In this bonus episode, you’ll hear a panel of experts we brought together to mark two years since the 2021 blackout, where we discuss the future of the Texas grid in the face of climate change and the increasingly extreme weather linked to it. The post The Texas Grid Under Pressure appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.…

Nearly two years after the big blackout in Texas, how big of an issue is the power grid in the 2022 race for governor? We talk with Julian Aguilar, a reporter for the Texas Newsroom. The Disconnect Season 2 is a project of The Texas Newsroom, the collaboration among NPR and the public radio stations in the state. It received support from FRONTLINE’…

We’ve already learned how Texas (or at least most of it) is an energy island — mostly cut off from grids in other states. In this episode, we’ll hear about the time when one power company went rogue and threw a transmission line across the Oklahoma border. This is the story of why they tried and how they failed to build a bridge off the island — an…

We’ve talked about the supply-side fixes — but what about the demand side? The Disconnect Season 2 is a project of The Texas Newsroom, the collaboration among NPR and the public radio stations in the state. It received support from FRONTLINE’s Local Journalism Initiative, which is funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the Corpora…

A year and a half after the blackout, lots of Texans are still wondering if they can rely on the power grid. After conservation alerts and one pretty close call this summer, it can seem like the grid is still on a knife’s edge. We look at what’s changed, what hasn’t and how that lack of trust is playing out in one Texan’s life. The Disconnect Seaso…

Texans have seen their electric bills rise dramatically since the blackouts last year. We’ll break down all the links in the electric supply chain that each need to get paid — and explain how we’ll still be paying the costs of the blackout for decades to come. The Disconnect Season 2 is a project of The Texas Newsroom, the collaboration among NPR a…

In the time since the blackout, state officials, ERCOT and power generators have tried to convince Texans that they’ve got things under control. But a lot of people aren’t convinced. And with good reason. In this episode, we’ll explore how the trauma of the blackout is still with us — and how we still haven’t dealt with the true toll of the disaste…

Texas lawmakers passed a law earlier this year requiring power plants to winterize — but what does that really mean? And what about winterizing other things that are needed to make sure the lights don’t go out in a storm again? The post Bonus: The Winterizing appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.…

So what did state leaders do to make sure something like the February blackout never happens again? And what role did deregulation play in the failure of the Texas power grid? Find a full transcript of this episode here. The post The Fallout appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.بقلم KUT & KUTX Studios, Mose Buchele

A huge catastrophe. Dozens dead. A city without power or water. It’s like a miniature version of the February blackouts. Except this happened more than 100 years ago in Texas — and leaders faced some of the same questions then as they do now. The post Bonus: The Great Dam Disaster appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.…

In this mini-episode, we tell what happens next if the Texas power grid were to suffer a catastrophic failure. It almost did in February — and if it had happened, there might have been an even bigger problem. Find a full transcript of this episode here. The post Bonus: The Black Start appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.…

The story of how the worst blackout in Texas history unfolded — and left millions of people cold, hungry and with no faith in their state’s power grid. A warning: Some of what you’ll hear in this episode may be disturbing, especially if you lived through this disaster. Find a full transcript of this episode here. The post The Blackout appeared firs…

How did we get the power grid we have today? Andrew Weber has the story — and it involves football, subterfuge and a whole lot of lobbyists. You can find a full transcript of this episode here. The post The Electricity Game appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.بقلم KUT & KUTX Studios, Mose Buchele

It was only when the lights went out in Texas that many of us realized — electrically — we are all alone. Claire McInerny brings us that story. Plus, Jimmy Maas tells us how the electricity market in Texas used to work up until about 20 years ago. Find a full transcript of this episode here. The post The Energy Island appeared first on KUT & KUTX S…

Join us as we explore the reasons and decisions that ultimately left millions of Texans in the dark during the crippling winter storm of February 2021. KUT’s Mose Buchele reports on what happened, how we got the electric grid we have today and what could be done to fix it in this limited series podcast. The post Trailer: The Disconnect: Power, Poli…

The 87th Texas legislature has yee'd its last haw, so we decided it was time for a slumber party game now that we can all actually sleep again. We invited Diana Gómez of Progress Texas and Mike Kanin of the Texas Observer to put on their jammies and join us for a (very chaste) game of Spin the Bottle. We determine which bills we'd like to make out …

Tuesday was opening day of the 87th Texas Legislature (also known as "nerd prom," according to state Capitol insiders). We revisit a conversation from our third episode ever (!) about the bills and the bees (aka how laws are made here in Texas) with friend and shero Stephanie Chiarello, founder of the Over the Lege comedy series. We also reflect on…

We're kickin' it old-school style to close out 2020... political f*ck, marry, kill is back! And so is Kristen! We talk about the things we loved and hated in 2020 and drop some hints about what we're gonna get up to in 2021. RA News (formerly Reform Austin) is the presenting sponsor of this episode -- go check out their excellent, Texas-specific jo…

The moment we've been waiting FOUR FRICKING YEARS FOR is HERE!!! It's Election Day 2020! We're all a little anxious, so we wanted to offer up some calming ASMR at the end of today's episode. You're welcome... ? TODAY'S ACTION: We know voter suppression is real, plus there are a lot of first-time voters and first-time poll workers out there, so even…

Election Day is tomorrow! What the... how the... ??? We are having so many feelings. This episode is sponsored by Reform Austin - a local, non-partisan newsroom keeping us up to date on the latest in the Lone Star State: https://www.reformaustin.org/ TODAY'S ACTION: Okay, y'all. After 44 episodes of the Daily Democracy Challenge, we decided to make…

Last two days to turn out the vote!!! AGHHHHH! We can do it! TODAY'S ACTION: Sign up by 5pm today (Sunday) if you want to be a poll monitor on Election Day! You just watch a polling location and report to the pros at the Texas Civil Rights Project if you see any funny business: https://www.mobilize.us/tvp/event/338947 Follow up with your friends wh…

In our "In the House" series, we explore Texas-specific tidbits about a timely topic + how we can have a flipping good time while flipping this state. In our series finale of "In the House," we get a four-fer: we support FOUR amazing women running to flip seats in the Texas House. This episode was recorded 10/21. Reform Austin is the presenting spo…

Happy Halloween! Only 3 more days until Election Day, whoa! Early voting is DONE. What are your Halloween costumes? Are you wearing a costume while you drop election info all over town?? We wanna see! Tag us @therabbletx TODAY'S ACTION: The Texas Democrats are doing a Halloween Spooktacular phone bank with FOUR different time options today. Make su…

Only 4 more days until Election Day and one more day until Halloween! What are your politically themed Halloween costumes? We wanna see 'em! Tag us @therabbletx TODAY'S ACTION: We've started to get nervous about losing some of the 12 seats Democrats picked up in the Texas House in 2018, so today we're finding ways to support them. Becky is kicking …

Only 5 more days until Election Day! Because we really, really want to make every day count, we're talking about the tactics that have been most successful for us and how we plan to spend our time these next few days. TODAY'S ACTION: Call your neighbors, call your friends! Becky shares her new strategy for getting the people she calls to actually l…

Only 6 more days until Election Day! AGH! Early voting ends Friday, please encourage everyone you know to vote early. Today we are talkin' about our two favorite things: democracy and snacks. TODAY'S ACTION: Have you ever heard of being a "poll concierge"? Becky hadn't, even though she'd done it before! It's a fancy phrase for "give the people in l…

Only 7 more days until Election Day! ONE WEEK! AGH! Early voting ends Friday, please encourage everyone you know to vote early. TODAY'S ACTION: So, we've been taking other people's election literature around, but we realized... wait... we made our own guide! And it's actually really good and more thorough than anyone else's, ha! So if you want to d…

Only 8 more days until Election Day, and early voting is going on now through October 30! Today we ponder... how best to support constituencies we don't belong to? TODAY'S ACTION: Ashley hooks us up with the chance to meet a celeb tonight at 6pm CT on the Texas AAPI Virtual Phone Bank with Actor Harry Shum, Jr. (Glee! Crazy Rich Asians!). Sign up h…

Only 9 more days until Election Day, and early voting is going on now through October 30! Lit dropping is lit, y'all. TODAY'S ACTION: Grab a friend or two, and hit the streets taking campaign materials door to door. It's fun and non-intimidating for first-time volunteers. Find opportunities across Texas here: https://www.texasdemocrats.org/events/#…

Only 10 more days until Election Day, and early voting is going on now through October 30! Today we're focusing on women gettin' it done. Like astronaut Kate Rubins, who cast her Texas ballot from outer space, whaaaa?! TODAY'S ACTION: Today we're supporting the work of Sisters United Alliance, an organization working to turn out women in Texas who …

Only 11 more days until Election Day, and early voting is going on now through October 30! We gotta make these last days count. TODAY'S ACTION: Okay, we are nervous about what these early voting numbers are saying about who is driving the huge turnout in Texas... we aren't getting young folks and new voters out at high enough rates if we really wan…

Only 12 more days until Election Day, and early voting is going on now through October 30! Know anyone who hasn't voted yet and might some additional info? Send 'em our voter guide: https://www.rousertx.com/2020-ballot-shortcut TODAY'S ACTION: This is an easy and satisfying one! Sign up to learn how to textbank to Texans so everyone can get all the…

Only 13 more days until Election Day, and early voting is going on now through October 30! But guess what... we get to see you tonight! TODAY'S ACTION: Come to our series finale of "In the House" TONIGHT at 6:30pm CT, in partnership with Swing Left! It's gonna be a big ol' Texas House Party with comedy, music, art, and a bunch of sheroes, including…

Only 14 more days until Election Day, and early voting is going on now through October 30! Who else is feeling sweaty??? TODAY'S ACTION: Ooookay, Election Day is officially 2 weeks from today. If you have friends who haven't volunteered yet, now is the time to bring them into the fold! OUR dear friend Cari Marshall (the mastermind behind Flip the T…

