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Texas Standard: November 21, 2017

The Governor offers $20,000 for information about an attack on border agents. But questions remain–was it really an attack? The story today on the Texas Standard.

What we know, and don’t know about the death of a US border agent near Van Horn.

Also, a John Doe, kicked out of the University of Texas for sexual assault–reinstated—at least for now. We’ll ask why.

For the second time in a row, a Mexican-American studies text is rejected by state officials…no ethnic studies classes? Not exactly. we’ll hear more…

Home for the holidays? Not in parts of southeast Texas–Harvey’s homeless three months on….
Those stories and much more today on the Texas Standard

Texas Standard: September 25, 2017

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:

Texas Standard: September 22, 2017

After Trump, after a special session, after Harvey—where does Texas go from here? From the biggest annual political event in the Lone Star State, this is the Texas Standard.

With the federal government in the hands of republicans, what kind of mark is Texas making on American politics right now?

This is the place to ask such questions: tonight’s the kickoff of the Texas Tribune festival–a weekend in the Texas capitol city devoted to all things Lone Star politics.

From what to do about interminable commutes to the role of Texas cities in climate change —and we assume, of course you can name the governor? We’ll try a little “on the street” test. We’ve got miles and miles to cover, we’re at Tribfest today on the Standard.

Texas Standard: September 4, 2017

Over 95 percent of Houston is now dry, says the mayor- as the city issues new mandatory evacuation orders. The latest today on the Texas Standard.

Last night the 4th largest city in the nation started cutting power to some residents trying to get them to leave their homes. We’ll hear what officials are concerned about even as the city dries out.

In Victoria–as people try to return home, many are greeted by eviction notices? The Harvey-hit working poor at a tipping point.

You’ve navigated the floodwaters: can you navigate the process to get help?

Plus: a decision on DACA? Reading, writing and the rural retention of teachers and a whole lot more.

Texas Standard: September 1, 2017

As cleanup crews converge on Houston, just a bit to the east its still very much rescue mode. From the heart of the Golden Triangle, this is the Texas Standard.

82,000 homes damaged across Texas.
Harvey’s gone but it left Beaumont and Orange virtual islands…and emergencies in both cities as a military task force turns a big part of its resources to east Texas.

Water water everywhere? Not a drop to drink where we are. Nothing from the tap. Bottled water long gone…
Another growing shortage: gasoline. Rescuers say they’re running low, travelers stalled along backed up roads are running out. But the problem’s not one of supply.

Texas Standard: August 31, 2017

As waters recede, the death toll rises in the aftermath of Harvey- and fears grow of more grim discoveries. Today, from the gulf coast, this is the Texas Standard.

Coming up, the latest on rescue and recovery efforts in the states largest metropolitan area, plus, explosions reported at a flooded-out chemical plant northeast of Houston.

As the biggest rainstorm in the history of the US mainland makes it way well beyond our borders, Governor Abbott announces the worst is not over for southeast Texas.

Also, an important ruling on the eve of the so-called sanctuary city bill.

We’re live from the Galveston County Daily News. And no matter where you are, It’s Texas Standard time.

Texas Standard: August 30, 2017

Roadsigns down, trees uprooted, power and food in short supply- but on the horizon, unmistakable signs of hope. The road to recovery, today on the Texas Standard

As Tropical Storm Harvey moves northeast dumping torrential rain on the golden triangle and the Texas / Louisiana border, recovery eforts kick into gear further south. Today we’re broadcasting live from the Corpus Christi area – where Harvey first made landfall a few miles north of us: destruction so severe, there’s still a curfew in place.
We’ll hear how the area’s trying to move forward…and what’s still needed.

Also, a warning on filing insurance claims and why “500 year” floods are more frequent than the name suggests.
We’re live from the coastal bend and it’s Texas Standard time.

Texas Standard: August 3, 2017

There’s a group of Texans who could see health care costs skyrocket, unless the House and Senate compromise. We’ll explore. Retired teachers across the state are hoping a proposal to funnel money into health care plans goes through, but both would be temporary fixes. Also you’ve heard of the Crips and Bloods, maybe the Texas Mexican Mafia. How about Tango Blast? A new report says it’s the biggest gang threat in Texas. Plus, heard of the town “Midnight,” Texas? We explain why you won’t find it on the map. and how to visit. That’s all coming up on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: July 21, 2017

If its true you get what you pay for, what exactly are we paying those who make our laws? We’re answering your questions today on the Texas Standard.

The price of local policing is about to go up-way up- as the Department of Public Safety comes out with a price menu for its lab services. We’ll hear what’s behind what may be a big squeeze for local police.

An oil spill in the heart of Texas draws a spotlight to the miles and miles of combustibles under our boots. We’ll explore.

College Station, Texas: ground zero for the Game of Thrones? Why the author picked A&M to be a Citadel for his manuscripts…

Also, the Editor in Chief of the Texas Tribune on the week in politics and then some.

Texas Standard: July 20, 2017

An historic selection to head the police force of one Texas’ biggest cities. The changing face of law enforcement- today on the Texas Standard

You’re getting a raise! Now that’s something you’d expect Texas teachers to get behind, right? So why are so many holding their noses over the governor’s plan?

South of the border they’ve been bracing for change under President Donald Trump, but not always in the way you might think. The Mexicans welcoming the shakeup of NAFTA.

The John Birch Society once defined the hard right in America…now they’re back, putting down roots in Texas.

And a teaching tool or just toys? Educators ask questions about augmented books.

Texas Standard: July 19, 2017

Heard in the Texas Capitol—what if…you know…maybe …some lawmakers wanted to leave town? Here we go…

One day in and what could go wrong? Early special session action sparks memories of a lawmaker exodus to Oklahoma…and other unusual outcomes. We’ll breakout the pink dome wayback machine.

