Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, June 29, 2022:
Migrants often face danger while crossing the border
At least 51 people are dead after dozens of migrants making their way to the U.S. were found trapped in a tractor trailer in San Antonio on Monday. Officials have warned of the dangers of trying to get into the U.S. illegally due to the environmental conditions most migrants encounter – and now, officials are sounding alarms after an especially deadly month in the El Paso border region. Angela Kocherga, news director at KTEP in El Paso, joins us with more.
Abortion discourse heads to state courts
The fight over legal abortion has moved to state courts after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last week, with at least six lawsuits in six states already filed challenging either state laws or state constitutions. In Texas, a Harris County judge on Tuesday blocked Texas officials from enforcing a decades-old abortion ban, effectively allowing health providers to perform the procedure without the threat of prosecution. Mary Ziegler, a professor of law at UC-Davis, shares more about what that means and what is happening in other states.
UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine welcomes inaugural class this fall
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is now home to a first-of-its-kind institution in Texas: the state’s first school of podiatry, one of only 10 schools in the nation to grant Doctors of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Javier La Fontaine, inaugural dean of UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine, tells us about the importance of this new program in South Texas.
What does a bridge in Colorado have to do with Texas?
The claim that everything is bigger in Texas has its limits. Take for instance the highest bridge in the country — that’s actually in Colorado. But wait — Commentator W.F. Strong says if you look a little closer — you might see a bit of Texas even there.
New city ordinance will ban the sale of puppies & kittens in Dallas pet stores
In May, the Dallas City Council passed the Dallas Humane Pet Store Ordinance banning the sale of puppies and kittens in pet stores to prevent cruel breeding practices from out-of-state mills. The new ordinance will support local Dallas humane pet stores and shelters to encourage people to adopt dogs and cats in need of loving families. Stacy Sutton Kerby, the director of government relations for the Texas Humane Legislation Network, talks about what this ordinance means for Dallas and her organization.
Daughter of Roe reacts to overturn of Roe v. Wade and mother’s decision
Roe v. Wade was a court case that began here in Texas: Norma McCorvey – the woman known as Jane Roe in the case – lived in Dallas County and wanted an abortion. Dallas County District Attorney Henry Wade fought to prevent it. Though McCorvey eventually won the case, it took longer than her pregnancy. She had three daughters and put them all up for adoption. Her eldest, Melissa Mills, was adopted by her grandparents and now lives in Katy, where she works as a nurse. Mills joins us today to talk about her mother’s decision.
Can Texas secede from the union? (We’re thinking not.)
Texas Republicans’ platform, agreed upon at their recent convention, called for the state legislature to approve a measure asking voters whether they favor “Texas Independence.” But can Texas secede from the Union? Nusabia Mizan looked into the matter for PolitiFact Texas, based at the Austin American-Statesman. She joins us today.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
