What we get wrong about the energy grid

Dec 28, 2021
We should focus on changing demand for electric power when planning for the future.
During a period of extreme cold in February, people took shelter at a store in Houston that was transformed into a warming station. The drop in temperature caused a widespread and prolonged power outage.
Photo by Go Nakamura/Getty Images

In rural West Texas, the demand for well water is growing

Dec 14, 2021
People have been moving to far West Texas during the pandemic, but officials are concerned there isn't enough water to go around.
Lee Killingsworth and another driller operate the rig and look out onto the property.
Zoe Kurland

What kind of problems can abandoned oil wells leave behind?

Nov 9, 2021
One Texas rancher still trying to find out whether a leak from a decommissioned oil well is a sign of other problems on her land.
Ashley Watt stands on her family cattle ranch in Crane County, Texas.
Mitch Borden/Marfa Public Radio

BBQ used to be poor folks' food. Now, some of it is $36 per pound.

Oct 14, 2021
Pitmasters have become social media and television stars. A few have won James Beard Awards.
Tootsie Tomanetz, the 86-year-old pitmaster at Snow's BBQ, tends to sausages on a Saturday morning in Lexington, Texas. Tomanetz has been cooking barbecue since 1966 and says she never could have imagined the popularity she's witnessing today.
Filipa Rodrigues for Marketplace

Could new Texas anti-abortion law hamper high tech recruitment?

Sep 22, 2021
One Austin high tech entrepreneur said he's already hearing from potential workers who have questions about whether the state is a good cultural fit.
Abortion rights activists rally at the Texas State Capitol on Sep. 11, in Austin, Texas.
Jordan Vonderhaar via Getty Images

Texas' efforts to fix electrical grid may not be enough to prevent future blackouts

Sep 13, 2021
The state's decision nearly a century ago to go it alone when it comes to electricity still has ramifications today.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Renewable energy startup aims to help Texans lower electric bills

Aug 24, 2021
Households with less disposable income often pay higher rates. Energy Well Texas is addressing that as well as emergency preparedness.
Antonio Martinez shows how the solar-powered backup battery works. Energy Well Texas wants to help residents save money on electric power and stay safe during emergencies.
Lucio Vasquez/Houston Public Media

For public good, not for profit.

Texas may soon require landlords to inform renters about flood risk

May 28, 2021
The state requires disclosure of flood risk information to buyers, but not to people who rent their homes. For now.
In the Houston area, nearly half a million renters live in a floodplain. New protections could mean a significant shift for them.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Farmers in Texas still reeling from the February freeze

May 10, 2021
For some, insurance money is coming in, but according to one farmer, "it never makes you whole."
“Technically I've lost two crops," says Dale Murden, above in one of his citrus groves. "The one that was being harvested for the 2021 season, and now zero crop for the 2021/2022 season."
Andy Uhler/Marketplace

Restaurants in Texas are finding it hard to attract staff

May 7, 2021
Restaurants across the state are in fierce competition for workers — most of whom, post-COVID-19, want safer and better-paying jobs.
“About 91% of restaurants report openings they can't fill,” said Emily Williams Knight with the Texas Restaurant Association.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images