Of the 19 items on the governor’s agenda 17 are already headed to the Texas senate for a full vote. The House: that’s another story, we’ll have details. Also, how did it happen? The deaths of at least 9 locked in the back of a tractor trailer in San Antonio this weekend raise concerns about the persistence of human trafficking in Texas. And government by and for the donors? Why watchdogs are worried this special session is becoming a spigot for campaign contributions. And the appeal of California vs. the lure of Texas: the migration patterns are clear, but what might this mean in political terms? Those stories and lots more today on the Texas Standard:
death
Texas Standard: May 29, 2017
Just hours left until the end of the Texas Legislative session. We’ll explore what passed, what failed and what’s still up in the air. Also, they say “follow the money”, so we’ll take a close look at the budget that will guide the state for the next two years. Plus former Texas nurse convicted of killing at least one baby is set to go free… the somewhat unusual effort to prevent that. And remembering the final battle in the American Civil War, you might not know it took place right here in Texas. Plus we’re getting Texans to tell us about their boots. Those stories and more today on the the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: May 26, 2017
Tasers are supposed to be a less-lethal tool for police. But sometimes they still result in deaths, we’ll explore. Also the double-s word is getting thrown around again: special session. We’ll check in on the Texas Legislature as lawmakers set to wrap up. And Texas sheep and goat ranchers are losing animals to predators. How an old-world solution could help. Plus a job interview in Houston like you’ve never heard of before. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: May 5, 2017
Repeal and replace? Republicans are halfway there. Next stop the Senate. Who’ll pay the price, literally and politically? Plus in a state notorious for its use of the death penalty, a convicted killer is removed from death row. We’ll hear why, and what it means for capital punishment in Texas and beyond. Also fidgety kids? Some experts are recommending little hand held gadgets called spinners to help with focus. But some teachers say its a fad that’s gone too far. We’ll hear more. And you remember Waylon and Willie, right? Now Waylon’s better half breaks her silence: Jesse Colter on life as a musical outlaw. All of that and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: April 13, 2017
For decades, Texas has had hate crimes laws on the books, but of hundreds of reports in the past 5 years, only 8 convictions? We’ll explore. Also one of the top financial services companies in Texas does the math and decides to boost its minimum wage. What it means for Texas and perhaps for you personally. And his break with his former employer at the White House made headlines. Now commentator Matthew Dowd making the case for a better way than politics as we know it. Our conversation. Plus, can you find the oldest library in Texas on a map? Yeah, neither could google. But we found someone who can and will. All that and a whole lot more today on the Texas standard:
Nutritionism: Aya Kimura (Ep. 25)
James Baldwin said, “the purpose of art is to lay bare the questions that have been hidden by the answers.” When considering this sentiment in relationship to “nutritionism” one might look at Aya Kimura‘s book, Hidden Hunger: Gender and the Politics of Smarter Foods, as a work of “art” as she explores the questions that remain after the “experts” answer problems of micronutrient deficiencies with the science of fortification and biofortification.
In the latest edition of The Secret Ingredient, Raj Patel, Tom Philpott and Rebecca McInroy talk with Kimura about food and culture, market forces, and what is lost when the “western savior comes in to rescue the global south.”
