Hours away from a new law that amounts to a near total ban on abortions in Texas and a new legal challenge to that law. As Texas’ version of a post Roe vs. Wade trigger law takes effect, reproductive rights groups are suing the state attorney general. We’ll hear about the strategy and the prospects. Also, 5 years after Hurricane Harvey there are ongoing attempts to buyout the homes of people living in land that repeatedly floods. So how’s that working out? We’ll hear the latest. Also actor and comedian Mo Amer on a new Netflix series some say is the first of its kind to really capture the feel of a modern Houston. Plus a Politifact check and much more today on the Texas Standard:
traffic
Texas Standard: April 28, 2022
Governor’s Abbott’s border security mission known as Operation Lone Star, what has it accomplished? We’ll do a check of the claims being made. Other stories were tracking, federal scrutiny on Galveston county after a redistricting plan eliminating the county’s only majority-minority district. Also, is Twitter ‘Texas-bound’ after its purchase by Elon Musk? We’ll ask tech expert Omar Gallaga. And its Green Ghost, not Gringo…So says an unlikely feature film star, better known in Texas as a car salesman than a big screen superhero. The story of Green Ghost and the Masters of the Stone plus a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: April 5, 2022
Could what critics call Florida’s “don’t say gay” law be coming to Texas? The Texas Lt. Governor says it’s a top priority. Also, the end on an historic union lockout dubbed the “Battle of Beaumont”; what it says about organized labor in Texas. And, a collection of artifacts sheds new light on one of Texas’ most celebrated musicians. Those stories and much more today on the Texas Standard:
Trailer: The Austin Transportation Podcast
The Austin Transportation Podcast examines the issues around mobility in the ATX with a focus on how people’s everyday lives are shaped by the decisions of government. Whether you’re sitting on I-35 or MOPAC every day, using alternatives like Capital Metro and scooters, or plodding along a trail, we look at the challenges of getting from here to there in one of the fastest-growing regions of the country. The podcast features produced radio stories, interviews and audio recordings.
Texas Standard: January 26, 2022
Who’ll take the place of Eddie Bernice Johnson? Why the race for Texas’ 30th congressional seat is one to watch as primary season closes in. Also, amid growing concerns about police traffic stops turning confrontational, and sometimes deadly, a Texas town tries a different approach: tickets via text message. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard.
Traffic – The Return!
As pandemic restrictions lesson and many feel safer traveling and gathering at homes, schools, and workplaces we’re also seeing the return of something familiar: traffic. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas Standard: September 23, 2020
Less than 3 weeks until early voting in Texas and already some numbers are in: registration shatters records. Jeremy Wallace of the Houston Chronicle with more on voter registration records being set, what it tells us and what it doesn’t when it comes to the election outcomes. Also decriminalizing homelessness: one year on after a change in laws in the Texas capitol city. How much of a difference is it making, and are other Texas cities following suit? And far fewer cars on Texas roadways, why aren’t traffic fatalities far fewer as well? Those stories and much more today on the Texas Standard:
Why Is MoPac Traffic So Much Worse In The Afternoon Than In The Morning?
Does it really take longer to get home in the afternoon than to get to work in the morning?
Texas Standard: January 9, 2019
No emergency declaration yet. After the president makes an oval office pitch for his border wall, what if anything has changed? We’ll take a closer look. Also, on the morning after the presidential address on the border wall, the states’ top three officials try to send a message to Texans: they’re a united front when it comes to education. We’ll have a live report. Meanwhile the government shutdown continues into day 19. We’ll look at how it’s hitting home for Texans already hit by Hurricane Harvey. And the search for life as we don’t know it: two Texas researchers helping NASA rethink some cosmic questions. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: January 8, 2019
It’ll be 140 days unless things get crazy and the Texas lege goes into overtime. In recent years, hot button issues have made for rather explosive headlines coming from the Texas capitol, but the 86th session that starts today could be different. 3 veterans of the Capitol Press Corps tell us what to expect. Also, it’s been called the best Texas history museum most Texans have never heard of, and now it’s in trouble. We’ll hear why. Plus a macro problem for Texas micro brews? We’ll explore that and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: December 10, 2018
The White House Chief of Staff is leaving. The president’s being cagey about the reasons, but there were clear signs this was coming. Earlier this year, NPR’s Texas based correspondent John Burnett landed an exclusive interview with John Kelly, and there were signs of a rupture with his boss even then. Coming up John Burnett joins us to talk about a break long in the making. Also, the Victoria Advocate sues to stop former congressman Blake Farenthold from collecting his paycheck as a lobbyist, we’ll hear why. And the Texas Ag commissioner wants to let farmers grow hemp. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Getting Out
The Texas Standard asks listeners for poetry requests. This one is for Jess.
Texas Standard: October 15, 2018
Constitutional protections suspended in the name of security: how the so-called border zone is expanding and who if anyone is pushing back. Though the policy of separating families at the border is reported to have ended, the camp housing kids at the Tornillo port of entry is expanding. We’ll get a first hand glimpse inside. Also, Toys R who? with what used to claim to be the world’s biggest toy store out of business, who’s filling the vacuum this holiday season? And seeing the lone star state from a different perspective: a mile in the air. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Who’s That Distinctly Texan Voice Behind The Crosswalk Signals Around Austin?
You might have heard that twang beckoning you across the street. Meet the real-life person behind the walk signal.
Why Was I-35 Designed As A Double-Decker Through Central Austin?
Interstate Highway 35 is many things to many people. It is a vital thoroughfare for commerce and shipping. It is also an economic and social barrier through much of Austin. And nearly from its construction, it has been a source of frustration for drivers stuck in its traffic. I-35 has inspired a number of questions and even legends about its design and those who made it.
What’s It Called? Hyperloop!
Imagine hurtling across Texas in a high-tech, high-speed vehicle. You cold get so much done, or just get there faster, all the while mocking those who are still stuck in highway traffic. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem,
Texas Standard: January 3, 2018
North Korea wants to re-open communication with South Korea, and protests in Iran raise tensions. We’ll explore how the U-S might balance these dual crises. Also, the flu is going around. Doctors say wash your hands, stay home when you’re sick and, yes, get the flu shot – even though it might not protect you. Plus, if you’ve been on the roads at all this holiday season you might have this question: why do Texans speed so much? We’ll try to answer it. And a question for you: hows that New Year’s Resolution going? Feel like you’re about to burn through your self-control already? Some advice from Texas researchers about to keep your motivation battery running. Those stories and a whole lot more on todays Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: November 2, 2017
One small step for a sports franchise, one giant leap for for Harvey Hit Houston. Baseball, we have a world champion. We’ll have the view from their hometown. Plus, they are prescribed to combat some of the toughest diseases out there, but are they really necessary? A new report spells out a kickback scheme: not for patient health, but for under the table profit. And if you can’t get kids to the great outdoors, bring the great outdoors to the kids? A test at a school in East Dallas. And what’s old, outdated and red hot in high tech? With holiday shopping season looming the answer may be serious business, we’ll explore. All that and more today on the Texas Standard:
Never-Ending Construction on I-35
Tired of the seemingly endless construction on Interstate 35? Wondering if it will ever end? That slow traffic flow is the subject of this week’s Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The History, Mystery and Misery of MoPac
The glorified parking lot known, at least officially, as Loop 1 has given many a driver plenty of time to ponder its quirks while stuck in traffic.