Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Tuesday, July 25, 2023:
Department of Justice sues Texas over Rio Grande buoys
The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Texas on Monday, challenging the state’s refusal to remove buoys from the Rio Grande river. Last week, the DOJ issued a warning that it would take legal action if the buoys were not removed, citing their obstruction of a navigable waterway and violation of U.S.-Mexico treaties.
Gov. Greg Abbott defiantly rejected the orders, defending Texas’ right to safeguard its borders against what he and other immigration hardliners deem an “invasion” of migrants. The Dallas Morning News’ Todd GIlman joins us to discuss the DOJ’s clash with Texas and the impact of the buoys on border security.
The strangulation threat to domestic violence victims
Impeding someone’s breath or circulation can be a felony under Texas law. It can be hands on the neck, a pillow over the face, even a forearm pressed against the windpipe — all of those are considered attempted strangulation in domestic violence circles.
Four pounds of compression on an airway can knock someone out in a few seconds. More than a minute can be fatal.
Experts also say attempted strangulation shows a willingness to kill. Domestic violence victims who suffered that are much more likely to end up dead. KERA’s Caroline Love reports.
Greg Casar calls for national standard to prevent heat-related illness, deaths on construction sites
Amid an oppressive summer, Austin-San Antonio Congressman Greg Casar is calling on the federal government to enact stricter protections for workers to ensure they don’t suffer heat-related illness on the job.
Casar, a former Austin City Council member, led efforts to establish the city’s local protections, which require a 10-minute break every four hours for people working in the heat. He has penned a letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to fast-track federal protections in light of a state law that will undo local rules in Dallas and Austin. KUT’s Andrew Weber reports.
Gulfton is the hottest neighborhood in Houston. Locals are looking at more solutions to fix it.
Gulfton, dubbed Houston’s hottest neighborhood, faces sweltering temperatures, with a 2020 study revealing up to 17-degree disparities compared to other areas. The lack of tree canopy, covering just 4% of the region, exacerbates the heat. In a collaborative effort, several organizations are teaming up with locals to implement nature-based solutions and create a more walkable and cooler environment.
Houston Public Media’s Sara Willa Ernst delves into the innovative approaches aimed at combating the heat island effect in Gulfton.
More Texas students will eat breakfast for free after new state funding for school meals
In a significant boost to childhood nutrition, the Texas Legislature has allocated $6.6 million over the next two years to provide breakfast for students qualifying for reduced-price meals.
Approximately 1,800 students in Austin ISD will benefit from this initiative. Eligible students from households earning up to 185% of the federal poverty level can now enjoy free breakfast across all campuses. KUT Austin’s Becky Fogel highlights the positive impact of this increased funding, ensuring a nutritious start to the school day for those in need.
The RGV community won’t rest until Willy the Rodeo Goat is baaa-ck home
Somewhere in the Rio Grande Valley, there’s a goat wandering where he ought not to be. According to the Willacy County Livestock Show and Fair, a beloved critter named Willy, affectionately known as the”Rodeo Goat,” has been loose for at least a week.
The situation has inspired the folks at the stock show and members of the local business community to issue rewards for its safe return. Michael Rodriguez, digital content editor for MyRGV.com, joins us with more.
Texas oak tree thought to be extinct discovered in Big Bend National Park
Once declared extinct, the Quercus Tardifolia oak tree found a miraculous resurgence when a San Antonian discovered two living specimens in the high mountains of West Texas last year. Previously located in Big Bend National Park’s Chisos Mountains, one specimen vanished around 2011.
With a keen focus on preservation, efforts are now underway to protect and understand this unique tree. Texas Public Radio’s Jack Morgan sheds light on the fascinating story of the Tardifolia oak’s rebirth and the importance of its conservation.
What we know about Ken Paxton’s upcoming impeachment trial
The clock is ticking as Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial in the Texas Senate is set to begin Sept. 5. However, the trial’s details remain uncertain. While Sen. Angela Paxton will be present, but prohibited from voting on her husband’s case, Paxton has sought to remove three Democratic senators from the trial, has vowed not to appear or testify, and more.
Joining us to shed light on the latest updates in this political drama is Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, The Texas Newsroom’s expert on state politics.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
