Updated 11:11 p.m. CTThe head of the state's power grid operator on Thursday defended the group’s decision to order widespread blackouts during last week's winter storm, telling state lawmakers that doing so helped prevent a larger disaster.Last week’s freezing weather led to skyrocketing demand and unprecedented strain on the power grid, forcing the Electric Reliability Council of Texas to enact sustained outages across the state to keep its grid from collapsing.But in response to a question from state Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, ERCOT CEO Bill Magness said that he had no regrets about...…Updated 11:11 p.m. CTThe head of the state's power grid operator on Thursday defended the group’s decision to order widespread blackouts during last week's winter storm, telling state lawmakers that doing so helped prevent a larger disaster.Last week’s freezing weather led to skyrocketing demand and unprecedented strain on the power grid, forcing the Electric Reliability Council of Texas to enact sustained outages across the state to keep its grid from collapsing.But in response to a question from state Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, ERCOT CEO Bill Magness said that he had no regrets about...WW…

Brody Pinkerton walked through the rig yard at Maverick Well Pluggers in Midland, Texas. The 32-year-old rattled off a list of fixes as wind whipped between the giant machines sitting side by side in his company's lot."That engine is done, done," he said before explaining to a reporter the steps they will need to take before this machine is ready to go back into the field. He points to another and rattles off a handful of other issues, including a busted radiator.These workover rigs are usually used to fix temperamental oil wells.A 40-foot-long behemoth drives out to a well and raises its...…Brody Pinkerton walked through the rig yard at Maverick Well Pluggers in Midland, Texas. The 32-year-old rattled off a list of fixes as wind whipped between the giant machines sitting side by side in his company's lot."That engine is done, done," he said before explaining to a reporter the steps they will need to take before this machine is ready to go back into the field. He points to another and rattles off a handful of other issues, including a busted radiator.These workover rigs are usually used to fix temperamental oil wells.A 40-foot-long behemoth drives out to a well and raises its...WW…

'It's Ridiculous': States Struggle To Accommodate COVID-19 Positive Voters In Texas, COVID-19 positive voters can be put in the position of choosing between their right to vote and the public's health.FromToggle more optionsWith few signs the coronavirus is fading, election officials face an increasingly urgent question: how to accommodate voters who become infected in the days leading up to the election. In Texas — a state that fought expanding mail-in ballot access all the way up to the Supreme Court — COVID-19 positive voters can be put in the position of choosing between their right to...…'It's Ridiculous': States Struggle To Accommodate COVID-19 Positive Voters In Texas, COVID-19 positive voters can be put in the position of choosing between their right to vote and the public's health.FromToggle more optionsWith few signs the coronavirus is fading, election officials face an increasingly urgent question: how to accommodate voters who become infected in the days leading up to the election. In Texas — a state that fought expanding mail-in ballot access all the way up to the Supreme Court — COVID-19 positive voters can be put in the position of choosing between their right to...WW…

With millions of people out of work because of the coronavirus, food banks have seen a major surge in demand since March. But August is set to be one one of the busiest months yet and that worries food bank operators.That's because not only is National Guard support set to end, but extra federal unemployment funds as well, which could push the demand for food banks even higher.To embed this piece of audio in your site, please use this code:XThe two big changes are scheduled that have food banks bracing for the next few months.“Those two things combined, make for a kind of perfect storm,”...…With millions of people out of work because of the coronavirus, food banks have seen a major surge in demand since March. But August is set to be one one of the busiest months yet and that worries food bank operators.That's because not only is National Guard support set to end, but extra federal unemployment funds as well, which could push the demand for food banks even higher.To embed this piece of audio in your site, please use this code:XThe two big changes are scheduled that have food banks bracing for the next few months.“Those two things combined, make for a kind of perfect storm,”...WW…

© 2022 Texas Public RadioReal. Reliable. Texas Public Radio.Play Live Radio0:000:00Available On Air StationsVolunteers walked up long side-by-side lines of cars filling up just a portion of the massive parking area surrounding Oak Hills Church, north of San Antonio. Going from one driver’s window to the next, they checked in families waiting to receive food. It was hot, but everyone agreed at least it wasn’t as bad as the day before. Up over 100 degrees.“I’ll put this under here and tell them that you are picking up for more than one,” said one volunteer, placing half a piece of standard...…© 2022 Texas Public RadioReal. Reliable. Texas Public Radio.Play Live Radio0:000:00Available On Air StationsVolunteers walked up long side-by-side lines of cars filling up just a portion of the massive parking area surrounding Oak Hills Church, north of San Antonio. Going from one driver’s window to the next, they checked in families waiting to receive food. It was hot, but everyone agreed at least it wasn’t as bad as the day before. Up over 100 degrees.“I’ll put this under here and tell them that you are picking up for more than one,” said one volunteer, placing half a piece of standard...WW…