We’re taking a closer look at the implications of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, and a Texas perspective on the future of politics and democracy:
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller was in the crowd at Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday and shares a firsthand account.
The assassination attempt comes during one of the most politically volatile moments in our American history, but this is far from the first time political violence has threatened democracy. Presidential historian and professor Jeffrey Engel of Southern Methodist University on whether this may further galvanize divisions or lead to a shift in political rhetoric and rancor.
Also: State lawmakers are calling for an investigation into the slow power restoration process in the Houston region, where 264,000 remain without electricity a week after Hurricane Beryl hit.
Sid Miller
KUT Morning Newscast for July 15, 2024
Central Texas top stories for July 15, 2024. President Biden’s visit to Austin was postponed after the shooting at Trump’s rally. Eyewitness accounts from Saturday’s shooting came in through the weekend. A Dallas-area retailer made waves this week when it installed a kiosk to sell ammunition in a Hill Country grocery store. Austin could adopt another record-breaking budget for 2025.
Texas Standard: October 5, 2022
A Texas National Guard member becomes the tenth person connected with Governor Abbott’s border mission to die. We’ll have the latest details. Other stories we’re working on: with public safety one of the big issues in this election, a spotlight turns to bail reform and the rhetoric surrounding it. Also, the questions swirling around the incumbent Ag Commissioner as he runs for re-election. And new home construction in Texas, only the homes aren’t for sale. We’ll have a closer look at the build to rent phenomenon. Plus the effort to save bats from the worst of Texas winters, a Politifact check about the impact of fentanyl and much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: September 23, 2022
With record numbers of detentions at the border, where do we stand with immigration enforcement? We’ll have the head of Customs and Border protection today. Also with fewer than 50 days until statewide elections, today the second interview in our look at the Agriculture Commissioner’s race. Yesterday it was the democratic challenger. Today, our conversation with incumbent republican Sid Miller. Also details of a new survey of Texans on gun regulations and, in the wake of Uvalde, the psychological impact on parents, teachers and students. Plus concerns about a shortage of certified teachers in the classroom, the week that was in Texas politics and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: September 22, 2022
A priority, she says, is doing something about the disappearance of rural hospitals. So why does she want to be Texas’ next agriculture commissioner? Today, we meet Susan Hays, the democrat trying to unseat the incumbent republican. Also they used to be considered inexpensive, modest, though iconic structures. Why adobe homes in Marfa and other parts of West Texas are at the center of a political fight. And a retail store in Frisco inspires a countdown and lines to get in on opening day. Any guesses what the name of that store might be, fellow Texans? Those stories and much more coming up today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: March 02, 2022
Abbott vs. O’Rourke, that much was expected, but some key races hang in the balance. The race for attorney general and a big test for Progressives in South Texas appear headed for runoffs. Also what, if anything, the first in the nation’s primaries may tell us about the midterms this November. Those stories and much more on a special post-primary day edition of the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: February 22, 2022
He’s been called Trump’s favorite cowboy; why Sid Miller’s attempt to hang on to his job as Texas Agriculture Commissioner is drawing a lot of national attention. And, a longtime democratic congressman in South Texas faces a repeat challenge from the left–a former intern. Also, why biorefineries could be the next big thing in Texas. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: May 10, 2021
Politics as unusual? Republicans not exactly in lockstep as the legislative session races to a conclusion, we’ll hear why and the potential implications. Plus a foster care system so dangerous is was once ruled unconstitutional. A new report finds young Texans still dying from abuse and neglect. Also why quinoa could become Texas’ next big cash crop. And turning hemp into another kind of green…the Texas Rangers asking questions. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: April 6, 2018
There aren’t enough people willing to work, so say’s Texas shrimpers. Now the Texas agriculture commission is asking the Feds for help. We’ll hear what he’s hoping for. Also: a year ago, nearly 250 people were laid off from a factory in Ft. Worth. Now they’re being asked to come back and the factories on the rebound. A locomotive company rediscovers it mojo and what it means. Plus the week in Texas politicism, and so much more, today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: May 25, 2017
Education savings accounts, opponents called em vouchers in disguise. Did that fight just scuttle school finance reform statewide? We’ll explore. Also the numbers are in: what does a new census report tell us about the shape of the Lone Star State? Plus there’s a law aimed at getting guns out of the hands of spousal abusers. So why are so few firearms actually taken away? A group of Texas law school students went looking for answers. We’ll hear what they found. And a rite of passage: passing into history. Why the summer job is in jeopardy. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
KUT Weekend – December 9, 2016
REPOSTING CORRECTED AUDIO: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miler says he should not be held responsible for posting fake news to his Facebook page. A month before the state legislative session, some of the issues facing lawmakers. At an East Austin bar, Wednesday nights signal a new rhythm for local music. Those stories and more in this edition of KUT Weekend!
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Texas Standard: April 11, 2016
When is it ok to use Texas taxpayer and campaign funds for travel? Going to an out of state rodeo? Wouldn’t that qualify? We’ll explore. Also prisoners have precious few rights behind bars, but many in Texas are asserting the right to strike. Its led to lockdowns last week. We’ll hear about it. And are plummeting oil prices causing problems at school? We’ll hear about an often overlooked connection. Plus, we’ve heard for years that the robots are taking over…but a rice professor warns, this time its for real. Those stories and much more on todays Texas Standard: