Here’s are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, April 14, 2023.
San Antonio’s ‘justice charter’ would make changes to policing policies and more
Voters in San Antonio will vote on a proposition this May that is intended to reframe how the city responds to certain crimes. Prop A, dubbed the “justice charter,“ would deprioritize enforcement of abortion and low-level marijuana crimes, expand and codify cite-and-release policies, ban no-knock warrants and police chokeholds and appoint a City Justice Director. Texas Public Radio’s Josh Peck joins us with an overview.
Nearly all students are taking STAAR online now. A lawmaker and educators want to change that.
Texas education officials have been rolling changes to statewide standardized testing. One new requirement says nearly all students are required to take the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (or STAAR test) online. KUT’s Becky Fogel reports some lawmakers and educators want students to have the option to take STAAR tests on paper.
Llano County Library will remain open despite effort to shut it down over book ban
Llano County commissioners agreed to keep their library system open after hearing from residents on both sides. Texas Public Radio’s Kayla Padilla reports on the closely-watched special meeting in the small Hill Country town.
Is there Muslim transitional housing for people getting out of jail?
In Texas, state-funded transition homes or halfway houses have long wait lists. Most nonprofit homes are connected to Christian groups. So what if you’re Muslim? Journalist Khawla Nakua reported on the issue for Scalawag Magazine and joins us today.
What happened to Joshua Wright?
Corrections officer Isaiah Garcia was indicted last week for killing Joshua Wright. Wright was in the Hays County Jail, awaiting trial for a non-violent offense, when he was sent to a hospital in Kyle for medical treatment. There, he was shot and killed by Garcia. What exactly happened that day in Kyle? Maya Fawaz of KUT in Austin reports.
Learn which fuzzy caterpillars you shouldn’t touch
Caterpillars may look fuzzy and even cute, but some of them are best left alone. Wizzie Brown, an insect specialist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, has some tips for avoiding, or at least being aware of, the risks of stinging caterpillars.
A new take on Rumi, the popular Persian mystic poet, from Dallas’ Verdigris Ensemble this weekend
Rumi was a 13th-century mystic, but today he’s one of the most popular poets in America. You might’ve heard his words on a Coldplay album, or encountered his poetry online. But KERA’s Jerome Weeks reports a Dallas world premiere this weekend presents Rumi like you’ve never encountered him.
The gang delivers another custom poem. Get in touch with your own topic suggestions!
Texas Tribune political reporter Patrick Svitek stops by with a recap of the week that was, including congressman Michael McCaul’s take on anti-China legislation in Texas, US Rep. Tony Gonzales’ fundraising numbers and calls for state Rep. Bryan Slaton to resign from fellow Republicans.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
