Texas Standard for Nov. 14, 2022: Prison education makes a slow return in Texas

The funds to power higher education haven’t been available to prisoners for most of the past few decades. In 2015, Pell Grant money was once again available in some facilities, and this year, the Biden administration announced plans to expand the effort.

By Texas StandardNovember 14, 2022 9:07 am,

Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Monday, Nov. 14, 2022:

State leaders won’t commit to specifics about how much they might invest in children’s mental health

Between the pandemic and the impact of school shootings, Texas students’ needs for mental health resources are arguably greater than ever. But ahead of the Texas Legislature’s next session, many providers fear funding will come up short. The Texas Tribune’s Karen Brooks Harper joins us with more.

Teacher resignations drive teacher shortage in San Antonio

San Antonio is struggling to find enough teachers, due in part to a spike in resignations at the end of last school year. In the first of a series exploring the teacher shortage, Texas Public Radio education reporter Camille Phillips asks why so many quit, and what that means for the future. 

All 10 Houston, Harris County bond proposals pass, authorizing nearly $1.7 billion in funding

On Election Day, voters approved every bond proposal on the ballot for both Houston and Harris County, totaling $1.7 billion. What do people get for taking on this big loan? Houston Public Media’s Ashley Brown and Sara Willa Ernst Houston look at the initiatives getting funded

What’s under discussion at the UN Climate Change Summit

World leaders are gathered in Egypt for the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Summit. Delegates are expected to release an agreement outlining actions to tackle climate change, but some fear the 1.5degree Celsius global temperature rise target is slipping away. Matt Smith, lead oil analyst for the Americas at Kpler, shares an update with us. 

New UT effort to study benefits of psychedelic mushrooms

Can psychedelic drugs help people suffering from mental health conditions? UT Austin’s Dell Medical School is hoping to lead a renewed effort to research the benefits of the illicit substances. KUT’s Seema Mathur reports.

‘The Big Texas Cookbook’ is Texas Monthly’s recipe for the state’s foods

From fights over which city has the best tacos, to the great debate over beans in chili – when it comes to the kitchen, Texans can be passionate. But the kitchen is also a reflection of a Texas culture constantly evolving. Try boiling it down to just 100 essential recipes! That’s what the authors of Texas Monthly’s “The Big Texas Cookbook” attempted. We’ll hear from the Monthly’s Courtney Bond and Pat Sharpe today.

Prison education makes a slow return in Texas

The Pell Grant is key for many college students – including people studying behind bars. But the funds to power higher education haven’t been available to prisoners for most of the past few decades. In 2015, Pell Grant money was once again available in some facilities, and this year, the Biden administration announced plans to expand the effort. Michelle Pitcher, staff writer at the Texas Observer, has more.  

All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.

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