Texas Standard

Hurricane Harvey caused historic flooding in Houston. Why developers are once again building homes in flood-prone areas. Gambling is illegal in Texas, but there is a gray area when it comes to online betting on sports teams: prediction markets and daily fantasy sports. Food banks are reporting steep increases in demand as families struggle with higher costs and stagnant wages An interview with…

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From the border to the rest of the state, Gov. Greg Abbott’s crackdown on immigration enters a new phase. The Trump administration’s creation of long, thin military installations along the border is affecting not just migrants but locals as well. Texas has settled another opioid lawsuit. So where’s that money going? After more than 20 years in Washington, U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul says he will not…

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The contours of Texas politics are changing – part of Republican’s decades-long plan? Texas Monthly’s Robert Downen joins us to talk about what he sees as an unprecedented consolidation of power aimed at ending fair elections in Texas. Also, Texas A&M launches audits of its courses statewide – this after the firing of a professor over teachings involving gender identity in a children’s literature…

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The latest on the dismissal of a Texas A&M professor and the removal of two top administrators after political pressure over what was being taught in a children’s literature class – an incident that has led to concern about academic freedom. The impact of SpaceX launches in South Texas is felt across the border in Mexico, where some officials are even weighing legal action against the company.

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Gov. Greg Abbott seems to be taking THC regulation into his own hands. What we know about what he wants to change. About 20% of Medicaid recipients lose access during the yearly renewal process because of all the red tape. How Texas researchers are trying to fix that. Texas is home to more than 100 Hispanic-Serving Institutions, but new federal cuts could eliminate funding that supports these…

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The Supreme Court allows ICE to round up people based on factors like appearance, at least for now. The attorneys general of New York and Texas face off over mail-order abortion pills crossing state lines. For years, rumors have circulated online about a serial killer targeting Rainey Street in Austin. A new study finds no such threat. The personal toll for people with chronic conditions who don’t…

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As the dust settles on this year’s legislative action at the Capitol, where do the two main parties stand? If you buy beef, you may have noticed that it’s gotten more expensive lately. Michael Marks has the story, and whether there are any signs of relief. For several years, black bears have gradually spread throughout the Trans-Pecos region. But recently, bear sightings in East Texas have earned…

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As Texas lawmakers return home, what are the big takeaways from six weeks of overtime at the Capitol? We’ll take a closer look at what happened – and what didn’t. Why some think Collin County could become one of the nation’s most highly contested political battlegrounds. Antone’s, known as Austin’s home of the blues, celebrates its 50th birthday with a new box set with deep Texas ties. Plus: A…

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The Legislature’s second overtime comes to a close with new political maps and a slew of Republican wins. But how do Texas voters come down on the big issues of the day? A new survey offers some answers. After years of planning and tens of millions spent already, Corpus Christi’s city council cancels a high-profile project to deal with growing water demands. What’s in a name? A lot if you’re…

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No more QR or barcodes: Why Collin, Williamson and Bastrop counties are changing the way voters will cast ballots. Housing affordability is a big issue in Texas, and three new state laws aim to address it. Will they work? Many are concerned new Texas congressional maps dilute the voting power of Texans of color. But others welcome the changes. Inside an ICE job recruitment fair in Arlington. And…

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