Latest news with #CentralTexas
Washington Post
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
Pets are still being rescued from Texas floods. One girl is helping.
Kamryn Balfour was at summer camp less than 20 miles from Camp Mystic when devastating floods tore through Central Texas earlier this month. 'I didn't hear about it until I got picked up the next day when it was all sunny, and I just thought it was some pretty hard rain,' said Kamryn, 11, a camper at Kickapoo Kamp in Kerrville, Texas. 'I felt very, very sad that those innocent girls got flooded out.' She realized how lucky she was to have been spared. 'I was there at camp like them, too. That could have been me,' said Kamryn, who did not know anyone at Camp Mystic. At least 135 people were killed in the flooding, including 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic. Kamryn — who lives in League City, Texas, about halfway between Houston and Galveston — said she felt helpless and heartbroken. An idea came to her during the car ride home from camp. Kamryn decided she would bake and sell cookies, donating all proceeds to flood relief efforts. She set a goal of raising $500, and started baking as soon as she got home from her two-week camp on July 5. She has since baked about 40 batches of chocolate chip cookies, and far surpassed her goal, raising more than $4,300. 'Everybody can make a difference, even if they're a little kid like me,' she said. In May, Kamryn started a baking business called Kamryn's Kravings as part of a kids' entrepreneur fair she participated in. While she didn't keep up with the business after the fair, 'that's when my love for baking started,' she said, noting that her signature chocolate chip cookies use a 'top-secret' family recipe. After the floods, Kamryn decided to restart her baking business, but this time, with a mission. She was concerned that pets might be overlooked in the relief efforts, so she designated charities that were helping pets after the floods, including Kerrville Pets Alive and the Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team. Kamryn wanted to support both the pets impacted by the floods and the rescue dogs that aided in recovery. 'I thought maybe I could help,' Kamryn said. The search for displaced pets is ongoing. Kerrville Pets Alive got a call a few days ago about a cat found inside an oven that had been destroyed by flooding. The cat was dehydrated but alive. The group is still trying to reunite rescued pets with their owners. Volunteers continue to recover pets in the area, and though many of them have died, volunteers are identifying them by their microchips so they can alert owners who are still looking for them. Kamryn posted about her fundraising effort on social media, and her family and friends did the same. As word spread, orders started pouring in. 'I didn't have any idea it would take off like this, and all of a sudden, we couldn't even keep up,' said Kamryn's mother, Kelly Balfour, who helps her daughter bake. 'Whatever we make, we sell.' Kamryn is currently enrolled in gymnastics camp, though she still bakes most days, and shops for groceries with her mother. She puts five cookies in a small white bag with a pink bow and sells each for $5 — though many customers donate far more. 'Most people will give a $50 bill and only want two or three bags of cookies,' Balfour said. Orders started mounting even more after Kamryn's baking project was covered by local station KHOU 11. Balfour's friend, Gina Gutierrez — the owner of Cakes by Gina, a bakeshop in Houston — offered up her industrial kitchen. Kamryn is only able to bake one batch at a time, which is about 40 cookies, in their oven at home. 'I said, 'Girl, come on over here, let me help you. Let's multiply the recipe by four or five,'' said Gutierrez. 'The young kids are our future and Kamryn's an example of that … I put my energy into helping her achieve her goals.' Gutierrez encouraged Kamryn to host a pop-up bake sale at her shop on July 12, which was a success, and she has two more pop-ups planned in the coming days. In addition to the pop-ups, Kamryn and her mother hand-deliver the bags of cookies to local customers who place orders over Instagram. 'Kamryn is so cute; she hasn't let me see the full recipe,' Gutierrez said, adding that Kamryn is meticulous about her baking process. Once Kamryn reaches $5,000, she plans to evenly distribute the funds between the two organizations she has chosen. 'It's so heartwarming to see the compassion, especially in these young children who could easily be distracted by other things,' said Karen Guerriero, the board president of Kerrville Pets Alive. 'We thank her from the bottom of our hearts.' Guerriero said Kamryn's contributions are coming at a critical time. 'This will really help us with the extra expenses we have related to the flood animals,' she said, explaining that they're still finding displaced pets in the wreckage of the floods. Kamryn said she plans to keep her fundraising efforts going. 'This is the first time I've raised money to help someone, but it definitely won't be the last,' she said.
Washington Post
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Washington Post
Texas lawmakers tackle state's catastrophic flooding in special session
For the first time since devastating Fourth of July floods killed at least 135 people in Central Texas, the state's Republican-controlled legislature is confronting the tragedy and what should be done to strengthen disaster preparedness amid growing criticism. Flood-related measures are among Republican Gov. Greg Abbott's priorities for the 30-day special session that began this week. Abbott's targets include improving early warning systems and bolstering emergency communications in vulnerable areas of the state, as well as relief funding for the counties hardest hit earlier this month. Lawmakers have filed more than a dozen similar bills that address more issues, such as tougher building standards for youth camps near floodplains and the creation of a real-time emergency communications system for all of Texas.
