Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Tuesday, March 21, 2023:
The massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde last year left 21 innocent people dead, and many have discussed whether a failed police response doomed some of those lives. A new Texas Tribune investigation found officers concluded that immediately confronting the gunman, armed with an AR-15, would be too dangerous. Tribune reporter Zach Despart shares the findings.
In fighting ‘woke agendas,’ Texas lawmakers join nationwide trend against drag shows, DEI efforts
State lawmakers have filed a slew of bills that could have a significant effect on transgender youth, what’s taught in schools, and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. The Texas Newsroom’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán reports that in doing so, Texas joins several other Republican-led states in focusing on social issues.
These advocates and legislators want a dedicated stream of funding for mental health in schools
Mental health advocates are calling for Texas lawmakers to pass a school mental health allotment. Houston Public Media’s Sara Willa Ernst explains this would be a fund of money specially earmarked for counselors and other expenses:
Republican lawmakers have also filed several bills targeting alleged election fraud and making the officials who conduct elections more accountable to voters. Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider takes a closer look at some of the major proposals, which could make it even tougher to vote in Texas.
After decades of debate over what to do with El Paso’s Castner Range, it’s now a national monument
El Paso’s Castner Range is a volcanic ridge dotted with wildflowers and ancient rock art. This morning, the Biden administration designated it as a national monument, protecting it from future development. Scott Cutler, president of the Frontera Land Alliance, joins us with an overview.
How Indigenous chefs shined at Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion
It’s the spring festival season in Central Texas, and one aspect of Willie Nelson’s recently concluded Luck Reunion was particularly mouthwatering: Potluck, which focused not only on delicious munchies, but raising awareness of food-related issues. The Standard’s Kristen Cabrera reports that at Potluck, three Indigenous chefs took center stage.
Texas ‘washing hands’ of runaway and missing foster kids
The Texas foster system has dropped hundreds of runaways from its care over the past five years, and 170 of those people were still minors. A legislator seeking to end the practice says the state is washing its hands of the most vulnerable youth: those who end up being sexually abused or trafficked while missing. Texas Public Radio’s Paul Flahive has more.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
