Texas Standard
928 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 179 ratingsCoverage of politics, lifestyle, environment, technology, innovation and money matters from a uniquely Texas perspective.
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Episodes
Texas Standard: June 22, 2021
June 22, 2021 16:12 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBTexas Attorney General Ken Paxton has multiple legal challenges and now multiple challengers for his seat within his party. We’ll take a look at who. Also, Texas college sports bring in big money. What’s an unanimous Supreme Court decision yesterday mean for athlete compensation? And Texas has lost more rural hospitals recently than any other […]
Texas Standard: June 21, 2021
June 21, 2021 16:29 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MBThe Texas Governor has followed through on a threat to veto funding for the state legislature. We’ll look at what’s next and what else fell to the pen. Also, when Governor Greg Abbott signed the so-called “constitutional carry” law at the Alamo he also signed another. Some say it is meant to change the role […]
Texas Standard: June 18, 2021
June 18, 2021 16:40 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MBFor the third time the Supreme Court struck down a challenge to overturn the Affordable Care Act. So is the fight over? We’ll explore. Also, Governor Greg Abbott has until Sunday to veto items from the legislative session. A look at how much power the Governor holds in that process. And the results are in […]
Texas Standard: June 17, 2021
June 17, 2021 16:14 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBThe freedom day celebration that began in Texas gets national attention. Juneteenth is poised to become a federal holiday, we’ll have details. Also, the Supreme Court has voted down Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Challenge to Obamacare. We’re watching reaction unfold. And Texas Democrats met with Vice President Harris. How she wants them to help […]
Texas Standard: June 16, 2021
June 16, 2021 16:54 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBGovernor Greg Abbott says he wants to build a border wall. We’ll take a look at how he intends to pay for it and who is coming to visit. Plus, methane and other emissions are a risk around gas wells. In Arlington, many of these wells sit relatively close to homes and businesses…namely, daycares. We’ll […]
Texas Standard: June 15, 2021
June 15, 2021 16:25 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBA new warning from ERCOT urging Texans to conserve electricity. How prepared is the power grid for a long hot summer? After last winter’s deadly power outages, politicians promised changes to beef up the grid. But this weeks warning sends an ominous message about readiness as temps climb into the triple digits. We’ll have the […]
Texas Standard: June 14, 2021
June 14, 2021 16:21 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MBA mass shooting in Austin Saturday leaves one dead, 13 others wounded and drawing more attention to the issue of gun violence. Nathan Bernier of KUT Austin with more on a shooting that has shaken the Texas Capitol city. Also, a Texas CDC? A plan for UT’s Health Science Center to serve as a hub […]
Texas Standard: June 11, 2021
June 11, 2021 16:16 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBGovernor Abbott wants Texas to build more border wall and says state police can intervene with crossers. We’ll take a closer look. Also, Beto O’Rourke has long been rumored as a potential challenger to Abbott. But what do the numbers say about his chances after losing two other races? Plus a Bexar County Sheriff’s officer […]
Texas Standard: June 10, 2021
June 10, 2021 16:18 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBThe Democrats have voter engagement strategies lined up ahead of the 2022 elections. But do they have a candidate for the top of the ticket? We’ll take a look. Also, Governor Greg Abbott has banned private businesses from requiring so-called “vaccine passports”. But can he do that? And what can businesses do? We’ll explore. And […]
Texas Standard: June 9, 2021
June 09, 2021 16:14 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBDemocrats and Republicans agree the U.S. needs to figure out immigration. But what exactly does that mean and how do we get there? We’ll explore. Also, gun policy at the Texas legislature. We’ll look at what passed and what didn’t. And what’s in the bills Governor Abbott just signed to address problems with the electric […]
Texas Standard: June 8, 2021
June 08, 2021 16:05 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MBMore than 40-thousand Texas immigrants have Temporary Protected Status. A unanimous Supreme Court ruling affects some of them, we’ll have details. Also, in the first legislative session since mass shootings in El Paso and Odessa. We look at what lawmakers did on the issue of guns. And houses across Texas are flying off the real […]
Texas Standard: June 7, 2021
June 07, 2021 16:55 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBWins in Texas for the GOP this weekend, but also some party turmoil. Who’s in charge? We’ll take a closer look. Also, we’ve been living with COVID-19 for a long, hard while now. But we’re continuing to learn about it. What some Texas researchers say the virus does to hide in your body. And a […]
