Senate passes large defense bill with pay raise
The Senate approved a wide defense bill 88 to 8 after a lengthy battle over earmarks. It authorizes 612.5 billion dollars for national defense in 2009 including 70 billion for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Senator Warner led Republican negotiators but would not vote to demean soldiers. Several Republicans shifted to support amid midterm pressures while a minority opposed the measure.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
Senate
Sen
John Warner
Virginia
Iraq
Afghanistan
Warner
Wayne Allard
Colorado
Tom Coburn
Oklahoma
David Vitter
Louisiana
Jim DeMint
Lindsey Graham
South Carolina
Robert Byrd
West Virginia
Russell Feingold
Wisconsin
Bernard Sanders
Vermont
Carrillo Sees Oil Boom Driving Texas Energy Needs
In 2002 the Railroad Commission issued 9716 drilling permits and projections show 24000 in 2008 as oil and gas demand grows. Carrillo notes worker shortages, especially geologists, threaten permit issuance and drilling pace. The commission seeks funding for 30+ positions and 3.5 million in raises to attract staff. Tryon Lewis backs funding to boost production.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Railroad Commission
Carrillo
Tryon Lewis
District 81
Lewis
Elmo Hockman
Abilene
West Texas
Kirk Edwards
The
Petroleum Association
Permian
Reeves County and Odessa College to open Pecos law enforcement academy
Reeves County Judge Sam Contreras announced a new law enforcement and prison guard training academy will operate in Pecos with Odessa College. Reeves County will provide 25000 dollars for a full-time instructor as Odessa College covers the rest. The program runs five months for 22 credit hours and aims to fill staffing vacancies at Reeves County Detention Center and other area prisons amid oil field demand.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Reeves County
Pecos
Sam Contreras
Odessa College
Mufioz
Reeves County Detention Center
Martin McDaniel
Odessa
Midland
Big Spring
Andrews
Monahans
Reeves Detention Center
Miller
Odessa College Law Enforcement Academy
Mitchell Upchurch
Ronnie Holmes
Mike Davis
Seven U S Soldiers Die In Iraq Chinook Crash
A CH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed while landing about 60 miles west of Basra in southern Iraq killing seven U S soldiers. The crash occurred during an aerial convoy from Kuwait to Balad base near Baghdad. Hostile fire was not suspected and an investigation is underway. Separately a soldier died of noncombat causes with investigation ongoing.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Baghdad
Iraq
U.S
Basra
National Force
Associated Press
Kuwait
Balad
Ike knocks out power as Texas vies for steady grid return
Nearly 1.8 million Texans lack electricity after Hurricane Ike. Gov. Perry reports 9,500 utility workers are restoring service across affected areas. About 28,500 evacuees stay in 226 shelters as fuel terminals largely reopen and retail stores resume. Ike hit Galveston and caused widespread Southeast Texas damage.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Austin
Texas
Rick Perry
Perry
Ike
Galveston
Drug courts eyed to ease jail load and cut recidivism
County officials weigh mandatory drug courts for 150000 population areas and regional programs to divert offenders from county courts. Judges say upfront costs and budget limits matter, but advocates tout better treatment and fewer future arrests. Concho Valley reports strong success and ongoing expansion efforts.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Redford
Bedford
Stacy Trotter
Ector County
Trotter
Carl Reynolds
Texas Office of Court Administration
Brent Dooley
Concho Valley Drug Court Program
Concho Valley
Tom Green
Dooley
Ector County Drug Court Proposal Explored
A county drug court would target drug violations and some DWI cases with voluntary participation. Judges develop case plans, provide intensive counseling and weekly drug tests, and successful completers erase the offense. cost estimated at 285000 with potential grants and shared taxpayer support.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ector County
Susan Redford
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the Academy
Joshua Scheide
Oapa.com
Ata
McMinn’s
McMinns
MccMinn
McMinns.com
Andrews Hwy
McN
Ninns.com
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