When the lights went out this week and Texans lost access to power and clean drinking water, the Texas Division of Emergency Management failed to provide accessible and life-saving updates on outages and inclement weather.
Economy
Get the latest on jobs, business, growth, and policy shaping the state’s economy with in-depth reporting from The Texas Tribune.
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Winter Storm 2021
How to help and get help in Texas as the winter storm causes power outages
Local organizations are providing warming shelters and resources, while nonprofits are asking for donations and volunteers.
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Winter Storm 2021
Busted pipes, water damage, hotel bills: As power flickers on, costs loom for storm-weary Texans
Texans face a cascade of frustrations and expenses as the state tries to recover from the storm. Insurance companies are bracing for claims rivaling those after major hurricanes, and homeowners are trying to find plumbers and electricians.
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Winter Storm 2021
Analysis: A winter storm leaves Texas with a black eye
The Texas government’s failures in the face of a winter storm have been very hard on Texans, and could do lasting damage to the state’s reputation.
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Winter Storm 2021
Texas power outages: Nearly half the state experiencing water disruptions as power grid operator says it’s making progress
We’re tracking the fallout from the massive winter storm in Texas, which has brought widespread power outages and transportation problems.
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Winter Storm 2021
Freezing temperatures are dangerous for homeless people. Shelters are urging Texans to come in off the streets.
Advocates and social workers say there’s enough capacity at warming centers and shelters to ensure no one will be turned away.
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Guides
Texplainer: Why does Texas have its own power grid?
Basically, Texas has its own grid to avoid dealing with — you guessed it — the feds. But grid independence has been violated a few times over the years — not even counting Mexico’s help during blackouts in 2011.
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Texas Legislature 2021
GOP leaders have expressed skepticism about expanding gambling in Texas. But supporters see hope in the long run.
People pushing for the move say they are hopeful they’ll get legislative approval this year. If not, one executive said, it’s “inevitable” in the future.
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Economy
Texas tenants behind on rent will soon be able to seek aid from $1.3 billion assistance program
The statewide program will start on Feb. 15 and will be able to help tenants with past and future rent.
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COVID-19 Recession in Texas
Texas lawmakers have denounced Joe Biden’s energy moves, but experts say they could benefit the state
A global push toward a cleaner climate and safer environment — from the free market and not just the White House — has not kept Texas lawmakers from criticizing the new president.