Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, Feb. 17, 2023:
Unpacking Greg Abbott’s State of the State address
Gov. Greg Abbott delivered his vision for Texas in his fifth State of the State address Thursday night. The Texas Newsroom’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán and Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider share their thoughts.
Texas has a growing issue with overcrowded jails
Texas holds over 71,000 people in its jails, pushing the institutions to their limits. State data shows jail deaths by suicide and murder are up, along with assault and use-of-force incidents. Texas Public Radio’s Paul Flahive has more.
Fans of Turkish dramas refocus social media obsessions on helping earthquake victims
Over 35,000 people have died in Turkey since powerful earthquakes shook the region, making it the country’s deadliest disaster on record. KERA’s Stella Chávez reports the devastation has prompted fans of Turkish TV shows to use social media to raise awareness of the urgent needs in Turkey and neighboring Syria.
Will Texas school districts need to downsize if lawmakers don’t spend more on public education?
Texas school districts are advocating for more state funding this legislative session. All are dealing with rising inflation, while some also face declining enrollment. Now, some districts are even considering closing schools to free up money in their tight budgets. KUT Austin’s Becky Fogel reports.
A conjunto museum is reopening in the RGV
Conjunto is the music of working–class Texans: a mashup of instruments (accordion, 12-string bass) that the area’s 19th century migrants brought from home. Documenting it all is the Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Director Patricia Avila shares a preview of the museum’s grand re-opening.
The gang delivers another custom poem. Get in touch with your own topic suggestions!
The week in Texas politics with the Texas Tribune
Political reporter James Barragán offers an update.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
