Texas Standard For February 19, 2021

Getting power back? Priceless. Losing power and heat and water and basic services? What price the winter storm of 2021? Coming up, the high price of being unprepared.  Economist Ray Perryman on the difficulty calculating the impact of this week’s storm. Also: Who should shoulder the costs of weatherizing power plants? According to the governor, it’s the taxpayer. We’ll hear more. Plus: With power coming back and a lot of water damage its not too soon think about your own next steps: tips for talking to the insurance company, and a massive rescue of fellow Texas residents… But where do you shelter almost 5,000 sea turtles? Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

By Texas StandardFebruary 19, 2021 9:30 am

Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, February 19, 2021.

Abbott, Lege & Weather Latest

Bob Garrett, Austin bureau chief for The Dallas Morning News, talks to the Standard about the governor’s response to the winter storm and power outages.

Winter Storm’s Economic Repercussions

Will this be one of Texas’ costliest natural disasters? As temperatures are expected to rise over the weekend, we’re likely to get a better picture of how much damage people and their homes have suffered during this winter storm. And those damages could be costly for the state and the towns and cities who have been dealing with power outages and water supply issues this week. Ray Perryman, president and CEO of the economic research firm The Perryman Group based in Waco, talks to the Standard.

Insurance Tips

Warming temperatures and restored power mean homeowners and renters might finally be able to address the damage from the week’s brutal weather. And for thousands across the state, that will mean insurance claims. KERA’s Paige Phelps reports on how consumers should approach the task.

Asylum Family Folo Biden MPP

Today is actually a red letter day for thousands of migrants who’ve been stuck in shelters and tent camps across northern Mexico. Because now, the U.S. government will gradually start allowing them into the country to pursue asylum claims. It’s part of the Biden administration’s effort to end Donald Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” program. KERA’s Mallory Falk checked in with one family she’s been following for months.

Sea Turtle Rescue

Wendy Knight, executive director of South Padre Island’s Sea Turtle Inc., talks to the Standard about the rescue of sea turtles in Texas.

Keeping Lubbock Animals Warm

The weather has been harsh for domesticated animals. And one Lubbock resident has been completely focused on rescuing strays from the bitter cold. Texas Tech Public Media’s Jayme Lozano reports.

Ask a Doctor: Answering Questions about Weather and COVID-19

The Standard talks to Dr. Fred Campbell, an associate professor of medicine at the Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio about health and safety questions related to the utility crisis across the state.

Typewriter Rodeo

The Week in Texas 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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