HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas just testified before a Texas Senate committee that there’s a 12% chance we will see rolling blackouts in some parts of the state this summer.
Vegas testified that the electricity grid needs to increase 76% in the next six years to properly serve Texans, a much higher estimate than he has previously given.
He blames two industries for more than half of the grid’s added capacity needs: new artificial intelligence data centers and cryptocurrency companies, which use thousands of computers to create digital currency through virtual transactions.
Texas has become a destination for the cryptocurrency business, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is now saying state officials need to look into them, asking if the two industries create enough jobs to justify the amount of energy they use.
“It really is an immediate need. I actually worry more about the transmission delivery,” Rob Gramlich, a former advisor to the U.S. Department of Energy, explained. “There’s already congestion within Texas and an inability to deliver the power sources that already exist to the end user.”
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Frustrated and unable to get answers, a Spring Branch couple contacted Action 13 for help removing a fence from a drainage ditch behind their home.
That fence was knocked into the ditch behind Keith and Sondra Hardy’s home on Soway Street during the May 16 derecho.
With rain in the forecast, the couple worried the debris would cause their property and sanctuary to flood.
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“It’s a playground for all of us,” Sondra Hardy said of the couple’s backyard, which borders the ditch.
The yard is adorned with eclectic finds – colorful street signs and statues. The couple told ABC13 they first started collecting lights to help Sondra Hardy, who has Usher’s Syndrome.
“A syndrome where you lose both your hearing and your vision,” she explained.
Recently, Sondra Hardy, who is legally blind, said she was devastated to learn her 6-year-old granddaughter has the same condition.
“I don’t want anybody to have to go through. So we started really decorating the backyard, really doing things, because I want her to see everything she can,” she explained.
Worried their labor of love could wash away, the couple contacted the county, city, and developer, InTownHomes, asking they remove the fence.
“It seems like they’re just pointing fingers at each other, not taking any responsibility,” said Hardy.
Three hours after ABC13 first contacted InTownHomes, they removed the fence from the ditch.
ABC13 learned that while the property owner is obligated to remove their debris, the Harris County Flood Control District is also responsible. In an email, the Flood Control District told ABC13 they had planned to remove the fence the following day.
SAN JUAN, PR – June 14, 2024 — Power outages have severely disrupted life in Puerto Rico since early June, with the latest incident leaving 350,000 residents without electricity for hours during a sweltering heatwave. The blackout also interrupted water services and endangered the lives of the elderly and those with medical conditions, such as individuals relying on respirators and insulin that requires refrigeration. Luma Energy, the private company responsible for electricity transmission and distribution on the island, attributed the outage to failures in two transmission lines. Although power has been restored, lawmakers are urging the governor to declare a state of emergency in response to the recurring issues.
The persistent power problems have reignited concerns over Puerto Rico’s infrastructure. Since Hurricane Maria devastated the island’s fragile electric grid in 2017, the territory has struggled to provide reliable electricity. The government had hoped that privatizing the power grid would lead to improvements, but that promise remains unfulfilled.
Frustration among Puerto Ricans has mounted, with many taking to social media to call for the removal of private companies like Luma Energy. The outages have not only sparked public outcry but also prompted action; during a previous blackout earlier this month, towns in central and southern regions activated emergency response teams and requested food distribution to cope with the prolonged power loss. The situation underscores the urgent need for a sustainable solution to Puerto Rico’s ongoing energy crisis.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Cooperstown rejected Astros legend Billy Wagner this year, and this season’s Houston team isn’t exactly hall-of-fame worthy so far.
But at least we got Orbit.
The ballclub’s anthropomorphic green alien, known for teasing the opposing dugout while saying nothing, became an inductee to the Mascot Hall of Fame.
According to the hall, a vote of 90,000 fans admitted Orbit – who may or may not have an evil twin named Comet – into the illustrious hall in Whiting, Indiana.
Orbit will enter with San Francisco Giants’ marine mischief-maker Lou Seal, the University of Montana’s Monte the Grizzly Bear, and the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Jaxson de Ville, whose portrayer famously donned nothing but body paint, a Speedo, and the jaguar head.
Orbit becomes one of just eight Major League Baseball mascots in the hall and the second from Houston. The Rockets’ Clutch the Bear was a 2006 inductee.
Orbit’s history
Houston Astros mascot Orbit helps celebrate Billy the Marlin’s birthday before the start of a baseball game on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017, in Miami.AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee
Like many of your favorite movie and television franchises, Orbit is a reboot of the same named alien who existed at the Astrodome from 1990 to 1999.
The team’s move to Minute Maid Park at Union Station in 2000 gave way to the introduction of Junction Jack, a locomotive conductor jackrabbit who existed until 2012.
By the time the team changed ownership, leagues, divisions, colors, and logo, Orbit got another look, reborn on Nov. 2, 2012, according to the Mascot Hall of Fame.
Orbit’s antics, always pulled with a smile, famously included a feud with former MLB pitcher Chris Archer. Orbit once tried to pass off a laxative as an “electrolyte formula” as a peace offering.
Got any memories or wacky photos with Orbit? You can send 13 yours here.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Night fell on Thursday without law enforcement apprehending a person who authorities say escaped a courthouse and tried to carjack a district attorney’s office employee at knifepoint earlier in the day.
At about 9:30 p.m., SkyEye checked in on the search for 35-year-old Nigel Thomas Sanders, who the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said set off an alert in downtown Houston about six hours earlier.
SkyEye focused on the Near Northside, where police were seen speaking with neighbors while light was still out in the evening.
By late evening, the search appeared scaled back without activity. Eyewitness News reached out to law enforcement to clarify where the operation stood.
Start of the search
Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in the search, prompting a lockdown at the nearby University of Houston-Downtown.
Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff’s Office units were situated at Commerce Street near Austin Street.
A spokesperson for the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office told ABC13 that authorities are looking for an escapee still in jail-issued trousers.
The spokesperson said the person attempted the carjacking but failed and jumped into nearby Buffalo Bayou instead.
The Houston Police Department also said the man was wearing a black shirt and orange pants.
Hours after the escape, HCSO gave an update before 7 p.m., identifying the suspect as Sanders, 5 feet 5 inches tall and 165 pounds.
Nigel Thomas Sanders, 35, was identified as the jail inmate who escaped from courthouse custody in downtown Houston on June 13, 2024.
According to Assistant Chief Philip Bosquez, they received word of the escape at 3:30 p.m., prompting the shutdown of the jail complex. An inmate count uncovered Sanders was missing. They believed he escaped from 1301 Franklin, which is the building adjacent to the criminal courthouse.
Bosquez said Sanders, who has a lengthy criminal history, was in court for three burglary counts and an unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. After his hearing, Sanders was on his way to the jail when Bosquez said he “facilitated” the escape, even though HCSO didn’t mention specifics.
Sanders got to the building’s sallyport, where an employee was getting into her vehicle. Bosquez said there, he jumped in and held her at knifepoint. The woman crashed into several cars, and Sanders took off on foot again, last seen on the street.
Bosquez could only say that Sanders got hold of a knife outside of jail.
HCSO believes Sanders is dangerous and a threat to the community, urging people to call 911 if they see him.
Meanwhile, the University of Houston-Downtown earlier issued an alert to students and staff, warning them to “get indoors immediately,” “lock outside doors,” and “avoid windows.” UHD later said there was no longer an emergency, and the situation was cleared.
Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg also confirmed that the employee, held against her will, works in her office.
“We are thankful and grateful that she was not physically harmed during this incident,” Ogg said. “Once he is arrested, we expect to prosecute this defendant and seek justice in this case.”
District H residents may now report nuisance-level issues affecting their quality of life in an independent website in partnership with METRO, Houston Police Department, and Greater Northside Management District.
By Indira Zaldivar & Edward Saenz
To address issues affecting quality of life of District H residents, Houston Councilman Mario Castillo rolled out a community patrol program on Thursday in partnership with the Houston Police Department, Greater Northside Management District, and METRO.
Titled the “District H Patrol Program,” which is modeled after District J councilman Edward Pollard’s patrol program, will focus on maintaining an independent website where District H residents may report quality of life nuisance-level issues in their neighborhoods and also issues related to the METRORail Redline corridor in a timely fashion.
“If you have any issues with illegal dumping, homelessness, panhandling… graffiti, things that are not high priorities but they still impact your safety and your neighborhoods, you can report them to our website,” Castillo told Que Onda Magazine upon conclusion of the press conference.
“We’ll work directly with HPD to get those addressed through my District H patrol program.”
District H will fund the overtime payment to HPD officers to address these District H reported issues. An advisory board made up of community leaders and stakeholders will oversee and enhance the efficiency of the patrol.
