Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, July 23, 2021.
Changes to Texas Power Grid
Leaders from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the state’s Public Utility Commission said yesterday that the state’s electricity market would change by moving away from a “crisis-based” model that rewards scarcity. Here with more is Shelby Webb, energy reporter for the Houston Chronicle.
Texas Democrats Who Stayed
We’ve been talking lots about the Texas House quorum, especially as it relates to the Democratic members who left, and what happens if and when they come back. But what about those who stayed? Morgan O’Hanlon of the Dallas Morning News had that question as well. We’re talking with her today.
Houston Restaurant Closures
Texans have been flocking back to their favorite restaurants, but as some are finding out, their go-to eateries are no longer there. Houston Public Media’s Florian Martin spoke with restaurant owners across the city whose business didn’t survive the pandemic.
Mexico Energy Letter
This week a bipartisan group of congresspeople and senators wrote a letter to President Joe Biden, calling on him to pressure Mexico, claiming they need to change policies that violate the North American free trade agreement. Joining us today with the backstory is George Baker, publisher of the Mexico Energy Intelligence newsletter and contributor to the Houston Chronicle.
Padre Island Sea Turtle
Texas is home to one of the most endangered populations of sea turtles in the world. Protecting these turtles has long been a mission of the staff at the Padre Island National Seashore, but the turtles may face a new danger: budget cuts. Joining us now to to tell us more is Vicky Camarillo, enterprise reporter for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times.
Abilene Artist’s New Stamp for USPS
The United States Postal Service is officially issuing a new collection of western wear stamps today. As KACU’s Heather Claborn reports, Abilene post offices are among the first to offer the new set of Forever stamps, designed by a hometown artist.
Overdoses in Texas
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports opioid overdose deaths are on the rise in Texas. More than 4,000 people died of opioid drug overdoses in 2020 in Texas – a 33% increase from the year before. Kasey Strey, director of the Texas Targeted Opioid Response team, joins us today.
Typewriter Rodeo
The Week in Politics
All this and Texas News Roundup, plus Social Media Editor Wells Dunbar with the talk of Texas.
