Hundreds of asylum seekers released in El Paso with little warning, straining resources and highlighting big issues at the border. We’ll talk with Bob Moore in El Paso about the latest. Also, race and criminal justice: we’ll take look at just how different America’s prison population is from the population at large and why. Plus a Texas lawmaker tells us why he’s fighting for the expansion of medical marijuana. And did you unwrap a new gadget for Christmas or Hanukkah? Our tech expert Omar Gallaga tells us what to do with the old one. Also, the calls for civility in politics and online have come from every corner. But some say it’s not enough. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Mexican
Texas Standard: August 30, 2018
The state department denying US passports to American citizens born near the border. The accusation: fraudulent birth certificates. We’ll talk to the Washington post reporter who found that the citizenship of hundreds, possibly thousands of hispanics with American birth certificates are being stripped of their passports, and their legal status in the US thrown into question. We’ll hear the how and why. Also, Harvey trapped hundreds of thousands of Texans when major freeways flooded across Houston. Now the effort to fix what’s causing clogged arteries during storms. And smart enough to set up a smart home? A new industry emerges to help. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: May 30, 2018
After the Santa Fe massacre, and a week of roundtables, the Governor comes up with a blueprint to improve safety in Texas public schools, we’ll have the latest. Also, how high is that oft-cited wall between church and state? A new report from the associated press claims we’re witnessing an important moment for religiously conservative attorneys landing positions of power and policy behind the scenes, we’ll hear more. And U.S. politics may get dirty at times, but never as deadly as in Mexico right now. Record number of assassinations of candidates as the nation prepares to pick a president July 1st. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: April 25, 2018
The governor calls for an emergency election in a Harvey hit district that’s also lost its Congressman. Does the maneuver pass muster? By November 6th, voters in Texas 27th district will have one, two, three chances to cast a ballot for their representative to the US.. House. Confusing? We’ll walk you through it. Also a new ruling on DACA and a blow to President Trump. We’ll hear what the decision means for young undocumented immigrants and the program designed to protect them from deportation. And the man president Trump wants to pardon, they called him the Galveston giant. We’ll have the view from Jack Johnson’s hometown and so much more on todays Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: March 20, 2018
North of San Antonio, an explosion at a federal express facility raises new challenges in the investigation of Austin’s serial bomber. Also joining us, the head of the House Homeland Security Committee Texas congressman Michael McCaul on the federal response to the bomb attacks in the Texas capitol city. Also, is Mexico finally getting the upper hand on the drug cartels? We’ll explore some new developments that have put the question back on the table. And a pedestrian in Arizona killed by a self driving car: should we tap the brakes on the development of autonomous vehicles? Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: February 22, 2018
Governor Abbott is not having it: schools need to implement safety measures or be be called out publicly, we’ll explore. Also, the reverend, crusades, and the role Texas played in all this. Plus, presidential Elections are coming up in Mexico: what’s different from US elections? And in Texas how do you become “election judge”? We’ll tell you. Also, the tug of war for the “rainy day fund”, could it pay for flooding? Plus boots that sustain the soul and a tech giant that’s house hunting. All that and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: January 9, 2018
It’s a 12 billion dollar solution that could prevent many more billions of dollars in damage. So why can’t Texas put up a hurricane barrier? We’ll explore. Also, the frontrunners in Mexico’s upcoming presidential election have already emerged. How the many Mexican voters living in Texas could effect the outcome. Plus, Texas is taking steps to re-think and re-design state mental health facilities, we’ll have the details. And the views from outer space are quite literally out of this world. But many astronauts have vision trouble in zero gravity. Texas researchers are on the job. Also a 5 to nil vote shut down a plan proposed by U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry. We’ll take a look at why and what’s next. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: July 27, 2017
And on the eighth day the Texas senate took some time off. After passing 18 bills in one week, what happens next? We’ll explore. Plus he took an oath to serve his country. She is now wondering if she’ll be forced to leave the military. A conversation with an Air Force Staff Sergeant based in Texas bracing for a bitter transition after yesterday’s Presidential tweets on who can serve. Also, too early to talk about 2020? A veteran analyst sees a three way race already forming. Plus discovering the hidden tacos of Texas and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: June 27, 2017
A White House warning on Syria raises hackles in Moscow and eyebrows around the world. What’s behind last night’s announcement? We’ll explore. Also, drowned out by some of the bigger stories from the supreme court this week, a decision not to decide a case involving a high profile shooting at the border. We’ll loop back for a closer look. And a new law in Texas establishes a ‘right to try’ controversial stem cell treatments, but some worry it could be a green light for modern day snake oil salesmen. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: February 28, 2017
A sudden reversal from the department of justice: Texas didn’t intended to discriminate with Voter ID. Why the 180 and why does it matter? We’ll explore. Also: as immigration detention centers in Texas fill with new arrivals, a lawsuit against a private company running many of those centers: the allegation? Forced labor. The case could involve tens of thousands of current and former detainees. Also, a new technique to eradicate invasive species being tested for the first time on mammals: the effect, daughterless offspring. What could go wrong? We’re just getting started, it’s Texas Standard time:
Texas Standard: February 27, 2017
Feeling the pinch? Texas lawmakers blame lower oil and gas revenue. But for the real explanation, you may have to drill deeper, we’ll explore. Plus homeschoolers and public school advocates form an unlikely partnership: the target? Stopping the latest effort on school choice. We’ll hear why. And sweat dirt and drilling equipment: the stuff fortunes have been built on since spindle top. But new wildcatters are getting their hands dirty without getting their hands dirty. We’ll explain. And as states ease up on marijuana, a new directive from the feds to crack down on recreational use of pot. What happens next? All that and more today on the Texas Standard:
Tortillas
Any Texpat can give you a list of things they miss about the Lone Star State. The weather, the football, the music – and near the top of many of these homesick lists: the food. Specifically, a good tortilla. Whether you prefer tacos, fajitas or burritos, there’s just nothing like a great tortilla.
Mexican Restaurant Salsa
Sure, we all love a good combo plate or enchilada special – but the most important part of any Mexican food outing happens when you sit down at the table. That was the inspiration for Typewriter Rodeo’s Sean Petrie as he wrote this week’s poem.
Texas Standard: February 11, 2016
The Supreme Court sides with Ken Paxton- what does the ruling really mean efforts to get Texas to clean the air? We’ll explore. Also a journalist is killed in Mexico. The government suggests it’s her own fault. The blame game and the ongoing drug war. And the new American divide luxury cities—versus Texas…we’ll explain. Also how does the saying go? With friends like these who needs…Facebook? Our digital savant explores who his real friends are. And the lingering culture of Johnny football—what’s really going on at Texas A&M?
All that and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: November 19, 2015
In its war with the so-called Islamic State, France has a powerful ally. And it’s not the most likely one, either. We’ll explore a new coalition and the costs. Plus in the same Mexican state where 43 students disappeared last year at least 50 schools are set to close amid threats of attacks on classes. We’ll hear what’s behind the wave of violence and the implications here. Also, T-minus 7 days. Does it still make sense to wait for black Friday? And the gift that won’t keep on giving, since Australia would like like Texas to return it. All those stories and more on todays Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: June 29, 2015
With Texas running out of lethal injection doses, an important death penalty decision handed down from the nation’s highest court details today. Friday’s same sex marriage ruling, it’s not it’s not just about the nuptials. From inheritance rights to education we’ll explore some far reaching implications for Texans. Plus, gold plated guns and pet cheetahs–Mexican cartels get into the propaganda game. Also, discovering the future of music in your neighbor’s dining room. Plus actor Jason Schwartzman and much more, on the Texas Standard: