Here’s what’s coming up on Texas Standard for Friday, April 8, 2022. Listen on your Texas public radio station, or ask your smart speaker to play Texas Standard. We’ll have full posts for each story, including audio, a little later today.
Thousands of Ukranians are entering the U.S. from Mexico
The Department of Homeland Security said an estimated 3,000 Ukrainians crossed the Mexico border into the United States last week. There has been a push in Congress to ease immigration proceedings for Ukrainian refugees who are fleeing war with Russia arriving at the US-Mexico border. Washington Post reporter Maria Sacchetti talks with us about this development at the border.
Supporters in Dallas rally for Melissa Lucio, an abused mother who faces the death penalty
Politicians, supporters and even celebrities like Kim Kardashian are urging the state not to carry out the slated execution of Melissa Lucio. A group gathered in front of Dallas City Hall last night to rally for Lucio’s freedom. KERA’s Stella Chavez has more on Lucio’s story and why people are demanding her release.
Veterans are at higher risk of eating disorders. The pressure of military life may be one cause.
A recent study suggests military veterans might be more likely than civilians to develop eating disorders, especially if they’ve experienced PTSD or sexual assault. However, not much research has been done on the subject before. Desiree D’iorio reports on the topic for the American Homefront Project.
The uninsured might be left out of future COVID-19 relief
Throughout the pandemic, hospitals received federal reimbursements after treating uninsured COVID patients. Now those funds have run out. Houston Chronicle reporter Rebecca Carballo joins us to discuss how the change will affect hospitals in Texas – the state with the highest uninsured population in the country.
A big development in removing microplastics from water
Okra may be more than a staple in southern cuisine: researchers are studying how compounds from okra and other plants like fenugreek and aloe can help filter microscopic bits of plastic out of water systems. Rajani Srinivasan, chemistry professor at Tarleton State University, talks with us about his research on the vegetable.
Women’s role in the exercise movement
The exercise industry has had a complicated and controversial history, even beyond trends like Jazzercise and the ThighMaster. Journalist Danielle Friedman explores how a once exclusionary industry turned around to target them as a prime customer in her new book “Let’s Get Physical: How Women Discovered Exercise That Reshaped the World.”
Typewriter Rodeo
The gang delivers another timely poem. Submit your own suggestions online!
The week in Texas politics
Texas Tribune political reporter James Barragán stops by with a recap of the week that was, including the rejection of 12% of mail-in ballots in the 2022 primaries, plus updates on special elections across the state.
All this and Texas News Roundup, plus Social Media Editor Wells Dunbar with the talk of Texas.