You know that student loan? Can the bank prove you owe it? A closely watched case that could take millions of people in debt off the hook.

The new statewide ban on texting while driving. Does it really override local laws? .. We’re handsfree and wireless all hour long.

Texas Standard: July 18, 2017

Governor Abbott says city politicians are trying to California our Texas. Hurting the Texas brand. But CEOs say there’s something far worse. The story today on the Standard.

Happy first day of the special session. Coming up, what to expect and today’s listener question: Why can’t the lege work faster?

The Texas housing boom of 2017 —look closer: who’s really buying all those houses? And why does it matter?

Are police cruisers making Texas cops sick? A nationwide investigation with its epicenter, the Texas capitol city.

And Lyle Lovett remembers a master craftsman.

Texas Standard: July 17, 2017

Dennis Quaid or Eva Longoria for Senate? Tommy Lee Jones for governor? Texas democrats looking for star power. The real story today on the Standard.

As the governor announces his reelection plans, who’s on the bench to top the ticket for the other party?

Texas tops in cattle—but tops in something else you won’t hear about–number one in agricultural land getting lapped up by foreign buyers. We’ll hear who’s buying and why.

Solar panels used to be promoted by energy companies as a smart way to save money. Now some of those same power companies want to charge you extra for using those panels.

Plus, discovering Robocop’s Texas accent and a whole lot more.

Texas Standard: June 23, 2017

California bans official travel to Texas–over a law they say permits discrimination in adoption services. The impact and possible pushback today on the standard.

After cutting off Planned Parenthood, the state launched a healthy Texas women program. One year later, what’s the prognosis?

Also, an old phenomenon gets renewed attention: why do so many women in the workplace seem to get cut off mid-sentence? Why the issue’s bigger than just hurt feelings…

Our homestate addiction to Tex-Mex reconsidered. Fighting back against the grackles, plus the week in politics and much more…it’s the national news show of Texas on this Friday.

Texas Standard: April 28, 2017

Berkeley, Auburn—what about Texas colleges and universities? Should unpopular even offensive speech be protected on campus? The proposal today on the Texas Standard

How do you fix a broken political map? Here’s a hint, it’ll take more than tape. What’s at stake as a court takes up minority voting power in Texas.

Are the democrats on Capitol Hill really looking for a government shutdown? a rejoinder to the other side of the aisle from a prominent Texas congressman.

Where’s our flying cars? In two years, Uber promises they’ll be all over Dallas.

And buckle up for what basketball fans are calling the I-10 series.

All that plus the week in politics with the Texas Tribune and a whole lot more.

Texas Standard: April 27, 2017

After a long night at the capitol, looks like a statewide ban on so-called sanctuary cities is all but a done deal. What happens next? That’s today on the Texas Standard.

There’s more than a government shutdown to worry about: a prominent Texas lawmaker says what really on the line in the budget impasse: military readiness.

Are people who cross illegally into the US really criminals? In Del Rio, at least, the answer is an overwhelming yes. We’ll hear why the Attorney General wants to make it a model for the rest of the country, and meet the judge at the center of it all.

After streaming a live murder and several acts of criminal violence…can Facebook save face?

Plus, a finding that upends decades of science about how we wound up in North America.

Texas Standard: April 26, 2017

If a picture’s worth a thousand words, what’s the value of a word? How the future for thousands could turn on a single definition: the story today on the Texas Standard.

Texas lawmakers begin what could be a marathon debate over forcing Texas towns and cities to enforce federal immigration laws. We’ll have the latest.

When you wish upon a staar—dreams of fewer standardized tests for Texas school kids may soon come true. We’ll get the backstory.

Victim or a villain? A business owner accused of harboring workers illegally finds himself at the center of growing debate across Texas.

And El Paso–said to be the safest city in the country. Is that a fact?

Texas Standard: April 25, 2017

Feeling the sting: Texas officials worry about the return of a major health threat, and why those most at risk aren’t paying attention…The story today on the Texas Standard.

If you build it they will—sue? NPR’s John Burnett tells us how a 40 year old treaty could be a brick wall for the wall…

People used to worry about high school dropout rates–these days it’s more and more middle schoolers. What’s being done to reverse a troubling trend in Texas.

Want a cut in your property taxes? The Dallas Morning News watchdog says don’t wait for politicians, join the protest. We’ll hear about his plan–and the pushback.

Plus, think of it as Formula One with a distinctly Texan accent: later this hour we’re off to the lawnmower races.

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines, the Texas Standard is on the air.

Texas Standard: April 24, 2017

A possible government shutdown, the fate of the border wall, what could make the week busier? How about renegotiating NAFTA? The story today on the Texas Standard.

It’s not just Donald Trump who’s ready for a NAFTA redo: we’ll talk with the Mexican Economic Minister who says he think’s it needs a revamp, too…and soon.

Also, when a bill becomes law and you don’t like it, blame it on the author…unless, the author didn’t really write it. Who did? We’ll lift the curtain on the ghost writers lurking near the Texas capitol.

And a Texas Democrat warns of massive voter fraud —this time, he says, warnings need to be taken seriously.

Those stories and a whole lot more.

Texas Standard: April 21, 2017

Police shootings caught on smartphones grab the headlines…but what about other deaths in custody? The results of a new investigation today on the Texas Standard.

The State of Texas wants its drugs back. The FDA says: not gonna happen. A looming showdown over a deadly cocktail.

State law that says kids need to ‘click it’ en route to school—so why are the buckles missing on most Texas school buses? We’ve got the backstory, fasten your seatbelts.

An American auto factory seized in oil-rich Venezuela. For Texas companies there: get out now, or does it pay to stay?

Plus the week in politics with the Texas Tribune and much more.