Only 15 more days until Election Day, and early voting is going on now through October 30! Just over 2 weeks to impact this election. TODAY'S ACTION: Texas is experiencing record voter turnout during early voting, but we're a little concerned that our most progressive counties are not at the very top of the list when it comes to percentage turnout …

Only 16 more days until Election Day, and early voting is going on now through October 30! TODAY'S ACTION: We're making today easy like Sunday morning... just text App to 30330 to take action on the Vote Joe app. You'll help the Biden campaign gather valuable data on voters you know, and you can do it any time from anywhere. Easy, peasy, democracee…

Only 17 more days until Election Day, and early voting is going on now through October 30! Are you marching today?? There are Women's Marches across the state! TODAY'S ACTION: TODAY is the Women's March to resist a new supreme court justice before we elect a new president. Find your local march here: https://map.womensmarch.com/?eventType=oct-17-ma…

It's Day 28 of The Rabble podcast's Daily Democracy Challenge, where we count down 46 days of impactful-yet-achievable action items to flip Texas and elect our 46th president. Only 18 more days until Election Day, and early voting is going on now through October 30! Today, we are hopping on the phone with some bros. But, like, the good kind of bros…

It's Day 27 of The Rabble podcast's Daily Democracy Challenge, where we count down 46 days of impactful-yet-achievable action items to flip Texas and elect our 46th president. Only 19 more days until Election Day, and early voting is going on now through October 30! Today, our 4-year-old intern popped by to say hello. TODAY'S ACTION: Are you totes …

It's Day 26 of The Rabble podcast's Daily Democracy Challenge, where we count down 46 days of impactful-yet-achievable action items to flip Texas and elect our 46th president. Only 20 more days until Election Day, and early voting is going on now through October 3! TODAY'S ACTION: One of our very most favorite organizations in Texas, the Texas Free…

It's Day 25 of The Rabble podcast's Daily Democracy Challenge, where we count down 46 days of impactful-yet-achievable action items to flip Texas and elect our 46th president. Only 21 more days until the election and EARLY VOTING STARTS TODAY at 7am! TODAY'S ACTION: Voting is HERE. Make your voting plan, put it on your calendar, and then make it HA…

It's Day 24 of The Rabble podcast's Daily Democracy Challenge, where we count down 46 days of impactful-yet-achievable action items to flip Texas and elect our 46th president. Only 22 more days until the election and 1 more day until early voting! TODAY'S ACTION: It's the MILLION VOTER PHONE BANK!!! Beto's organization, Powered by People, has organ…

We're halfway through! It's Day 23 of The Rabble podcast's Daily Democracy Challenge, where we count down 46 days of impactful-yet-achievable action items to flip Texas and elect our 46th president. Only 23 more days until the election and 2 more days until early voting! TODAY'S ACTION: If you are in the Austin area, please join us for a socially d…

It's Day 22 of The Rabble podcast's Daily Democracy Challenge, where we count down 46 days of impactful-yet-achievable action items to flip Texas and elect our 46th president. Only 24 more days until the election and 3 more days until early voting! TODAY'S ACTION: This isn't directly related to getting anyone elected, but it is directly related to …

It's Day 21 of The Rabble podcast's Daily Democracy Challenge, where we count down 46 days of impactful-yet-achievable action items to flip Texas and elect our 46th president. Only 25 more days until the election and 4 more days until early voting! TODAY'S ACTION: This isn't directly related to getting anyone elected, but it is directly related to …

Hope y'all are feeling pretty fly today! It's Day 20 of The Rabble podcast's Daily Democracy Challenge, where we count down 46 days of impactful-yet-achievable action items to flip Texas and elect our 46th president. Only 26 more days until the election and 5 more days until early voting! TODAY'S ACTION: Today we are multi-tasking for Texas... we'r…

It's Day 19 of The Rabble podcast's Daily Democracy Challenge, where we count down 46 days of impactful-yet-achievable action items to flip Texas and elect our 46th president. Only 27 more days until the election and 6 more days until early voting! TODAY'S ACTION: Make your voting plan! Early voting starts in just 6 days and you DO NOT want to wait…

It's Day 18 of The Rabble podcast's Daily Democracy Challenge, where we count down 46 days of impactful-yet-achievable action items to flip Texas and elect our 46th president. Only 28 more days until the election and 7 more days until early voting! TODAY'S ACTION: Sign up to "Friend Bank" with Reach! Reach is an awesome app that helps you identify …

It's Day 17 of The Rabble podcast's Daily Democracy Challenge, where we count down 46 days of impactful-yet-achievable action items to flip Texas and elect our 46th president. Only 29 more days until the election and 8 more days until early voting! TODAY'S ACTION: LAST DAY to register to vote in Texas! Wherever you are in Texas, you can fill out th…

It's Day 16 of The Rabble podcast's Daily Democracy Challenge, where we count down 46 days of impactful-yet-achievable action items to flip Texas and elect our 46th president. Only 30 more days until the election and 9 more days until early voting! TODAY'S ACTION: Only ONE MORE DAY to register to vote in Texas. Are you sure everyone you know is reg…