State Rep.-Elect John Raney on WTAW

The next installment of the Texas A&M Sesquicentennial Speaker Series is taking place Friday. Four former Texas A&M students who transformed their industries will take part in the free public panel at 1:30pm on Friday, November 13th, at Rudder Theatre. Mays Business School Dean Nate Sharp and Flippen Leadership Institute Director Stephen Courtright will moderate “Redefining What’s Possible: Aggie Leaders Who Are Revolutionizing Their Industries From the Inside Out,” featuring: Tyler Merrick ’00, founder and CEO, JOYRIDE: His low-sugar candy brand became the No. 1-selling non-chocolate candy at Target in 2025. Stephanie Murphy ’00 ’14, principal owner and CEO, AEGIS Aerospace: Her company Alpha Space built the first woman-owned facility in space, and today AEGIS operates research platforms on the International Space Station, including one built with Texas A&M. Federico Muyshondt ’03, president and COO, The Farmer’s Dog: He helps lead the fresh dog food company that has delivered hundreds of millions of meals to dogs nationwide. Ryan Seiders ’96, co-founder, YETI: He co-founded the outdoor brand with his brother in 2006, turning a better-built cooler into one of the most recognizable names in outdoor gear. From space exploration and outdoor gear to candy and pet food, the conversation explores how bold ideas and bold leadership can reshape an industry and be a force for good. Attendees will also be able to ask their own questions during an audience Q&A. While the event is free, you will need to reserve at ticket through the MSC Box Office. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) launched an enhanced Texas Advisory and Notification System (TXANS). It provides a single source for grid notifications, including the first time ability to receive alerts via text message. “We have enhanced TXANS as a more efficient, streamlined way to communicate with the public,” said ERCOT President and CEO Pablo Vegas. “Communicating effectively with Texans remains a priority. These improvements ensure the public is receiving current and accurate information on grid conditions.” TXANS is the tool ERCOT uses to communicate with the public about grid conditions, including forecasted weather events, periods of higher electricity demand, and any emergency action ERCOT must take to maintain systemwide grid reliability. TXANS notifications include: Weather Watch: Advance notification may be issued when there is forecasted significant weather, high demand, and a potential for lower reserves. Grid conditions are normal during a Weather Watch. Voluntary Conservation Notice: Issued when higher demand is forecasted with lower energy reserves. ERCOT requests the public to voluntarily conserve electricity during a specific period, if safe to do so. ERCOT also requests all government agencies (including city and county offices) to implement all programs to reduce electricity use at their facilities. Those with critical medical needs should check with their local electric utility. Conservation Appeal: Issued when higher demand is forecasted with a potential to enter emergency operations. ERCOT requests the public to conserve electricity during a specific period, if safe to do so. ERCOT also requests all government agencies (including city and county offices) to implement all programs to reduce electricity use at their facilities. Those with critical medical needs should check with their local electric utility. Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) Level 1: Occurs when operating reserves drop below 2,500 megawatts (MW) and are not expected to recover within 30 minutes. ERCOT has not directed systemwide controlled outages but requests the public to conserve electricity, if safe to do so. Those with critical medical needs should check with their local electric utility. Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) Level 2: Occurs when operating reserves drop below 2,000 MW and are not expected to recover within 30 minutes, or frequency drops below 59.91 hertz (Hz) for 15 minutes. ERCOT has not directed systemwide controlled outages. Conservation is critical, and ERCOT requests the public to reduce electricity use as much as possible. Those with critical medical needs should check with their local electric utility. Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) Level 3: Occurs when operating reserves drop below 1,500 MW, or the grid’s frequency level drops below 59.8 Hz for any period of time. Systemwide controlled outages are underway and impact every customer class. To protect the grid, ERCOT has directed utilities across the ERCOT Region to quickly reduce demand, which is done through systemwide controlled outages at the local level. ERCOT requests the public to conserve electricity during times when they have power. Those with critical medical needs should check with their local electric utility. Text message notifications: In addition to email, TXANS subscribers can now opt in to receive text messages. To enroll, visit ercot.com/txans to select a preferred notification method. Other ways to stay up to date on grid conditions include the Weekly Grid Update, ERCOT.com dashboards, and ERCOT’s social media channels. For more information, visit TXANS at ercot.com/txans. Sign up to receive TXANS notifications and follow ERCOT on social media. About ERCOT: The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, manages the flow of electric power to more than 27 million Texas customers, representing about 90 percent of the state’s electric load. As the Independent System Operator for the region, ERCOT schedules power on an electric grid that connects 55,000+ miles of transmission lines and 1,460+ generation units, including Private Use Networks. ERCOT also performs financial settlement for the competitive wholesale bulk-power market and administers retail switching for more than 8 million premises in competitive choice areas. ERCOT is a membership-based 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation, governed by a board of directors and subject to oversight by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Texas Legislature. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

The Bryan Fire Department and the Bryan Fire Fighters Association Local 1204 launch the annual MDA “Fill the Boot” Campaign starting Thursday. Look for firefighters around Bryan Thursday through Saturday. Or, to donate online visit https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML0WQ25P1D144/checkout/DWAPU4DOZEQ7FREZMSFWLZNW or scan the QR code in the story graphic. Since 1954, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has united communities to collect critical funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) – one dollar at a time – through the Fill the Boot program. This year, fire fighters from Bryan Fire Department and Bryan Firefighters Association Local 1204 will continue this legacy during MDA’s 75th anniversary, marking 71 years of support from fire fighters nationwide. Dedicated fire fighters from Bryan Fire Department and Bryan Firefighters Association Local 1204 will take to the streets with boots in hand, asking pedestrians, motorists, and shoppers to help transform the lives of children and adults living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and other related neuromuscular diseases. The Fill the Boot event will take place on November 12th through 14th across the City of Bryan. The historic partnership between MDA and IAFF began in 1954 when IAFF adopted MDA as its charity of choice. Over the past seven decades, fire fighters have raised more than $710 million for MDA, helping fund over $1 billion in research. These contributions have fueled significant advancements in medical research, including the development of more than 32 FDA-approved treatments for neuromuscular disease since 2015. In addition to Fill the Boot, fire fighters volunteer at MDA Summer Camp, providing children with neuromuscular diseases a week of fun and independence. MDA and IAFF also collaborate to raise awareness and provide resources for fire fighters impacted by ALS. Community members are encouraged to visit fire fighters at intersections across the City of Bryan or donate online at the following link to support this vital cause. About the IAFF: The International Association of Fire Fighters represents more than 340,000 professional fire fighters and paramedics who protect 85% of the nation’s population. More than 3,500 affiliates and their members protect communities in every state in the United States and in Canada. To learn more visit IAFF.org and follow the IAFF at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. About Muscular Dystrophy Association: Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. For over 70 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for the support of our families. MDA’s mission is to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org and follow MDA on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.