry following years of weather and environmental losses.
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A deadly crash involving a Jeep and a truck closed the northbound lanes of the Galveston Causeway for several hours on Monday afternoon. One driver died after being taken to UTMB, while traffic was heavily delayed until the lanes reopened.
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A new genetic testing study found fewer Galveston-area restaurants are falsely claiming imported shrimp as Gulf-caught, though researchers say mislabeling remains a persistent problem despite a new Texas law.
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The Texas Department of Transportation's Grand Parkway extension is starting in the southeast. The Segment B-1 project will extend State Highway 99, the Grand Parkway, 14 miles from FM 646 in League City to south of FM 2403 in Alvin, starting in 2027.
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A Galveston County auto shop owner has been sentenced to 60 years in prison after investigators say he stole dozens of vehicles and thousands of dollars in parts from customers over a years-long scheme.
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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has extended an invitation to Galveston boat captain Sky Decker for his heroic actions in rescuing a woman from the wreckage of a Mexican Navy medical plane that crashed into Galveston Bay in December. The invitation follows widespread praise for Decker’s quick response amid heavy fog.
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A solar-powered NOAA research buoy nicknamed “Bob” has drifted away from its moorings in the Gulf of Mexico for the second time in less than a year, prompting a lighthearted but serious appeal from federal scientists who rely on its data.
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Houston-area transit riders now have expanded ways to pay after METRO launched its new RideMETRO fare system, which introduced a $2 reloadable card, mobile payments, and a loyalty perk with no fare increases.
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A Galveston man is facing felony charges after authorities say he impersonated a federal immigration officer and detained two men in a downtown parking lot, an incident partially captured on video by local activists.
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Before sunrise Friday, five caskets carrying victims of a Dec. 22 plane crash were escorted across Galveston as part of a coordinated effort to return the remains of Mexican Navy personnel and a civilian doctor to their families in Mexico.
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Houston Methodist, Memorial Hermann, Texas Children's Hospital, and St. Luke's Health welcomed healthy newborns in 2026 within minutes of the New Year.
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Two women who survived a fatal plane crash in Galveston Bay last week are hospitalized and recovering, according to the nonprofit that chartered the aircraft for a medical transport mission.
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A newly approved League City ordinance requiring permits and inspections for liveaboards has prompted an online petition and debate over safety, environmental protection and personal privacy at local marinas.
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Roughly 1 million gallons of sulfuric acid spilled from an industrial facility east of Houston early Saturday, with some of the material reaching the Houston Ship Channel. Despite ongoing environmental monitoring, officials declared no need for evacuations and no immediate public health impacts.
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Volunteer birders in Galveston joined thousands across the hemisphere in the National Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count, documenting more than 180 species locally and contributing to a long-running dataset used to track bird population trends.
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Five people were killed when a plane carrying eight occupants crashed near the Galveston Causeway amid dense fog, prompting a significant emergency response and a federal investigation.
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Environmental groups and Florida Republicans are opposing the Trump administration's proposal to increase offshore oil and gas drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, citing ecological, military, and economic hazards near the Everglades.
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League City police are urging drivers to use extra caution near the intersection of Interstate 45 and FM 646 after a recent spike in traffic crashes, which officers attribute to increased holiday traffic and distracted driving.
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Authorities recovered a submerged vehicle from Jarbo Bayou early Tuesday morning after a reported crash near FM 2094. One body was found inside the car, and the incident remains under investigation.
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Nearly two miles of Galveston’s West Beach are being reinforced with dredged sand from the Galveston Ship Channel as part of a $23 million, multi-agency project aimed at slowing erosion and strengthening storm protection along the island’s vulnerable west end.
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As avian flu spreads across the Texas Gulf Coast, Moody Gardens in Galveston has implemented emergency precautions, relocated vulnerable species, and tightened visitor requirements to protect its animal population.
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A new bus route, The Splash, now connects Galveston and Texas City with hourly service six days a week. The Gulf Coast Transit District and Galveston Island Transit partnered on the project, offering $1 fares and direct transfers to improve regional mobility.
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Texas officials say more than 93,000 cubic yards of sand have been added to 1,000 feet of West Galveston Beach as part of a joint erosion-control project led by the Texas General Land Office, the City of Galveston, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Galveston County health officials have confirmed cases of H5 avian influenza in local birds. Ten people who had contact with the birds tested negative, and the risk to the public remains low. Cat owners are urged to monitor outdoor pets.
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A U.S. Coast Guard buoy broke free and washed ashore near Galveston’s 63rd Street on a rainy Sunday morning, drawing beachgoers, jokes, and speculation online. The Coast Guard says it is investigating the buoy’s origin and expects removal to require coordination with salvage crews.
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Recent Consumer Affairs research rates Allen, Frisco, and Plano as the top Texas communities to migrate to, with seven of the top 10 in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas score low for safety and affordability.

Multiple law enforcement agencies in Galveston County have joined Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s 287(g) program, allowing trained deputies and officers to perform certain immigration enforcement duties under federal authority.

Galveston will pay $600,000 to become a promotional partner for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aligning with Houston’s host committee as the region prepares for the global sporting event.

Galveston police arrested 88-year-old Ernest Leal after he allegedly admitted to shooting his 89-year-old wife, Anita Leal, at their home early Monday. A judge later lowered his bond from $250,000 to $80,000.
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The Galveston City Council approved more stringent rules for short-term rentals, including a three-strike system that could revoke a property's rental license after multiple violations.
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Two undocumented fathers were detained near Austin Elementary School in Galveston County, sparking community concern about immigration enforcement near schools despite assurances that campuses would remain safe zones. The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office and federal authorities have not clarified the details of the incident or their enforcement policies near school property.
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit Friday against the Galveston Independent School District for not displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms as required by a new state law, Senate Bill 10. A federal court is currently challenging the law on constitutional grounds.
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Texas tourism and fishing industries are urging Gov. Greg Abbott to act against nurdle pollution, warning that unchecked plastic discharge could threaten marine ecosystems and the state’s $31 billion outdoor recreation economy.
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With warm weather drawing bigger-than-usual fall crowds, Galveston officials announced that amenities at East Beach and Stewart Beach will remain open on weekends through Nov. 30. Restrooms, showers, and changing rooms will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Firefighters in Galveston contained a fast-moving brush fire that burned about 90 acres on Wednesday evening near the San Luis Pass Bridge. No injuries or property damage were reported.

Aspira Women’s Health Inc. has entered into a new laboratory services agreement with the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston as part of its strategy to expand access to its ovarian cancer diagnostic tests across Texas.

Galveston police are searching for a man accused of trying to kidnap a 13-year-old girl on her way to school Monday morning. The student escaped after biting the suspect twice, police said.
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Galveston County officials have issued a burn ban for unincorporated areas, joining more than 160 Texas counties that have restricted outdoor burning as drought conditions persist.
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Galveston Island, a short drive from Houston, continues to shine as one of Texas’ premier beach destinations—offering sun, history, and festivals. This October, the island adds Bavarian flair with the return of its family-friendly Island Oktoberfest celebration.
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The cost to replace the only bridge linking Galveston and Pelican Island has soared to at least $250 million, delaying a long-overdue infrastructure project that may take nearly a decade to complete.
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Just off Pelican Island lies the weathered skeleton of the SS Selma, a concrete shipwreck over a century old that defies expectations. Built in 1919 as part of a wartime experiment, the tanker now rests in Galveston Bay—serving as a local curiosity, navigational aid, and avian sanctuary.

Hershey Beach on Galveston’s West End will remain closed through 2025 as crews begin a large-scale restoration project to rebuild nearly two miles of eroded shoreline.

Authorities confirmed that a 21-year-old man who went missing while swimming with his family on Sunday off Galveston’s Seawall Boulevard was found dead Monday morning.
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An early morning police pursuit from Hitchcock to Galveston ended in a deadly officer-involved shooting at Seawolf Park, after authorities say the suspect fired multiple shots and pointed a weapon at officers.
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Jordan Wilmore, who once dreamed of becoming a professional basketball player, is now sacrificing his aspirations to serve the city of Kemah as a police cadet. Standing at 7 feet 3 inches, he is poised to become one of the tallest law enforcement recruits in the country.
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Moody Gardens in Galveston announced the birth of a pygmy slow loris, one of the world’s endangered primates. The male infant was born Aug. 18 and marks a conservation milestone for the park’s Rainforest Pyramid.
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The Galveston Bay Foundation has finished a multi-partner restoration project in Jones Bay, creating nesting islands for American oystercatchers and rebuilding oyster reefs using funds from the BP Deepwater Horizon settlement.
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Federal officials have designated three offshore locations in the Gulf of Mexico as Aquaculture Opportunity Areas, paving the way for large-scale commercial farming of seaweed, shellfish, and finfish near the Texas coast.
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A wrong-way crash just after midnight on Interstate 45 in Galveston County killed one person, shut down all southbound main lanes and shoulders near Tiki Drive, and is prompting traffic detours for morning commuters.
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A Galveston-to-Mexico cruise became a nightmare for a Conroe family after a young passenger suffered a sudden medical emergency, resulting in more than $13,000 in bills and an urgent warning about travel insurance.
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Gulf Coast municipalities, including Galveston, New Iberia, Morse, and Lake Charles, have implemented fines to curb improper disposal of yard waste in public streets and storm drains. The growing issue of grass clippings and garden debris being improperly discarded has led to stricter penalties as communities unite to keep their roads and drainage systems clear.
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Sachs on the Seawall, a $540 million development project in Galveston, aims to revitalize the city with world-class hotels, dining, green spaces, and luxury housing. The initiative is expected to boost the local economy, generate jobs, and restore historic assets, all while preserving the island’s iconic charm.
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A suspect has been arrested in connection with the theft of a tractor and trailer in Alvin, Texas. The stolen items were recovered in Sugar Land following an investigation by the Gulf Coast Auto Crimes Task Force.
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A 39-year-old Houston man drowned Sunday near Galveston, becoming the sixth drowning victim this year. Authorities said rip currents may have contributed to the tragedy and urged beachgoers to remain near lifeguard stations.
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Sachs on the Seawall, a $540 million development project in Galveston, aims to revitalize the city with world-class hotels, dining, green spaces, and luxury housing. The initiative is expected to boost the local economy, generate jobs, and restore historic assets, all while preserving the island’s iconic charm.

A sniper killed 31-year-old conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, during a Utah Valley University event. Utah's governor called the shooting a "political assassination." Kirk was speaking to a big gathering. Searches for the shooter continue. The attack generated criticism and alarm concerning US political violence.

Galveston marks 125 years since the nation’s deadliest natural disaster, the 1900 hurricane that killed as many as 12,000 people. Experts say the storm’s overlooked lessons still resonate today.

The Texas Department of Transportation plans to replace paper medical passes for the Galveston-Bolivar ferry with a digital system, citing fraud and misuse of the program.

An 8-year-old girl from Central Texas is recovering in the hospital after being bitten by a shark while swimming in shallow water off Galveston Island over the Labor Day weekend.

Residents in Galveston sounded the alarm after noticing brown sludge in a canal near Moody Gardens, later confirmed as part of a 2,500-gallon sewage overflow from a city wastewater plant. Crews contained the spill, but officials warn people to avoid the water for now.

As crude prices hovered at break-even levels and global production remained strong, the number of jobs in the upstream oil and gas industry in Texas decreased by about 3,000 during June and July.

This week, Galveston’s beaches are more visible due to the shifting Gulf currents that have paused the flow of sediment from the Mississippi River. The rare phenomenon, which happens only a few times a year, has beachgoers flocking to the coast to enjoy the temporary beauty.

A new study shows more than half of restaurants along the Texas coast falsely market imported shrimp as Gulf-caught. A state law taking effect Sept. 1 will impose penalties on businesses that mislabel their seafood.

A stolen trailer investigation in La Marque led Galveston County deputies to a Houston home, where SWAT teams seized stolen firearms, vehicles and more than 31 pounds of drugs.

Gov. Greg Abbott has activated state emergency resources as a tropical weather system approaches the Texas Gulf Coast, bringing threats of flooding, strong winds, and hazardous travel starting Friday.

Former Galveston Island Beach Patrol Chief Peter Davis has filed a federal lawsuit alleging wrongful termination, unpaid severance, and political retaliation after more than 40 years of service.

After nearly 15 years as part of Galveston’s historic Strand district, two themed attractions—Haunted Mayfield Manor and Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast are set to shut down. Owner Craig Corbell says cruise ship crowds, parking shortages, and changing visitor patterns have made it challenging to keep the doors open.

A Galveston Park Board employee is facing theft charges after allegedly overcharging a visitor at Stewart Beach. Authorities are investigating whether the incident was part of a broader pattern of misconduct.

