A major turning point for marijuana laws or more political smoke and mirrors? A sweeping pardon for federal marijuana possession convictions announced by president Biden. Though federal and state marijuana laws remain in place, what are the implications in Texas? And what else should Texans be looking for? We’ll explore with a top expert on drug policy at Rice University. Also Facebook’s gone Meta. Twitter may be going to Musk. Who’s the new king of social media and why does it matter? Also the week that was in Texas politics and more today on the Texas Standard:
Cannabis
Texas Standard: September 21, 2022
A resource center in San Antonio now in the spotlight. It’s the focus of a national controversy over transporting migrants out of state. At least three migrants from Venezuela file suit against Florida’s governor and other top officials alleging false promises designed to lure them to travel from San Antonio to Martha’s Vineyard. We’ll have details. Also after a hurricane strike’s Puerto Rico, a privatized power grid leaves more than a million without electricity. Echoes of Texas’ own power grid issues? We’ll explore. And as the U.S. moves to over the counter hearing aids, privacy advocates are raising concerns. We’ll hear why plus a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: April 29, 2022
As Willie celebrates birthday number 89, Texas cities contemplate decriminalization of something the singer’s known to be especially fond of. We’ll have the latest. Also the military’s hard line on COVID-19 vaccinations, and why some soldiers say it could make it harder for other religious accommodations. And with war in Ukraine and a push for alternatives to Russian oil, why are Texas pump jacks so silent? Texas Monthly’s Russell Gold reports they won’t be much longer. Also the push for big change at Big Bend to help deal with rising crowds. And the week that was in Texas Politics with the Texas Tribune and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: March 31, 2022
A federal judge calls for an investigation into possible criminal charges of sex trafficking and pornography at a shelter for teens in Bastrop. Robert Garrett of the Dallas Morning News with more on an explosive hearing in a long running suit against the state’s foster care system. Also New Mexico prepares for marijuana tourists from Texas at that state’s laws on recreation pot change at the stroke of midnight. Angela Kocherga with the view from El Paso. And Texas’ role in the personal computer revolution. The unlikely story of the TRS-80, and the man behind it. Those stories and much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: August 27, 2021
It was the story of the summer in Texas Politics. Now proposals at the center of a legislative walkout appear set to become law. The Texas House, where a quorum was broken over Democratic opposition to a voting bill, has just passed its version of that voting bill. Was the walkout all for nought? We’ll hear more. Also at a healthcare hub in west Texas, ER wait-times climb to 20 hours. We’ll have the latest as we continue to track the spread of the Delta COVID variant. And 100 miles in a hundred degrees. What would you call it? How the hotter than Hell bicycle race is rolling into its 40th year. Plus the week in politics and more when today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: January 13, 2020
After an executive order from the Trump administration, Texas becomes the first state to opt out of future refugee resettlement. We’ll have the latest. Also, a New York billionaire tours Texas by bus trying to make inroads in his presidential campaign. For Michael Bloomberg, the stakes are high. And a disturbing affair in the world of romance novels. Plus the biography of a Texan who fought his way out of tough times and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: October 14, 2019
Hundreds gather to protest the Ft. Worth police shooting of an innocent woman inside her own home. Less than two weeks after the Amber Guyger trial, another police shooting inside an innocent person’s home raising profound questions about the use of lethal force by police, we’ll have details. Also, time for a rethink about rebuilding on the coast? How water unites and divides us, our series Drop by Drop begins. And why a Texas state researcher says the War on Drugs has unintentionally become a war on the climate. All of that and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: September 16, 2019
It’s a drone attack half a world away, and one that’s likely to be felt deep in the Heart of Texas. We’ll have the latest. Other stories we’re tracking on this Monday: a deadly attack on a Houston elementary school 60 years ago, there were no efforts to help kids overcome the trauma. Now a survivor, only seven years old at the time of the attack, pieces together the memories. Also, putting the brakes on draining the lakes? A court battle pits property values against concerns over aging floodgates. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: September 5, 2019
The FBI learning more about how the Permian Basin shooter sidestepped Federal background checks. Now they’re focusing on a person in Lubbock. We’ll have details and look at how Texas lawmakers are approaching the question of what two do about gun violence. Also, another retirement in the Texas GOP and what it means for 2020. Plus it’s being called the most important book on football since Friday Night Lights: the story of the man they call the Tyler Rose, Earl Campbell. Also, heart surgery without opening up the chest? A stunning new procedure that could save lives. All of that and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: August 29, 2019
And then there were 10: Houston sets the stage for the third round of Democratic presidential debates. We’ll look at how this time things will be different. Other stories we’re tracking: the path of hurricane Dorian as it bears down on the U.S. mainland, a storm that promised to put the new governor of Puerto Rico to the test. Also a new effort by Texas to test for THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. And the future of the space industry in Texas after another launch this week. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: August 22, 2019
