As of this writing, much of Texas is hunkering down for 2022's first real winter storm. But it's much more than just that: it is the first real test of the state's power grid since last February's big freeze and subsequent statewide blackouts, leading to hundreds of deaths and misery for many. While some complain about the politicization of everything these days, there's a distinct and very real political dynamic to this week's weather event, as demonstrated by a notable shift in Gov. Greg Abbott's reassurances about the ability of the state's power infrastructure to weather this crisis. Last year, as many Texans expressed outrage over repeated failures by officials to respond to longstanding warnings about the vulnerability of the grid, the governor pledged action. As Mose Buchele of our home station KUT Austin reported , last fall, Gov. Abbott promised Texans fearful that changes weren't being taken seriously enough that, in the future, "the lights will stay on." On Tuesday, the governor seemed to alter that pledge, telling reporters "no one can guarantee that there won’t be a load shed event" (a load shed is tech-speak for a planned blackout). What's changed? The political calendar, for one thing – and messaging from his best-known Democratic rival in this year's race for governor, Beto O'Rourke. The former El Paso congressman has launched a statewide "Keeping the Lights On" tour, skewering the governor's handling of the grid and last February's disaster. In her report for NPR's All Things Considered, the Standard's own Kristen Cabrera did an excellent job explaining to the rest of the nation the multi-layer significance of this week's winter storm. To be clear, a statewide blackout or a storm of the intensity and duration of last February is highly unlikely. But that doesn't mean there won't be serious impacts to Texans. In this week's newsletter, you can check out our coverage of how to take advantage of the hours before the big freeze to prepare. Make sure you've got batteries in that radio and that the phone is all charged up as we – and your local public radio station – will be staying on top of this developing story. Until next Wednesday, we'll see you on the radio.

- David Brown

What to expect and how to prep for coming winter weather

The National Weather Service doesn’t expect it to be as severe as last year’s February freeze, but it could definitely test the power grid. We include tips on how to prepare.

North Texas primary races to watch, plus Beto O’Rourke launches his ‘Keeping the Lights On’ campaign

The Democratic gubernatorial candidate takes a jab at Greg Abbott for last winter’s power grid failures. Early voting starts in two weeks.

Ted Cruz’s presidential ambitions are at the mercy of Donald Trump – again

The Texas senator wants to run, but would much rather do it without Trump in the race.

The price of wood is vexing Texas pitmasters

With the number of barbecue joints on the rise, it’s tough to find affordable wood.

Gov. Abbott promised last fall that 'the lights will stay on.' Now he says there's no guarantee. (KUT Austin)
Report: No Texas public libraries were compliant with federal, state voter registration laws in 2020 (Texas Newsroom)
Kids of color are disproportionately punished in the Harris County juvenile justice system, a study shows (Houston Public Media)
The COVID fight may lead to an HIV vaccine in San Antonio (Texas Public Radio)

Hey y’all! I’m Pablo Arauz Peña. I’m the breaking news reporter for KERA News in Dallas. I started the job in November but before that, I was no stranger to public media in Texas. I was born and raised in Dallas and got my start in radio journalism as a KERA news intern in 2014 when I covered a variety of topics from the DFW music scene and protests, to renewable energy and Bitcoin. Later I worked as a KERA freelancer where my stories about the circus and space weather made it to the Texas Standard. Since then, my journalism has taken me to Hollywood and Alaska – and back (which is a long and winding story that I can’t fit into one paragraph!) That said, after a three-year trek out of state I made my way back to KERA and the Texas Standard, where I’ve worked on stories of statewide interest, such as the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on schools, airlines and blood banks. I’ve also contributed to national stories about the recent Colleyville hostage crisis and the Stewart Rhodes hearings. Now just a few months after returning to Texas, I feel right at home delivering the highest quality journalism for my home state.

- Pablo Arauz Peña
@pabloaarauz

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