Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, July 14, 2023.
Families and advocates sue to stop ban on gender-affirming care
When the Texas Legislature passed a bill in May to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth, those against the measure promised to sue. Now they’ve followed through – filing a lawsuit in hopes of blocking the law from going into effect. Texas Newsroom reporter Julián Aguilar joins us with more.
With regulation crushed at the Lege, concrete plant opponents turn to state agencies
Republican state legislators declined significant new limitations on concrete batch plants and their emissions. Now residents and environmental advocates are turning to state agencies to make their case. Houston Chronicle reporter Jasper Scherer joins us with the story.
What’s the state of the Texas economy?
Over the past month and a half, the Texas economy has continued to modestly expand, according to the latest Beige Book from the Federal Reserve. The Texas Standard’s Sean Saldana took a closer look.
State policies cause Texas to slip from top business rankings
Texas has slipped from its position as one of the top states for business. In CNBC’s 2023 America’s Top States for Business rankings, Texas now holds the sixth spot – a slide attributed to its infamous grid collapse and LGBTQ-targeting legislation. Houston Chronicle business reporter Erica Grieder joins us to talk about it.
Policing experts concerned over how San Antonio Police Department supervises officers
It’s been more than two weeks since three San Antonio police officers found Melissa Perez in a mental health crisis and fatally shot her. Her family has filed a lawsuit, and the police department charged its officers with murder. Disciplinary records of two of the officers raise questions about how the city holds its officers accountable. Texas Public Radio’s Paul Flahive reports.
Why can’t you swim in Austin’s Lady Bird Lake?
Swimming in Lady Bird Lake in Austin has been banned since 1964 because of various safety hazards. It’s unlikely to be swimmable any time soon. KUT’s Corey Smith talked with City of Austin staff about why the lake remains off limits to swimmers, and what it would take to change that.
Starting this week, Grand Prairie Stadium will host part of the inaugural season of Major League Cricket – a new league that aims to bring one of the world’s biggest sports to American audiences. D Magazine sports editor Mike Piellucci joins us with an overview.
Typewriter Rodeo
The gang delivers another custom poem. Reach out to Texas Standard with your topic suggestions!
Texas Tribune reporter James Barragán stops by with a recap of the week that was in Texas politics.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
