SIX MONTHS: Texas islanders hold out hope despite Ike, economy...

[JeffreyWilliamson]

GALVESTON, Texas (AP) — Good news has been in short supply since Hurricane Ike laid waste to much of this island beach town six months ago Friday.

Neighborhoods remain desolate, dotted with looted, flood-damaged homes and apartments abandoned after Ike's 12-foot storm surge rumbled ashore on Sept. 13. The city, with an annual budget of about $80 million, suffered at least $1.4 billion in damage to its infrastructure.

Half the city's businesses — most based on tourism — remain closed. And nearly a quarter of Galveston's residents have left, taking desperately needed tax revenues with them.

(Article here.)

We're all hoping a lot of tourists turn up with Spring Break starting this week. It's pouring down rain today, which is kind of fitting considering the anniversary.