Residents of the northern part of the Texas gulf coast prepare for the worst as Hurricane Laura approaches, gathering speed. Overnight, hurricane Laura intensified 70 percent, approaching category 4 as it neared the coastal border of Louisiana and Texas. Many cities have been evacuated, we’ll be checking in with the mayor pro-tem of Galveston, who…
Texas Standard: August 6, 2020
Republicans versus Republican. Five conservative lawmakers are suing the Governor, over contracts for Coronavirus tracking. At issue: a nearly 300 million dollar deal for contact tracing that five state lawmakers say should have been vetted by the legislature, but wasn’t. Also, remember that border wall that dominated the last general election. Three miles of private…
Texas Standard: September 16, 2019
It’s a drone attack half a world away, and one that’s likely to be felt deep in the Heart of Texas. We’ll have the latest. Other stories we’re tracking on this Monday: a deadly attack on a Houston elementary school 60 years ago, there were no efforts to help kids overcome the trauma. Now a…
Texas Standard: July 29, 2019
Defense Department Money reallocated to build a border wall gets the green light from the U.S. Supreme Court. What the decision means for Texas. Plus, one of the longest serving members of the Trump administration steps down, and a Texas congressman being talked about as his replacement as the new director of national intelligence, we’ll…
Texas Standard: January 2, 2019
More migrants sprayed with tear gas as money for a border wall remains at the center of the government shutdown. We’ll have the latest. Also, the measure to allow Texans to donate to address the huge backlog of untested rape kits passed with bipartisan support. But now it’s reached a real-world roadblock, we’ll tell you…
Texas Standard: December 20, 2018
Will this be the legislative session that fixes the way Texas funds public schools? We’ll explore new recommendations. And speaking of the legislative session, there are new bills filed. We ask lawmakers why certain bills are near and dear to their hearts. We also say goodbye to members of the Texas delegation in Washington. And…
Texas Standard: December 6, 2018
Snow to the north, flooding to the south, storms close in on the Lone Star State, with dangerous implications. We’ll hear the latest on weather warnings statewide. Also a man in a jail cell in Odessa may be one of the most prolific serial killers in history. Why did it take so long for authorities…
Texas Standard: January 8, 2018
America’s farmers in the national spotlight today: we’ll hear what some in the Texas agriculture industry want to hear from President Trump. Also the Rio Grande is an important part of Texas identity, but the waters in it don’t just belong to Texas. A dispute between states in front of the nation’s highest court today….
Texas Standard: November 20, 2017
As millions of Texans hit the highways for the start of holiday season, new signs that the bell may be tolling for toll roads. But with costs and complaints and traffic all up, are we nearing a tipping point when it comes to Texas’ free market philosophy for transportation? We’ll explore. And in a small…
Texas Standard: July 3, 2017
Salacious emails from a former Baylor University regent about victims of sexual assaults spark outrage. We’ll explore how they tie in. Also special courts for cops: a new law on the books creates diversion programs for first responders. Why counties are hesitant to set them up. Also the cochineal, a small Spanish insect and the…
Texas Standard: May 24, 2017
If John Cornyn says it’s dead on arrival, what’s the prospect for President Trump’s budget? That may not be the point, we’ll explore. Also, dramatic slashes in government programs so deep even republicans are balking along with democrats. Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee says it’s a betrayal of Trump’s own constituents. And the end of…
Texas Standard: May 5, 2017
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?…
Texas Standard: April 7, 2017
After US cruise missile attacks on Syria, whose move is it next? A one time event, or the start of something bigger? We’ll explore. Also, after a 15 hour budget battle royal, a 218 billion dollar spending plan for Texas, paid for in part by tapping the rainy day fund. We’ll tally the winners and…
Live Views & Brews Taping: Are We Conscious Automata?
Teaming up with the Elisabet Ney Museum, KUT & Views & Brew‘s Rebecca McInroy and Dr. Art Markman & Dr. Bob Duke of Two Guys On Your Head consider the eternal question posed by Ney’s husband in 1890 “Are We Conscious Automata?” What can psychology teach us about notions of determinism vs. free will? Is there such…
Texas Standard: May 9, 2016
Are Police in Texas mentally fit for duty? An investigation reveals thousands of officers and jailers improperly screened. We’ll explore. Also what does secession have in common with public bathrooms? Both are expected to be issues up for discussion as Texas Republicans convene in Dallas. Also Texas energy giant Exxon Mobil makes a major investment…