Texas Standard for January 24, 2022

Austin has ’em, so does San Antonio – now, almost five years after Hurricane Harvey, Harris County officials are looking into massive underground tunnels to help with flooding. And: Why Texas is one of only four states where employment numbers have bounced back to prepandemic levels. Also: An Austin-based author on her new book exploring the Mexican American experience in Texas. Those stories and more, today on the Texas Standard:

By Texas StandardJanuary 24, 2022 9:30 am,

Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Monday, January 24, 2022.

It’s a Bad Time for Bad News in Texas Political Campaigns

Three Texas politicians face unexpected troubles, as the March primaries near. An indictment for Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller’s former top aide, an as-yet-unexplained FBI raid on the home of Laredo Congressman Henry Quellar and Attorney General Ken Paxton’s ongoing legal troubles are all providing opportunities for challengers, says Texas Tribune executive editor Ross Ramsey, who joins us today.

Could a giant tunnel save Houston from future floods?

The above question is being studied by city engineers – and they’re looking to a similar stormwater tunnel in San Antonio for inspiration. Emily Foxhall has the story for the Houston Chronicle.

Most Texas oyster harvest areas are closed

Normally oyster season would be in full swing this time of year along the Texas coast. But most of the oyster harvest areas are closed this year. Texas Public Radio’s Jerry Clayton explains.

The job growth’s bigger in Texas

You’ve heard of the great resignation, but are we in the middle of a great rebound? Texas has joined an exclusive club, including just three other states, that have recovered all the jobs it lost when the pandemic first hit. What’s driving the growth? Bryan Mena reported the story for The Wall Street Journal and joins us today.

Oil Price are Rebounding, or are They?

Are oil prices slated for a rebound in 2022? Looking into the question is our regular guest on energy commodities: Matt Smith, lead oil analyst for the Americas at Kpler.

New book explores what it means to be Mexican American in Texas

Texas has a long and complicated relationship with its Mexican American population. Author and anthropologist Martha Menchaca seeks to put it into context in her new book “The Mexican American Experience in Texas: Citizenship, Segregation, and the Struggle for Equality.” Hear from her today in this extended interview.

North Texas counselors on helping people navigate grief during the pandemic

Across the country, nearly 850,000 people have died from COVID-19 since March 2020. The mass casualty event has shone a spotlight on grief and how people work through loss. KERA’s Elena Rivera reports on a Fort Worth organization that helps grieving families through community support.

All this and Texas News Roundup, plus Social Media Editor Wells Dunbar with the talk of Texas.

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