Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Monday, Oct. 7, 2024:
Supreme Court kicks off new term with high-profile cases
The Supreme Court begins its new term today, following a previous session that saw landmark decisions on guns, abortion medication, federal regulations and presidential immunity. The upcoming term is expected to feature more cases with enormous impact.
Tara Grove, the Vinson & Elkins chair in law at UT Austin, joins the Standard with more.
Texas-Lebanon ties as assault on Beirut continues
As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates, the U.S. State Department is urging American citizens in Lebanon to stay informed about available assistance.
Angela Kerwin, deputy assistant secretary for the department’s Overseas Citizens Services, joins the Standard to explain how Texans with ties to Lebanon can stay connected during this time of crisis.
Could a new project finally connect Texas electric grid?
The federal government has allocated $360 million to a project designed to connect the Texas power grid to the Southeastern U.S. But despite this funding, long-standing obstacles remain.
Bekah Morr from KERA News reports on what’s holding up progress and whether Texans can expect any changes soon:
Northside ISD special education teachers raise safety concerns
Special education teachers at Northside ISD in San Antonio have filed a formal complaint, alleging that the death of a colleague this year is part of a larger trend of student-caused injuries.
Texas Public Radio education reporter Camille Phillips obtained the complaint and spoke with the teachers involved.
Energy markets react to intensifying conflict in the Middle East
The conflict in Israel and Lebanon continues to escalate, with an Israeli invasion of Lebanon and Iran launching missiles at Israel. As the violence grows, energy markets are feeling the effects.
Matt Smith, energy analyst for Kpler, joins the Standard to discuss how this conflict is impacting oil prices and the global energy market.
The slow closure of a Dallas homeless encampment
Most people experiencing homelessness aren’t living on the streets, but those who are face the greatest challenges. In East Dallas, a months-long effort to close a homeless encampment is underway.
KERA’s Christopher Connelly reports on the process and its impact on the people involved.
Oct. 7 attack anniversary falls between two Jewish holy days
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in Israel. Over 1,000 people were killed that day; the Gaza Health Ministry estimates over 40,000 Palestinians have died as a result of Israeli strikes over the last year.
Joining the Standard to discuss how this anniversary falls between two of Judaism’s holiest days, and its impact on the community, is Rabbi David Young of Congregation Beth Israel in Austin.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
