Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022:
Texas man sentenced in Capitol riot
Guy Reffitt, the first defendant to go on trial for his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, was sentenced to more than seven years yesterday. The Texas militia leader received the longest prison term to date in the Justice Department’s prosecution of Capitol rioters. Zach Montague, breaking news reporter for The New York Times, talks more about the case.
State Board of Education to rewrite social studies curriculum
As the debate over how race and LGBTQ issues are taught in Texas public schools infiltrates state politics, the State Board of Education has begun hearings for its once-in-a-decade rewrite of the state’s social studies curriculum – and those issues will be top of mind. Edward McKinley, state government and politics reporter for the Houston Chronicle, joins us with more.
Brittney Griner appears in Russian court again
WNBA star Brittney Griner was back in court this morning in Russia as the U.S. government works to secure her release. Houston Public Media’s Cory McGinnis has an update on the case concerning the Houston native.
Uvalde community hopes to honor Robb Elementary after demolishment
The Uvalde community plans to tear down Robb Elementary School, the scene of the May mass shooting in that left 19 children and two teachers dead. But it’s not certain what will happen to the space once the building is cleared away. Amid their grief, Uvalde residents are also considering new ways to honor school namesake Annie Robb. Texas Public Radio’s Brian Kirkpatrick has more.
San Antonio’s heat islands are disproportionately affecting low-income neighborhoods
San Antonio has seen over 50 days of 100-plus-degree weather so far this year and is likely to break the record for the most in a calendar year. The heat can be especially difficult for low-income communities there. Edgar Sandoval, San Antonio-based reporter for The New York Times, joins us to talk about his latest story on the city’s heat island effect.
‘Rag Radio Interviews’ seeks to keep alternative underground newspapers alive
Amid the turmoil of the 1960s, young people and progressive activists in Texas turned to journalism. “The Rag” was one such underground newspaper. Birthed in Austin, underground newspapers like it paved the way for alternative newsweeklies across the country. Since 2009, journalist Thorne Dreyer has documented the era on “The Rag Radio Hour.” Now, 22 of his interviews with activists, politicians and journalists have been collected into a new book, “Making Waves: The Rag Radio Interviews.” He joins us with more.
Questions arise over hotel occupancy taxes in West Texas
As Big Bend tourism booms, frustration is growing over a special type of lodging-related tax. The “hotel occupancy taxes” that are levied can’t be used for things like roads and bridges; instead, they go toward promoting more tourism. And that has some wondering if these special taxes even make sense in a place where tourism’s already at record-high levels. Marfa Public Radio’s Travis Bubenik has the story.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
