Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, May 12, 2023.
How the end of Title 42 is playing out in Matamoros, Mexico
The repeal of pandemic-era expulsion policy Title 42 has meant a huge increase in the number of migrants at the border. Rio Grande Valley counties including Cameron and Hildalgo have joined El Paso, Brownsville and other local governments in declaring states of emergency. From Matamoros, Texas Public Radio’s Stephania Corpi reports migrants had been gathering for days in anticipation.
What the end of the pandemic emergency order means
After more than three years, the federal government has lifted its pandemic emergency declaration. As Catherine Troisi with the UT-Health Houston School of Public Health tells us, the implications may go further than many Texans realize. She joins us today.
Bills are dropping like flies in the Texas Legislature
Texas’ legislative session wraps up in just over two weeks. And as The Texas Newsroom’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán reports, the Texas House hit a critical deadline last night.
Texas almost approved a school voucher program in the 1950s – to avoid desegregation.
The push for a school voucher program in Texas has a lot of momentum this legislative session. The idea of using public funds for private school tuition has been around since at least the 1950s. Texas Public Radio’s Camille Phillips reports many states’ first voucher programs were there to circumvent desegregation – and Texas almost joined them.
Community shaken after Allen mall shooting taints place of cherished memories
The Allen Outlet Mall is where a gunman killed eight and injured seven last weekend. It’s also a popular space beloved by the community. KERA’s Elizabeth Myong spoke to North Texans still reeling from the tragedy.
After a mass shooting, it’s all about mental health for some politicians — not guns
Mass shootings like the one in Allen often prompt calls for gun reforms and finger-pointing at mental health issues. But KERA’s Caroline Love reports that change rarely happens on either.
Did this Texas Ranger extract a false confession? A new podcast goes in depth
Texas Ranger James Holland was renowned for getting confessions out of people – including Larry Driskill. Driskill confessed to a 2005 murder, but now says he has no memory of the killing and believes he may have been manipulated into a confession. Journalist Maurice Chammah created a podcast about the case called “Smoke Screen: Just Say You’re Sorry.” He joins us today.
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.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
