What rising COVID indicators mean for Houston, and answers from a sleep expert (May 19, 2022) – Houston Public Media
On Thursday's show: What rising COVID-19 cases and viral loads in wastewater mean for Houston, a local sleep expert answers your questions, and we discuss what is considered "Texas cuisine."
houstonpublicmedia.orgWorking for cleaner ways to fuel our future
The hard work and ingenuity of Texans has made us our nation’s leading producer of oil, natural gas, wind power and electricity, and in most cases, No. Texans have driven the United States’ resurgent energy independence, and now we are increasingly providing Texas energy to our friends and partners around the globe. Flaring natural gas is unquestionably bad for the environment, but it also wastes the opportunity to lower prices, displace dirtier fuels, and supply our allies struggling to free themselves from Russian gas. According to the Railroad Commission of Texas, “the percentage of natural gas flared out of all the natural gas produced in Texas decreased 67% between June 2019 and November 2020. In 2023, we have an opportunity to work together to achieve these goals, make Texas energy production the cleanest on the planet, and keep Texas the energy capitol of our nation for decades to come.
myrgv.comTexas’ grid operator told a power plant to delay repairs ahead of a May heat wave. It was among six that crashed.
On Thursday, Texas’ power grid operator told at least one power plant to delay its scheduled repairs and keep operating to help meet demand during hotter-than-expected May weather.The next day, the pl[San Marcos, TX] [Hays County news] News San Marcos News, San Marcos Record [Texas State]
sanmarcosrecord.comTexas’ grid operator told a power plant to delay repairs ahead of a May heat wave. It was among six that crashed. – Houston Public Media
Climate change and other factors are shortening the window when aging Texas power plants can make repairs to run at full strength in hot summer months.
houstonpublicmedia.orgEnd asylum bans, not our welcoming tradition
As President Biden takes steps to end Trump-era restrictions on asylum, a slew of state politicians are trying to get us pointing fingers at asylum seekers and new immigrants. Instead, we must recommit to Texas’s welcoming tradition by extending a hand. President Biden’s administration has announced steps to end Title 42, which resulted in rapid expulsions of most people seeking safety at the Southern Border. But they need funds to shelter and provide clothes, diapers and meals to arriving asylum seekers. Together, we can ensure that Texas’s welcoming tradition does not end when asylum restrictions do.
myrgv.comNew Texas plan for federal Hurricane Harvey aid yields same old result: Funds diverted away from Gulf Coast – Houston Public Media
Despite an admonition from federal authorities, Land Commissioner George P. Bush’s plan still steers aid disproportionately to whiter, inland counties at less risk of natural disasters.
houstonpublicmedia.orgArea Baseball Roundup: Four Upper Valley teams advance to regional quarterfinals
Rowe stormed back to win Game 2 10-5 and the decisive Game 3 6-2 on Saturday at Falfurrias High School. Three Rowe pitchers — Jorge Melendez, Ramiro Campos and Ivan Salinas — combined to allow six hits and two earned runs while walking five. Edinburg Vela will now meet District 31-6A rival La Joya High (20-10, 11-5) in the Region IV-6A quarterfinals. ONE-GAME PLAYOFF: LA JOYA HIGH 5, SAN ANTONIO STEVENS 2, LA JOYA HIGH WINS SERIES 1-0Trailing 2-1 during the bottom of the seventh, the Coyotes (20-10, 11-5) loaded the bases and senior Hugo Cantu cleared them with a walkoff grand slam to lift La Joya High over San Antonio Stevens. La Joya High will meet District 31-6A rival Edinburg Vela (24-8, 13-3) in the Region IV-6A quarterfinals.
