Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023:
Texas economy continues growth heading into 2023
Which state added the most (non-farm) jobs in the U.S. last year? If you guessed Texas, you’d be correct, according to new Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The report continues a stream of strong economic indicators for Texas. Economist Ray Perryman shares more..
Plan to prevent the next blackout heads to the Legislature
After Texas’ deadly winter freeze in February 2021, many called on the state to shore up the energy grid. Now Texas’ Public Utility Commission has offered legislators a plan for improving reliability – but it’s not without controversy. Texas Tribune energy reporter Emily Foxhall has more.
A mother’s anguish, as accused sex traffickers see no jail time in Bexar County case
Two men accused of trafficking two teens and an adult woman will see no jail time, nor have to register as sex offenders, under a deal the Texas attorney general’s office has struck. The reduced sentences sparked outrage among victims, and surprise with a former prosecutor on the case. Texas Public Radio’s Paul Flahive has more.
How can you protect your information from data breaches?
T-Mobile has admitted that data belonging to some 37 million customers was stolen by hackers. Other recent data breaches, including PayPal and password manager LastPass, have compromised thousands more users. What can you do to protect yourself? Tech expert Omar Gallaga offers some suggestions.
It’s high time for Texas to revisit cannabis laws, say reform advocates
November’s election saw a handful of Texas cities voting to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana. Will Texas leaders do anything at the state level during this legislative session? Jax James with the Texas chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws shares a look at proposed cannabis-related legislation.
What happened to the Zilker Park mini-train?
Zilker Park, the crown jewel of Austin’s park system, used to have a miniature train ride. It delighted families for generations and became one of Austin’s most iconic attractions. But that little train hasn’t run since May 2019. KUT’s Nathan Bernier investigated what happened.
Harris County health services get a boost from federal funds
An infusion of one-time federal funds has come to Harris Health’s rescue this fiscal year. The public hospital district was facing a $45 million deficit after the county adopted one of the lowest tax rates in years. Houston Public Media’s Sara Willa Ernst says stopgap funding saved services, plus an infrastructure project going to area voters.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
