Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025:
Abbott wants feds to cover Texas’ border costs
Texas has racked up a big bill with Operation Lone Star, Gov. Greg Abbott’s militarization of the border. Now the governor is asking Congress for more than $11 billion in reimbursements.
The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey reports some lawmakers on both sides of the aisle support the request.
Texas leads in wind power. Could Trump orders slow growth?
Wind power makes up about 10% of the U.S. electricity mix, but in Texas, it’s more than 28% – second only to natural gas. Texas also leads the nation in wind energy jobs, but a new White House executive order has some in the industry concerned.
Brian Korgel, director of The University of Texas at Austin Energy Institute, joins us with more.
What domestic violence shelters want from the Texas Legislature this year
More than 200 Texans die from domestic violence each year, but shelters often lack space, turning away half of all survivors in need. Advocates are pushing lawmakers to strengthen protections and increase resources.
Molly Voyles, public policy director for the Texas Council on Family Violence, joins us to discuss.
Buc-ee’s boom: How cities compete to bring the beaver home
Texans have loved Buc-ee’s for decades, but as the chain expands nationwide, cities and counties across the U.S. are offering tax breaks and incentives to bring the mega gas station to town.
Bloomberg economic reporter Mike Sasso joins us with more.
Artist explores climate change through her work in Oak Cliff
Wildfires, droughts, hurricanes — climate change is impacting Texas in a big way. At her Oak Cliff studio, artist Eliana Miranda is using her work to document these environmental crises.
KERA’s Elizabeth Myong brings us her story.
How Trump’s mass deportation efforts could impact Texas farms
As the Trump administration ramps up deportations of unauthorized immigrants, many farmers are bracing for the impact on agriculture.
Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies has the story.
Texas minors increasingly traveling out of state for abortions
When Texas’ near-total abortion ban took effect in 2023, many reports focused on adults leaving the state for care. But new state data shows a growing number of minors are also traveling out of state for abortions.
Taylor Goldenstein of the Houston Chronicle joins us to break down the numbers.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
