Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, July 8, 2022:
Texas Juvenile Justice Department stops youth intakes amid staffing shortage, federal investigation
There’s a staffing problem at the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, the agency responsible for the state’s incarcerated youth. On Thursday, news broke that the TJJD would stop accepting new offenders into its state facilities; according to a letter [PDF] from interim agency director Shandra Carter, there’s not enough staff to ensure detainees’ safety without locking the youth in their rooms most of the day. For more on the situation, we’re joined by Jolie McCullough, criminal justice reporter for the Texas Tribune.
Will Roe’s reversal impact Texas’ midterm elections?
Since last month’s U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, abortion-rights supporters in Texas have flooded the streets and the state Capitol to protest the decision. Many abortion-rights proponents now say they’re angry, upset, and frustrated – and they’ve pledged to use that energy to vote anti-abortion politicians out of office in November. But can that momentum hold until the midterms? The Texas Newsroom’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán has more.
Black Women Who Kayak looks to break down racial barriers in recreational sports
Growing up, Tanya Walker never saw other people of color doing outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking or cycling. Despite her urge to venture outdoors, Black people were not represented in the marketing of these activities – so it never felt like something she could do. That’s why she created Black Women Who Kayak, a group designed to encourage people of color to participate in recreational activities seen as predominantly white spaces.
Drought conditions take a toll on corn
Drought conditions in Texas have taken their toll on all kinds of agriculture, including corn. The state’s corn growers are seeing their crops wither as temperatures continue to climb and rainfall stays scarce. Colin Chopelas, a farmer near Nueces County and a member of the Texas Corn Producers Association, joins us to share the impact of these conditions on corn.
Post-pandemic economic recovery has been better in red states like Texas
The pandemic profoundly changed how we live and work. It also changed where we live and work. Labor Department data analyzed by the Brookings Institution shows that some red states like Texas are faring better than others when it comes to economic recovery. We’ll hear more from Josh Mitchell, who covers the U.S. economy for The Wall Street Journal and has been watching this trend.
Cristela Alonzo’s rise to “Middle Classy”
Growing up in the Rio Grande Valley, comedian Cristela Alonzo has used her experiences to connect with audiences far beyond those South Texas borders. After a break from Hollywood to focus on voting rights and activism, she returns to Netflix with her latest stand-up special, “Middle Classy.” She joins us to talk about the evolution of her career over the last few years.
The gang delivers another custom poem. Submit your own suggestions online!
The week in Texas politics
Texas Tribune political reporter James Barragán stops by to recap new political developments, including Gov. Greg Abbott’s announcement the state will send unauthorized migrants to the border; new polling data on Sen. John Cornyn’s approval rating; and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s bid to have a State Bar lawsuit against him dismissed.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
