Ban on Russian oil could pump up demand for Texas fuel
President Biden’s announcement on the ban of Russian oil imports to the U.S. will further increase the price of gas across the country. Here in Texas, the ban could affect more than gas station prices. Joining us to talk about how Texas energy companies might be affected is Daniel Graeber, an energy analyst and Houston Chronicle contributor.
Gov. Abbott responds to growing teacher shortage
Earlier this week Gov. Greg Abbott announced the creation of a task force within the state’s teaching agency to address staffing shortages. Texas public schools struggled with retention before the pandemic – and its noticeably grown since. Talking to us about the task force is Edward McKinley, state government and politics reporter for Houston Chronicle and the San Antonio Express-News.
Texas oyster industry faces series of hardships
From storms to spills and more, industries on the Gulf Coast have taken some hits. One of those industries, oyster harvesting, has been hit especially hard. Today, oyster harvesters in Galveston County are fighting against the potential closure of bays they call vital. Keri Heath, reporter for The Galveston County Daily News, joins us to explain the situation.
The map of Texas we all know today may have been created, in large part, because of railroads. Commentator WF Strong says railroads, more than any other technology, ushered Texas into the industrial age and commercial wealth.
The Texas abortion restriction’s effects, six months later
It’s been about half a year since Texas passed its restrictive abortion law banning the procedure after fetal cardiac activity can be detected. Abortion rates haves dropped dramatically – but new data suggests that it isn’t as simple as that. Joining us to talk about how Texans might still be getting abortions is Claire Cain Miller, who reports on gender and families for The New York Times.
Revisiting the mother of a trans child who invited the Texas Attorney General to Dinner
In 2016, Amanda Briggle invited Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to dinner following his lawsuit against the Obama Administration’s guidelines allowing public school students to use the bathroom based on their gender identity. Paxton accepted the dinner invitation, but now, he’s working to classify gender-affirming care as child abuse – and the Briggles are targets of a state investigation. Amber Briggle joins us with more.
Fact check on Biden’s State of the Union
During President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, he said more jobs were created in the U.S. last year than ever before in American history. PolitiFact Texas reporter Nusiaba Mizan joins us to talk about the statement.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
