Laura Rice

Texas Standard: February 2, 2018

Have you seen maps of political districts that just look like they were drawn to achieve some certain result? We’ll explain how math could identify and prevent gerrymandering. Plus Mexican-American Studies are slowly gaining traction in school districts across Texas. We’ll look at why it’s been delayed at the state level and how some school districts are forging ahead on their own. And we’ll take you inside the business and passion of raising and breeding Texas Longhorns. Plus it’s Friday, that means the Typewriter rodeo and a wrap of the biggest political stories of the week. Today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: February 1, 2018

It could be more penny-pinching ahead for Texas lawmakers and the state budget. We’ll get the economic outlook from the Texas controller. Plus one year after President Trump announced an executive order restricting travel from some Muslim-majority countries. Now Texas immigrants from those countries still face uncertainty. We’ll have the story. And taking the pulse of US-Mexico relations as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson heads south of the border. Also kids these days are exposed to a lot of technology from a very young age. What we should consider when it comes to childcare tech. Plus remembering the Space Shuttle Columbia and its crew 15 years after it disintegrated in the skies over east Texas. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: January 31, 2018

How was President Trump’s first State of the Union? You might not be surprised that it depends on who you ask. We’ll have a Texas perspective. Also the Texas Rangers are getting involved in an investigation into a US Gymnastics team facility outside of Huntsville, we’ll have the latest. And Houston consistently sits towards the top of lists of worst traffic cities in the US. A look at how Space City’s highways came about and how they re-shaped communities. Plus, what happens when local lawmakers disagree with a Texas mandate? We’ll explore. We’ll also head to Waco to visit a new Arts facility, and we’ll take the red pencil to a recent claim by a man hoping to be the state’s next governor. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: January 30, 2018

He hasn’t said anything yet, but everyone has something to say about President Trump’s first State of the Union. We’ll get some insight. Plus, if dreamers become citizens there will be many fees involved. Could that pay for a border wall? We’ll check the math. Also, unpacking some headlines that caught our attention: are millennials really stowing away as much as $100,000 dollars in savings? And what do we mean when we say a “potentially hazardous asteroid” is headed in the general direction of earth? And what restoration experts have found as they give the cannons from the Alamo a facelift. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

The Flu

A poem for everyone who is under blankets on the couch.

Texas Standard: January 26, 2018

The pot is sweetened: a proposed path to citizenship for 1.8 million. But is the overall flavor of the deal too terrible for many lawmakers? We’ll explore. Plus, the hub of Harris County’s criminal justice system has been closed because of Hurricane Harvey flooding, and could be for years to come. And in Marfa a secretive company opens up to school kids. And in Montreal NAFTA negotiations that could have big effects on Texas. All that plus the Typewriter Rodeo and a wrap of the week in Texas politics, today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Ice Scrapers

The weather in Texas set record lows this week. School districts and city offices shut down because of — what’s that? Is that ice? Why is there ice sticking on my windshield? That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.

How Long Until Spring?

It’s mid-January, it’s cold, and it’s the time of year when we begin to ask the question: how long until spring? That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.

Texas Standard: January 9, 2018

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.