Viewing the solar eclipse in Central Texas may be Houstonians’ last chance for decades. The city won’t experience a total solar eclipse until 2200.
Elena Bruess
Elena Bruess covers the environment for the Houston Landing. She comes to Houston after two years at the San Antonio Express-News, where she covered the environment, climate and water. Elena previously worked in the Midwest as a reporter for Circle of Blue, a nonprofit newsroom where she focused on water issues in the Great Lakes region. Before that, Elena covered health and inequity in Chicago as a Pulitzer Center reporting fellow. She is originally from Northeastern Iowa and holds a master’s degree from Northwestern University and a degree from University of Iowa's undergraduate writing program. When not on the beat, Elena will be reading a book in the sun or getting ultra-caffeinated at a coffee shop.
Posted inEnvironment
EPA, Union Pacific release first set of contamination results in Greater Fifth Ward
Some locations tested by the EPA had higher levels of Creosote-related chemicals than EPA standards. These were found in sewers, a well and soil.
Posted inEnvironment
Did you see smoke coming from the Arboretum recently? There’s a good reason why.
Houston: Prescribed fires create a healthy level of biodiversity, leave behind nutrients for the soil and burn through excess brush.
Posted inEnvironment
Why are crawfish so expensive this year? We went behind the scenes (to Louisiana) to find out
Scorching temperatures last summer shriveled up crawfish catch for this season. Everyone is now working extra to make ends meet.
Posted inEnvironment
Houston City Council approves $2 million for relocation of Greater Fifth Ward residents
Mayor Whitmire and City Council approved millions of dollars for a relocation fund to help residents move out of Greater Fifth Ward’s cancer cluster.
Posted inEnvironment
Galveston Bay is closed to oyster harvesting. These scientists are testing the waters for life.
In Galveston Bay, Texas Parks and Wildlife scientists work to protect oysters and other shellfish, holding the Houston seafood economy in their hands.
Posted inEnvironment
City halts development in Greater Fifth Ward cancer cluster following Landing investigation
A Houston Landing investigation found that development boomed in the Fifth Ward site, despite its designation as a cancer cluster.
Posted inEnvironment
Whitmire slows down relocation program as Fifth Ward residents request more information
City Council postponed the $2 million vote to manage the Fifth Ward relocation program. Residents agree that more information is needed.
Posted inEnvironment
Houston’s bay area is packed with industry. It’s also full of incredible bird life.
The buildup of petrochemical refineries and industry along Houston’s bays has harmed many animals’ habitats. But some birds are finding a way to survive.
Posted inInvestigations
Houston’s Greater Fifth Ward is in a cancer cluster. Why don’t all the new residents know?
Houston is spending millions to relocate residents from a cancer cluster. But people are still moving into Greater Fifth Ward, unaware of the risk.