politics

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 25, 2017

Texas is bracing for hurricane Harvey. With forecasters warning of a life threatening storm, we’ll fill you in on what you need to know. Plus, with Houston expecting major flooding, we’ll hear how unregulated development could be making matters worse. That plus the week in politics, the boy scouts considering brining in girls, and a really book by a Texas author you might want to check out. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:

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:

Texas Standard: August 18, 2017

In a place where there’s little water already, rising demand raising the stakes for everyone. We’re live from Marfa Public Radio today! Also, he may have hit a wall with congress, but President trump is moving fast to make a lasting mark on another front, and Texas is ground zero. Tilting the balance on the federal bench. And just a few miles from here they’re warming up the famous Mcdonald observatory telescopes as the US prepares for a rare solar eclipse. But why’s this one so special, and for researchers, what left to learn? And sine die for the special session, the week in Texas politics and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: August 15, 2017

Did someone just blink? What a North Korean announcement may or may not tell us about how to deal with a dictator. Also, submarined in the fury over Charlottesville, two major protests in South Texas: the biggest yet against the border wall. But a reporter who was there says it wasn’t just about a wall, we’ll hear more. Plus the Texas Central rail teams up with two big companies to get on with building the bullet train. So is it full speed ahead? We’ll check the brakes. And in what some are calling a post-factual world, can we talk? How to have a meaningful political conversation when you’re not on the same page. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: August 11, 2017

Fifteen-hundred school superintendents from across Texas lobby the lieutenant governor to put more money into education. We’ll explore the Senate’s willingness to do that. Also, imagine having to drive more than a hundred miles to see a doctor. That’s the reality for some Texans living in rural parts of the state. A look at what’s forcing hospitals to close up shop. And fuel thefts are nothing new, but one Texas company is helping store owners protect the goods at the pump. Also, we know everything’s bigger and better in Texas, and it turns out that’s true for supercomputers. Plus, we check in with The Texas Tribune for a look at the week that was in state politics today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: August 4, 2017

Another border security proposal. And it one, drafted by a Texan. We’ve got the details. Also, near San Antonio, they tried to create a small Texas city, with none of the big city taxes. Plus, a possible, private solution to bringing back troops from Afghanistan. And how Hippie Hollow became only clothing-optional public park in Texas. All that and more, today Texas Standard:

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 28, 2017

The repeal of Obamacare, promised by republicans for 7 years, appears dead for now in the senate. We’ll explore the grand gesture that led to this moment. Also, as investigators try to get to the bottom of the deaths of 10 immigrants packed into a sweltering tractor trailer. What about the company that owns the trailer? An AP investigation finds a long trail of violations and complaints from drivers, we’ll hear more. And an electronic mix-up causes the Texas Department of Transportation to stop sending out bills for the use of tollroads, we’ll hear why. Those stories and so much more today 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: July 14, 2017

A Texas GOP congressman isn’t pulling punches: the Russians he says, are actively interfering with… fracking? We’ll have the latest. Also Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has had a lot to say at rolling back property taxes, but not so much about what those taxes cover: education. But on the eve of the special session he’s changing his tune, offering bonuses to teachers, money for schools and help to retirees, we’ll hear why. And its been a long time since military base closures made headlines, but Texas, brace yourself. A coming fight that could be a matter of survival for some Texas towns. Those stories and lots more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: July 7, 2017

Shots fired: a year after a deadly shootout at an otherwise peaceful march in Dallas, how much has healed and where are the scars? We’ll explore. Also many thought the black death the stuff of history books, but the plague is back, and its in west Texas. A CDC researcher tells us why. And back to the future? A Texas city decides the best way to secure elections: a return to the paper ballot. And researchers battle an unexpected problem for solar power, you might think of it as burnout. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: July 5, 2017

North Korea has launched a rocket that can reach the United States. It’s a game changer, says a top Texas expert on national security, we’ll have the latest. Also, if you’re a retired teacher living in Texas, stay healthy, because the other option is about to get a whole lot more expensive. Troubling holes in a statewide safety net. And the comments that rocked college station: 5 years after an A&M professors remarks about race and violence, the dust is far from settled. We’ll hear the what and why. And a Grammy winning troubadour on leaving Texas in the rear view mirror and the close ties that bind him to home. You might second the emotion…all those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: June 30, 2017

As a judge in San Antonio mulls the legality of a Texas sanctuary law, lawmakers in Washington take action on the federal level, we’ll have the latest. Plus Texas senator Ted Cruz said no to his fellow senate republicans. Now, he’s floating what he calls a compromise on health care. What’s the big idea, we’ll hear about it. Also cuts proposed for Amtrak, coming to a station near you?
And the battle over Keystone XL may not be over yet. This time the roadblocks not protesters but businesses. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:

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.