Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, March 1, 2023:
Supreme Court takes up Biden plan to forgive $400 billion in student debt
The Supreme Court of the United States heard arguments Tuesday that could reshape how much student loan debt Americans hold. University of Houston Law Center professor Seth Chandler joins us with a recap.
A Texas Republican says banning college polling places is about safety. Students don’t buy it.
A Central Texas lawmaker wants to remove election locations from college campuses. KUT’s Becky Fogel reports that the lawmaker says the goal of her bill is school safety, but college students say it’s about voter suppression.
Alamo artifacts go on display in San Antonio
The new Alamo Collections Center opens to the public on Friday, and members of the media got a sneak preview yesterday. Texas Public Radio’s Brian Kirkpatrick was there and shares more:
Texas’s STAAR test is going virtual: Public school students from third through 12th grade will take the state’s first fully online standardized tests this spring. The Texas Education Agency says it’s ready for the rollout, but some educators say they’re not. Houston Public Media’s Dominic Anthony Walsh reports.
As book publishers dwindle, feds block merger of two print powerhouses
Last fall, the Justice Department blocked the $2 billion merger of two massive book publishers: Simon & Schuster and Penguin Random House. For more on why and what it means for authors, publishers and readers, we’re joined by Harper’s Magazine contributing editor Christian Lorentzen.
After decades of reluctance, the VA is studying psychedelic drugs for PTSD and other disorders
For decades, some scientists have viewed psychedelics as a potential treatment option. But research was thwarted by government regulation and concerns about recreational drug use. As Jonathan Ahl reports for the American Homefront Project, the V.A. now is trying to work around those obstacles.
A gorgeous garden refuge in McAllen
Cicero said, “If you have a library and a garden, you have all that you need.” Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong says you can begin to understand that wisdom when you enter the gates of Quinta Mazatlan, an urban oasis in south McAllen. He shares the story today.
Can affordable housing gain a foothold near one of Dallas’ ‘high opportunity’ neighborhoods?
Dallas has an affordable housing problem. KERA’s Christopher Connelly reports the city council is now considering an unusual extra effort to push forward some affordable apartments that have been stalled for years.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