myrgv.comERCOT asks Texans to conserve power this weekend after generation facilities go offline
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas is asking Texans to conserve energy this weekend after six power generation facilities tripped offline Friday.[San Marcos, TX] [Hays County news] News San Marcos News, San Marcos Record [Texas State]
sanmarcosrecord.comERCOT Asking Texans to Conserve Power After 6 Facilities Go Offline
Spring, Texas – ERCOT issued a statement Friday asking Texans to conserve power after six power generation facilities were tripped offline. This resulted in a loss of about 2,900 MW of electricity. ERCOT said in a statement… “With unseasonably hot weather driving record demand across Texas, ERCOT continues to work closely with the power industry to make sure Texans have the power they need. This afternoon, six power generation facilities tripped offline resulting in the loss of approximately 2,900 MW of electricity. We’re asking Texans to conserve power when they can by setting their thermostats to 78-degrees or above and avoiding the usage of large appliances (such as dishwashers, washers and dryers) during peak hours between 3pm and 8pm through the weekend.”Visit www.ercot.com to learn more about Texas’ power supply.
springhappenings.comERCOT asks Texans to conserve power after 6 power generation facilities go offline
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas is asking Texans to conserve energy this weekend after six power generation facilities tripped offline.[San Marcos, TX] [Hays County news] Breaking News, News, News - Mobile, News Alert San Marcos News, San Marcos Record [Texas State]
sanmarcosrecord.comTexas congressional Democrats ask Biden administration to review Operation Lone Star funding – Houston Public Media
The request comes after Gov. Greg Abbott announced last month that Texas would divert about $500 million from state agencies to fund the controversial border mission.
houstonpublicmedia.orgTexas doesn’t have enough funding for community-based services for the intellectually disabled – Houston Public Media
Hundreds of thousands of Texans who are intellectually and developmentally disabled have applied for home and community-based therapies under the Medicaid Waivers program.
houstonpublicmedia.orgAt least 50,000 Texans receive abortions in the state each year. Here’s a look behind the numbers.
Most Texans who get abortions in the state are in their 20s and 30s, and the vast majority of abortions are performed 10 weeks into pregnancy or earlier. Black Texans consistently have the highest rates of abortion.
Demand for emergency contraception surges after a leaked draft of Supreme Court opinion on abortion – Houston Public Media
Since Monday’s leak of a draft order from the Supreme Court’s reported decision to overturn Roe v Wade, an Austin-based reproductive care and education agency reported more than 700 requests for emergency contraception kits.
houstonpublicmedia.orgTexas Democrats hope threat to Roe v. Wade will energize their voters ahead of the midterm election
Democrats are hopeful that the looming threat of such a stunning political sea change could provide the strongest opportunity yet to energize their voters heading into an election year in which Republicans have been expected to dominate in Texas and beyond.
Letters: Beach closures draw complaint
Instead, Mr. Treviño referred to Title 42 as a Band-Aid approach to the massive influx of illegal immigration. Although LBJ was president at the time, House Democrats voted 152-96 (61%-39%) for the act, while Republicans voted 138-34 (80%-20%). After a 54-day filibuster by Senate Democrats and change were made, it passed the Senate with a 73-27 vote. About 82% of Republicans in the Senate voted for the bill, as did 69% of Democrats. The amended Senate bill was sent back to the House and passed with 76% support from Republicans and 60% support from Democrats.
myrgv.comGov. Greg Abbott redirects $500 million from other agencies to fund border security mission through end of fiscal year
Abbott said the money would be taken from the budgets of other Texas agencies, including nearly $210 million from the state’s Health and Human Services Commission over two years and about $160 million from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Ramp connecting 59 with 610 set to close for two years, and a farewell to Andrés Orozco-Estrada (April 29, 2022) – Houston Public Media
On Friday's show: A major highway closure begins this weekend, we find out who the Texans selected in the NFL Draft, we learn what "agrihoods" are, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week, and Andrés Orozco-Estrada talks about his tenure with the Houston Symphony ahead of his final concert.
houstonpublicmedia.orgEnergy Dept OKs expanded LNG exports from Texas, Louisiana
The Energy Department on Wednesday authorized additional exports of liquefied natural gas, or LNG, from planned terminals in Texas and Louisiana. The orders allow Golden Pass LNG Terminal near Port Arthur, Texas, and Magnolia LNG Terminal in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to export additional natural gas as LNG to any country not prohibited by U.S. law or policy. The $10 billion Golden Pass LNG export project is expected be operational in 2024, with Magnolia coming online by 2026.
