Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Monday, May 15, 2023:
Legislative lookahead: changes to SB 8
What’s ahead for SB 8, the bill that would create education savings accounts – also known as school vouchers – for parents who want to send their children to private schools? We’re joined by Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, who covers the Capitol for The Texas Newsroom.
How a ban on gender-affirming care would affect teens and their families
For the past year-and-a-half, trans youth and their families in Texas have lived in a state of anxiety and uncertainty as lawmakers debate gender-affirming health care for kids under 18. Two bills moving through the state Legislature this session would ban access to transition care like hormone therapy. KERA’s Elena Rivera spoke with families and advocates about how the legislation could impact their lives – and what it means for their future in Texas.
The latest from Matamoros
An official with Mexico’s immigration agency says it could take two years for all of the migrants who have showed up to the U.S.-Mexico border to leave temporary shelter. Texas Public Radio’s Stephania Corpi reports from Matamoros, Mexico:
How scientists are using AI to read thoughts
A new technology developed by UT-Austin scientists can turn a person’s thoughts into readable text. It’s called a ‘semantic decoder,’ and it uses artificial intelligence to interpret brain activity. The decoder can allow communication with someone who is mentally conscious but may be unable to speak – like someone who has had a stroke. Alex Huth, an assistant professor of neuroscience and computer science at UT Austin, joins us to explain how this technology works, and what ethical and legal issues it brings forth.
What does summer mean for the electric grid?
Seems like every seasonal shift since the 2021 winter storm has brought with it the question, will the grid hold up? We’re headed into summer, and temperatures are quickly rising. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas recently released its season capacity assessment, including warnings about what could be ahead. Matt Smith, lead oil analyst for the Americas at Kpler, joins us to explain.
Where are the best cheeseburgers in the Lone Star State?
Fads and trends breeze in and out of the culinary world on a regular basis. But the cheeseburger is a simple, timeless, eminently customizable food item that you can get practically anywhere. Ali Khan, an Austin-based food writer and television host who also serves as the burger editor for Texas Highways magazine, has been traveling all over Texas to identify the best ones.
Uvalde in their own words: Kimberly Mata-Rubio
Today, the Standard features the first in a series of pieces from the families of those killed in the shooting at Robb Elementary almost one year ago.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Shelly Brisbin with the Talk of Texas.