CNET
a day ago
- Business
- CNET
T-Mobile Is Bringing Starlink to Your Phone Tomorrow. See If You'll Get It For Free
Going off-grid might soon be a thing of the past, as T-Mobile's partnership with SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service gets ready to launch on July 23. The direct-to-cell messaging service, called T-Satellite, will also be available to AT&T and Verizon cellphone customers. T-Mobile says its goal is to "eliminate mobile dead zones for good" by way of 657 Starlink satellites that'll be used exclusively for cellphone service. T-Satellite has been in beta testing since December 2024, with nearly 1.8 million users signing up so far. The direct-to-cell messaging service represents a major step forward in mobile technology: It works with most phones made during the last four years, according to T-Mobile, instead of requiring dedicated hardware. It'll be available to T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon customers for $10 a month -- or free for anyone on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plans. "At the end of the day, it's nice to be able to send a selfie when you're in a place where there is no coverage, but it's vital to be able to connect to emergency services," Mike Katz, T-Mobile president of marketing, strategy and products, told CNET's Jeff Carlson. "We just think that with a technology like this, no customer should ever be in a situation where they are unconnected in an emergency." Sadly, T-Mobile has already had a reason to test out this emergency service, when it enabled T-Satellite earlier this week in communities affected by massive flooding in Central Texas. T-Mobile customers in the area are able to use text-to-911 and basic text messaging, and they can receive emergency alerts on compatible devices. In the future, T-Satellite will be free for emergency uses across the country. The company said 911 texting will be available later this year to "any mobile customer with a compatible device, regardless of carrier or whether or not they are subscribed to the service." What is T-Satellite? T-Satellite is a partnership between T-Mobile and Starlink that will allow direct-to-cell SMS messaging accessibility in areas where there is no cellular coverage. Starlink has more than 7,000 low-Earth orbit satellites in the sky, and now, 657 of them will be devoted entirely to T-Satellite. The goal is to expand coverage into the 500,000 square miles of the US that traditional cell towers can't reach, says T-Mobile. 'When you leave the terrestrial network and you go to a place where there's no network, your phone will automatically search for and connect to the satellite network, which is quite different than any other of the satellite systems that are out there that force you to manually connect, and you have to point your phone up to the sky," says Katz. Satellite connectivity in cellphones isn't exactly new -- iPhones have had it since 2022 -- but it's typically been reserved for SOS messaging to connect you with an emergency dispatcher. On July 23, T-Satellite users will be able to send SMS texts on iPhone and Android. Android users will also get MMS immediately, with iPhone support 'to follow.' This means users will be able to send images and audio clips in addition to standard text messages. In October, the service will expand to include data support in third-party apps like AccuWeather, AllTrails, WhatsApp and X. The access takes advantage of hooks built into iOS and Android software, so developers can make their apps capable of sending data through the narrow amounts of bandwidth available via satellite. This is far beyond what the other phone carriers have launched so far in the satellite realm -- largely due to T-Mobile's partnership with Starlink. AT&T and Verizon have both partnered with AST SpaceMobile for satellite messaging, and Verizon told CNET's Eli Blumenthal last year that it's still planning on working with Amazon's Project Kuiper, which launched its first 27 satellites on April 28, 2025. 'Despite things that our competitors have said, they are way, way behind on this technology,' says Katz. How much will T-Satellite cost? On July 23, T-Satellite will be available to AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon customers for a standalone $10 per month. But there's one exception: Customers on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan ($100 per month for one line) or the Go5G Next plan will get the service for included in the cost of the plan going forward, and those on the Experience More plan ($85 per month) will get it through the end of the year. Even if you don't pay the $10 a month, T-Mobile says 911 texting will be available later this year 'to any mobile customer with a compatible device, regardless of carrier.' If you're a Verizon or AT&T customer, you'll have to activate T-Satellite as a second eSIM on your phone to take advantage of the service. You can find instructions on setting up the eSIM here. Which phones are supported? Most phones released in the past couple of years will work with T-Satellite. Here are the devices that are currently compatible with the beta version: Apple iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 (all models) Google Google Pixel 9 Google Pixel 9A Google Pixel 9 Pro Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Motorola Moto G Stylus 2025 Moto Razr 2024 Moto Razr Plus 2024 Moto Razr 2025 Moto Razr Plus 2025 Moto Razr Ultra 2025 Moto Razr Ultra Plus 2025 Samsung Samsung Galaxy A25 5G SE* Samsung Galaxy A35 5G Samsung Galaxy A36 Samsung Galaxy A36 SE Samsung Galaxy A53 5G Samsung Galaxy A54 5G* Samsung Galaxy S21 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Samsung Galaxy S22 Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S22 FE Samsung Galaxy S23 Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Samsung Galaxy S24 Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Samsung Galaxy S25 Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 *Some non-T-Mobile device variants are not satellite-capable. When T-Satellite launches on July 23, the following devices will also be compatible: Motorola Motorola Edge 2024 Moto G 2024 Moto G Stylus 2024 Moto G 5G 2024 Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 Samsung Samsung Galaxy A14 Samsung Galaxy A15* Samsung Galaxy A16 Samsung Galaxy A35 Samsung Galaxy A53* Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro *Some non-T-Mobile device variants are not satellite-capable. T-Mobile T-Mobile Revvl 7 T-Mobile Revvl 7 Pro How to try T-Mobile's Starlink service today If you're anxious to try T-Mobile's Starlink satellite messaging service and don't want to wait until July 23, you can still attempt to sign up for the beta. I wouldn't hold out too much hope, though -- when I entered my information, I got a message back saying, 'Due to high demand, we're admitting beta testers on a rolling basis. Keep an eye out for an update in the coming weeks.'