Castillo said addressing these quality of life issues voiced by District H residents during his campaign is his priority and the reason for the establishment of the program within his first seven months in office.
“When I was campaigning I block walked all over District H, talking to residents directly…these issues came up in every neighborhood I went to,” Castillo told Que Onda Magazine.
“I made it my priority to address them right away.”
METRO Board Chair Elizabeth Brock said METRO is excited to partner with District H Patrol to ensure riders feel safe and to bring more safety and collaboration to District H.
“We want to make sure that our riders feel safe,” Brock said. “A greater police presence, more efficient use of our patrol is critical to the success and our partnership and working together is very critical.”
Brock said that METRO is currently working on similar initiatives in the Gulfton area along with the Houston Mayor’s Office such as a revitalization project that will be announced soon.
The District H Patrol is “going to be a great way to make District H safer,” Castillo said.
District H residents may fill out a form to report low-level nuisance issues at districthpatrol.com .
The District H Patrol is not a substitute for the city’ service request site 3-1-1. Report emergencies by calling 9-1-1.
Mexican Magnate Carlos Slim Acquires 3.16% Stake in BT, Boosting Confidence in New CEO
LONDON, June 12 (Reuters) — Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim has acquired a 3.16% stake in BT (BT.L), the largest broadband and mobile operator in Britain, according to a stock market filing on Wednesday. This significant investment comes as a vote of confidence for BT’s new chief executive, Allison Kirkby.
Slim, whose family controls the telecommunications giant America Movil (AMXB.MX), made the purchase through his financial company, Inbursa, along with two other group companies. The stake, valued at approximately £408 million ($522 million) based on BT’s closing share price on Wednesday, signals strong backing for Kirkby’s strategic vision for the company.
BT shares surged over 10% last month after Kirkby outlined her ambitious plan to more than double free cash flow within the next five years, reduce costs, and potentially sell off its global enterprise business. This positive market response has now been bolstered by Slim’s investment.
A BT Group spokesperson expressed the company’s appreciation for investors who recognize the long-term value of BT’s business. “We have frequent communication with all of our shareholders and meet with major investors on a regular basis,” the spokesperson said. “We look forward to engaging with Inbursa, just as we do with all investors.”
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — On Wednesday, June 12, Texans are commemorating what would have been former President George H.W. Bush’s 100th birthday.
George Herbert Walker Bush, born June 12, 1924, in Milton, Massachusetts, served as U.S. president from 1989 to 1993.
His son, George W. Bush, was elected president in 2000 and served two terms. Another son, Jeb — a former Florida governor — made an unsuccessful bid for the GOP nomination in 2016. Only one other U.S. president, John Adams, had a son who also became president.
Before serving as president, Bush was a former U.S. Navy pilot and lieutenant during World War II.
During a bombing raid against the Japanese on Chichijima, Bush’s Grumman TBM Avenger aircraft took a fiery hit. With his engine ablaze, Bush bailed out of the aircraft and was left floating on the water for several hours until he could be rescued.
After graduating from Yale, Bush moved his wife, Barbara, and their children to west Texas, where the family ventured into the oil business.
In 1959, the Bush family moved along with Zapata Offshore Company to Houston, where he continued to serve as president.
Bush, who served as chairman of the Harris County Republican Party, was sworn into the U.S. Congress in 1967, and after two terms, was named U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations under President Richard Nixon.
He also served as chairman of the Republican National Committee, chief of the U.S. Liaison Office to China under President Gerald R. Ford, and then director of the CIA.
In 1980, Bush joined then California Gov. Ronald Reagan on the Republican ticket for president and vice president, and became the nation’s 43rd vice president in January 1981.
Bush was elected president in his own right in 1988, defeating former Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis.
Here’s five things you may not have known about George H.W. Bush.
Bush died on November 30, 2018. He was survived by his five children and their spouses, 17 grandchildren (including three step-grandchildren), eight great-grandchildren and two siblings.
At Texas A&M University in College Station, the George and Barbara Bush Foundation is throwing a 41@100 centennial celebration all week to commemorate what would have been his birthday.
Beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday, the George H.W. Presidential Center will hold a grand opening of the Marine One and 4141 Locomotive pavilion.
The Marine One is the helicopter that carried Bush and his wife, Barbara, and the 4141 Locomotive is the train engine that led his funeral train.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston City Council voted Wednesday to expand the Houston Police Department’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) in video surveillance.
