Texas
Crypto Mining Company Denies Causing Health Problems in Texas Town
Cryptocurrency mining is stressing the Texas power grid and causing “unexplained health problems,” for residents of some small towns in the state, according to a new report from the San Antonio Express-News Thursday. And opposition to the crypto operations isn’t necessarily coming from the people you might expect. But one crypto company that’s gotten heat for its operations is pushing back against allegations that it’s causing health problems for local residents.
The report from the Express-News details a meeting earlier this week about plans for a new 300-megawatt power plant from Constellation Energy near the town of Granbury. The plant is new but would be in addition to existing power facilities already used by Marathon Digital, a Florida-based crypto company, which appears to prefer calling its endeavors in the area a “digital asset data center,” according to a company website.
The Express-News cites the “unyielding low-frequency sound waves” that have caused locals to lose sleep since the crypto mine opened in 2022. The “constant noise,” as the report puts it, is “emanating from thousands of fans,” that are necessary to cool the mining equipment. The report quotes an 81-year-old man who lives just 800 feet from the Constellation Energy property and spoke at a public meeting with company representatives on Monday, saying, “It’s not right. Y’all moved in on top of us. We didn’t move in on y’all.”
The Express-News spoke with people who allege a range of health issues such as hypertension are hearing loss are due to crypto mining operations. One person who spoke with the newspaper even seemed to suggest a mass found in her mother’s brain could be connected, insisting “doctors are baffled after determining that the mass is not a tumor.”
The meeting on Monday included five representatives of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality as well as two environmental consultants from Constellation, according to the report. The newspaper also noted that many of the town residents at the meeting to complain were older middle-aged white guys wearing attire supporting Donald Trump. The former president has repeatedly said he wants to unleash U.S. energy from fossil fuels, often suggesting that President Joe Biden has somehow stopped energy production in this country. That, of course, is a lie, given the fact that the U.S. is currently producing more energy than any country in human history. But it’s still notable that people who are aligned with right-wing causes are so upset about the power plants.
Marathon Digital stressed to Gizmodo that it has studied the alleged noise issues, including on July 18, 2024, when it says an independent consultant conducted a sound study of the Granbury data center.
“We are unaware of any scientific basis to conclude that any sounds from our facility can cause the types of conditions alleged or did cause them in any of those who have expressed concerns,” a spokesperson for Marathon said in an email to Gizmodo Thursday.
The statement also said Marathon “is committed to being a thoughtful neighbor” and the company “continues to take steps to enhance the data center,” promising that enhancements are being made for the “betterment of the community.”
Constellation has also released several statements in recent months about the noise complaints from residents in an attempt to address the concerns at the energy facility, known as Wolf Hollow II.
“Constellation and our team at Wolf Hollow II have been closely monitoring the noise situation at the bitcoin facility next to the plant, including the recent town hall meetings and news coverage,” one statement from June reads. “As a proud member of the Hood County community, we take the concerns local residents have raised seriously. We are in regular, direct conversations with residents. We hear the concerns, and we are working closely with the bitcoin facility’s owner to look for ways to reduce noise and address the community’s concerns.”
Marathon Digital also has a publicly-facing Frequently Asked Questions page online that stresses it’s working on the noise issues.
“Recent progress includes deactivating over eighty air-cooled containers, starting an extension of the sound wall, and beginning to convert containers to liquid immersion cooling,” the company explains. “We will continue to deactivate air-cooled containers and convert containers to immersion cooling. Additionally, we’ve budgeted $100,000+ to support local schools, nonprofits, and projects in 2024.”
Texas
Peanuts, beans and more: Texas Roadhouse discontinued these menu items
See wild rescue of trapped roller coaster riders
Eight people were rescued after the Iron Shark roller coaster stalled at Galveston Pleasure Pier, leaving riders stuck near the summit for hours.
While Texas Roadhouse is known for its signature steaks and rolls, the restaurant has changed its menu over the years.
Texas Roadhouse first opened in 1993 and has become known for favorites like its warm, freshly baked rolls served with honey cinnamon butter and its hand-cut steaks. While many signature items remain, some fan-favorite menu offerings have since been discontinued.
Recently, Tasting Table, which features recipes and news for food enthusiasts, looked back at some discontinued Texas Roadhouse menu items that some may remember fondly.
Here are some of the discontinued menu items at Texas Roadhouse.
Floor peanuts
While some Texas Roadhouse locations may still provide peanuts by request, the practice of throwing the shells on the floor ended with the pandemic, according to Tasting Table.
Users on Yelp also discussed whether peanut shells could be tossed on the floor.
“They still offer peanuts is sealed bags upon request. Just ask for peanuts and they’ll keep on bringing them,” one user said.
Baked beans
While the restaurant offers several side options, such as green beans, mashed potatoes, and seasoned corn, Texas Roadhouse no longer carries baked beans — which are common at steakhouses.
“Always enjoyed Texas Roadhouse but Broke my heart when they took those delicious baked beans off the menu,” a reddit user posted back in 2023, while searching for a recipe.
Original Chicken Critters
While there are Chicken Critters — chicken tenders that are golden-fried and lightly crispy — on the menu today, fans say the original recipe has changed.
Apparently, the tenders were crispier and lighter, according to Reddit users.
“My husband and I talk about the OG chicken critters all the time,” one Reddit user posted.
Sierra Chicken Pasta
The only pasta dish served at Texas Roadhouse has gone viral on TikTok, with many recreating it with their own recipes.
The Sierra Chicken Pasta was made with penne pasta, pieces of crispy bacon, and grilled chicken, all of which were tossed in an Asiago cheese sauce, according to The Takeout.
It doesn’t appear that Texas Roadhouse offers any type of pasta, according to its menu.
Oven-roasted half chicken
The discontinued item came in two styles — plain or barbecue — according to Tasting Table.
The restaurant still offers several chicken options, though, like smothered chicken (served with wide, made-from-scratch gravy) and grilled BBQ chicken.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
Texas
Central Texas soldier dies in Iraq during training incident, Department of Defense says
The overseas death of a U.S. Army soldier from Central Texas is under investigation, the Department of Defense announced Wednesday.
Sgt. Devin A. Seibel, 26, of the Waco suburb of Robinson, died Sunday in a “training‑related incident” at Erbil Airbase in Iraq, officials said.
According to the department, Seibel was an active‑duty soldier supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led coalition campaign launched in June 2014 to defeat the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria.
Seibel was assigned to the Air Ambulance Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, in Fort Carson, Colo.
The department didn’t release any additional information.
CBS News Texas will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Texas
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