Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022:
What’s in store for Texas in the new Congress
Last week, Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar was approached by a handful of Republican colleagues. Their question: Would he, a moderate South Texas Democrat, consider switching parties? Cuellar turned them down, but the incident illustrates how dynamics in the U.S. House have shifted since Election Day – and how many Texans find themselves in new positions of influence. Matthew Choi, Washington, D.C. correspondent for the Texas Tribune, has more.
Raises weren’t enough to stave off the teacher shortage in San Antonio
Several San Antonio school districts raised salaries this year in hopes that would stave off the teacher shortage. But the shortage was still felt more acutely this year than last year. Texas Public Radio’s Camille Phillips asks whether the raises had an impact – and if not, why not.
A new solution for dialysis patients in times of crisis
Dialysis patients are among the most vulnerable groups in times of disaster. They rely on life-saving treatment, and consequences can be fatal without it. State officials are now rolling out a solution after last year’s freeze left thousands stranded in their homes. Houston Public Media’s Sara Willa Ernst shares what they went through that week.
The invisible toll of gun violence
A new analysis has found that more than 200 people killed themselves with a firearm in the first six months of 2022 – just in Dallas, Tarrant and Collin counties. KERA’s Caroline Love reports that these people are the invisible victims of gun violence.
Fired off by NASA early this morning, the Orion capsule will go on to orbit the moon. Its mission: gather information NASA needs to keep developing spacecraft to return astronauts to the lunar surface – and eventually Mars. Stephen Hackett, co-host of the space podcast Liftoff, joins us with more today.
The new book that finds peace – and fun – in aging
For some, reaching a certain point in life means a lot of looking in the rearview mirror. But does it have to? “I’m Wearing Tunics Now” is a humorous story of self-acceptance and starting over – albeit in age-appropriate PJs. We’ll talk to author Wendi Aarons today.
The incredible rise in housing wealth
Attention’s focused on the housing market for the last few years, but it’s been setting records for the past decade or so. New research from the Dallas Federal Reserve finds that from the start of 2013 to this year, U.S. home prices appreciated more than 60%, and that’s adjusted for inflation. Overall, housing wealth in America increased by nearly $9 trillion. Enrique Martinez-Garcia, senior research economist at the Dallas Fed, shares the details.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