Texas Standard: June 4, 2021
June 04, 2021 16:09 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MBIt is being described as one of the most important elections in Mexico’s history and the implications for Texas could be enormous. We’ll have more on the stakes for Texas as voters go to the polls this weekend in Mexico. Also, a major energy pipeline as a target for hackers? Foreseeable. But why was a […]
Texas Standard: June 3, 2021
June 03, 2021 16:17 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBLawmakers promised fixes to prevent a recurrence of the statewide power outages of last winter. How much really got done? We’ll explore what really was accomplished amid politician’s promises to prevent more statewide blackouts and to fix the Texas power grid. Also, a look at some of the more closely watches bills that didn’t make […]
Texas Standard: June 2, 2021
June 02, 2021 16:16 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBThe walkout at the capitol over voting restrictions sparks one kind of response from the governor, but a different tone from the GOP House speaker. As governor Abbott threatens to withhold legislative pay over the house’s failure to pass a restrictive voting bill, the GOP speaker of the House defends the democratic walkout that scuttled […]
Texas Standard: May 31, 2021
June 01, 2021 16:40 - 49 minutes - 68.5 MBIt’s Memorial Day and we have a special show for you. “Overlooked No More: How Asian Texans Shape the State”. Here on the Texas Standard. We’ll talk about How the Asian American community has changed from 1870 – the first time the US census counted people from China to today. We’ll meet a group called […]
Texas Standard: June 1, 2021
June 01, 2021 16:08 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MBAn eleventh-hour walkout at the Texas State Capitol as the legislature prepares for an overtime session. High drama as Texas House democrats break quorum to head off passage of a controversial measure to tighten the state’s election laws. Although the regular session comes to an end, an overtime session is already expected. We’ll look back […]
Texas Standard: May 28, 2021
May 28, 2021 16:28 - 51 minutes - 70.3 MBThere’s been many memorable Legislative sessions in Texas. This one promises to go down in the history books, too. An observer with the quorum report calls the session “a buffet of red meat” Jumping off to COVID-19 news: no one is rushing to get vaccinated anymore. How can the state of Texas motivate people to […]
Texas Standard: May 27, 2021
May 27, 2021 16:12 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MBWhat an investigation shows about a “shock and awe” exercise that was meant to take place in El Paso on election day. We’ll learn more about the forces behind this exercise and about the reporter who uncovered it. Also, money is tight for the country, for the state, for families. And federal unemployment benefits will […]
Texas Standard: May 26, 2021
May 27, 2021 15:09 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBWhat a difference a year makes! The George Floyd ACT Poised to pass unanimously in Texas has stalled. Today we’ll tour the Texas Legislature and report on the progress, or lack there of, legislators have made. From police reform bills to bail reform to permit-less carry and marijuana related bills, we’ll take a look at […]
Texas Standard: May 25, 2021
May 25, 2021 16:10 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBRedistricting: it’s a complicated process that doesn’t seem all that exciting to most folks. But its ramifications are huge. We’ll take a look at the details. Also, it’s been exactly a year since the murder of George Floyd. What it revealed about the country. And what Texas lawmakers have just done in the wake of […]
Texas Standard: May 24, 2021
May 24, 2021 16:14 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBHurricane Harvey devastated Houston. We’ll look at why it’s not getting any federal money for flood mitigation managed by the Texas General Land Office. Also, Texas uses gas taxes to help to maintain and build new roads. So how does it make up the loss in revenue from more people driving electric vehicles? Some say […]
Texas Standard: May 21, 2021
May 21, 2021 16:24 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBDays after marking zero COVID-19 deaths, Texas hits a grim milestone. How will the state prioritize federal funding for pandemic relief? Also, state lawmakers get closer to passing the state’s two-year budget. We ask how schools will fare. Plus why opponents to Texas’ restrictive new abortion law may have trouble challenging it. And fewer people […]
Texas Standard: May 20, 2021
May 20, 2021 16:34 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MBThe Legislature has the power, but does it have the will? Where’s the long promised fix to prevent massive outages like the one last winter? What happened to a much anticipated overhaul aimed at preventing another deadly round of power failures. Also an update on prison and bail reform. And as cryptocurrencies crash, the transplanted […]
Texas Standard: May 19, 2021
May 19, 2021 16:18 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MBA new executive order from the governor on masks mandates, getting pushback from some local officials. Also, in some of Texas’ biggest cities, protests over continued violence between Israelis and Palestinians. Foreign policy specialist Jeremy Suri on what’s behind this latest round of deadly clashes, and efforts aimed at a cease fire. And righting a […]
Texas Standard: May 18, 2021
May 18, 2021 16:14 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBThe Supreme Court to hear a challenge to Roe vs Wade in a case from Mississippi. How that decision may affect efforts to change abortion laws in Texas. Also, Governor Greg Abbott calls for an early end to federal unemployment relief extended during the pandemic fight. And if it claims to be “beyond meat” on […]
Texas Standard: May 17, 2021
May 17, 2021 16:10 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MBMuch work still left to do before the gavel falls on the Texas legislative session. Reporters from the Houston Chronicle and the Dallas Morning News weigh in on what’s been done and what’s left to do in the final two weeks of the legislative session. Also millions of dollars to help stop evictions in Houston. […]
Texas Standard: May 14, 2021
May 14, 2021 16:39 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBA change in CDC guidelines on masks, new COVID-19 variants, vaccinations for kids as young as 12. Are we at a new inflection point? Top infectious disease expert Dr.Peter Hotez of the Baylor College of Medicine on where we stand in the pandemic fight and what challenges are ahead. Also, tax breaks for big business […]
Texas Standard: May 13, 2021
May 13, 2021 16:16 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBThe ouster of a high ranking member of the GOP and calls among Republicans for a breakaway party. Wyoming Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney pushed out of her leadership post over her vocal opposition to President Trump. Texas’ role and why the effort could backfire. Also an energy artery that stretches from Houston up across the […]
Texas Standard: May 12, 2021
May 12, 2021 16:23 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MBA 15 billion windfall for Texas, relief funds much larger than the pandemic’s projected economic impact here. Where will the money go? Todd Gilman of the Dallas Morning News with more on how federal pandemic relief money could lead to raises for firefighters, infrastructure changes, and more. Also, the boom in the hispanic population in […]
Texas Standard: May 11, 2021
May 11, 2021 16:13 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBGreg Abbott has a challenger in 2022 Gubernatorial race. And no, his name’s not O’Rourke or McConaughey. A former state senator and prominent north Texas businessman running for Governor to the right of Greg Abbott. We’ll talk about Don Huffines’ bid for the top spot in Texas government. Also the latest in our project tracking […]
Texas Standard: May 10, 2021
May 10, 2021 16:12 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MBPolitics as unusual? Republicans not exactly in lockstep as the legislative session races to a conclusion, we’ll hear why and the potential implications. Plus a foster care system so dangerous is was once ruled unconstitutional. A new report finds young Texans still dying from abuse and neglect. Also why quinoa could become Texas’ next big […]
Texas Standard: May 7, 2021
May 07, 2021 16:07 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBChanges to the states election laws approved by the house in the wee small hours of this morning. So what happens next? Richard Pineda of the University of Texas El Paso on the battle in the Texas legislature over more restrictions for what some voting rights groups claim are already some of the toughest voting […]
Texas Standard: May 6, 2021
May 06, 2021 16:13 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBA bill that would restrict abortions and likely prompt a test of Roe vs. Wade is now on the fast track in the Texas legislature. Andrea Zelinsky of Texas monthly joins us with details of a fetal heartbeat bill picking up momentum in the Texas legislature. Also Lauren McGaughy of the Dallas Morning News with […]
Texas Standard: May 5, 2021
May 05, 2021 16:31 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MBSupporters call it constitutional carry, some law enforcement officials call it dangerous policy. As the Texas senate appears poised to pass a rule allowing Texans to carry handguns without a permit, Austin’s top police official weighs in on why he’s opposing such a change. Also, if you’re a renter should you be told you’re living […]
Texas Standard: May 4, 2021
May 04, 2021 16:13 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBPresident Joe Biden is as popular with Texans as the the current Texas governor? What are the takeaways of a new survey of political attitudes among Texans? We’ll do the numbers with Jim Henson of the Texas Politics Project. Also Houston’s reputation as one of the more affordable major international cities, but for how much […]
Texas Standard: May 3, 2021
May 03, 2021 16:19 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBMayoral contests in San Antonio and Fort Worth, a public camping ban in Austin and much more on the May first ballot. We’ll have more on some closely watched ballot propositions including voter approval of an ordinance in Lubbock that would ban abortions in that city. A move that’s almost certain to face a legal […]
Texas Standard: April 30, 2021
April 30, 2021 16:09 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBWhere’d the 11 billion go? Now there’s a plan for federal pandemic aid money for Texas public schools. Emily Donaldson of the Dallas Morning News education lab on how badly needed federal aid will be distributed to Texas public schools. Also it’s election day tomorrow and one of the most talked about ballot measures in […]
Texas Standard: April 29, 2021
April 29, 2021 16:17 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBFrom guns to immigration, green jobs and more, an historic speech by President Biden with big implications for Texas and the nation. Todd Gillman of the Dallas Morning News with more on the President’s speech to congress. Also a supreme court case on how far public schools can go in trying to control off-campus speech […]
Texas Standard: April 28, 2021
April 28, 2021 17:00 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBA Texas Capitol shaken to its core following allegations of a lobbyist using a date rate drug on a staffer. Representative Donna Howard of Austin on what’s being described as a culture of silence and cover-up at the Texas Capitol. Also, tho so much still unknown about covid 19, this much is certain: the impact […]
Texas Standard: April 27, 2021
April 27, 2021 16:15 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBA pickup of 2 seats in congress and the electoral college. A missed opportunity for Texas? A top demographer over the state’s population boom and why estimates for a bigger gain didn’t materialize. Also, a special election in Texas that may offer a window on the state of state politics at large. And Texas leading […]
Texas Standard: April 26, 2021
April 26, 2021 16:23 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBDespite resistance from Republicans at the capitol, pressure mounts on Texas to expand medicaid. Bob Garret of the Dallas Morning News with an update on a push that could provide Medicaid coverage to more than 1.4 million additional Texans. Also, whatever happened to the George Floyd Act introduced in the Texas Legislature earlier this year? […]
Texas Standard: April 23, 2021
April 23, 2021 16:30 - 51 minutes - 70.3 MBAs rates of vaccination rise in Texas, the number of Texans seeking vaccines is tapering off – raising concerns. A closer look today on the Texas Standard. Some parts of Texas are now closing vaccination hubs as demand falls. Though, a majority of Texans have yet to be vaccinated at all. We’ll find out why […]
Texas Standard: April 22, 2021
April 22, 2021 16:11 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBSix weeks to go and the race is on. A big budget battle set at the Texas capitol today, as the clock ticks toward the end of the session. From changes to Texas abortion laws to voting laws, to what to do about power in the wake of February’s massive blackouts and more… Where do […]
Texas Standard: April 21, 2021
April 21, 2021 16:12 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBGuilty on all counts. As Texans react to the verdict in the killing of George Floyd. The message: a just verdict, but not justice. Not without meaningful reforms to policing. We’ll hear from George Floyd’s former hometown of Houston, and from other voices across Texas, reacting to yesterday’s murder conviction of a white former police […]
Texas Standard: April 20, 2021
April 20, 2021 16:13 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBA bill to allow permitless carry of handguns in Texas has passed the House. A done deal in the Texas Senate too? Not so fast. Although republicans have control of the senate, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick says he does not now have the votes to pass permitless carry. We’ll hear the latest. Also, it was […]
Texas Standard: April 19, 2021
April 19, 2021 16:20 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MBA warning of a hotter than average summer sends shudders as lawmakers try to avoid a repeat of winter power outages in Texas. Lawmakers shift gears as they try to come up with a fix for increased power demand and limited supply. Also, the full extent of how COVID-19 affected nursing home residents in Texas […]
Texas Standard: April 16, 2021
April 16, 2021 16:12 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBAs another mass shooting makes headlines, victims families and survivors of a mass shooting in Texas make their case against the Air Force. The case underway in a San Antonio courtroom asks whether the Air Force should be held liable in the Sutherland Springs church shooting in which 26 people were killed, 20 others injured […]
Texas Standard: April 15, 2021
April 15, 2021 16:32 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBThe governor claims we should be very close to herd immunity. What does the chair of the Texas vaccine allocation panel have to say? About 25 percent of Texans now reported to be vaccinated… far from what public health experts have estimated is needed for herd immunity. We’ll hear more. Also a turning point in […]
Texas Standard: April 14, 2021
April 14, 2021 16:38 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBIt is not a recall, but a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Starting today the FDA and the CDC begin evaluating an extremely rare type of blood clot found in six women who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, this after 500 thousand doses of that vaccine were administered […]