Free Republic

This weekend's Dickens on The Strand is Galveston's first major event since Hurricane Ike struck in September, and could indicate how quickly this island city can revive its vital tourism industry. The 35th year of the festival, which recreates the 19th century with period costumes, also is an attempt by Galveston businesses to let the outside world know that most of its restaurants and hotels and many of its attractions are up and running. ...The Galveston Tourism and Convention Bureau has predicted that tourism will return to pre-Ike levels by spring break, but that is of little consolation to shop...

Thirty of Texas' 32 House members — and eight of the Houston area's nine lawmakers — supported the emergency aid package. The sole local dissenter was Rep. Ron Paul, R-Lake Jackson, whose district includes some of the areas hit hardest by Ike, including Galveston.

An attitude of optimism and relief filled a semi-rural neighborhood northwest of Houston yesterday. After losing power on September 12 when Ike rolled in and , the tree and power experts had finally arrived. When asked for an estimated time on a return of power to the neighborhood, the electrical workers were upbeat and gave an "in a little while" answer to the eager residents. Given the progress they were making, it was reasonable to expect that power would be restored within a couple of hours. People would be able to have their first hot shower in nearly two weeks....

Since Hurricane Ike struck — pitching much of the city into darkness — Houston police have made about 280 arrests every day. Most were for nonviolent offenses, including 388 for public intoxication and 335 for drug possession, police said. The totals actually show a decrease from pre-Ike levels, when Houston police were arresting about 370 people daily, according to department officials. "A lot of the credit goes to the visibility of the officers. We're trying to deter as much crime as we possibly can," said HPD spokesman John Cannon. Arrests for looting have dwindled. Of the 168 arrests made since...

Making another step forward in recovering from Hurricane Ike, Metro officials announced late Sunday that the light rail will run on a regular schedule Monday and that HOV lanes on I-45 North will be reopen in the morning. ... Meanwhile, power outages across much of the city prompted Houston police to extend the citywide curfew until further notice. Curfew hours are from midnight until 6 a.m. "The purpose of the curfew is to protect the lives and property of all residents as law enforcement and other officials respond to emergencies and engage in recovery activities related to this disaster," the...