Texas Standard For February 12, 2021

It’s freezing out there. We’ll get a look at weather conditions across the state and what’s to come. We’ll also check in on how the state is weathering extended economic challenges posed by COVID-19. And: We’ll hear from the state’s top budget official. Also: The energy industry plays a part in that economic outlook. New proposals aim to tax some polluting practices. Plus: A lesson in Texas border history that you might not be familiar with. And we’ll also wrap up the week in Texas politics and more today on the Texas Standard:

By Texas StandardFebruary 12, 2021 9:30 am

Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, February 12, 2021.

Weather

Jennifer McNatt is meteorologist-In-charge for the National Weather Service’s Southern Region. She’s based in Fort Worth and joins the Standard to talk about this latest cold snap which has caused deadly traffic pile-ups and thousands of Texans to go without power.

Texas Transgender Military Recruits in Limbo

Last month, President Biden signed an executive order allowing transgender people to serve in America’s armed forces. But although some would-be recruits have been waiting years for the opportunity, they’re not being fitted with uniforms just yet. Texas Public Radio’s Carson Frame reports for the American Homefront Project.

State of Texas Economy 

Last time the Standard spoke to Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar, a COVID-19 vaccine was just getting in place for health care workers and a state legislature was preparing to go into session. Fast forward to now: we’re nearing the year mark when most of Texas first began going into lockdown because of the pandemic. And there’s a new president, a new legislative session, and the state is working to get a shot in the arms of an estimated 11 million people (the number of people in the current 1-B vaccine group). So how’s the Texas economy doing? Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar talks to the Standard.

Flaring Venting Natural Gas Tax

Oil and gas production are a vital part of the Texas economy. But producing fossil fuels is also inherently wasteful. Excess gas from the drilling process often gets discarded through venting and flaring. Now environmental groups are pushing lawmakers for a 25% tax on that wasted gas. Madlin Mekelburg is the state and environmental reporter for the Austin American-Statesman and talks to the Standard.

Sounds of Texas: The Pharr Riots

Deep Ellum Homeless Camp

Typewriter Rodeo

The Week In Politics, with The Texas Tribune

All this and Texas News Roundup, plus Social Media Editor Wells Dunbar with the talk of Texas.

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