News & Updates
New water institute to explore the resource’s impact on society
UTSA has launched the Institute for Water Research, Sustainability and Policy. Led by Saugata Datta, the Weldon W. Hammond Jr. Endowed Distinguished Professor in Hydrogeology, the institute brings together faculty across UTSA to collaborate in the areas of water...
“One thing after another”: Rural Texans faced the same storm — with unique hardships
As humanitarian aid workers in Armenia and South Sudan, Jerry and Meaghan Kenney have huddled around wood stoves to keep warm and bathed with buckets for lack of water. But the couple didn’t expect they’d need such survival skills to get through the winter storm at...
Some Hill Country residents could be without power for weeks
While the power is on in nearby Fredericksburg, homeowners in the rural parts of Gillespie County have been told it could be several weeks before they’re able to turn the lights back on. “This is what’s left of our mailbox,” said Michael Cahill, remarking at the...
Hays Trinity Groundwater – Water-Wise Speaker Series
The Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District has announced its 2021 Water-Wise Speaker Series. Subject matter experts will discuss a variety of water topics important to Hays County residents. Hays County is listed by the US Census Bureau as the second fastest...
Where to volunteer in Austin right now
Due to last week's crisis, thousands of Austinites are still in need of clean water, food, and other essential items. From online phone banking to hands-on work, here's how you can help. Emergency Essentials Distribution Mayor Pro Tem Natasha Harper-Madison and her...
Energy officials: Extreme cold crippled natural gas, wind, coal, and nuclear plants
Every type of power generator suffered problems as a winter storm gripped Texas this week, with state and local power officials saying their industry was caught off guard by an unprecedented deep freeze. “I don’t know of one technology in producing power that has not...
“We are resilient people”: Texans share how they weathered the winter storm
After days without power or running water, many Texans say they're frustrated, but determined to overcome the latest challenge thrown their way. We caught up with several people to hear about what they endured as a historic winter storm with catastrophic consequences...
How to help and get help in Texas as the winter storm causes power outages
Winter Storm 2021 As Texas faced record-low temperatures this February and snow and ice made roads impassable, the state’s electric grid operator lost control of the power supply, leaving millions without access to electricity. As the blackouts extended from hours to...
The importance of dark skies
Lost in the forest until nightfall, a young child faces his fears and learns how nature flourishes in darkness in the latest book from Shearer Publishing, based in Fredericksburg. The children’s book, “Who Loves the Dark? Why Nature Loves and Needs Dark Skies” brought...