Texas Standard: April 7, 2017
After US cruise missile attacks on Syria, whose move is it next? A one time event, or the start of something bigger? We’ll explore. Also, after a 15 hour budget battle royal, a 218 billion dollar spending plan for Texas, paid for in part by tapping the rainy day fund. We’ll tally the winners and losers. And depressing numbers on new jobs today, and yet in Texas, the construction industry says there aren’t enough workers to meet demand. What’s going on here? All that and much more turn it up, its Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: February 7, 2017
The so called bathroom bill purports to head off potential predators, but a new report suggests a more clear and present danger. The story today. Plus a nasty battle over so called sanctuary policies shows more than one way to raise public money…we’ll hear how protesters are trying to take matters into their own hands. Also New York, Chicago, LA, san Antonio—whats the most dangerous city to walk, and why might that change? Plus bucking the bust: not all unemployed oil hands left Midland when things hit bottom. And now, for those who stuck it out, things are looking up. We’ll hear what’s happened. And do you have a bad connection? For a lot of rural Texans the fix is jumping on the bus. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: January 27, 2017
Sanctuary cities versus Washington: when it comes to the Constitution, who trumps who? We’ll explore. Also it’s not just President Trump, Governor Abbott has issued a deadline to a county sheriff: back off your sanctuary plans, or I’ll pull funding and maybe your job to boot. Can he really do that? Plus the rise in emergency rooms- as new urgent care centers sprout across Texas, one woman offers her own experience as a warning. And we’ve heard the political promise, more American jobs. Are you ready for that interview? 5 tips, so your body language won’t blow it. Plus the week in politics and much more…turn it up y’all, its Texas Standard time:
Texas Standard: January 25, 2017
From sea to shining sea, or something else? The White House order goes out today to build that wall. Also, Governor abbott issues a threat to a central Texas sheriff over her sanctuary city plan: if she doesn’t back down, we’ll remove her from office, we’ll have more. Also, more than 300 thousand in bondage in Texas. The first hard numbers on what’s been called modern day slavery. Plus, something special in the air? Fight attendants at a major Texas based airline say their uniforms are making them sick. And a new focus for space researchers: what’s happening to astronauts’ eyesight? All that and lots more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: January 24, 2017
Another twist in a 6 year legal battle over voter ID, was the controversial Texas law crafted with the intent to discriminate? Also, for some 70 years the US has been at the forefront of pushing liberal democracy as a way to maintain peace and order around the world. That status quo potentially upended by a policy labeled America First. What’s it a name? Some say a toxic history. We’ll explore. Also- help wanted. in solving an economic mystery. Who’s filling the fastest growing jobs In the country? Hint: not men. Researchers think they’ve discovered one reason why. Those stories and a whole lot more , check your watches, its Texas Standard time:
Texas Standard: December 30, 2016
The number of U-S police officers who died in the line of duty at a five-year high. Texas by far lost the most. How that’s affecting those still serving. Also, a price surge, long lines and shortages: the gas crisis going on just south of the border. And extending our quality of life with the help of robots. How artificial intelligence can help the aging. And a look back at Texas’s role in the civil rights movement and what community organizers can learn from it. Plus, sweet or unsweet? It’s a question Texans are used to, we’ll explore the history. And how an NBA rookie broke barriers with the Houston Rockets this week. Those stories and a whole lot more on today’s Texas Standard:
12th & Chicon: ‘Shepherd’ of East Austin Funerals
Barry J.W. Franklin of King Tears Mortuary has been in the funeral business since he was in high school. King Tears Mortuary, located at 12th and San Bernard streets in East Austin.
Texas Standard: September 6, 2016
Wags have wondered when Texas politics might finally turn purple. Fresh signs we might be closing in on grape season, we’ll have the details. Plus talk about guns on campus but is anyone listening anymore? Plus health officials say many early deaths in Texas are preventable, or would be if not for a major missing link: the data. What needs to be done to fill in the blanks. And the president tries to reassure pacific leaders on a controversial trade deal, but how reassured do you feel? Plus summer, the joke’s on you: now’s the season for serious readers. All that and then some today on the 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:
What’s the Story Behind the ‘Fair Sailing Tall Boy’ Memorial?
You’ve probably seen this memorial if you’ve ever driven on Lamar Blvd in Austin. It’s right there, on the pillar holding up the train bridge where Third Street crosses Lamar. It says: “Fair Sailing Tall Boy. Ivan Garth Johnson. Not forgotten. 1971 – 1989. Don’t Drink and Drive, You Might Kill Someone’s Kid.”
V&B: A Band Called Death
Before Bad Brains, the Sex Pistols and the Ramones, there was Death. Formed in 1971 by three teenage brothers in Detroit, Michigan, the African-American group is widely acknowledged as being one of the first punk bands. After years of struggling with canceled contracts, increasing debts, inner family tragedy, and a controversial name that barred them from future success, Death sold off their instruments and disbanded; their recordings lying dormant in an attic for decades.
After years of silence, Death’s moment finally arrived following unexpected demand from rabid internet fans and record collectors, which ushered renowned appreciation and a swarm of national media attention that has now secured their place in the annals of rock history. A captivating documentary in the vein of Searching For Sugar Man, A Band Called Death is equal parts electrifying rockumentary and epic family chronicle.
Listen back as KUT’s Rebecca McInroy hosts the musicians from the band, for an evening of vibrant conversation and great live music with Death!