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March 1, 2024

A special broadcast from the Houston Rodeo

By: David Brown

It’s considered by many to be the hub of Texas’ official sport. And no, you don’t need knowledge of football. We’re live from Rodeo Houston.

In a state known for doing things big, there’s no bigger rodeo in Texas than the one we’re at. This hour we’ll be rounding up the stories and sounds of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo which is kicking off this week in Texas’ biggest city – an event that’s seen as something of a centerpiece in the sport of rodeo.

It’s rich in Texas traditions and history and considered an A-list event in the Lone Star State each year. Why its drawing in millions, what accounts for its continued appeal, and what its popularity says about Texas today.


Episodes

April 10, 2026

‘They Called Us Outlaws’ revisits rise of outlaw country music

The threat of hail, possible tornadoes and flooding conditions spells what could be a severe start to a stormy weather season in Texas. Meteorologist Eric Berger joins us with what to expect and how it fits into the bigger weather picture.How are you weathering rising gasoline prices? We’ll hear how some Houstonians are coping.Lt. Gov. […]

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April 9, 2026

Lawsuit challenges Texas crackdown on hemp-derived products

High stakes in Texas as cannabis businesses file suit over a new statewide ban on smokable hemp.This year’s midterm elections signal the biggest turnover in recent memory and Texas is part of that trend. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey on what’s behind this changing of the guard.Despite a tenuous ceasefire with Iran, tech expert Omar […]

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April 8, 2026

‘Western Star’ explores Larry McMurtry’s legacy and Texas storytelling

A proposed overhaul of Texas classrooms could change what millions of students read. We’ll look at how this could impact classrooms across the state.An investigation into Congressman Tony Gonzales uncovers a pattern of pursuing staff members. What we know and how the congressman is responding.Billions of dollars in clean energy investment across Texas is now […]

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April 7, 2026

South Texas water crisis raises concerns about aquifer use

A deepening water crisis in Corpus Christi is raising questions about how South Texans get their water — and who gets it.For students pursuing job training instead of a traditional college degree, there are some long-awaited changes to financial aid. Now, new support could open doors for workforce programs.A reckoning over the legacy of Cesar […]

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April 6, 2026

What Trump’s election executive order could mean for voting

A runoff in the Houston area between challenger Christian Menefee and longtime incumbent Al Green is being seen as part of a much bigger fight for the future of Texas Democrats.Also, an executive order from the Trump administration may put the postal service in the middle of election-year politics.Also — explosions on the other side […]

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April 4, 2026

Texas Extra: City manager remains optimistic in the face of Corpus Christi’s water crisis

David Brown speaks with Corpus Christi city manager Peter Zanoni about how the city plans to beef up its water supplies, the state’s role and why no water emergency has been declared.

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April 3, 2026

Corpus Christi official says the city will never run out of water

Despite warnings of a water crisis, Corpus Christi’s top official overseeing water says “we will never run out.” Gov. Greg Abbott has warned of a state takeover if the city can’t deal with a water crisis. The city manager tells Texas Standard why he’s so reluctant to declare a water emergency. The maker of a […]

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April 2, 2026

What the Artemis II liftoff means for the future of space exploration

Control of Artemis II has been handed over to Houston: we’ll hear about the launch and what appears to be a big boost in interest in the space program. But it’s getting a little tight up there above the air: concerns about orbital traffic jams after a second Starlink satellite breaks apart. Texas prisons without […]

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