Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, March 3, 2023:
What Texans think lawmakers should prioritize this legislative session
Property taxes, school safety, the economy and the border have emerged as top priorities for the Texas Legislature this year. How do those issues align with everyday Texans? The Texas Politics Project has new polling data looking at that, and director Jim Henson joins Texas Standard with the findings.
How an El Paso professor tried to launder two Border Patrol agents’ reputations
Two former Border Patrol officials – one accused of sexual harassment, the other the first to pilot family separation policies at the border – had titles created for them at the University of Texas at El Paso to make them “less risky” for future jobs, according to emails obtained by El Paso Matters. Publisher Bob Moore joins us with the story.
Fine dining accolades could be as close as your neighborhood taco joint
Some folks may look to famous chefs and expensive restaurants for the best in dining. But don’t count out your local barbecue joint or panadería – the James Beards awards aren’t. Taco journalist and podcast host Mando Rayo serves up more on some acclaimed small businesses.
Starbucks management is escalating anti-union actions in San Antonio, workers say
As Starbucks workers continue to unionize around the country, many say they’ve increasingly faced retaliation from management. In union-hostile Texas, workers say management has called police over matters as small as dress code violations. Texas Public Radio’s Josh Peck reports from San Antonio, which has found itself at the center of the Starbucks labor fight.
‘Borderland Chopin Festival’ celebrates the famed pianist and composer
For many lovers of the piano, there’s no one quite like Frédéric Chopin. Now a new festival in El Paso celebrates the music of the Polish composer. “Borderland Chopin Festival” artistic director and UTEP professor Oscar Macchioni joins us with more.
The gang delivers another custom poem. Get in touch with your own topic suggestions!
Texas Tribune political reporter James Barragán stops by with a recap of the week that was, including Gov. Greg’s Abbott’s latest broadside against renewable energy, the state’s likely takeover of Houston ISD, and potential restrictions on transgender athletes in college sports.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
