Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Tuesday, January 11, 2022.
Funding key to ending foster care crisis: report
A new report from foster care experts suggests clear solutions for Texas’ foster care crisis: it could be eased if state leaders invest in mental health and addiction services for foster children and families. Bob Garrett, Austin bureau chief for The Dallas Morning News, has been following the story and joins us today.
Lubbock County’s Democratic primary ballot will be short this March
Congressional, state and county voting ballots are set for the March primaries. In Lubbock, many races are uncontested, or garnered candidates from just one party. Texas Tech Public Media’s Sarah Self-Walbrick reports that even in conservative Lubbock, having so few Democrats on the ballot raises questions.
Feds halt Harvey relief over missing paperwork
The federal government has halted the distribution of nearly $2 billion in Hurricane Harvey relief funds. Houston Public Media’s Lucio Vasquez says the state has 45 days to submit missing paperwork in order to receive the money.
Texas law allows sensitive personal information to be exposed on county web sites
Your social security number should be highly protected, since crooks can use it to steal your identity. Yet some Texas counties are exposing thousands of social security numbers online – and state law doesn’t require them to do anything about it. County clerks and state lawmakers have known about this problem for over a decade but can’t agree on how to fix it. Texas Public Radio’s Carolina Cuellar reports.
Why used cars prices are through the roof
Looking for a used car? Get ready for some sticker shock. Edmunds reports the average price of a used car in the U.S. is now more than $29,000 – up more than 40% over a year ago. What’s going on, and when will it end? Zac Palmer, road test editor for AutoBlog, joins us with an overview.
Inside the Texas Capitol’s Legislative Reference Library
A show ID with Catherine Wusterhausen, assistant director of the Legislative Reference Library of Texas.
Former San Antonian makes her mark in iconic NYC park
Texas Public Radio’s Jack Morgan recently met a San Antonio native who has significantly influenced one of New York City’s most famous parks. But holds on: it’s probably not the park you’re thinking of.
Forum shopping for patent cases in the crosshairs
Every year, the chief justice of the United States releases a progress report of sorts for the federal judiciary. The 2021 report by Chief Justice John Roberts included an item of particular interest to Texas: patent cases. Courts in Marshall and Waco are known as friendly to plaintiffs, who often sue big tech companies for patent infringement in hopes of a speedy settlement. Susan Decker, patents reporter for Bloomberg News, joins us with more.
All this and Texas News Roundup, plus Social Media Editor Wells Dunbar with the talk of Texas.
