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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:

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.

Read more here.

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.

I-35

Highways are supposed to let us get around local traffic, across town or to the next big city quickly. But anyone who has lived in Texas for more than a week knows that there’s one exception to the rule: Interstate 35. Locals who live along the highway itself avoid it on their daily commutes. Long-distance travelers will drive an extra two hours on backroads just to ensure they won’t have to use it. But sometimes you just have to, sometimes there’s no choice, sometimes you sigh and say, “Let’s try I-35.”

Texas Standard: February 16, 2016

Brake lights for miles- But is building more lanes on highways making things worse? We’ll explore. Also taking a bite out of crime… or at least the way we treat some criminal evidence. Plus… how some invasive plants are making it tough for border patrol agents to do their jobs. And we’ll check in on a case that was at the center of the cops lives matter movement… but is now fraught with scandal. That and more in today’s Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: January 19, 2016

What does the governor of Texas want from Israel? How his visit changed from an economic agenda to a political posture. Governor Greg Abbott restates his opposition to Iran during a one on one with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Another Texan planning for higher office? Also a Texas man freed in the Iran prisoner swap takes Uber home to Houston. Plus creating positive energy from traffic: one researcher says it’s a no brainer and gearing up for a Papal visit less than one month away. Cities on both sides of the Texas Border prepare a Pontiff game plan. Those stories and many more on todays Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: November 6, 2015

An investigation of more than 16 million traffic citations reveal something very fishy going on with Texas Department of Public Safety stops. Hispanic people being labeled as White? Are Texas Troopers ‘playing games’ with racial profiling data, or is it a computer glitch? And, the FBI’s wants to help teachers identify American students vulnerable to extremism. Also on today’s show – the father of Texas landscapes brings us Bluebonnets, in November. And the University of Texas system taking over 300 acres in Houston. All coming up in today’s Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: August 28, 2015

Kids serving hard time in Texas prisons- what happens when they age into adulthood behind bars and are released into society? Also, the shooter who killed two journalists on live TV in Virginia wanted notoriety – should the media deny that to him by limiting coverage of his identity? Plus -why the speed of traffic may not be the best measure of how easily we get around. And what went wrong with a state program targeting obesity in middle schools and the week in Texas politics: