Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Thursday, July 6, 2023:
Houston sues state over ‘Death Star’ law that will block local ordinances
State lawmakers passed a controversial law blocking a variety of local regulations from being enacted at the city and county level. HB 2127 – dubbed the “Death Star” bill – calls into doubt local ordinances covering business, labor, property and much more. Now, the city of Houston has filed a lawsuit to try and block the new law. Houston Chronicle reporter Jasper Scherer joins us with more.
Addicks and Barker residents have two months to sue over Harvey floods. Less than half have.
This August will mark six years since Hurricane Harvey struck the Texas Gulf Coast. It will also mark the deadline for thousands of people to sue the federal government. The lawsuit in this case involves homes and businesses flooded during Harvey by Houston’s Addicks and Barker Reservoirs. But Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports many are passing up their last chance to seek this compensation.
Refugees left in limbo after nonprofit closure
It’s been over a month since Refugee Services of Texas announced it was permanently closing after four decades in business. KERA’s Stella Chávez reports that some of the refugees the agency resettled still have more questions than answers.
Physical media’s making a comeback, but is it enough for musicians?
For the first time since the 1990s, sales of both vinyl albums and CDs rose last year: an encouraging sign for the music industry, but far from enough to put food on the table for many a working musician. With constant touring and just pennies from streaming royalties, how can musicians make ends meet? Our tech expert Omar Gallaga joins us with his thoughts.
You know what they say about the fourth slice of brisket …
It started as a theory between two friends, but the result may speak to the subtle science of a staple of Texas cuisine. Heady stuff, right? Well you know it, especially if you love barbecue. Texas Monthly barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn joins us with his thoughts.
‘Every Body’ looks at what it means to be intersex
Intersex people have long been overlooked and misunderstood, but in the new documentary “Every Body” being intersex is celebrated. Austin resident Alicia Roth Weigel is featured in the film and joins us today.
Why weren’t mental health resources used before San Antonio police killed a woman?
Melissa Perez was shot to death by San Antonio police officers who now face murder charges and ongoing investigations. Perez, 46, was schizophrenic; Texas Public Radio’s Paul Flahive reports the community has many questions about why resources meant to help people like her apparently weren’t used.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
