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Winter storms

Texas' ag industry faces hundreds of millions in losses after deep freeze

by Andy Uhler
Feb 26, 2021
And those hits ripple through to grocery stores, where there are still some limits on buying things like milk and eggs.
Dairy farmers had to dump 14 million gallons of milk because they couldn’t get it to processing plants. A lot of poultry farmers lost power for days and couldn’t get more fuel for their generators.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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Texas governor pledges to "mandate and fund" winterization of power grid

by Andy Uhler
Feb 25, 2021
While the mandate deals with the power problem, gas and water are not addressed.
The state needs to be prepared to prevent extreme cold from paralyzing the electric power system.
Matthew Busch/AFP via Getty Images
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In Texas, first it was no electricity, then no water, now burst pipes

by Andy Uhler
Feb 19, 2021
By the middle of the week, the Austin Fire Department had already responded to some 700 burst pipe complaints.
People all over the state are calling around for plumbers. They’re also calling their insurance companies to figure out what damage is covered.
Ron Jenkins/Getty Images
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Running an online business ... when the power goes out

by Kai Ryssdal and Andie Corban
Feb 18, 2021
Jess Evans, who runs an Austin trivia company, is "so cold and so worried about the business." A strong internet connection is her priority.
A polar vortex storm has brought historic cold weather and power outages to Texas. Above, a State Highway 195 sign in Killeen.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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Deep freeze has Texas ranchers concerned about food, water for cattle

by Andy Uhler
Feb 18, 2021
The state is limiting natural gas to human resource use, like heating homes.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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Fast-Track Vaccines

Winter storms interrupt COVID vaccine distribution

by Andy Uhler
Feb 17, 2021
In Austin, as well as at distribution hubs in San Antonio and Dallas, vaccine operations have been paused again Wednesday.
Multiple 18-wheelers wait in traffic on I-35 southbound on Feb. 15, 2021, in Austin, Texas.
Montinique Monroe/Getty Images
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Texas blackouts during deep freeze highlight grid challenges

by Scott Tong
Feb 16, 2021
When it comes to electric power grids, supply and demand need to be in balance.
In Texas, the freezing weather raised costs for electricity ratepayers but caused many customers to lose power.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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"We could see our breath indoors": How some Texans are coping

by Samantha Fields
Feb 16, 2021
The power's been on and off for almost two days for millions in the Lone Star State.
Texans are navigating loss of Wi-Fi, freezing homes and bursting pipes in the wake of the winter storm. Above, a couple walks through a snow-covered park in Houston.
Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images
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Cold snaps mean way more demand for natural gas

by Jed Kim
Jan 3, 2018
There’s plenty of natural gas available to heat and power homes through the cold spell that’s gripping much of the U.S. The problem is getting it where it’s needed, and hiccups in that process can mean price spikes. Click the audio player above to hear the full story. 
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