Winter Storm

Texas officials say at least 12 people have died over the course of the winter storm that brought freezing temperatures and icy conditions across the state this week. As The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports, around half of the victims were children. Monday is the deadline to register to vote in the March 3 primary election. Our Michelle Waida reports you can find registration information, including status and applications, at votelubbock.gov. Applications can be delivered to the Lubbock County Elections Office at 1308 Crickets Avenue.

A powerful winter storm walloped a huge swath of the U.S., killing at least 25 people. Electricity is out for hundreds of thousands, and freezing rain and snow have coated streets.

Freezing temperatures and hazardous road conditions here in Lubbock have continued after the weekend, prompting area school districts, colleges, and universities to cancel today's classes. Much of the country is still dealing with dangerous winter weather, putting power grids under strain from coast to coast. The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports that ERCOT says the state energy grid is performing better now than in 2021's winter storm. Another severe weather event in Texas this past summer could have traumatic effects for thousands of adults and children for months or even years. Texas Public Radio's Norma Martinez has more on mental health response following the July 4th floods in Kerr County.

The Texas Supreme Court says plaintiffs who sued utility companies over blackouts during the deadly 2021 winter freeze can move forward with their lawsuits. But KERA's Toluwani Osibamowo reports they'll have a much narrower legal path to do so. The Texas Legislature is going into a special session, focused on regulating the sale of hemp-derived THC products. Texas Public Radio's Jerry Clayton reports on the possible impact.

From KACU: February’s record-breaking winter storm knocked out power to millions of Texas residents, and hit other utilities hard. Officials in Abilene…

From Texas Public Radio: With two months left in the legislative session, Texas state policymakers are split on two key issues related to the deadly power…

Failure of Power is a production of Texas Public Radio and The Texas Newsroom, a collaboration between public radio stations across the state and NPR.Tune…

Austin’s plants feel a bit like we do after the winter storm. Broken, battered and hoping to recover. Once tall opuntia cactus in the area are now reduced…