Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Monday, March 27, 2023:
Human smuggling claims lives of three migrants over the weekend
Three people died in suspected human smuggling incidents in South Texas this weekend: two among the many immigrants trapped in a train car in Uvalde; and one dead under similar circumstances outside Eagle Pass. These tragedies are part of increased trafficking along Highway 90, between Del Rio and San Antonio. Texas Public Radio’s Joey Palacios joins us with the latest.
Anti-trans bills get a hearing in the Texas Senate this week
Republican lawmakers across the country have drafted bills that would limit transgender kids from accessing certain kinds of health care or playing sports in school. At the Texas Capitol, similar Senate bills come up for discussion this week. The Texas Newsroom’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán joins us with an update.
Shortages grow as diabetes drug is touted as weight loss miracle
A drug used to treat type 2 diabetes is exploding in popularity among celebrities and influencers as an appetite suppressant and weight loss miracle. But a shortage in Ozempic has put a spotlight on those who use the medication to improve their appearance. Texas Public Radio’s Kayla Padilla reports:
Why Texas is blacklisting this international bank
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar says Texas has added the multinational bank HSBC to its investing blacklist. At issue? The bank’s oil and gas funding policy. Here to explain is Matt Smith, lead oil analyst for the Americas at Kpler.
The future of TikTok hinges on ‘Project Texas’
Is TikTok a harmless time waster, or a sneaky surveillance mechanism? It’s a question Congress is wrestling with as it mulls a ban on the app. With its U.S. future in doubt, TikTok has hatched a $1.5 billion plan with Texas in the center. Amanda O’Donnell wrote about “Project Texas” for Texas Monthly and joins us with more.
These are the bugs that can stain you
Ever notice that some insects can leave a stain on your skin? We’ll learn more from Wizzie Brown, a program specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and our go-to insect expert. Something bugging you? Drop us a line and we’ll pass it along.
The Navy’s waiting list for child care is getting shorter, but it still numbers more than 5,000
With over 5,000 families on waiting lists for child care, the U.S. Navy is struggling to provide this resource to sailors and their families. And while the wait’s actually down significantly from a few years ago, parents say the Navy isn’t moving fast enough to reduce the backlog. Steve Walsh reports for the American Homefront Project.
New right-wing attack on public schools targets support group
The Texas Association of School Boards supports local school boards with services like training, lobbying and insurance. While membership’s voluntarily, the association can boast all public school districts in the state are members. But that could change tonight, as one North Texas district will vote whether to leave the association. Fort Worth Star Telegram reporter Liz Campbell joins us with the story.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
