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May 5, 2017

Texas Standard: May 5, 2017

By: David Brown

Repeal and replace? Republicans are halfway there. Next stop the Senate. Who’ll pay the price, literally and politically? Plus in a state notorious for its use of the death penalty, a convicted killer is removed from death row. We’ll hear why, and what it means for capital punishment in Texas and beyond. Also fidgety kids? Some experts are recommending little hand held gadgets called spinners to help with focus. But some teachers say its a fad that’s gone too far. We’ll hear more. And you remember Waylon and Willie, right? Now Waylon’s better half breaks her silence: Jesse Colter on life as a musical outlaw. All of that and so much more today on the Texas Standard:


Episodes

February 5, 2026

School voucher applications open across Texas

The application window opens for Texas education savings accounts, often called school vouchers. But demand may outstrip available funds. We’ll talk with two reporters for the Houston Chronicle closely following the application process, hear about the application experience of one Texas mom, and learn more about what’s included, what isn’t, and what happens if there’s […]

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February 4, 2026

Starlink poised to expand broadband footprint in Texas

The partial government shutdown is over. Did you know we were in one? Well, now another could be on the way as negotiations over ICE’s budget persists on Capitol Hill.Texas school boards are considering a new state law that allows time to be set aside during the day for prayer and reading the Bible.Texas has […]

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February 3, 2026

Analysis finds extreme heat inside Texas prisons

Texas state prisons that don’t have a/c get so hot in summer with temperatures that violate state standards for other lockups.Also, well-known former Texas Police Chief Art Acevedo questions tactics used by immigration agents in Minneapolis. We’ll hear from him about his concerns over fallout for other law enforcement.And we’ll check in to see how […]

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February 2, 2026

Democrat makes surprise win in solid-red Texas district

In a little-watched race, Taylor Rehmet’s surprise win for Democrats in Texas may be a potential warning shot for Republicans in a midterm election year. Is this a one-off, or is the GOP in trouble in the Lone Star State?Also, Texas environmental regulators greenlight what looks like the largest fossil-fueled power plant project in the […]

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January 30, 2026

Austin’s Banana Phone turns public roasting into performance art

With national attention focused on the tactics of immigration enforcement, a concern is growing among Texas Republicans about the political fallout.We’re still months away for an important midterm election. But this weekend, voters in one part of Texas will be picking their representative to Congress. Andrew Schneider of Houston Public Media brings us the backstory […]

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January 29, 2026

Protesters, DPS troopers clash outside Dilley ICE detention facility

Protesters outside the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley called for the release of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father who were taken into ICE custody in Minnesota.Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, a massive military buildup as President Trump warns Iran to abandon its nuclear program – or else. But […]

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January 28, 2026

Possible government shutdown looms after ICE shooting

The second death of a person in Minnesota at the hands of ICE agents has fueled an outcry from some for another government shutdown.Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers aren’t just in Minnesota, of course. They’re also showing up in small-town Texas. A look at their impact on Elgin.We’ll hear from journalists José Ralat and Rodrigo […]

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January 27, 2026

Gun rights debate resurfaces after Minneapolis shooting

Pressure builds inside the Texas detention center in Dilley housing parents and children. What’s behind a protest that erupted there over the weekend?Second Amendment advocates speak out after licensed gun owner Alex Pretti is killed by Border Patrol agents in Minnesota.A look at how weight loss drugs are transforming obesity and diabetes care in San […]

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