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November 14, 2023

Clemency comes for Black soldiers, a century after their court-martial and execution

By: Michael Marks

Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill last week that will do away with COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Medically vulnerable folks are speaking up about its effects.

More than 100 years ago, a regiment of Black soldiers was found guilty of crimes like mutiny and murder after a riot in Houston. Now, the Army has cleared their names.

Pope Francis has fired Texas bishop Joseph Strickland, a rare move that some say highlights the growing divide between the Vatican and more conservative factions of the Catholic church.

Feral hogs can be a common sight in North Texas – and the invasive species loves one neighborhood in Arlington in particular.


Episodes

December 29, 2023

A look back at the year in review

It was a year like few others in modern memory at the Texas Capitol, with four special sessions on top of a regular session, a historic impeachment trial of the state attorney general and more. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of the most seminal Texas music moments ever committed to vinyl: Viva Terlingua!

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December 28, 2023

The best of the year in science & nature

Science and nature are in the spotlight today. While the worst of COVID-19 appears to be history, scientists and researchers continue to draw lessons about what happened and how well-prepared we might be for the next pandemic. How a Texan is trying to help answer questions about science in a new podcast aimed at non-scientists […]

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December 27, 2023

All about Texas cryptids

Most Texans have heard their names, and quite a few grew up hearing their stories: Bigfoot, jackalope, goatman, La Lechuza, chupacabra, just for starters. Scientists question whether they’re real, but the space they occupy in Texas folklore is very real indeed. Today we’re sharing the results of a month-long effort to track down the origin […]

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December 26, 2023

The best of the year in arts & culture

Today we’re turning our attention to the world of arts and culture, from a riveting film featuring the audio diaries of Lady Bird Johnson, to the startling impact of a singer named Taylor Swift. What if it is your first rodeo? We’ve got you covered there with what to do – and what not to. […]

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December 25, 2023

Our staff favorites of the year

Texas Standard producers have made their lists and checked ‘em twice – or more – selecting some of our most memorable conversations with fascinating Texans over the past 12 months. This hour, we invite you to sit back and enjoy our staff favorites from the past year, including honky tonk heroines, birders in cemeteries, bears […]

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December 22, 2023

How ‘The Iron Claw’ filmmakers achieved authenticity inside the ring

Amid a shortage of ADHD medication, concerns grow about adulterated formulations at pharmacies in Mexico. As Houston is about to get a new mayor, a look back at the tenure of the term-limited incumbent, Sylvester Turner. Making history at the Capitol: The Texas Newsroom’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán talks to the two women who are the first […]

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December 21, 2023

What has Van Horn residents so worried about a new pipeline

The Department of Justice has sued Colony Ridge, a Houston-area housing developer marketing primarily to undocumented migrants, over the company’s business practices. Concerns are growing over a proposed pipeline in far West Texas, as nearby residents in Van Horn worry they simply don’t have the resources if there were an emergency. Tech expert Omar Gallaga […]

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December 20, 2023

New proposals would let ranchers kill two birds. But is one really a predator?

New laws on arresting migrants who cross the border into Texas illegally are just one of many changes related to border security from this year’s legislative sessions. Julián Aguilar of The Texas Newsroom takes a closer look at what passed, what didn’t, and what it means. How do Texas voters think lawmakers did dealing with […]

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