Could Ted Cruz sink the latest republican attempt at Obamacare repeal? Yes. Will he? That’s now the question, we’ll explore. Also, what really happened that caused fires to break out at a chemical plant during Harvey. We’ll hear what environmental regulators are looking into one month later. Plus Pulitzer Prize winning reporter and native Houstonian David Farenthold sent shock waves thru campaign 2016 with his stories on Donald Trump. And what impact has the Trump era had on Texas politics? What Farenthold says might surprise you. Our conversation coming up. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Fire
Texas Standard: August 23, 2017
President Trump says he doesn’t think NAFTA can be saved and he’s calling for a shutdown of the federal government if that’s what it takes to fund the border wall, we’ll explore. Also we’ll apply a Texas filter to the president’s remarks in Phoenix, Arizona. Plus, why a federal judge has stopped Houston from banning large encampments of people experiencing homelessness. And how giant retailers like Walmart and Target are trying to compete with Amazon. Also-
Houston to Dallas in 30 minutes? Hyperloop technology might make it possible. We’ll hear from Texans competing this weekend to make it a reality. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
12th & Chicon: Remembering the Harlem Theater
According to a book co-written by the curator of the Austin History Center, the Harlem Theater was one of only seven black-owned theaters in the country in the early 20th century. And, compared to other theaters in Austin, where black customers were either not allowed or segregated to the balcony seats, it offered moviegoers their full rights. On Dec. 30, 1973, it burned to the ground. Neither the Austin Police Department nor the fire department has records of the fire. The community has only ideas about what caused it – perhaps arson, perhaps electrical fire – but no real answers.
Texas Standard: March 14, 2017
An assault. Evidence gathered and then nothing. Now a grassroots effort to get a backlog of thousands rape kits analyzed, we’ll explore. Also whose info is it anyway? What’s behind a spike in the number of denials for open record requests in Texas. And machines that do the work of humans, and sometimes look like us too. As high tech talk in Texas turns to robots, a danger the conversation’s on autopilot. Plus help wanted: thousands of border and immigration officials. But if the idea’s to boost security, why are there plans to cut vetting of new recruits? Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: March 6, 2017
Mr. Obama told his successor it would be the most urgent problem he would confront. Hint: it doesn’t involve wiretaps. Should the Trump administration take out North Korea’s weapons capability, and if so how? In the wake of a new wave of rocket launches, UT’s Jeremy Suri joins us to consider the options. Also winter wildfires in the panhandle…what west Texans need to do now to stay on top of a critical situation. Plus remember the Alamo? Remember what they were planning to do with it? As the bottom line for a massive restoration project grows, so does a question: how to pay for it. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: January 31, 2017
One of the most important announcements yet, with potential implications for generations. We’ll explore the short list for the Supreme Court. Plus a fire destroys a mosque in Victoria and another burns down an Islamic center in central Texas. Unconnected events? We’ll hear what officials are saying, and not saying. And Texas two step? Texas lawmakers detail a proposal to use public money for private school tuition. Also a plan to cap property taxes, but do the numbers add up? Plus motherhood, musicianship and memories of Mineral Wells. A conversation with the current queen of americana: Amanda shires. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: May 6, 2016
A fire in Houston takes on statewide significance, raising questions over chemicals stored close to schools. We’ll explore. Also a pipeline that cuts thru one of the most pristine areas of Texas gets the green light…we’ll discuss the implications. A Texas vote tomorrow on services like Uber and Lyft. At stake, not just the rules in Austin, but perhaps in cities across the nation. We’ll hear why. Also the week in Texas politics, with the Texas Tribune and a new manual on how to be a Texan. Those stories and lots more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: September 7, 2015
In Texas, football’s more than a game…but as more student athletes suffer serious injures, more parents say they’ll take a pass. Plus, on this date four years ago…a sight many Texans thought they’d never live to tell. Also, The migrant crisis in Europe and what could be a spillover effect here in Texas. And just how seriously should Americans take official warnings to avoid the borderlands? All of that and more on todays Texas Standard: