Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, March 11, 2022.
What is the legal status of investigations into parents of trans children?
Almost two weeks ago, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a directive to Texas Child Protective Services to investigate families of transgender children for potential child abuse. Legal challenges have dogged the order ever since, including a ruling on a potential statewide injunction today. Linda McClain, professor of law at Boston University, offers an overview.
Truth versus propaganda in the coverage of Russia’s invasion
How can we tell if the information we read about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is truthful, especially online? We’re speaking to Inga Kristina Trauthig with the Center for Media Engagement at the University of Texas at Austin, for tips on how to spot propaganda and misinformation.
Promise Plus fund covers tuition
A new $300 million endowment created by the University of Texas System Regents will reduce the cost of higher education for some students. The fund will cover tuition at seven UT System universities. KTEP’s Angela Kocherga reports on how the funding will help students at the University of Texas at El Paso.
Renewable energy solution in San Antonio
As energy distributors add more renewables to their portfolios, they’re also searching for new ways to store it. Recently, CPS Energy in San Antonio struck a deal with a company called Quidnet to do just that. Quidnet’s technology is a little like an underground hydroelectric plant – using some of the same technology as hydraulic fracturing to produce energy from flowing water. Diego Mendoza-Moyers, business reporter for the San Antonio Express-News, has more.
Bobbie Nelson passes away at 91
Bobbie Nelson, pianist, vocalist and sister to Willie Nelson has died. Widely known as “Sister Bobbie,” Nelson was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of fame and had been playing piano since the age of five. Jody Denberg, host at our sister station KUTX, speaks with us about the news.
The Sounds of Texas: ‘What We Leave Behind’
Ahead of its premier at the South by Southwest Film Festival, we’ll hear from El Paso-born director liana Sosa on her new documentary, “What We Leave Behind.” Her film discusses the intergenerational trauma of immigration.
Despite the invasion of Ukraine, the Cliburn will let 15 young Russian pianists compete
The Cliburn International Piano Competition in Fort Worth takes pride in its focus on high-quality, musical performance. But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine cast a somber shadow over recent auditions. KERA’s Jerome Weeks reports that for some musicians, that’s adding a layer of tension that is difficult to imagine.
The gang delivers another timely poem. Submit your own suggestions online!
Texas Tribune political reporter James Barragán stops by with a recap of the week that was, including fallout from Harris County’s vote tabulating troubles.
All this and Texas News Roundup, plus Social Media Editor Wells Dunbar with the talk of Texas.
