When storms like Hurricane Ian fill the headlines, we sometimes look to our own experiences for parallels. The rapid advance of Ian off the coast of Florida has many experts concerned about the similarities to another storm many Texans recall all too well.

Like Ian, Hurricane Harvey unexpectedly built-up speed in August 2019 as it moved inland. But it wasn't the wind that caused so much damage – it was the water. As it stalled over land, the catastrophic flooding led to more than 100 deaths and property losses still being accounted for to this day.

As we continue to track Ian – one of the few major storms we've seen so far in what was projected to be a busy hurricane season – we're looking at what lessons might be gathered from the Texas experience. That has become something of a theme as we've reported on our changing climate and the infrastructure we've developed to deal with such events. The winter storm of 2021 exposed the vulnerabilities of our approach to electricity supply and distribution, and a new report suggests Texas has a ways to go to deal with future weather emergencies.  

Sometimes, the threat is not a natural disaster, but a catastrophe that's man-made – and invisible to most yet devastating to those affected. This week, we spoke with one of the authors of a new investigative report by the Austin American-Statesman on a crisis enveloping Texas' Medicaid waiver system, which is designed to help Texans with special needs and disabilities – though it may, in fact, may be harming many and sweeping their stories out of the line of sight.  

Also in this week’s newsletter: how Texas students, their parents and school personnel far from Uvalde remain traumatized by the mass shooting there last May. We encourage you to get caught up on those items you may have missed below, and make sure you stop by TexasStandard.org for the latest – and to sign up for our podcast so you can take us with you, no matter where you are.

Until next Wednesday, we'll see you on the radio.

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• Texas AG Paxton won’t be required to appear in court after reportedly dodging a subpoena (Texas Newsroom)
• Years ago, Austin set affordable housing goals. The city is far from accomplishing them. (KUT Austin)
• Harris County budget, property tax discussions stall as GOP commissioners again boycott tax vote (Houston Public Media)
• Raped, abused, and trafficked but no one to blame? How Texas failed Shawna Rogers. (Texas Public Radio)