Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, May 19, 2023:
Legislature considers big incentives for Texas gas producers
With just nine days left in the regular legislative session, a number of bills are still working their way through the Texas Legislature. They include SB 2627, a bill that would provide billions of dollars in low-interest loans to Texas oil and gas companies, with the goal of ratcheting up the state’s power grid. Mose Buchele, who covers energy and the environment for KUT-Austin, joins us today.
A year after the Uvalde shooting, Texas’ gun laws remain the same
It’s been a year since a gunman entered Robb Elementary School in Uvalde and killed 21 people in the deadliest school shooting in Texas history. But a year later, families of the victims are still waiting for changes to the state’s gun laws that they say contributed to the tragedy. The Texas Newsroom’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán reports.
Property tax bill passes the House, but a special session could still be on the horizon
The Texas House has tentatively passed the Senate’s main property tax reform bill, but with an important change. Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider says that change increases the odds the governor will have to call a special session, if he wants a property tax cut this year:
Why Bike to Work Day hasn’t gotten people out of their cars
Today is International Bike to Work Day. In Austin, dozens of stations will be set up around the city with free food and drinks, as well as bicycle accessories. But in spite of encouragement being offered, the number of people who bike to work is very low. KUT-Austin’s Nathan Bernier reports on why it can be so hard to convince people.
San Antonio Spurs’ No. 1 draft pick could be a game-changer
On Tuesday, the San Antonio Spurs won the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, giving the team the chance to draft 19-year-old Frenchman Victor Wembanyama. The teen phenom has been heralded as a generational talent, believed to have the potential to bring the kind of game-changing presence of Lebron James. Joining us is Madalyn Mendoza, who covers all things San Antonio for Axios.
‘Primo’ is a coming-of-age story with a big family at its heart
Coming-of-age stories often speak to audiences universally. It’s this awkward stage in youth that San Antonio author Shea Serrano helped bring to streaming screens everywhere with a new show called “Primo,” inspired by his own youth and centered around high schooler Rafa and his large family, including his mom and her five brothers. Actress Christina Vidal plays Rafa’s mom, the matriarch of the show, and she 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 Shelly Brisbin with the Talk of Texas.
