We’re still a ways off from November but already issues cropping up including a shortage of workers at the polls for a special election, we’ll have details. Other stories we’re tracking: governor Abbott’s new inspection protocols for commercial trucks at the border drawing accusations of political theatre from the left and the right. This as democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke lobs a broadside at president Biden over his plans to change policies at the border. We’ll hear all about it. Also the story of a Texas librarian fired after taking a stand on library censorship. And concerns among farmers in the panhandle that the drought could leave them high and dry. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
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Texas Standard: April 12, 2022
As evidence mounts of atrocities by Russian forces in Ukraine, the conversation shifts beyond war crimes to allegations of genocide. Ukraine says civilian killings constitute genocide. We’ll have a Texas expert on how and why that term is contentious, and what it could mean for the future. Also closer to home, with population growth in Texas, demand for concrete grows and Black and Hispanic communities in Houston disproportionately affected by concrete batch plants. We’ll have more on analysis by the Houston Chronicle. And federal dollars flowed to Texas landlords who pledged not to evict tenants during the pandemic. But many were evicted anyway. So what happens next? Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: April 11, 2022
A woman charged with murder in Texas after an alleged self induced abortion has been released, but that’s far from the end of the story. Many fear the arrest and murder charge in Starr County could be a harbinger of what’s to come amid a rise in abortion restrictions and an expected ruling from the United States Supreme Court. We’ll hear more. Also the hype over hemp: what new data says about the legalization of the hemp industry in Texas and whether it has turned out to be as big an economic boon as advocates had hoped. And the race to save the stories behind a musical movement: reclaiming and preserving San Antonio’s Westside sound. All of that and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: April 8, 2022
New reports of a surge at the border but the story’s more complicated than what you may be thinking. Seven weeks after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a new chapter in the story unfolding at the border north of Tijuana is raising questions about who’s allowed into the US, who isn’t, and why. We’ll hear more. Also, federal funds to help COVID-19 patients cover hospital costs run out. So what happens now? And micro plastics called little poison pills polluting Texas waterways, but a Texas researcher has a recipe for cleanup… just add okra? Plus the week in politics with the Texas Tribune and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: April 7, 2022
Governor Abbott announces a plan to send busloads of migrants to Washington D.C. in protest of the Biden administrations immigration policies. We’ll have more on an increasingly pitched battle over immigration between the Biden Administration and Texas’ Governor. Also, the passage of a near total ban on abortion in neighboring Oklahoma, and the implications for Texas. And the first outbreak of avian flu in Texas reported at a commercial pheasant farm, and how experts are hoping to avoid a worst case scenario. Plus is feral hog hunting having the opposite of the intended effect? Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: April 6, 2022
After a Texas law that restricted abortion access went into effect, some Texans sought abortions in Oklahoma. But now that state’s legislature has passed a bill that would make performing them a felony. Plus rural Texas is losing population. We’ll tell you about how one town in East Texas is trying to stop that trend. Also news on farmers and ranchers recovering from wildfires and the latest headlines from up and down the Lone Star State. All of that and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: April 4, 2022
The Biden administration is set to end a Trump era policy aimed at keeping migrants out of the US due to pandemic concerns. Also, what’s the difference between Greg Abbott and Beto O’Rourke? According to a new survey of potential Texas voters: about 2 points; the research director of the Texas Lyceum Poll on the Governor Abbott’s slim lead. And Richard Linklater on his new film celebrating growing up in Texas during the space age. These stories 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: March 30, 2022
The five fastest growing counties by population in Texas last year; we’ll talk with the state demographer about shifts in population during a pandemic year. And, President Biden has a new spending plan, and on his wish list: millions for Corpus Christi. Also, Camilla Alves McConaughey on her new book aimed at getting little ones to try ‘just one bite’. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: March 29, 2022
A Democratic congressman resigns early creating what the GOP says is an opportunity to flex political muscle in South Texas. What Filemón Vela Jr. decision to leave congress early might mean for the GOP efforts to shift south Texas from blue to red. Also, how Texas new voting law disenfranchised some long term Texas voters. And they were first spotted in Texas in 2002. Twenty years and much destruction later, University of Texas researchers say they’ve found kryptonite for crazy ants. Also how the pandemic changed the recipe for a long running survey of the best restaurants in Texas. All that and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: March 28, 2022
