Author Archives: Travis Bubenik
Blue Origin Completes First Crewed Flight From West Texas
The private space company owned by billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos blasted off from a launch site north of Van Horn, Texas Tuesday morning, with Bezos and his brother on board, as well as the oldest and youngest people to … Continue reading
Plan for Big Bend “Dark Sky Reserve” Takes Crucial Step Forward With Presidio County Vote
Astronomers and community organizers have been pushing officials in Far West Texas to adopt stricter rules on outdoor lighting, part of a broader effort to establish an international dark sky “reserve.”
In West Texas, Astronomers Worry About Growing Oilfield Light Pollution
A major Texas observatory is trying to convince oil and gas companies to minimize light pollution from things like drilling rigs and gas plants.
Historic Marfa Building Badly Damaged in Overnight Fire
The building in downtown Marfa, once used as an architecture office by the late artist Donald Judd, was in the midst of a renovation when it caught fire early Friday morning.
Report Outlines Ways to Protect Big Bend Region from Energy Sprawl
A long-awaited report from the Respect Big Bend Coalition lays out recommendations for balancing new energy projects with land conservation in the Big Bend region.
After Firing Top Staffers, Alpine City Council Picks Temp Replacements
The council’s recent firing of two top city employees has drawn condemnation from some and has already sparked a recall effort.
Shakeup at Alpine City Hall after Contentious Council Meeting
Just over two weeks after Alpine voters elected three new city council members, one newly elected member led a successful charge to push three of the city’s key staffers out of their jobs.
Covid-19 Vaccines Coming to Big Bend-area Schools
Health workers are holding a series of vaccination clinics at schools across the Big Bend region over the next couple weeks, after Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine was approved for children as young as 12.
Blue Origin to Launch First Crewed Flight from West Texas This Summer
The company will auction off one seat on its first space flight with passengers on board. The launch is set for July 20 from the company’s facility north of Van Horn, Texas.
Alpine Man Charged for Alleged Role in Capitol Attack
Alpine resident Sean David Watson has claimed for months that he was part of the mob that invaded the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 insurrection. Now he’s been arrested for his alleged involvement in the riot.