After mass shooting incidents in Georgia and Colorado, Texas lawmakers considering several measures to expand gun rights. A review of gun legislation moving through the Texas legislature. Also, redrawing the political maps of the state, almost certain to be delayed. And what does this mean for the future of Texas elections? And calls for Texas to rework the power grid to adapt to climate change, the latest in our listener vaccine tracker, the week in Texas politics with the Texas Tribune and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
climate change
Texas Standard: March 3, 2021
A lifting of mask mandates and a 100% reopening of business effective a week from today. But many warn this is too much, too soon. Coming up details of the governor’s rollback of regulations on masks and occupancy levels in businesses. Plus reaction from the mayor of San Antonio and from listeners reaching out to us on social media at Texas Standard. Also, 50 Texas scientists pen an open letter to lawmakers urging them to think of the winter storm as a warning about climate change and what Texas needs to do to get ready. Plus a new documentary on regional cuisine digs deep into what it means to be Truly Texas Mexican. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: January 16, 2020
A new trade deal with China… So what’s in it for us? Could be a sizable portion of Chinese spending on sectors with a strong Texas showing. It’s not the end of the trade war, but it might make a difference to industries in the Lone Star State. Also, what sounds like a change of position on climate change from the head of the Texas oil and gas association…but is it? And is Trader Joes still the best grocery chain in America? Here’s a hint: no. What is and why and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: December 13, 2019
Houston’s police chief blames the boyfriend loophole for the on duty death of an officer. What is the boyfriend loophole? We’ll explore. Plus, the president appears to be hours away from impeachment: where are other presidents getting impeached? Why many western democracies don’t have it. Also, what could be the next boom industry in Texas: rare earth mining. And a new law clears the way for a new crop: what’s holding back hemp? Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: November 25, 2019
2020 doesn’t seem so far away anymore. As Election time nears, we’ll take a look at Texas’ political landscape and priorities. Also, breaking down the effects of a rollback of rule changes put in place to prevent another deadly explosion like the one in West, Texas. Plus, appropriate for this week, what do we have to be thankful for in the energy industry? At least from one perspective. And we’ll introduce you to an odd couple: an avid hunter and a vegan. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: November 8, 2019
It’s been a long time coming, but now that a state takeover of Houston ISD is happening… We’ll look at questions that remain about how it will unfold. Vetting migrants has always been a talking point for President Trump. Now a new facility is giving border agents access to classified information they haven’t had before. Plus Texas voters passed a measure supporting tax money for parks. We’ll look at how that money will be spent. And remembering a Puerto Rican astrologer who crossed borders of all sorts. Also, have you ever felt a song is about you? Taking that to the next level. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
The Horror
Halloween costumes often reflect the news cycle. When that happens, the results can be disturbing. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
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:
Trailer: Season 3–The Green New Deal
Season 3 of The Secret Ingredient will focus on The Green New Deal (GND). Listen this season as Raj Patel, Tom Philpott and Rebecca McInroy discuss the future of agriculture, climate change, economic inequality and what it will take to create The Green New Deal in an effort to save the planet!
Texas Standard: October 9, 2018
After Kavanaugh, the next battle royale on Capitol Hill puts Texas at the center of the conversation: a big push for the border wall. The Kavanaugh confirmation may have had an unexpected consequence: delaying a fight over the border wall until after the midterms. It looks like this one could get ugly. Also, a border battle of a different sort: fending off biological threats. How the Department of Homeland Security’s teaming up with Texas AgriLife. And on the last day for voters to register in Texas, how Texpats in London are getting involved in the biggest statewide race . All that and more, today on the Texas Standard.
Texas Standard: August 29, 2018
A Texas police officer convicted of murder in the shooting death of a black teenager leaving a party in a Dallas suburb. Is this a turning point? Police across the Lone Star State have embraced body cameras for greater transparency, but its rare for footage to be decisive in a case alleging unwarranted use of police power. Yesterday’s murder verdict was an exception. We’ll hear why and what it could mean going forward. And a noisy goodbye from the person overseeing federal efforts to curb abuses and excesses in student loans. He claims the Trump administration is unraveling protections for students. Plus the case for taking Wednesday’s off on this hump day edition of the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: November 7, 2016
As they prepare their front pages for election day, how are editors talking about the campaign and its impact? A statewide conversation today on the Texas Standard. Also, across Texas poll watchers get ready to monitor balloting. But who’s monitoring the poll watchers? And try to think of 5 Texas moments that made a difference in this campaign season. Having trouble? No worries, we’ll count em down for ya. Plus doing the math: a nationally known science and technology writer notes the latest global move on climate change doesn’t add up. We’ll hear why and much more, today on the Texas Standard:
Dissonance and Behavior
How does dissonance effect behavior? In this episode Dr. Art Markman and Dr. Bob Duke use the example of climate change to explore how we deal with dissonance in our lives and beliefs.
Hot Peppers: Gary Nabhan (Ep. 10)
In this edition of The Secret Ingredient we talk with Gary Nabhan, author of: Chasing Chiles – Hot Spots Along the Pepper Trail; Why Some Like It Hot: Food, Genes and Cultural Diversity; and Cumin, Camels, and Caravans: A Spice Odyssey. Nabhan is an internationally-celebrated nature writer, food and farming activist, and proponent of conserving the links between biodiversity and cultural diversity. He is also the W.K. Kellogg Endowed Chair in Sustainable Food Systems at the University of Arizona Southwest Center, where he works to build a more just, nutritious, sustainable and climate-resilient foodshed spanning the U.S./Mexico border.
About the hosts:
Raj Patel is an award winning food writer, activist and academic. The author of Stuffed and Starved: The Hidden Battle for the World Food System, and his latest, The Value of Nothing, is a New York Times best-seller.
Tom Philpott is an award winning food writer for Mother Jones, who’s ground-breaking work on almonds exposed a myriad of environmental and ethical issues around almond production in California.
Rebecca McInroy is an executive producer and host for KUT Radio in Austin, Texas. She is the co-creator, producer and host of various podcasts and shows including, Views and Brews, Two Guys on Your Head, Liner Notes, The Write Up, and The Secret Ingredient.
In each episode we chose one food to investigate, and talk with the people who’s life’s work has been to understand the complex systems of production, distribution, marketing and impact, these foods have on our lives.
Texas Standard: August 4, 2015
In a town best known for its fruitcakes, door to door raids and detentions send shockwaves and raise questions. The story today on the Texas Standard. It’s the final countdown: who’ll be in the top 10 for the GOP debate? Another question: does the method add up? Also: a possible tipping point in reducing cow’s contribution to climate change. But will farmers and ranchers buy it? Plus, we’ll meet the Indiana Jones of Texas… who tells us there’s still Spanish gold in them there hills: