Ring in the new year with a countdown of our beloved commentator’s most mesmerizing tales.
Episodes
February 9, 2026
Walking Dallas, one mile at a time
Redistricting wars may sound like esoteric politics, but a race in Houston shows how high the stakes are for some Texas communities. We’ll look at how a lesser-known political contest in Houston’s 29th district illustrates the impact of the redistricting fight on some Texas communities.It may sound like a social media trend, but it’s a […]
Listen
February 6, 2026
Why many Texans are getting ready for the ‘Benito Bowl’
Texas becomes the first state with a strict abortion ban to provide doctors with guidelines on exceptions. We’ll dig into what’s in those guidelines with ProPublica reporter Cassandra Jaramillo.Coming soon to the pristine spaces of the Big Bend: Construction of a border wall. We’ll look at how many locals are trying to push back.And in […]
Listen
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 […]
Listen
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 […]
Listen
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 […]
Listen
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 […]
Listen
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 […]
Listen
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 […]
Listen