Students just now returning to school, and report cards already? A-F grades go out statewide rating public schools, but are they fair? We’ll explore. As schools reopen, so do sign ups for sports, and something new in Texas: an effort to track related concussions across the Lone Star State. Also, is Texas an ATM for Democratic politicians? An AP reporter following the money spots another sign of a profound shift in Texas politics in the run up to 2020. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: July 10, 2019
The Trump Administration’s so-called Remain in Mexico program expands to include Laredo. We’ll take a closer look at the impact. Also at the border, Texas National Guard troops are being deployed to help. But what are they doing exactly? We’ll explore. And remembering Ross Perot: the legacy of the self-made Texas billionaire. Plus, a Hemp rush. Texas farmers are scrambling to plant the crop, but there are hurdles to clear first. And helping students with dyslexia. The new path forward for kids in Texas schools. All of that and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: July 5, 2019
Texas’ fraught relationship with everything cannabis just took a new turn. The new hemp law that’s left law enforcement agencies scratching their heads, we’ll have details. Also, some of Texas’ fastest growing cities have public schools where the population is shrinking: “The Charter Effect”. We’ll explore. And from the days of the California Gold Rush to today, the Midland area remains crucial to those seeking fortune. Plus, nurdles and the woman in a kayak who’s fighting to rid Lavaca Bay of these plastics. And should your relationship with your gun change as you age? We’ll take a look at that and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: June 21, 2018
The president didn’t like the optics, he said, so he signed an executive order. Smoke and mirrors? We’ll take a much closer look at the presidential directive to end family separations and explore what its does and likely does not do. Also the impact of family separation on kids, and how this major story in the U.S. is playing in papers south of the border. And Texas democrats gather for their convention, we’ll have a preview. Plus a look over our shoulder at what the Texas GOP just did. A major change of position on the question of marijuana. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: November 30, 2017
A one way ticket back to Texas for Rex Tillerson? A new report details plans for a major cabinet shakeup by year’s end, we’ll have the latest. Also, she was a 25 year old school teacher, a former beauty queen, found dead in April of 1960. Her case: never solved. More than a half century later, a media circus descends on McAllen as opening arguments get underway in the murder trial against a former priest, the last person to see her alive. Also, a case of failure to launch? Why’s progress been so slow at the much ballyhooed SpaceX Texas launch site? And what’s in a name? A whole lot more than most, if the name is maverick. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: October 12, 2017
As Congress gets ready to approve hurricane aid money, governor Abbot sends a message to the Texas delegation: get a spine! We’ll hear why the governors so angry over the hurricane relief package set to a vote in the house. Plus, why lots of folks in hard hit Victoria are feeling left high and dry by relief efforts so far. And a win for opponents of solitary confinement in Texas and why some say it doesn’t go far enough. Plus outside a rural Texas town perhaps best known for kolaches: the first legal cannabis dispensary in the Lone Star state… not quite like those in California. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: May 10, 2017
Nixonian or something else? Texans and their political leaders come to terms with an historic move by the White House, we’ll explore. Also more on the surprise firing of the FBI director, reaction from across Texas and what comes next. Plus, new medical facilities sprouting like weeds across Texas, but are they really good for Texas’ health? We’ll hear the controversy. And a law in force since the mid sixties, one which has been largely ignored by cities across the lone star state for decades.Although now, some are speaking a different language. We’ll explain. All of that and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: March 28, 2017
Cities to lose federal dollars for hindering immigration, says the Justice Department. So what does Austin do now? We’ll ask the mayor. Also, want to live in the US? Get in line, or so say those who want stricter enforcement of immigration laws. But where is that line anyway?
We’ll go looking for it. And you’ve heard of the religious right. But now some are pointing to the rise of the religious left. We’ll hear what that means and whether it’s real. And the players know the score, the rhythm is familiar: adagio working up to allegro and a grand finale. You know we’re talking about the Texas legislature, right? Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: March 21, 2017
Were they targeting the Texas capitol after all? Sworn testimony claims immigration officials wanted retribution, we’ll explore. Also after grilling the FBI director on Russian ties to Donald Trump, congressman Joaquin Castro tells us whether he sees evidence of collusion. Also …She might be the youngest unofficial lobbyist in Texas: her mission: convincing lawmakers to change a law she believes, sends innocent people to death row. We’ll hear her story. And this month’s reading recommendation from the editor in chief of Kirkus: a book the author doesn’t doesn’t want you to love. Those stories and lots more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: March 10, 2017
Should a joint land you in jail? Thats the pot law on the books now in Texas: up to six months, in theory. But we’ll hear from a republican who’s fighting to reduce that penalty. Plus historic antiquities swiped from Mexico and intercepted by park rangers on a smuggling route through Big Bend. We’ll hear from the chief ranger about why it’s a big deal. And a self-driving shuttle bus making a slow tour through Texas cities – could this be the vehicle that convinces us to give up the steering wheel? Plus, fitbits on cows, the typewriter rodeo, a wrap of the week in Texas politics and so much more coming up today on the Texas Standard: