Texas Standard For July 9, 2021

For some communities in Texas when it rains, it pours. We’ll speak with the mayor of Rockport Texas about the ongoing storms. And: A look at how vulnerable Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton may be on his next bid for office. Also: How proving that major transportation projects do not discriminate against riders can unleash massive amounts of money from the federal government. Plus: How the punishment for a men’s soccer team is affecting a women’s soccer team, today on the Texas Standard:

By Texas StandardJuly 9, 2021 9:30 am

Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, July 9, 2021.

 Rockport & Coastal Bend Flooding

Heavy rains along South Texas’ Coastal Bend have brought major flooding and drinking water concerns to cities like Corpus Christi, Rockport and Port Aransas. Local meteorologists say some parts of the coastal bend may have seen up to a foot of rain since Wednesday. In Rockport, which was hit hard by Hurricane Harvey nearly four years ago, the rain is still coming down. Here to tell us how the town is handling the flooding is Rockport Mayor Pat Rios.

Paxton Faces Challenges

This will be the third race Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton runs. Paxton is a Republican and this time, he’s facing two serious challengers from his own party. Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports on why Paxton may be vulnerable.

CapMetro Title VI

Austin voters approved billions in funding last year for the region’s transportation provider – Capital Metro, or Cap Metro for short. Cap Metro has already started spending it, planning for two light rail lines, a transit tunnel downtown and enhanced bus service. But the whole plan hinges on getting the federal government to pick up 45 percent of the tab. KUT Austin’s Nathan Bernier reports that won’t happen unless Cap Metro convinces the federal government that it’s not discriminating against riders.

Mexican Futbol Team Punishment

The Mexican women’s national futbol – soccer in the U.S. – team may be punished for the offenses of their male counterparts. At two games featuring the mean’s team, fans chanted homophobic slurs. Now the league’s imposing penalties, but the women’s team may shoulder the punishment. Here with the story is Brenda Elsey, author of “Futbolera: A History Of Women And Sports In Latin America.”

Afghan Visas

As the U.S. continues to withdraw troops from Afghanistan ahead of the 20th anniversary of September 11th, the White House and Congress are also vowing to help thousands of Afghans who could face retribution for working with the American military. President Joe Biden said he’s asking Congress to consider allowing these people to stay in the U.S. while their visas are processing. Some Afghan translators have already come to the U.S. on special visas. But Steve Walsh from the American Homefront Project reports others are in danger of being left behind.

Migrant Summer Deaths

Border Patrol agents are rescuing more and more migrants this summer. The dangers include triple digit heat and drowning in the Rio Grande or rain-swollen canals this time of year. And it’s only expected to get worse. KTEP’s Angela Kocherga reports.

Typewriter Rodep

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