Stories from Texas

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January 2, 2023

Jesse H. Jones was a model philanthropist

By: W.F. Strong

Over 30% of annual nonprofit giving happens in the last month of the year. In Texas, philanthropists Jesse H. Jones and his wife, Mary Gibbs Jones, have been very generous. Texas Standard commentator WF Strong has more on the gifts bestowed by the couple on the Lone Star State.


Episodes

April 29, 2026

How a man named Connie forged a global chain that started in Texas

Texas has been the starting point for a lot of iconic brands. Whataburger, H-E-B and Buc-ee’s are a few modern behemoths that come to mind. But Texas as a place to start a business goes back way further than that. W.F. Strong has the story of a man named Connie who forged a global chain […]

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April 15, 2026

The Angel of Goliad

Collective historical memory is not always based in fact. Take the example that Napoleon was short. You might call these historical myths.

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March 18, 2026

How the Texas Hill Country inspired NYC’s Central Park

It’s not hard to find a Texas connection to a news story. The same is true for history. One example that may surprise you is the fact that the Texas Hill Country inspired the design of New York Central Park. Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong explores. Stories from Texas is a listener-supported production of KUT […]

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March 4, 2026

Wealth on Your Shelf

Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong professes he knows a good deal about Texas literature, but has far less knowledge as to what classic and historical Texas books, in good condition, are worth.

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February 18, 2026

‘He didn’t take on an iconic role, he made the role iconic’: W.F. Strong on Robert Duvall

Texas Standard’s commentator remembers the Academy Award-winning actor who was not born a Texan, but played a heck of one on TV and film.

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February 4, 2026

Sandra Cisneros, a Texas literary rock star

Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong examines how one of the state’s most celebrated writers found a home in San Antonio.

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January 22, 2026

LBJ’s Humor (re-run)

LBJ’s presidency was marked by turbulent change. And while the longtime Texas-born politician is often remembered for his role in the war and in civil rights, few remember what Commentator WF Strong calls LBJ’s ‘ secret weapon’ — his sense of humor.

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January 7, 2026

Traces of Texas – A priceless gift for all Texans

W.F. Strong offers up a story of thanks for Traces of Texas.

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