news.yahoo.comTexans pay more for food, and they’re not alone
Food, like just about everything right now, is expensive and increasingly so. And it’s not just a matter of paying a little more for cold brew or a gallon of milk.[San Marcos, TX] [Hays County news] News San Marcos News, San Marcos Record [Texas State]
sanmarcosrecord.comSouth Texas sees increase in distracted driving crashes, deaths
Traffic crashes due to distracted driving increased by 16% from 2020 to 2021 in TxDOT’s Pharr district. 2021 saw 2,450 crashes involving distracted driving, 20 deaths and 68 serious injuries. In the state of Texas alone there were a total of 93,497 crashes related to distracted driving which resulted in a total of 431 deaths and 2,932 serious injuries. The data shows a 16% increase in statewide crashes involving distracted driving and a 17% increase in fatalities. Eyes off the road, hands off the wheel and mind off driving are some of the top contributors to distracted driving.
myrgv.comOfficials enacting policies that hurt many Texans
I am also a gay man — and I am proud of who I am — to the core of my soul. I have sat here, bewildered, for the last few months as to the actions of our state’s elected leaders. I believe that many Texans have pointed questions for our elected leaders around their continued assault on LGBTQ+ Texans. Why are you spending precious time and resources issuing directives and proceeding with agendas that do not improve the lives of Texans? Focus on improving, rather than marginalizing, Texans’ lives.
myrgv.comTexas travelers greet end of masking requirements with a mix of optimism and apprehension – Houston Public Media
A day after a federal judge ruled face coverings can’t be required on airplanes and other public transportation, some Texans cheered the decision. But others said they’re still on the fence as COVID lingers.
houstonpublicmedia.orgFormer state Sen. Wendy Davis challenges Texas abortion law in court – Houston Public Media
Davis is best known for her 13-hour filibuster against another restrictive abortion law in 2013. Now, she’s suing to block enforcement of Texas’ current ban on abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy.
houstonpublicmedia.orgTexas rivers urged to pay attention amid 17% increase in traffic deaths involving distracted drivers
In the new day and age of social media and other distractions, a lot of drivers are being distracted with their mobile devices instead of focusing on the road. With the new distractions, TxDOT reports that distracted driving deaths have increased 17% in 2021 compared to 2020.
More than 12% of mail-in ballots were rejected in Texas under new GOP voting rules, final tally shows
Figures released by the Texas secretary of state show that more than 24,000 Texas voters had their ballots rejected in the March primary. The rejection rate is a significant increase over previous elections.
Analysis: In Texas elections in 2022, economic concerns loom
A new Texas Lyceum poll finds the state’s voters in a sour mood — particularly around economic issues. That’s useful information for candidates during this election year, and for the officeholders who’ll be trying to put things in order after the elections.
Texas is quietly using redistricting lawsuits to launch a broader war against federal voting rights law
As Texas defends against accusations that its new political maps are discriminatory, it’s laying the groundwork to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to throw out longstanding Voting Rights Act protections.
Analysis: Texas government’s favorite local tax
State lawmakers will tell you they hate property taxes as much as anyone. But the state itself doesn’t levy the tax — local governments do. And lowering it in a meaningful way would require state officials to raise taxes or cut programs. For them, talking about it is easier than doing something.
The social media accounts we’re following for accurate, up-to-date info on the potential severe weather
Houston faces a threat of severe weather as a slow-moving cold front advances toward central and east Texas Monday. The front will bring storms as well as the risk of heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms, hail and tornadoes.
🔒 INSTANT REACTION: KPRC 2 Sports weighs in on Deshaun Watson heading to the Cleveland Browns
There's a lot to absorb with the news that Deshaun Watson will be headed to the Cleveland Browns. KPRC 2's sports duo of Randy McIlvoy and Ari Alexander weigh in on numerous points surrounding the pending trade.
Analysis: A power test for Texas voters
After last winter’s near-statewide electric blackouts, Texas lawmakers went after regulators they deemed responsible but tiptoed around the Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates oil and gas. Now voters have a chance, if they want it, to send the state a message.
Trump appointees are helping Texas derail Biden’s immigration agenda
Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office has sued the Biden administration 20 times in Texas federal courts over everything from mask mandates to immigration policies. Trump-appointed judges have ruled in seven of them, all in favor of Texas.