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November 21, 2023

How this man survived in the West Texas desert for 27 hours

By: David Brown

What does Congress’ budget deal to avert a partial government shutdown mean for food and the farmers and ranchers who produce it? We’ll hear more on the Farm Bill extension, and the implications for Texas.

The push for police accountability: An investigative report from the Austin American-Statesman reveals that police indictments rarely lead to convictions.

Last weekend’s destructive rocket launch was a big fail for SpaceX – or was it? What explains radically mixed reviews of the Starship test launch.

Plus the harrowing account of a Texas hiker, lost in Big Bend Ranch State Park in triple-digit heat, and his near-miraculous survival.

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Episodes

December 11, 2025

Tamales in Texas: A holiday debate with deep roots

Millions of student loan borrowers are bracing themselves for big changes. We’ll have details on the end of the so-called SAVE program and why experts worry millions of student loan borrowers may be forced into default. As some Texas cities cut funding for homeless services, a look at one approach from nonprofits: giving cash directly […]

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December 10, 2025

Voces Oral History Center founder talks legacy ahead of retirement

Texas’ top two political officials are lockstep on a new effort to make sure conservative youth organization Turning Point USA can launch at every high school in the state. We’ll take a closer look.Human plasma is vital for medical needs, but it’s also a multibillion-dollar industry on its own. We’ll explore.A Texas school district is […]

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December 9, 2025

With Crockett in, Texas Democrats mull Senate race strategy

High-profile Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett launches her campaign for the U.S. Senate. We’ll look at how she’ll compete in a crowded field against primary opponent State Rep. James Talarico and prospective general election foes incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton.Last month Texas voters approved funding for a dementia prevention and research institute. […]

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December 8, 2025

Trans students push back as university policies shift

Political musical chairs is underway in Texas on deadline day for candidates to file for the midterm elections. We’ll explore where we stand and what it means today.Mandatory course reviews and changes to policies at universities have faculty warning of dire threats to academic freedom, especially when it comes to teaching hot-button topics – like […]

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December 5, 2025

A special broadcast from San Antonio

It is a city as well known for its history as its growth in the here and now. Today we’re broadcasting from San Antonio for a special edition of the Texas Standard.As we celebrate 10 years of the Texas Standard, our yearlong tour of Texas takes us to the studios of our partners at Texas […]

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December 4, 2025

Why a Texas Democrat was pardoned by Trump

Democratic congressman Henry Cuellar from Texas faced charges of conspiracy, bribery and money laundering. Why did the president just pardon him? We’ll dive in today.Texas becomes the first state to buy bitcoin. Why, and what it adds up to in a larger context.Imagine distilling your entire year into a snapshot – like a top 10 […]

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December 3, 2025

Voters flagged as noncitizens may have been eligible all along

Some new Texas laws are going into effect this week, including a modified bathroom bill. Other new laws include yet another one affecting abortion access, and one changing the tests kids take in Texas schools.Texas flagged hundreds of voters as potential noncitizens earlier this year, but county officials have already determined many were mis-flagged.The latest […]

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December 2, 2025

Is Texas being used as an oil waste dumping ground?

Questions about the Trump administration’s military operations in the Caribbean against Venezuela are growing. We’ll delve into the details.We’re also following the special election in Houston’s 18th Congressional District amid uncertainty over which congressional map Texas will use.Fort Worth and Tarrant County cut back on some public meetings, leading to an outcry.Is Texas becoming a […]

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