Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, June 7, 2023:
Republican impasse remains over property tax cuts
The special legislative session soldiers on with only one chamber in session. The leader of the Senate chamber, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, blasted the House plan to slash property taxes Tuesday. The Texas Tribune’s Patrick Svitek joins us with the latest.
Hurricane season is officially upon us. What can Texans expect this year, and how should they prepare? Space City Weather’s Matt Lanza joins us with an overview.
Texas asphalt plants operate with limited oversight
Asphalt plants across Texas operate with limited oversight. Experts say that allows communities to be exposed to harmful pollution. KERA’s Nathan Collins has spent two months investigating the environmental regulations for asphalt plants and shares what he’s found.
Is this Dallas-area state park closed for good?
Fairfield Lake State Park closed to the public on Monday night – possibly for good. The 2,200-acre park east of Dallas has prompted a fierce clash between its owner and Texas Parks and Wildlife, which leased the land for a state park. Dallas Morning News reporter Lana Ferguson joins us with more.
Cine Las Americas celebrates 25 years of Latin film in Texas
In 1997, a group of Austin film enthusiasts started a festival called Cine Las Americas. This year marks the fest’s 25th anniversary. We’re talking to director Alex Ramirez, whose film “A Life in Technicolor,” is one of the films showcasing at the fest.
At West Point, leadership includes solutions to climate change
Under a new initiative, West Point cadets are trying to help the Defense Department solve climate challenges that could affect national security. Desiree D’iorio reports for the American Homefront Project.
Oscar Wilde’s tour of Texas gives us life
More homespun wisdom from commentator W.F. Strong.
The dire situation facing underfunded Texas schools
School funding is a messy, delicate balancing act between the state’s property tax and school finance systems. It can be pretty confusing. But Texas Monthly senior editor Forrest Wilder writes that it all hurts rural schools, possibly by design. He joins us with his perspective today.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
