Texas Standard for May 20, 2022: ERCOT and experts cross wires over Texas grid reliability

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas has said power will stay on this summer amid soaring temperatures and high demand. But a new report from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation puts Texas in an “elevated risk” category. Also: After a two-year reprieve due to the pandemic, education officials announce the return of STAAR tests for ranking schools; we’ll look at the implications. Plus: the latest on the baby formula shortage in Texas.

These stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

By Texas StandardMay 20, 2022 9:32 am,

Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, May 20, 2022:

After a pandemic pause, the STAAR test returns

The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness – better known as the STAAR test – have been optional or on hold for the past two years. This year, they’re back – and they count, with STAAR scores to be factored into how each public school and district is rated on a scale from A to F. And while low-rated schools will face no sanctions this year, it’s a definite return to high-stakes testing. For some perspective we’re talking to two Texas superintendents: Michael Cardona of San Marcos Consolidated ISD and Angélica Ramsey of Midland ISD.

Restraining order allows parents of trans children to book appointments in Dallas. But will it last?

For the families of children seeking gender-affirming care, living in Texas has become an emotional rollercoaster. Parents are rushing under a two-week window to get an appointment at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas after a judge ordered the center to temporarily stop refusing new patients. But parents and trans advocates are skeptical the order will stay in place – and are afraid of the consequences if it’s lifted. Kailey Broussard of KERA spoke with people trying to make sense of the legal ups and downs.

How Washington is responding to the baby formula shortage

As parents and caregivers scramble to find baby formula, Washington, D.C. is responding. The Biden administration announced measures to help ease the shortage. Meanwhile, at a congressional hearing Thursday, the FDA commissioner faced questions from lawmakers about how the situation deteriorated so severely. Helena Bottemiller Evich, who covers food and agriculture for Politico, joins us with more.

ERCOT and experts cross wires over Texas grid reliability

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has said power will stay on this summer amid soaring temperatures and high demand. But a new report from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation puts Texas in an “elevated risk” category. How did these wires get so crossed? Daniel Cohan, civil and environmental engineering professor at Rice University, joins with more.

The trippy art installation coming to Texas

Have you heard of Meow Wolf? Better yet, how would you describe it? It’s not an easy answer – the psychedelic, experiential art installation is one of those experiences that you’ve got to see for yourself. And for many Texans, that’s going to be much easier to do real soon. With locations in New Mexico, Denver and Nevada, Meow Wolf recently announced that the company plans to open two exhibitions in Texas: one in Houston, and another in the Fort Worth suburb of Grapevine. Joining us now to tell us more is Meow Wolf CEO Jose Tolosa.

Typewriter Rodeo

The gang delivers another poem inspired by events both current and timeless. Submit your own suggestions here!

The week in Texas politics

Texas Tribune political reporter James Barragán stops by with a recap of the week that was. Stories include the high cost of Republican runoffs, some fundraising news regarding Railroad Commission hopeful Sarah Stogner, and a state bar complaint against Sen. Ted Cruz.

All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.

If you found the reporting above valuable, please consider making a donation to support it here. Your gift helps pay for everything you find on texasstandard.org and KUT.org. Thanks for donating today.