All articles tagged with #big bend
Amid bipartisan backlash over the federal Big Bend border-wall plan, Texas AG Ken Paxton has kept his position unclear as Sen. John Cornyn urges DHS to coordinate with local officials; Democrats, park advocates, and local leaders warn the project would harm Big Bend National Park and the regional tourism economy, while Paxton’s campaign says he aims to balance border security with local considerations.
Rep. Henry Cuellar’s bid to block DHS funding for a border barrier in Big Bend National Park failed in the House Appropriations Committee on a 26–34 vote, with all Democrats in support and Republicans opposing, leaving ongoing wall plans in the park unresolved.
West Texas locals and officials have pressured federal authorities to shrink the Big Bend segment of Trump’s border-wall plan to about 175 miles of steel barrier amid concerns over watersheds, wildlife, archaeology, night skies, and private property values; areas near Big Bend National Park remain in planning, while sheriffs urge a technology-driven, terrain-informed approach. Survey work starts mid-April with ground-breaking planned for June, and nationwide wall construction was 35.9 miles complete as of mid-February.
Plans to erect a 30-foot border wall through Big Bend National Park and surrounding land sparked protests and behind-the-scenes lobbying, drawing opposition from Republicans and Democrats in Texas. After pressure, CBP reportedly paused wall construction in the national park and along adjacent land, while signaling a possible 175-mile segment farther along the river. Landowners, park advocates, and local officials warn the wall could disrupt ranching, tourism, and cross-border ties, pushing for detection technology instead as sponsors seek a more limited, tech-based approach.
Satellite images reveal the extensive flooding caused by Hurricane Idalia in Florida's Big Bend region, where the storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane. The area experienced strong winds, downed power lines, destroyed homes, and significant flooding, with water levels rising rapidly in rivers. The National Weather Service described the storm as an unprecedented event, as no major hurricanes have previously passed through the bay adjacent to the Big Bend.
Hurricane Idalia is expected to make landfall in Florida near the Big Bend as a Category 3 or 4 hurricane, with storm surge potentially reaching 15 feet and heavy rainfall. Thousands of people are under mandatory evacuation orders, but many are unable to afford the cost of evacuating, which can range from $1,200 to $5,000. Gas prices will rise, and eating out for every meal will become expensive. Shelters are available, but most do not accept pets, making it difficult for some people, especially senior citizens living alone, to leave their beloved pets behind.