Is this the end of what’s been known as Obamacare? The Texas delegation split as a vote comes down to the wire. Plus, they say no one’s above the law, but is the FBI above politics? Not if history is any indicator. Why James Comey’s command performance at the capitol this week may be seen as part of a larger pattern. And an unexpected partnership between a pipeline and police as both sides celebrate a payoff. Plus a bill with a distinctly Texan accent and our commentator reckons there are some words we Texans use more than they do anywhere else…think of any? Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Legislation
Texas Standard: March 7, 2017
The bathroom line gets long outside the senate chambers as lawmakers hunker down to take care of business, we’ll have the latest on a controversial move just ahead. Also is there something Texas democrats and republicans can agree on? Quite possibly. We’ll hear about rumblings over criminal justice reform. Plus 11 professors for how much? Why the governor’s plan bring the best and the brightest to Texas may be on the chopping block. And Aggies making school a safe place for former soldiers…how and why? Plus the white shaman of the lower Pecos arrives in the big city: could this be a sign? Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: March 2, 2017
It’s been called unconstitutionally dangerous to Texas kids. Finally a fix for a failed child welfare system? That’s our top story today. Plus, thousands of Texans without voter ID went to polls anyway, signed affidavits and cast their ballots. Why 4 months later, some may face criminal charges. And the farm to table movement and a fresh push to change the tax menu. Also nature or nurture: new research in the Alamo city could prompt a rethink in how best to get newborns out of intensive care. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: February 14, 2017
Stormy weather across much of Texas today. Maybe a good time to tap the state’s rainy day fund? Lawmakers are talking about it, and so are we. Plus, what’s in a label? Or on it, to be more precise. We’ll tell you why some of the state’s wineries are pushing a bill to be pickier about what ‘Texas-made’ really means. And the fight against fake news could start in the school library. We talk to a Texan on the front lines. Plus the Texas French connection? A journalist from across the Atlantic tells us what he sees reporting from the lone star state. All that and more, coming up on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: January 11, 2017
In the past 24 hours, explosive allegations against the President elect have surfaced. Some now wonder: is there a pre-inaugural panic button? We’ll explore. Also, in a state that prides itself on being number one, a dubious distinction… Texas: the uninsured capitol of the US. What if anything happens to healthcare statewide come January 20th? Plus: the oil industry makes a pitch to cash strapped lawmakers: keep the regulators well funded. We’ll talk with the person behind the push. And the Lt. Governor quotes Martin Luther King Jr to introduce his transgender bathroom bill…are we sure Martin Luther King said what he was quoted as saying? All that and then some today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: January 10, 2016
As lawmakers return to the Texas capitol today, a loud warning from a top state official: money’s tight. What that means for everyday Texans. Plus, yesterday we were at the border. Today we’re looking at another aspect of potential change to Texas in a new political era: a fight over so-called sanctuary cities. Also lights, camera, and cash? Why plans are in the works to shut off incentives for Texas filmmakers. And he’s been called the first social media president. Now some Texas researchers have been given the white house ok to explore what that really means for modern politics. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: January 5, 2016
He once called him a buffoon with the fear mongering arguments of a child. Now, a top Hispanic leader is joining the Trump team. Our conversation today. Also massive protests and reports of looting in cities all across Mexico as parts of the country come to a virtual standstill. We’ll hear what’s behind it. And a closer to home a tightening job market. How some Texas companies are trying to win over the best and brightest with coffee bars, free college courses and other perks. Plus how much does it really cost to educate Texas kids? The state rethinks the numbers. And the promise of 2017, from high tech to tacos. All that and then some today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: January 3, 2017
As members of congress return to Washington, Texas lawmakers get ready to return to austin. The road ahead reconsidered today. Also when police use deadly force against an unarmed suspect, what happens next? A new investigation in Houston suggests very little. We’ll have details of a new investigative report. And Texas wine versus Texas cotton? A decision by the EPA could pit the two against each other, we’ll hear why. And Sinatra versus Sinatra in a Texas courtroom: the issue? Love and marriage. And bitcoin is ballooning, or is that a bubble getting ready to burst? Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: November 24, 2016
It’s beginning to look a lot like time for another Texas legislative session, And now, we’re getting a good sense of what’s in play. Plus NPR has it’s recipes, but we know which turkeys Texans are most worried about. Our post election guide to peace at the dinner table. And robocalls pitching religion for price- what’s behind the latest pay for pray phenomenon. Plus our digital guru’s making his list and we’ll be checking it twice. All top tips for technology gifts this season. Also trip tips for a longer than usual holiday weekend…and do you know the political history of Thanksgiving? All that plus a side of gravy today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: November 18, 2016
According to some in Sacramento, the election outcome is an existential threat. Has California become the new Texas? Plus Texas has legalized the medical use of cannabis oil, but the fees for doing business may make it impossible. A co author of the bill wonders if that wasn’t part of the plan, we’ll hear from her. Also, a prominent public figure delivers a concession speech: only this one’s not politics, it’s football. We’ll hear what the fuss is about, and why it matters in a larger sense. Plus a Texas history textbook from the 1950’s rediscovered, and reviewed. And the week in politics and much more coming up today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: November 9, 2016
What happens now? On the day after an historic vote with the potential to shift national direction, whither the Lone Star State? We’ll explore. From immigration to energy policy, women’s health to guns, the tectonic shift at the federal level will reverberate across Texas. We’ll examine the likely ripple effects. A Trump administration promises to recalibrate our relationship with the rest of the world, beginning with Mexico and the border. How is the demographic majority in Texas talking about what lies ahead? And a single digit republican presidential victory in Texas–did last night’s results affect our political map? All that and much more coming up on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: October 11, 2016
The law says police must report officer involved shootings. So why are hundreds of police involved shootings missing from records? We’ll explore. Also, trust the polls? Want another measure for how the presidential race is going? Why some are looking to the peso as a proxy. Plus on this final day of voter registration in Texas: is there not a better way? Also, The Feds order Texas to remove caps on special ed services ..unless they can show no kids are losing out. Now a Texas lawmaker wants to go a step further. We’ll hear the plan. And the recent passing of a Texas music legend…a new book explores what we’ve lost. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard: