Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Monday, Feb. 6, 2023:
The Texas Senate talks school finance this week
The Texas Senate’s finance committee discusses public education funding today. What effect has COVID had on state school districts, and what challenges do they face today? The Texas Newsroom’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán joins us with more.
Texas Legislature wants to double its investment in student mental health resources
Some Texas lawmakers have deemed mental health a top priority this legislative session, particularly after the school shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde. Houston Public Media’s Sara Willa Ernst reports on the bills filed so far.
Inside the opposition to an RGV natural gas plant
Liquified natural gas companies have been eying the Laguna Madre area in South Texas for years, and one company has already begun prepping a site there. But the city of Port Isabel and some residents have opposed the project from the start. In collaboration with Floodlight News and DeSmog, Texas Public Radio’s Gaige Davila met with an organizer to learn more.
What the ice storm means for gas prices
Will last week’s winter storm make an impact at the pump? For more we’re joined by Matt Smith, lead oil analyst for the Americas at Kpler.
San Antonio’s being sued over its disaster plan – here’s why
Nearly two years after 2021’s winter storm blanketed much of Texas in snow and ice, San Antonio faces a federal lawsuit against its emergency preparedness plan. The suit asks the city to be more inclusive for residents with disabilities. Molly Smith, city hall reporter with The San Antonio Express-News, has more.
After disappearances, damage and a death, what zoos are doing to stay safe
Police have arrested a 24-year-old Dallas man in connection with the disappearance of two emperor tamarin monkeys from the Dallas Zoo, capping a string of troubling incidents there. Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, joins us to discuss safety and security measures these facilities are taking.
She knows how difficult it is to quit drugs, so she’s advocating strategies to prevent overdoses
Travis County saw a spike in the number of drug overdose-related deaths last year. KUT’s Haya Panjwani spoke to one Austin woman about her experiences with drug use and why she’s advocating for harm reduction.
Is Ron DeSantis eyeing Texas as part of a presidential bid?
Gov. Greg Abbott may have presidential aspirations, but another governor has eyes on both the White House and Texas. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to visit Texas next month, ahead of an expected run in the Republican presidential primary. The Texas Tribue’s Patrick Svitek shares the story.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
