Foster Care

Texas Standard: December 6, 2019

The system that’s normally entangled in scandal has a couple of highlights to report. We’ll talk about Texas foster care. Also, what happens when the University Interscholastic League tweaks its guidelines? We look at three major implications. And what Texas is willing to do when it comes to vaping and e-cigarettes, we’ll tell you more. Plus, it looks like the stuff of action films: buried walls that come out to shield a building from floods! That’s happening in Houston. And a new LGBTQ task force, the week in politics, and poetry for the soul. All of that and so much more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: November 18, 2019

An indefinite stay. What’s next for death row inmate Rodney Reed, who had been set to be executed on November 20th? We’ll have the latest. Also, once sleepy counties on the edges of our biggest cities starting to boom: the changing face of the Texas suburbs. And a hold up at the police station? Why some say law enforcement agencies are preventing vulnerable immigrants from getting special visa designed to get them out of harm’s way. Also, a large Catholic diocese wants to provide foster care services without penalties for LGBT discrimination. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: October 23, 2019

It’s a closely watched case involving bail reform in Harris County. Now, the state’s attorney general wants to weigh in – against the change. Plus, he’s the longest serving governor in Texas history, he’s run for president, he’s been serving as energy secretary and now he’s leaving the Trump administration. What’s next for Rick Perry? Fellow Texan and ABC political analyst Matthew Dowd has an idea or two for the outgoing secretary. Also, decoding the accent of a major film star from Katy. And an overdue honor for a hero from the Texas tower shooting. Those stories and more on today’s Texas Standard.

Texas Standard: October 10, 2019

A stern warning from the federal judge overseeing reform of Texas’ foster care system: further resistance will be worse than futile. We’ll have the story. Also, the president makes it clear he won’t be cooperating with the house impeachment process. What’s less clear: what this means for what many have predicted to be a transitional election season in Texas politics. We’ll explore. And skyrocketing heat-related injuries in the military. Now there’s an attempt at a radical ‘about face’. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: July 9, 2019

A new court ruling on the so-called “broken” Texas foster care system and efforts to fix it. We’ll take a look at where things stand now. Plus, the U.S. withdrew from the Iran Nuclear Deal, and Iran is now violating it. Where that leaves allies and what’s next. And poking holes in the “Texas Miracle”: a new picture of how the state’s recession resistance didn’t benefit the whole state. Plus, drag racing returns to a Texas border town reviving a cultural past time and just something fun to do. We’ll take you to the track. And we’ll check in on the latest drama over the citizenship question on the U.S. census. All of that and more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: February 7, 2019

A new migrant caravan reaches the border with Texas and president Trump puts more boots on the ground, we’ll have the latest. Also, political strategies are adapting to a changing Texas. With all eyes on 2020, is the GOP scared? Or is recent rhetoric simply a plan to turn out the faithful? And from plastic to metal: the switch that could bring 3D printing into a whole new dimension. Also, the artist who consistently delivers billions of views on YouTube, you may remember Gasolina, Dura and Despacito. We’ll look at his formula for success and so much more on today’s Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: February 5, 2019

If a gun is sold to a mass shooter, can the gun store be held accountable? A lawsuit against a Texas based sports shop is in the spotlight, we’ll explore. Also innocent until proven guilty, but those with money often get to walk before trial: now a move to change the rules on cash-bail statewide. We’ll talk to the Texas senator behind the effort. And what’s behind increased political polarization? According to a Texas researcher, it’s the demise of the local newspaper. If she’s right, now what? All of that and so much more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: October 22, 2018

Early voting gets underway across the Lone Star State and more Texans are registered than ever. But are they actually voting? We’ll check in on how early voting is going as Texans begin casting ballots in the much anticipated midterms. Plus a primer on early voting should you plan to cast a ballot. Plus a Texas filmmaker revisits Molly and Ann: what two of the most famous and politically restless Texans could teach us about how to do politics today. And what impact could the Khashoggi affair have on Texas energy? All that and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: May 8, 2018

The new Texas lawsuit to stop DACA: a top republican says he doesn’t get it. A difference over strategy or some deeper fissure? We’ll explore. Also, teacher walkouts in other parts of the country, now a new report compares teacher pay in Texas with national norms: we’ll do the numbers. And before the system was reformed, thousands of Texas high schoolers didn’t get diplomas because of scores on standardized tests. Now, a second chance. We’ll hear how and who’s qualified. And the Texas expats behind some of Hollywood’s quirkiest movies and TV shows reflect on the journey from slacker land. We’ll talk with the Duplass brothers, Mark and Jay. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: October 18, 2017

