Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023:
Why Texas farmers are pulling back from cotton
After record losses last year, many Texas cotton farmers aren’t planning to plant as much in 2023. We’ll meet three Texans on the front lines of this change: Bryce Wilde, a cotton farmer in the Rio Grande Valley; Guyle Roberson, CEO of the Texas Producers Cooperative; and Texas A&M agricultural economics professor John Robinson.
Many alleged abusers under protective orders don’t surrender their guns as required. That may change
Texas law says most people named in domestic violence protective orders can’t have access to their firearms. But that access isn’t usually taken away – which can lead to tragic consequences. KERA’s Caroline Love says some Texas legislators want to change that.
Is social media verification worth it?
Want to prove that you are who you say you are on social media? Interested in protecting access to your account? That peace of mind may cost you. Still, as Twitter and Meta roll out paid authentication services, it’s not clear whether they’re worth it for most. Our tech expert Omar Gallaga has more.
As Supreme Court prepares to weigh relief, what heavy student debt is like
Over 43 million Americans hold federal student loan debt, and some have been in repayment for decades. Washington Post reporter Danielle Douglas-Gabriel spoke with borrowers who fear they’ll never get out from under their student loans, despite years of payments. She shares those stories with us today.
Making Easter egg hunts inclusive for blind kids
Easter is still several weeks away, but many children are already looking forward to chocolate bunnies and egg hunts. KEDT’s Cathy Edwards says efforts are underway to make sure blind children in the Coastal Bend will be able to be part of the fun:
Palestinian restaurant comes to San Antonio
A new pop-up restaurant in San Antonio is giving folks a chance to eat Palestinian food. Texas Public Radio’s Jack Morgan was at the grand opening.
UT pauses new diversity programs after Gov. Greg Abbott calls them out
The University of Texas System has paused new diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies at its 13 campuses, pending review. The announcement from UT’s Board of Regents chair comes after Gov. Greg Abbott’s office said DEI considerations in hiring are illegal. Austin American-Statesman higher education reporter Megan Menchaca shares the story.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
