It’s a 12 billion dollar solution that could prevent many more billions of dollars in damage. So why can’t Texas put up a hurricane barrier? We’ll explore. Also, the frontrunners in Mexico’s upcoming presidential election have already emerged. How the many Mexican voters living in Texas could effect the outcome. Plus, Texas is taking steps to re-think and re-design state mental health facilities, we’ll have the details. And the views from outer space are quite literally out of this world. But many astronauts have vision trouble in zero gravity. Texas researchers are on the job. Also a 5 to nil vote shut down a plan proposed by U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry. We’ll take a look at why and what’s next. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: January 8, 2018
America’s farmers in the national spotlight today: we’ll hear what some in the Texas agriculture industry want to hear from President Trump. Also the Rio Grande is an important part of Texas identity, but the waters in it don’t just belong to Texas. A dispute between states in front of the nation’s highest court today. We’ll have the details. Plus: cold weather last week put natural gas in high demand. How freezing temperatures impacted the energy industry. And airlines including Southwest and American are accused of working with other carriers to limit seating choices and raise prices. How plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit allege they struck informal deals. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
What’s It Called? Hyperloop!
Imagine hurtling across Texas in a high-tech, high-speed vehicle. You cold get so much done, or just get there faster, all the while mocking those who are still stuck in highway traffic. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem,
Texas Standard: January 5, 2017
Debris is cleared then more homes are gutted and the streets are filled again. We’ll explore the reality of hurricane cleanup and one city’s message to Washington. Also in Virginia yesterday it was the luck of the draw. But how would a tied election be decided in Texas? Plus, the roadway wonder that saves drivers headaches and gas, is prolific in Texas. Why it hasn’t caught on in most other places. And those who’ve lost everything in a disaster often miss things like photo albums the most. An effort to re-create some of those washed away memories. Those stories plus the Typewriter Rodeo, politics and more, on today’s Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: January 4, 2017
A big deadline approaches in Congress, this one affecting more than 120-thousand Texans. We’ll explore why the so-called Dreamers are in limbo. And another big issue in Texas: the high rate of moms dying during or shortly after giving birth. We’re getting new information about the problem. Also, if you’re decluttering for the New Year you may find old technology that’s no longer useful. We’ll look at what you’re using now that could be next to fall by the wayside. And a plate of Texas BBQ just isn’t complete without a cold glass/can or bottle of… what? A discussion on the best B-B-Q beverages. Plus we’ll introduce you to a Texas superintendent who has turned around a district despite some real challenges. Those stories and more today on the Standard:
Texas Standard: January 3, 2018
North Korea wants to re-open communication with South Korea, and protests in Iran raise tensions. We’ll explore how the U-S might balance these dual crises. Also, the flu is going around. Doctors say wash your hands, stay home when you’re sick and, yes, get the flu shot – even though it might not protect you. Plus, if you’ve been on the roads at all this holiday season you might have this question: why do Texans speed so much? We’ll try to answer it. And a question for you: hows that New Year’s Resolution going? Feel like you’re about to burn through your self-control already? Some advice from Texas researchers about to keep your motivation battery running. Those stories and a whole lot more on todays Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: January 2, 2018
2018 means a slew of new laws are going into effect. Are there any that effect you? We’ll have the details. Also, remember the failing blowout preventer from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill? A proposed rollback in regulations targets drilling in places like the Gulf of Mexico. Plus: a dispute between Texas and New Mexico over water from the Rio Grande is going to country’s highest court. We’ll have the details. And a Texas high school won back to back to back state championships in 2017. But the school’s story of winning intertwines with a story of loss, we’ll have the details. And the why US may need to change its strategy to combat drug cartels on the other side of the border. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Custom License Plates
Putting a personalized license plate on your car could be about you, or it could be about a team you love, or maybe one you hate. They’re also a win for the state treasury.
Texas Standard: December 29, 2017
An ongoing election recount issue in Virginia has a Texas tie. Why the state thought they had a fool-proof way of counting ballots in the wake of Bush v. Gore. Plus, thinking of changing careers in the New Year? Or taking steps to do so? We’ll lay out which industries across the state are likely to have the biggest needs. And we’ll introduce you to a new group of superheroes and, later, the candidates for Texas Agriculture Commissioner. We’ll also get a call from the future -sort of- thanks to a former Texan whose back “home” in Australia. And Fridays mean the Typewriter Rodeo and a wrap of the biggest stories in Texas politics, today on the Standard:
Texas Standard: December 28, 2017
Alright finish my sentence here: if you’re not guilty you’re..? did you say innocent? Well that’s not exactly true in one Houston case, we’ll explain. Also, a Texas global intelligence team is looking ahead to 2018 to pinpoint possible hotspots. Their list may look familiar. Plus, more predictions… this time in the world of tech. What should we expect from our gadgets and gizmos a-plenty? And a well-known school and home for at-risk kids in the Texas Panhandle is acknowledging a history of abuse. We’ll have that story. All that and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Ode To The Mall
Even if you’re not a frequent denizen of the local mall, you’ve probably spent some time there this holiday season. And if not, you have some memories of teenaged days spent hanging out there.
Texas Standard: December 19, 2017
Internal dysfunction at the Texas agency that manages state buildings. How it’s affecting what tax dollars pay for? On today’s Texas Standard.
You’ve heard it before, but could 2018 be the year for Texas Democrats? We’ll hear one argument.
Austin wants a soccer team. But the city is still kicking around ideas about where to put a stadium.
Plus, remember anthrax? The mail attacks made it a household name across the country, but it’s long been an issue in some parts of Texas.
And- is so-called clean coal really a viable solution to long-term energy plans? What one reporter found in the Lone Star State.
All that and more on today’s Texas Standard.
Chanukah in Texas
Chanukah — however you choose to spell it — began this week. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Longform Serial Television
We used to consume TV shows once a week, one episode at a time. Today, we expect a full season to drop all at once. And we might binge them all in one weekend, just to get to the cliffhanger. That’s the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Fare Thee Well, Fixer Upper
The first episode of the final season of “Fixer Upper” aired Nov. 28. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas Music
Texas Standard put together a special program on Texas music in collaboration with Texas Monthly. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas Weather
You turn on the heat, then the air conditioner, then the heat again. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Ode to Buzzards
Seeing a circling buzzard near the roadway is usually a pretty good indication that something has died nearby. It’s also likely the scavenging bird will take care of what’s left of that roadkill critter. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Political Bumper Stickers
Pundits may argue about whether political bumper stickers have any impact on the way people vote. But you would probably agree that seeing those stickers – well, some stickers – on a car in front of you can provoke strong feelings. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Rustler’s Rhapsody
You don’t want to break the law in West Texas. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.