Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, June 28, 2023:
As one special session ends, the next one begins
The first 30-day special legislative session of 2023 ended quietly yesterday: No laws were passed, and the Texas House and Senate remain in a stalemate on the best approach to cut property taxes. The governor almost immediately announced a second special session, focusing solely on property taxes. We’ll hear from Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, who covers state politics for the Texas Newsroom.
Presidential candidates are coming to Texas
We’re still 252 days away from the Texas presidential primary, but candidate trips to the Lone Star State are in full swing, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in South Texas this week to unveil his border policy. For more on the visit – and what role Texas could play in shaping the race for the Republican ticket – we’re joined by Jeremy Wallace, a political reporter for the Houston Chronicle.
Human smuggling suspects arrested
One year ago this week, 53 people, including a pregnant woman and several children, died in a sweltering, unventilated trailer found in San Antonio. Officials have called it the country’s deadliest human smuggling event – and now, federal authorities are announcing at least four new arrests. Texas Public Radio’s Joey Palacios reports:
As Texas passes law requiring armed officers at schools, Eanes ISD to form its own police force
A small school district in Central Texas is one of the latest to move forward with plans for its own police department. The Eanes ISD board voted last night on the district’s 2023-24 budget, which includes funding to create a police force. And KUT’s Becky Fogel reports this coincides with a new state law requiring armed officers on all campuses.
Hundreds of thousands of Muslims call Texas home, and June 28 marks an important date on their calendar: Eid al-Adha, often called ‘Big Eid,’ is a festival commemorating the prophet Abraham’s great sacrifice to honor his faith in God. To learn more about this holiday, we turn to Imam Anwer Iman, director of religious affairs at the Nueces Mosque in Austin.
At least 50% of the Afghan refugees living in San Antonio may be experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Texas Public Radio’s reporter Bonnie Petrie tells us advocates are trying to find culturally competent ways to help.
Rethink35 drops legal battle over project to widen I-35
The Texas Department of Transportation is planning to widen 28 miles of Interstate Highway 35 that runs through Austin. Rethink35, an Austin-based advocacy group, filed a 2021 lawsuit against TxDOT over environmental concerns. But the group has given up the legal battle – at least for now. Rethink35 Executive Director Adam Greenfield joins us.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Shelly Brisbin with the Talk of Texas.