National Post
a day ago
- Science
- National Post
Quaise Energy Achieves Drilling Milestone with Millimeter Wave Technology
Article content Article content HOUSTON — Quaise Energy, a leading developer of grid-scale superhot geothermal energy, today announced it has successfully drilled to a depth of 100 meters using its proprietary millimeter wave technology at its field site in Central Texas. This achievement sets a record for millimeter wave drilling and marks a major step forward in unlocking the Earth's vast geothermal energy as a scalable, baseload energy source. Article content Quaise's millimeter wave drilling system, developed after more than a decade of research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), harnesses a powerful gyrotron to ablate rock for the first time without any downhole hardware. Unlike conventional drill bits, which struggle with hard, hot, rocks like granite and basalt, millimeter wave technology allows access to superhot rock—around 752 degrees Fahrenheit (400℃)—typically found deep within the Earth's subsurface. Article content Accessing hotter rock deeper underground enables Quaise geothermal plants to generate many times more energy than traditional geothermal – opening up grid-scale projects that can match the power output of major fossil fuel plants. Article content 'The Earth holds an enormous reservoir of clean energy — energy that could fundamentally change how we power our world if we can reach it,' said Carlos Araque, CEO and President of Quaise Energy. 'Quaise has now demonstrated that millimeter wave technology can do what no other technology can do: drill perfectly clean holes through some of the hardest rocks on Earth in record time. This milestone brings us closer to making geothermal energy a practical solution to power communities virtually anywhere.' Article content Prior to 2025, millimeter wave drilling had only been demonstrated in the laboratory, with MIT's early system drilling a hole just a few centimeters deep. While 100 meters is only a fraction of the commercial depth needed for the company's first power plants, the granite drilled during the field test is the same type of hard rock that blankets the basement layer of the Earth's crust. Drilling efficiently through the basement layer is the only way to unlock superhot geothermal worldwide. Article content The company plans to build on this achievement with an upcoming gyrotron using 10x more power. Quaise further expects to complete a pilot power plant in the Western U.S. as early as 2028. Article content 'Our progress this year has exceeded all expectations,' added Araque. 'We're drilling faster and deeper at this point than anyone believed possible, proving that millimeter wave technology is the only tool capable of reaching the superhot rock needed for next-generation geothermal power. We are opening up a path to a new energy frontier.' Article content About Quaise Energy Article content Quaise Energy is unlocking the Earth's deep heat to deliver clean, reliable, always-on energy at scale – almost anywhere in the world. As both a technology innovator and project developer, Quaise builds and operates solutions that harness superhot geothermal energy far below the surface, enabling power generation that can rival the output of today's most efficient fossil fuel and nuclear plants. Founded at MIT, Quaise's mission is to make superhot geothermal a backbone of the modern energy system, offering affordable, zero-carbon power and true energy independence for communities and nations everywhere. Article content X Article content | Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Media Article content Article content Diane Hughes Article content Article content
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Entergy Texas Donates $30,000 To Aid Flood Recovery Efforts in Central Texas
THE WOODLANDS, Texas, July 21, 2025 /3BL/ - To provide critical support to our neighboring communities, Entergy Texas is donating $30,000 to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country to aid recovery efforts following the Central Texas floods. The foundation manages the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, which helps provide rescue, relief, recovery services and flood assistance to impacted communities. 'We're heartbroken to see the damage and pain caused by the flooding,' said Eliecer Viamontes, CEO of Entergy Texas. 'We believe in being there for our neighbors—not just when the lights are on, but especially in moments of hardship. It's crucial that all Texans stand together during this time, and we hope this donation provides meaningful support to the affected communities.' The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, a public charity based in Kerrville, supports urgent relief and long-term rebuilding after the devastating floods in Central Texas. To donate, please visit the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund donation website. Entergy Texas has a longstanding commitment to strengthening the communities we the Central Texas floods did not directly impact our own service area, it is our mission to support the broader region we call home. Whether through disaster response, volunteerism or charitable giving, we are proud to stand with communities across Texas to help build a more resilient future for all. About Entergy TexasEntergy Texas, Inc. provides electricity to approximately 524,000 customers in 27 counties. Entergy Texas is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. Entergy produces, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Its customers are connected to the Midcontinent Independent System Operator Inc. power grid, which is a regional transmission organization responsible for administering the transmission systems of member utilities in 15 states stretching across the central region of the United States and Manitoba, Canada. We're investing for growth and improved reliability and resilience of our energy system while working to keep energy rates affordable for our customers. We're also investing in cleaner energy generation like modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy. A nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at and connect with @EntergyTX on social media. Media Inquiries:Entergy Texas Media 281-297-2353 (media line) [email protected] View original content here. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Entergy Corporation