16 people killed in a hot air balloon crash outside of Lockhart last year: the cause? In part, investigators say a missing in action FAA, we’ll have the latest. Also, it’s being described as what could be the biggest payout since the VW emissions scandal, and the lawyers are circling. How the government could be on the hook post Harvey. Plus a University of Texas seismology team shakes things up, flipping the switch on the biggest earthquake monitoring network in the nation. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: September 6, 2017

Is DACA really dead? Though Texas top law enforcement official is celebrating, other Texas lawmakers say not so fast, we’ll explore. Also- the Texas congressional delegation set to return to Washington for a special conference, as lone star lawmakers try to come up with a strategy to bring home aid money post Harvey, we’ll hear what they’re planning. And for years strict rules kept Texas from moving forward with telemedicine. Harvey underscores how much is changing. Finally, a fix for Texas’ troubled foster care system? Our reporter finds the solution isn’t likely to be one size fits all. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: March 30, 2017

A whole new rodeo: Texas Ag commissioner Sid Miller strikes an economic agreement with a group of west bank settlements? We’ll explore. Also: a billionaire, a brash talker, and a would be president? Skip Hollandsworth of Texas Monthly on the prospects of a Cuban revolution. And how to pay for public schools: in a session dominated by what proponents call school choice, fresh fault lines emerge over the bottom line for eduction. Also, an invader arrives in Texas and experts say it’s killing our bats. Those stories and lots more today on the national news show of Texas, 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: November 2, 2016

A Texas politician tweets an obscene characterization of a political opponent. A mere slip of the twit, or a larger problem? We’ll explore. Also as the nation focuses on Presidential politics, another race with huge implications for our own backyard is getting precious little attention…perhaps because no one cares about railroads anymore. We’ll explain why that could be a political train wreck unto itself. And after an ugly racial incident at Texas A&M why some Aggies won’t take ‘let it go’ for an answer. And in the 60’s having a golf course in your subdivision signaled upscale. Why the mark of suburban bliss may soon be the Texas lagoon. Grab your towel and transistor radio, it’s Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: September 27, 2016

There appears to be a consensus winner, but did the needle move? Voices seldom heard on the morning after an historic debate. Plus, if you could ask any question this election season, what would it be? More than a thousand public radio listeners have weighed in, and today, we’ll hear the top five which public radio stations across Texas will try to answer in the run up to election day. Plus the making of a power couple, the Clintons were hardly the first. And with costs on the rise and students loans in the news, is higher ed still considered the value investment it once was? The envelope please: results of a new survey are in. Those stories and lots more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: July 13, 2016

Texas dealing with tensions over race and policing. Moments of healing at a Dallas memorial service… and reminders of past scars, we’ll explore. Also One year ago today, a young woman found dead in her jail cell. The video of the arrest that put her there going viral. Plus no silver bullet: recommendations for fixes to the state’s foster care system and new challenges right around the corner. And Texas teens can face intense personal challenges… a look at why it appears young Latinas are especially feeling the pressure. And why what was once cool may also be hot… and what’s good is also wicked… today on the Texas Standard:

Merri Dee (Ep. 25, 2016)

In Black America producer and host John L. Hanson, Jr. speaks with Merri Dee, an award-winning retired broadcaster, author and philanthropist, and owner of MD Communications, a consulting practice addressing and advancing family, education and women’s issues.

Texas Standard: May 17, 2016

The Texas Foster Care System is broken. We’ll explore one state representative’s plan to work towards fixing it. Also high lead levels causing health concerns and we’re not talking about Flint but right here in Texas, at state-run facilities in fact. We’ll have the details. Plus how a lack of phone service is causing a life-or-death situation in rural Texas. And we’ll look why its more challenging for women to get help with addiction recovery. And an East Texas man sees for the first time in decades thanks to a bionic eye. Those stories and lots more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: December 18, 2015

Thousands of kids placed in unreasonable risk of harm? A Federal judge says Texas has a broken foster care system- on today’s Texas Standard.
Coming up, we’ll take a trip to Crystal City, Texas… in 1944…you’d be surprised what was there.
Plus threats sent to schools in D.C., Los Angeles, Houston and Dallas. An expert on how to tell whether there’s real risk.
And what makes a Texas fruitcake unique? Its not the fruit.