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September 27, 2024

A special broadcast live from the State Fair of Texas

By: David Brown

Today we’re bringing you a special broadcast from the opening day of the State Fair of Texas in Dallas:

The fair’s storied history dates back to 1886. Karl Chiao, executive director of the Dallas Historical Society, shares more about its history, and the fair’s Karissa Condoianis talks about its future.

Big Tex is a cowboy icon – but did you know he started out as Santa Claus? The midway’s Rusty Fitzgerald shares the story of this Texas giant.

Bryan Berg, who holds four Guinness World Records for card stacking, joins us ahead of his performance at the fair.

Thousands of kids across Texas participate in the Youth Livestock Competitions at the fair. KERA’s Penelope Rivera reports on what drives their passion.

And: We’ll hear about running bumper cars and the family behind a 75-year-old food vendor.


Episodes

November 2, 2026

Texas hemp shops turn frustration into political action

The race for a U.S. Senate seat from Texas is the most talked-about ballot contest, but how much real-world impact can the winner actually have? Other stories on this day before the midterms: A much less talked-about contest for the keeper of the state’s accounts is also soon to be decided. Why have schools have […]

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October 30, 2026

How Texas earned its place in horror movie history

On this last day of early voting, one thing is for certain: Texas will have a new attorney general. We’ll have a look at who’s in the running and why it matters so much. Also, a closer look at the person who’s transformed that office: What brought Ken Paxton to the place he is today […]

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October 29, 2026

Remembering labor and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta

Could control of the Lone Star State come down to turnout in smaller Texas cities? A look at dueling rallies in Lubbock and what they add up to. Other stories we’re tracking: One of the most powerful offices in Texas is up for grabs yet seemingly far from the media spotlight. What’s at stake in […]

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October 28, 2026

Texas Extra: Prairieland 22 Episode 2

The Prairieland defendants lawyer up as America reacts to the shooting – and the shooting of a prominent conservative activist. Meanwhile, Trump’s Justice Department prepares the first terrorism case against “antifa.” But is antifa even an organization? And where does it come from?

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October 28, 2026

What changed for women in Texas politics after Ann Richards

It’s been three decades since Texas had a Democratic governor — or a female one. We’ll have a conversation looking at what we can learn from when Ann Richards held the office. Texas leads the country in oil production. We also lead in wind energy. But how far away is Texas from a hydrogen-fueled economy? […]

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October 27, 2026

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders form a union

With just a week to go before Election Day, a look at how the governor’s race will make history no matter who wins. Also, how the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders got a raise and formed a new union. And is there a conservative takeover of the University of Texas at Austin? A Texas Monthly article digs […]

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October 26, 2026

Mysterious transgender mailers prompt criminal investigation in West Texas

An attempt to empower LGBTQ+ students or a bid to agitate Texas voters ahead of election day? A Republican district attorney in West Texas has opened a criminal investigation into pamphlets received by households across the state purporting to be from a transgender rights group. Also, a reporter uses Friday night lights to try and […]

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October 23, 2026

Gina Hinojosa makes her case for Texas governor

On the eve of the midterms, Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa is running neck and neck with incumbent Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in many polls. Hinojosa joins us on today’s show to make her case.Also, a closer look Vikki Goodwin, the Democrat giving Dan Patrick a run for his money in the lieutenant governor’s race.Plus, a […]

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