Laura Rice

Mandals

It’s hot, it’s humid, it’s the height of summer across the state. That means wardrobes are making a transformation, but today’s poem suggests you might want to spend extra time pondering your footwear before you head into the office on Monday.

Texas Standard: July 20, 2016

He’s the nominee. The role Republicans from Texans played to secure Donald Trump’s presidential nomination, we’ll explore. Also plans for a new South Texas family detention center are moving forward, without the support of many in the community. We’ll explain. And police officers in Dallas were targeted and killed, even though that department had fewer cases of officer-involved shootings than others. We’ll take a look at the facts. And one of the most sought-after advice columnists in Texas is revealing his true identity: we’ll introduce you to “The Texanist.” And what you can and can’t do legally speaking when it comes to getting Pokemon hunters out of your yard. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: July 19, 2016

Police protection: that’s the aim of a new proposal from the Texas Governor. But would it work? That’s the question we ask on today’s Texas Standard. Also: political ads. One presidential candidate has been spending a lot more than another, but do ads even make a difference these days? Plus why getting a license to carry has been harder for some Texans, and an effort to make it more accessible. And dangerous streets. A Texas reporter traveled to El Salvador to understand what motivates some to make the difficult journey to the U-S. And a new documentary lifts the curtain on a cult that was operating in one part of Texas for close to 15 years. All that and more on today’s Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: July 18, 2016

Unconventional convention. GOP speakers include reality TV stars, but also Texas politicians. We’ll explore what we can expect from them in Cleveland. Also differences at the border but a lot of similarities too. A new poll questioned residents on both sides of the US-Mexico line and a look at what it found. And arrests are down across Texas, but the number of Texans dying during an arrest is up. We’ll take a closer look at those numbers. Plus boot camp for drug addicts: why a tough-line approach works for so many but so few get the opportunity to try it. And new leadership at Baylor. A look at the University’s new Athletic Director and the challenges he’ll face. Those stories and more on today’s Texas Standard:

Texas Wines

Texas has queso, tacos, and barbecue – but you’ll need something to wash all of it down with. And while the craft beer craze is here to stay, Texas is also known for some fantastic vineyards.

Texas Standard: July 15, 2016

Another attack. Again in France. At least two Americans killed, reports they were Texans. We’re following that. Also in this country… ongoing tensions in police-community relations. A Texas leader calling out the President for his reactions to recent events. And funding for fighting Zika… what Texas can expect from Washington. Plus a Texas Youth Orchestra takes its talent overseas… performing classical pieces in the cities where they were written. And a new study may have you questioning everything you thought you knew about dinosaurs. Also why we may soon be seeing more of those loud law office commercials. Those stories and lots more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: July 14, 2016

A town hall meeting on race that may be unprecedented. A look at the White House event and what role one prominent Texan may play. Also the aisle is widening, at least that’s what it looks like when you examine the latest party platforms. We’ll have analysis. Plus another round of Medicaid cuts hits Texas today. We’ll break down the effects. And cultural artifacts. What discoveries at an old Houston Sugar Mill may tell us about slaves once held there. And Pell grants for prisoners: why one Texas community college is taking advantage of a new program designed to reduce return trips to behind bars. All that and lots more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: July 13, 2016

Texas dealing with tensions over race and policing. Moments of healing at a Dallas memorial service… and reminders of past scars, we’ll explore. Also One year ago today, a young woman found dead in her jail cell. The video of the arrest that put her there going viral. Plus no silver bullet: recommendations for fixes to the state’s foster care system and new challenges right around the corner. And Texas teens can face intense personal challenges… a look at why it appears young Latinas are especially feeling the pressure. And why what was once cool may also be hot… and what’s good is also wicked… today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: July 11, 2016

Promoting unity in Dallas and action in Washington. Efforts to enact change after last week’s shooting, we’ll explore. Also: A new precedent. A criminal justice expert on the Dallas Police Department’s use of a robot with a bomb to eliminate the shooting suspect. Plus: Little Saigon. Why a Houston city council member’s plan to re-name part of a neighborhood is a little more divisive than expected. The Giant Still Sleeps… a film series looking at political trends… including why Texas Latinos aren’t going to the polls. Plus… The debate over handing out diplomas to Texas students who haven’t passed big tests. Those stories and lots more today on the Texas Standard:

Tejas

In election years, the subject of borders inevitably comes up, whether it’s a local race or a national one. That inspired Typewriter Rodeo’s David Fruchter to write this week’s poem.

Texas Standard: July 8, 2016

A deadly day in Dallas. At least 5 killed, four police and a DART officer, and several others wounded. What happened in North Texas last night? Details continue to come in. We’ll try to paint a picture of what we know of events and how they unfolded. And reactions to Dallas, the governor offering up backup law enforcement and regular Texans offering up sentiments of shock and sorrow. Plus carrying while black. Does the right to carry arms put some people at greater risk than others? And veteran suicides. New numbers out this week that make clear the issue is serious. We’ll break down the statistics. We’re following these stories and more… today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: July 7, 2016

Texas versus New York. There’s clearly a bit of a rivalry there and it may just have heated up over a hot-button issue. Plus Texas Senator Ted Cruz has been quieter since suspending his campaign for president… but his political machine hasn’t slowed down… it may just be re-tooling. Also… 1.4 million Texas public education employees and retirees could be affected by Brexit… we’ll explain. And it’s a bird… it’s a plane… it’s a… problem. How one Texas Air Force base is trying to co-exist with wildlife… while at the same time protect human lives. And Topo Chico… how the bubbly brand has changed over recent years. That and more on today’s Texas Standard:

Summertime

It’s July, and everyone is in the midst of pool parties, fireworks and cookouts. But that also means August is around the corner, so it’s time to squeeze every bit of fun out of the season. That feeling inspired Typewriter Rodeo’s Jodi Egerton to write this week’s poem.

Texas Standard: June 27, 2016

The Supreme Court strikes down Texas abortion laws, calling them a “substantial obstacle” for women. We’ll unpack what that means. Also the guardianship system is supposed to provide financial stability for the elderly who can no longer manage their funds. But some Texans are abusing the system. And Texas nursing homes prescribe anti-psychotic medications at one of the highest rates in the country. Why that raises concerns. Plus: Brexit doesn’t just affect the European Union… We’ll talk with a Texas-based group tracking the ripple effects throughout the world. And take me out to the ballgame… a look at some of the greatest minor league mascots across the Lone Star State. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: June 24, 2016

“Brexit.” It’s no longer just a clever nickname for a British referendum. It’s now a geopolitical reality. We’ll explore what it could mean for Texas. Also another reality Texans are grappling with is the Supreme Court tie vote on immigration. So what happens now and does Texas remain at the center of the issue? And border billboards…. how the Border Patrol is using advertising to catch coyotes. Plus… unpacking postpartum depression… and exploring what more Texas can do for moms struggling with it. And… the rest stop as we know it is changing. An effort to preserve a piece of the past. Those stories and so much more on the National News Show of Texas:

Skeeters

Summertime means you’ll likely spend a lot of time on patios – as long as you aren’t bothered by the buzz (and bite) of mosquitos. Those critters inspired Typewriter Rodeo’s Jodi Egerton to write this week’s poem.

Texas Floods

The recent storms plaguing Texas have caused the rivers to rise in more than one county. People across the state are losing their homes to flooding rivers and torrential rains. This harsh weather is what led Typewriter Rodeo’s David Fruchter to write this week’s poem.

Texas Museums

Almost every city in Texas has a museum or historical site of some kind. Whether you’re interested in history or science, there’s something for everyone. That was the inspiration for Typewriter Rodeo’s Sean Petrie as he wrote this week’s poem.