Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024.
Texas air pollution monitoring scaled back by TCEQ
A recent report from Inside Climate News reveals that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has significantly reduced the operations of its mobile air pollution monitoring unit, raising concerns about air quality oversight in the state.
Dylan Baddour, a Texas-based reporter for Inside Climate News, joins the show to share his findings on this issue.
Latino voters in Harris County and the 2024 election
Latinos make up nearly half of Harris County’s population, which has significant implications for the upcoming presidential election. In this special report, Houston Public Media’s Colleen DeGuzman speaks with local Latino voters to understand the key issues driving them to the polls.
$25 an hour minimum salary resolves Austin airport worker strike
Austin airport workers narrowly avoided going on strike this month, after the union secured a higher minimum wage. KUT News’ Mason Rouser reports.
Experts weigh in on San Antonio special education teacher injuries
Earlier this week, Texas Public Radio’s Camille Phillips reported on special education teachers at Northside ISD in San Antonio, who say they have been injured by students at work. Today, Phillips returns with insights from experts on this issue and the district’s response to the formal complaint.
Senate Bill 2038 reshapes Austin area through de-annexation
Senate Bill 2038, passed by the Texas Legislature, could reshape the outskirts of Austin and other fast-growing metros by allowing landowners to de-annex themselves from the city’s limits. This law, aimed at easing regulations, has already led more than 1,000 properties to apply for de-annexation from Austin.
Austin Business Journal senior staff writer Justin Sayers joins Texas Standard to discuss the legislation’s impact.
Enchilada ‘boss’ feeds El Paso community’s hearts and souls
For 57 years, Rosa Inungaray has served enchiladas at El Paso’s St. Anthony’s bazaar, a cherished tradition that has become a central part of her life. Despite being just a weekend event, the booth has become a place that feels like home. Inungaray shared her story with Rumi Sevilla as part of NPR’s Next Generation Radio Project.
Meet the godmother of mariachi education
Texas high schoolers participate in numerous music competitions each year, including categories like marching band and wind ensembles. One competition, sanctioned by the University Interscholastic League (UIL), is mariachi, which was first added as a regional category in 2007.
Sara Acuña from the Voces Oral History Center introduces us to a key figure in mariachi education: the woman known as the Godmother of Mariachi education.
National Guard’s helicopter response to Hurricane Helene
More than 6,000 National Guardsmen have been deployed across North Carolina and nearby states to provide relief after Hurricane Helene devastated the region, killing over 200 people. With roadways and bridges destroyed, much of the relief effort is happening by helicopter.
Jay Price of the American Homefront Project flew with one of these National Guard crews and brings us his report.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