Major property damage and evacuations as wildfires spread across parts of Central Texas. We’ll discuss the ongoing dangers amid efforts to fights the blazes. Other stories we’re tracking: As the war in Ukraine drags into its second month, the push to get more Texas oil to global markets, and why that’s easier said than done. Also the impact of the war on the global food situation. Plus a new chapter for libraries? A survey of universities finds a push for what are libraries of the future. We’ll hear what they might look like. And a new documentary on the life and times of one of Texas’ most astute and ascorbic political observers. You likely know her name. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: March 24, 2022
Urgent meetings between President Biden and NATO officials. What’s next in the pushback against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine? Other stories we’re tracking: a new Omicron variant sparks new concerns for Texans, as health officials alter their approach in the fight against COVID-19. We’ll have the latest. Also how the pandemic is changing the nursing profession. And Texas’ missing ocelots. Only a hundred or so are believed to be living free in south Texas, but experts are hoping to turn things around. How they plan to do that plus Omar Gallaga on tech dramas taking over video streaming menus and much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: March 23, 2022
Texas two senators press President Biden’s Supreme Court nominee in historic confirmation hearings at the capitol. Todd Gilman of the Dallas Morning News with more on the roles of Senator John Cornyn and Ted Cruz in the confirmation hearings of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Also, does Texas need an independent monitor of the natural gas industry? A conversation with a Texas Senator pushing for this change. Plus a book that is as much a celebration of Texas 250 rivers as it is a warning. And why allegations of sexual abuse against the Boy Scouts are factors in a bankruptcy court settlement. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: March 22, 2022
Tornados, damaging winds and hail wreak destruction across Texas. Several state agencies still responding to storm damage in north and central Texas and tens of thousands are reported without power. We’ll have the latest on the weather front. Also, the head of investigations for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services resigns as questions mount over allegations of sexual exploitation at a shelter in Bastrop. Plus efforts to secure the return of a Houston native and WNBA star now held in Russia. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: March 21, 2022
Historic confirmation hearings begin for the first Black woman nominated to sit on the highest court in the nation. What to expect in the confirmation hearings for Ketanji Brown Jackson. A Houston-based legal scholar weighs in. Also, the U.S. repose to the invasion of Ukraine. With President Biden set to go to Europe this week, Texas democratic congressman Mark Veasey of Fort Worth joins us to talk about what comes next. And a Johnson Space Center Historian on Making Space for Women in the story of NASA. And big trouble for small airports across the Lone Star State. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: March 18, 2022
High winds, low humidity and dry conditions fuel wildfires in Texas. In Abilene authorities have ordered evacuation. We’ll have the latest. Also, extradition can ensure those who flee to another country face justice. A judge in Scotland though ruled returning a man would be a human rights violation because of poor conditions in Texas prisons. Plus a trailblazing Secret Service agent talks about being one of the first women hired to do the job. Also, the Texas border chef nominated for a prestigious national award three years after opening his restaurant in El Paso. All of those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: March 17, 2022
Helping Ukraine and avoiding war with Russia. An expert in Texas talks about the delicate balance. Also, after World War Two Nazi Scientists made their home in West Texas. And their children were enrolled in public schools. A new book explores this little known chapter of history. Plus closing the gap for Latino students seeking higher education in the state. And just how many mail in ballots were rejected during the primary? We have the number. Also tech at SXSW: Crypto Coin, NFTs and streaming Lizzo. All that and more on today’s Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: March 16, 2022
This week wildfires have burned huge swaths of Texas. But the state’s growing population means they could be even more dangerous in the future. And Texas’ law to restrict abortion access gets a copycat, and probably not just one. Plus, police in El Paso want more resources to fight opiate abuse. And An apartment complex in Austin might have to make way for I-35. Plus foodies in Arlington promote local eats. All that and more coming up today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: March 15, 2022
The Texas National Guard has a new leader. Will that mean a new direction for its operation on the border? Operation Lone Star continues under new leadership. We dig into what’s next for the border security mission backed by Governor Abbott. Also make sure to shake out your piggy bank, your nickels may be worth more than five cents, thanks to a shortage. Plus a decline in heritage tourism in Mexico. We’ll tell you why spring break hasn’t brought back the expats like it once did. All that and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: March 14, 2022
The awful images of war and civilians caught and killed in the crossfire. As concerns about war crimes mount, what are the options? A Texas-based specialist in international law on the potential for war crimes trials over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. We’ll explore the question what is a war crime and how would allegations be prosecuted? Also, what exactly is gender affirming care? A Texas board certified Pediatrician explains. And a celebration for the winningest coach in NBA history. Plus a look at who’s who from Texas in the March Madness brackets and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard: