Texas Standard for November 22, 2021

After earnest promises to fix the grid after last winter’s statewide blackouts, is Texas better prepared for the next winter storm? A new report offers answers – we’ll explore. And: Dallas and Houston among the top destinations in the United States for holiday travelers who are hitting the road this week, despite a spike in gasoline prices. But there may be some good news on the horizon – we’ll have the latest. Also: If you’re planning on taking the plane, how concerned are you about air rage? We’ll meet a scholar who says buckle up; there may be more turbulence in the passenger section. Plus: A Thanksgiving feast stuffed into a single bag of candy corn? All that and more today on the Texas Standard:

By Texas StandardNovember 22, 2021 9:34 am,

Extreme winter weather still threatens grid

Texas’ electric grid remains threatened by extreme winter weather. A new report by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) says the grid could work normally during normal winter conditions. But if the state experiences a winter storm similar to earlier this year, blackouts across the state could occur. Mose Buchele, energy and environment reporter for KUT Austin and host of “The Disconnect” podcast, joins with a recap.

Air rage

In-flight “air rage”incidents have been increasing. So far this year, the Federal Aviation Administration has initiated investigations for 991 unruly passenger incidents, compared to 146 in 2019, right before the pandemic. What’s going on, and what can be done about it?  University of Akron professor Andrew Thomas tracks incidents of aggression in aviation and is author of the book “Air Rage: Crisis in the Skies.” He joins us today.

Allen Brooks ceremony

Advocates, civic and religious leaders gathered in downtown Dallas on Saturday to unveil a historical marker dedicated to Allen Brooks. As KERA’s Pablo Arauz Peña reports, it was a moment of celebration – but also mourning – for a victim of lynching in the early 20th century.

Oil prices fall ahead of Thanksgiving

Ahead of the holidays we’re looking at some things in the energy world that will have some people – especially consumers – counting their blessings, according to Matt Smith. He’s lead oil analysts for the Americas at Kpler and he joins us today.

Gross candy corn

Dietician Heather Martin makes food her business, so she was intrigued when she came across a bag of Brach’s candy corn flavored after a savory turkey dinner, including the tastes of green beans, stuffing and cranberry sauce, plus desert and a cup of joe. Not only did she survive this harrowing holiday experience, she tweeted through it too: her viral thread has been shared over 10,000 times. She joins us to talk about the highs – but largely lows – of these questionable confections.

Joshua Ray Walker on new album, ‘See You Next Time’

Even though some of Joshua Ray Walker‘s songs would sound right at home on the classic country charts, you wouldn’t mistake him for anyone else. Walker’s sound and his writing are all his own. His newest album is called “See You Next Time,” and it’s his third for Dallas’ State Fair Records. He joins us to talk about his craft and career.

Pastor for abortion rights

When you picture a Christian pastor, you might sooner except to see them protesting outside an abortion clinic rather than praying over its patients and staff. Reverend Amelia Fulbright of the Congregational Church of Austin challenges that stereotype. She’s been an ordained minister for 13 years and has spent the last decade working with Just Texas, an organization that trains clergy members to advocate for progressive issues, including abortion access. We’re speaking with her today.

All this plus the Texas News Roundup, and Social Media Editor Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.

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