The one-year agreement, worth nearly $178,000, is with Airship AI Holdings, Inc. The company will install 64 cameras throughout the city and provide more server space. How and where they will be placed is yet to be determined.
HPD requested and recommended the deal, which has raised some concerns.
“I’m all for less crime, but privacy is very important and should be maintained,” John Zandi said when ABC13 asked about the new cameras.
Texas Southern University professor and former city council member Carroll Robinson predicts problems.
“Some innocent person, misidentified, not by a real-life person but by a camera, ends up in the criminal justice system, incarcerated at the county jail,” he said.
Robinson and his colleague, Dr. Michael O. Adams, have called for state legislation to protect against racial discrimination using AI.
Only Airship AI Holdings can provide tech support.
“So, no one can look at it and examine it to make sure what they say it’s doing is what it’s actually doing?” Robinson asked.
It’s an ongoing argument throughout the country. How well does facial recognition work? Who will be running the cameras?
Some people see the benefit in a city with a police department that struggles with hiring and faces consistently high crime.
“If it could recognize people as is, it could cut down on the time they have to spend identifying people or looking for people, so I think it would be a good thing overall,” Ashton Argo said in support.
Celtics Push Mavericks to the Brink in Game 3 Comeback
DALLAS — For a few tense minutes in the fourth quarter of Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night, it seemed like the Boston Celtics’ old habits might catch up with them. The Dallas Mavericks, who appeared finished when they trailed by 21 points with 10 minutes left, staged a dramatic 22-2 run, threatening Boston’s lead and making it a competitive series.
But just when things looked their bleakest, the Celtics turned the tide, holding Dallas to just one field goal over a critical five-minute span. Boston secured a 106-99 victory, taking a commanding 3-0 series lead.
Boston is now one win away from a record-setting 18th NBA championship, which they could clinch on Friday in Game 4 at the American Airlines Center.
“Experience is the best teacher,” said Jaylen Brown, who finished with 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists in 41 minutes. “All year long we’ve been hearing about the Celtics’ past. For the last six to eight months, that’s all we’ve been hearing about — our shortcomings. This is a new team. We’ve learned from those experiences, and tonight we showed that.”
Earlier in the game, it looked like Boston had it under control, responding to a 25-12 Mavericks run with a dominant 79-45 stretch over the next 29 minutes, taking a commanding 91-70 lead with 11:07 remaining.
Despite the absence of Boston’s Kristaps Porzingis due to an injury, the Celtics seemed poised for victory. But Dallas quickly mounted a comeback. As Boston went 1-for-11 and committed three turnovers over the next 7:57, the Mavericks pulled to within 93-92 on a Kyrie Irving layup with 3:37 remaining, despite playing without Luka Doncic, who fouled out moments earlier. However, Boston regained momentum with key plays from Brown and Derrick White, pushing the lead back to six points.
“Yeah, I think just we had some turnovers, which allowed them to get out in transition,” White said. “And just a couple of things that we’ve been doing really well, we kind of just let go of the rope for however many minutes that was. It happened quick, and we just settled back down. Understand it’s a game of runs, and we just trust what we do.”
In the past, such moments might have seen the Celtics falter, but they persevered, improving to 7-0 on the road in these playoffs. Their 21-7 road record over the past three postseasons now marks the best winning percentage over a three-year span in NBA history.
Contributions came from across the roster. Backup center Xavier Tillman played 11 impactful minutes, hitting a corner three, grabbing four rebounds, and recording two blocks. Sam Hauser, who struggled in Game 2, went 3-for-4 from three-point range and was a game-high plus-16 off the bench. Jayson Tatum, after a poor shooting performance in Game 2, finished with 31 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. He and Brown combined for 61 points, putting the Celtics within one victory of moving ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers for all-time league titles.
Despite their dominant position, Boston remains cautious. Reflecting on their near-comeback from a 3-0 deficit in last year’s Eastern Conference finals against the Miami Heat, the Celtics are determined to stay focused.
“Honestly, not too difficult from the standpoint of last year [when] we were down 0-3 in the conference finals, and we really felt like we were going to come back,” Tatum said. “We almost did. You know, we were [my] sprained ankle away from having a real shot. So, you know, we are not relaxing or anything like that. You know, not even focusing on winning or Friday or whatever. However long it takes, that’s our motto. However long it takes, that’s what it’s going to take, and nobody is trying to relax at all.”
As the Celtics look ahead to Game 4, they know the championship is within their grasp, but they also know the importance of staying sharp and focused until the very end.
