Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, May 17, 2023:
Texas looks to spend billions improving water infrastructure
Texas lawmakers have given initial approval to a bill that would provide funding for water infrastructure improvements in the state. The near-unanimous vote in the House sets aside up to $3 billion for large-scale water supply projects and infrastructure upgrades. The Texas Tribune’s Erin Douglas joins us with an update.
‘We’re being given scraps’: Texas teachers say Legislature is falling short on pay increases
Texas has seen an exodus of teachers due to unmanageable workloads, long hours and inadequate pay – all exacerbated by the pandemic. While schools grapple with teacher shortages, KUT’s Becky Fogel reports the Legislature’s pay proposals may not be enough to retain educators.
A new federal law lets military spouses with professional licenses transfer them across state lines
A new federal law will make it easier for military spouses to transfer their professional licenses when they move from one state to another. But it’s not clear yet exactly how the law will work, or how states will comply. Desiree Diorio reports for the American Homefront Project.
Hays CISD students are overdosing on fentanyl. It’s unclear how widespread the problem is.
Since last summer, Hays Consolidated Independent School District has seen six student deaths tied to fentanyl. Is the issue unique to Hays CISD, or is the district just more proactive in tracking overdoses? KUT’s Maya Fawaz reports.
San Antonio is getting accessible restrooms
Accessible public restrooms are crucial for people with disabilities; without them, many are often left feeling isolated. That soon won’t be the case, thanks to two nonprofit organizations that have made San Antonio a first in the country. Texas Public Radio’s Jackie Velez has the story.
Kate the Chemist on her new science podcast
Scientists often work to answer ‘the big questions.’ Questions about space that can be mind boggling. Questions about climate change that can be downright scary. The new podcast “Seeking a Scientist” looks to make sense of it. Host and UT-Austin chemistry professor Kate Biberdorf (aka Kate the Chemist) joins us with a preview.
We’re one week away from the anniversary of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary that killed 19 students and two teachers. Veronica and Jerry Mata’s girl Tess was among those killed. They talked with Texas State journalism student Ezekiel Ramirez about their daughter.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