Authorities are investigating the death of a Texas man aboard a cruise ship sailing from Galveston. The FBI confirmed the incident occurred on July 23, and the victim has been identified as 48-year-old Euvelester Villarreal Jr. of Rio Grande City.

A groundbreaking nonprofit program is enhancing both comfort and quality of life in Galveston. Project Fat Cat, launched by Build Galveston with support from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation, is installing energy-efficient window air conditioners for the island’s most vulnerable residents—offering not only relief from the heat but also new energy for community resilience.

The FBI and other federal agencies are investigating an onboard incident that occurred on the Carnival Dream cruise ship last week. While reports suggest a death took place, Carnival denies any investigation into a suspicious death, and details remain scarce.

As hurricane seasons grow more intense, officials at Rice University have introduced a bold new proposal aimed at shielding the Houston-Galveston region from the devastating storm surges brought by major hurricanes.
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In a Thursday morning press briefing, Kerr County officials confirmed that 96 people have died in the aftermath of last week’s devastating flood, with 161 others still missing. The multi-agency search effort includes over 2,100 responders and spans multiple states.
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A camping trip turned into a nightmare for Tina Perry, who survived the deadly Texas Hill Country floods by clinging to a tree for five hours, as rescuers continue searching for her missing husband.

At least 20 girls, including Houston ISD student Greta Toranzo, are missing after catastrophic flooding hit Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas.

A family’s dream vacation turned into a life-or-death moment when a young girl fell overboard from the Disney Dream cruise ship. Her father immediately jumped in after her, prompting a dramatic and successful rescue at sea.

A 55-year-old Houston man drowned Sunday morning after a swim in Galveston, marking the fourth drowning in the area this year, according to officials.

In response to escalating protests in Los Angeles and nationwide, Houston law enforcement is preparing for possible demonstrations, coordinating with state and federal partners to prevent civil unrest while emphasizing support for peaceful assembly.

A $5.1 million beach restoration project is underway at Jamaica Beach on Galveston Island, Texas, Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham announced. The project will add 61,000 cubic yards of sand along 3,300 feet of shoreline, aiming to protect coastal communities and wildlife habitats. Completion is expected by August 2025, with 90% of funding covered by federal emergency assistance.

The Texas City Museum will offer free admission this Saturday, along with shuttle rides to the historic Bell Home and a new Juneteenth-themed art exhibit celebrating African American heritage.

The FDA has approved a new COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna, but it is only approved for use in people at high risk. The decision coincides with a controversial rollback of childhood vaccine recommendations under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

As hurricane season nears, Galveston officials are revising their emergency response plans by adding an extra day to mandatory evacuation orders, citing significant I-45 construction delays and historical lessons from past storms.

Texas lawmakers are advancing a bill allowing treated oilfield wastewater to be reused in rivers and for agriculture, but only if companies are protected from liability. Environmentalists warn that science is lacking in backing the move.

Crystal Beach residents are taking Jeep Weekend into their own hands—offering up their homes to law enforcement to keep the annual party under control.

Galveston’s real estate market is shifting as an influx of vacation rentals hits the listings. Rising costs and cooling demand are turning the beach town into the Houston area’s top buyer’s market.

An 82-year-old well in the Gulf of Mexico has been leaking oil and gas for over a week. The U.S. Coast Guard, now leading the cleanup, has deployed over 15,000 feet of boom and recovered more than 50,000 gallons of oil-water mixture.

Mexican culture and heritage took center stage Saturday across Galveston County as communities gathered for vibrant Cinco de Mayo celebrations, featuring music, food, and festivities supporting local education initiatives.

The sudden death and cremation of Houston philanthropist Jessica Rossman in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, have sparked a legal dispute and left her family searching for answers about how she died and why they weren’t informed.

Warmer spring weather is pushing Portuguese man o’ wars onto Texas shores, creating hazards for beachgoers in Galveston and beyond. Multiple sting injuries have been reported, so officials are urging visitors to stay alert. Experts remind the public to avoid touching the tentacles and skip the old myth about urine treatments.

A Conroe man already facing child exploitation charges in Montgomery County now faces new accusations in Galveston. Taylor Roy was arrested after a beachgoer spotted him allegedly photographing a child. Roy, who appeared in court this week, remains jailed as prosecutors seek to revoke his bond in multiple cases.