The pot is sweetened: a proposed path to citizenship for 1.8 million. But is the overall flavor of the deal too terrible for many lawmakers? We’ll explore. Plus, the hub of Harris County’s criminal justice system has been closed because of Hurricane Harvey flooding, and could be for years to come. And in Marfa a secretive company opens up to school kids. And in Montreal NAFTA negotiations that could have big effects on Texas. All that plus the Typewriter Rodeo and a wrap of the week in Texas politics, today on the Texas Standard:
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How Long Until Spring?
It’s mid-January, it’s cold, and it’s the time of year when we begin to ask the question: how long until spring? That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas Standard: January 4, 2017
A big deadline approaches in Congress, this one affecting more than 120-thousand Texans. We’ll explore why the so-called Dreamers are in limbo. And another big issue in Texas: the high rate of moms dying during or shortly after giving birth. We’re getting new information about the problem. Also, if you’re decluttering for the New Year you may find old technology that’s no longer useful. We’ll look at what you’re using now that could be next to fall by the wayside. And a plate of Texas BBQ just isn’t complete without a cold glass/can or bottle of… what? A discussion on the best B-B-Q beverages. Plus we’ll introduce you to a Texas superintendent who has turned around a district despite some real challenges. Those stories and more today on the Standard:
Texas Standard: December 11, 2017
Should Texas child protective services be forced to recruit more foster care families? A federal case nears a climax, we’ll have the latest. Also, a south Texas lawmaker calls for hearings on Russian meddling in Mexico’s elections? US Congressman Henry Cuellar tells us why he’s concerned, and why Texans should take note. Plus, net neutrality reconsidered: as the FCC approaches what could be a landmark vote, we’ll explore the practical implications of the proposed change. And retired teachers leaving a state health care system in droves, and agents stand down for an emotional family reunion at the border near el paso. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: November 1, 2017
Governor Abbott goes hat in hand to capitol hill asking for billions in Harvey relief. What’s he brining back? We’ll have the latest. Also, you’ve heard about players not standing for the anthem at football games? Two high school students in Houston, both 17, refuse to participate in the pledge of allegiance. They say they’re being harassed at school because of it and now, there’s a federal case, we’ll hear about it. And why the selection of a Texan to the EPA science board has lots of environmentalists alarmed. Plus, a start up for startups, and the Japanese American soldiers who became Texas heroes. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: October 17, 2017
When he arrived in Texas 3 years ago, many cheered the return of the american held captive. But a new chapter in that story begins. What’s next for Bowe Bergdahl now that he’s pleaded guilty to charges in connection with his own disappearance, we’ll explore. Also: officials in Houston taking a hard second look at defending against another Harvey, we’ll have details. And the remittance marketplace with Mexico: multibillion dollar business. Could an app shake it up the way Uber has with taxis? Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: October 11, 2017
Published reports say the US set to decertify the nuclear agreement with Iran. Deal or no deal? And what’s the big deal for Texans? We’ll explore. Also, the question a lot of folks in lubbock and way beyond are asking right now: how could a student get a gun into a Texas Tech police facility? A specialist in law enforcement says that may be the wrong question. Plus despite Republican efforts, it lives: But sign up less than a month away, what should Texans expect? And will the Houston Rockets ever be the sort of team that’ll be talked about like the Lakers or the Celtics? The new owner says that’s the plan. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: October 5, 2017
It oversees tens of thousands of state employees, many with side jobs to make ends meet. But at the top: a different story. Health and Human Services has 11 administrations now making over 200 thousand dollars a year. 10 years ago, there were none. The agency says that’s not a fair comparison, we’ll talk with the Dallas News reporter who’s been doing the numbers. Also, several Houston schools on the do or die list this year: improve performance or get shut down, then along came Hurricane Harvey. The challenge faced by both schools and kids aiming for better grades. And you’ve heard about underground workers.. Why so little about the consumers? 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: August 17, 2017
The debate over confederate monuments is now inside the Texas capitol with a state lawmaker asking for a confederate symbol to removed. We’ll explore and tell you what the governor is saying about confederate monument. Also: people living on the gulf coast take on one of the nation’s largest plastics plants, saying it’s been polluting the area for years. Plus: the number of Texas homes sold to people outside the United States skyrocketing, up almost 60 percent in on year. And can you imagine the state firing your entire school board? we’ll hear why that might happen in some communities. Those stories and so much 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 10, 2017
North Korea’s threat to fire as many as four missiles at a U-S territory, has many Americans on edge. We put Kim Jong Un’s words in perspective, today on the Standard. Also state lawmakers vote to undo a law they just passed in the spring. Why Republicans are calling a law to crackdown on mail-in ballot fraud a “well-intentioned mistake.” And self-driving cars sound like a dream for many commuters. How the new technology would change several aspects of life in Texas cities. Plus summer’s over for most Texas school children, but imagine going to school year-round? It’s a reality for kids at one elementary in San Antonio. And finding the perfect boots and barbecue – We tap into a little Texas culture to give you some guidance. Turn up your dial, it’s Texas Standard time:
Texas Standard: August 8, 2017
A meeting months in the making – with just about a week left for lawmaking in the special session, Speaker Straus and Lt. Gov. Patrick have a face-to-face. We’ll have the details. Plus, after last month’s deadly discovery in San Antonio of migrants smuggled inside a tractor-trailer, Texas is all the talk at the largest truck stop in the nation. And they can detect bombs and bed bugs. What a shortage of specially-trained canines mean for safety here in Texas and worldwide. And some “milk people” in the Lone Star State are none too pleased with President Trump’s comments about immigrants not working for local dairy farmers. We explore their concerns. Turn it up, it’s Texas Standard time:
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: July 13, 2017
With the senate’s latest bid to repeal and replace Obamacare, but what about Cost? Today 4 big ideas to fix health care. We’ll have the prescription. Plus, the best kind of policy, many believe, is policy driven by academic studies. But a new investigative report shows a secret program at Google:
paying big money to scholars for research that would help the company get favorable regulations, we’ll explore. Also 5 years after A&M left the Big 12, what’s the score for college football in Texas. Plus the smokier the barbecue the better, huh? Texas Monthly’s barbecue editor says don’t be so sure. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: July 12, 2017
As the US focuses on the tale of the emails, another big story may be getting buried. Will this week go down in history as the end of ISIS? We’ll explore. Also one of the most powerful players in the business world is buying up Texas companies: a multibillion dollar offer for Oncor, his latest move. Why’s the oracle of Omaha playing Texas hold em? We’ll explore. And we’ve all heard the arguments over immigration: a new report tries to settle the score when it comes to the costs, and benefits. Those stories and a lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: July 4, 2017
As Texas goes, so goes the nation? Lawrence Wright makes that argument in a new piece in the New Yorker magazine. He’ll break down his reporting. Also scientists in San Antonio are learning about how the brain’s two halves talk to each other and how that chatter could lead to a better understanding of devastating conditions. And are special needs students the best group to test “private school choice” in Texas? A policy expert weighs in ahead of the start of the special legislative session. Those stories and lots more today on the Texas Standard:
Cleaning Out Your Backpack
School is over for most Texas kids. It’s time to take stock of the year past. One way to do that is with a good cleaning and disinfection of that ubiquitous part of the school uniform – the faithful backpack.
Texas Standard: June 2, 2017
Climate agreement fallout. How Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement could affect Texas. Plus a deadly shootout in broad daylight at a North Texas car dealership, innocent people just feet away from two bounty hunters and their target. We’ll break down the role of the “fugitive recovery agent.” And it’s been more than 60 years since Brown versus Board of Education. Why the south is now seeing wide re-segregation of schools. Plus we’ve got the inside scoop on some books that will likely be topping must-read lists. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard :
Texas Standard: June 1, 2017
Stuck and frustrated. Several immigrant families are being held in Texas Detention Centers far longer than law allows, we’ll explore. Also, Texas Lawmakers left Austin without making real changes to the state’s barely constitutional school finance system. Coming up: what they did do this session when it comes to education. And a Supreme Court ruling over printer cartridges affects every American consumer. We’ll explain. Plus, did political infighting just leave several Texas agencies in limbo? We’ll hear from an insider. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard: