Texas Standard For February 9, 2021

An historic trial in the Senate as the second impeachment of Donald Trump gets underway. We’ll look at the mechanics of the process and Texas’ role. And: He was a newspaper columnist who became well-known in North Texas politics and eventually, a U.S. Congressman. More on the passing of Ron Wright and what comes next. Also: Thousands of dollars for a single COVID-19 test? Lawmakers are being asked to look into charges at freestanding ERs. We’ll also hear from a woman who made it her mission to deliver free fruits and veggies to communities with fewer healthy options. During this pandemic, her deliveries are now more crucial than ever. All of that and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:

By Texas StandardFebruary 9, 2021 9:30 amWhole Shows

Graphic by Wells Dunbar

Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021.

Impeachment Trial Preview

Lynne Rambo, professor emerita at Texas A&M University School of Law, where she taught constitutional law, offers a preview of the second impeachment trial for former President Trump. He faces a charge of inciting an insurrection.

Rep. Wright’s Passing

U.S. Rep. Ron Wright, whose 6th Congressional district includes Ellis and Navarro counties as well as part of Tarrant County, died on Monday. Abby Livingston, Washington Bureau Chief for the Texas Tribune talks to the Standard about the Republican’s political career.

Freestanding ERs

COVID-19 testing has become a big business for freestanding emergency rooms in Texas. Those are ERs not attached to hospitals. Experts say they’ve been charging people’s insurance plans up to thousands of dollars for a single COVID test. KUT Austin’s Ashley Lopez reports advocates want state lawmakers to step in because this practice is driving up the cost of health care. say this is driving up the cost of health care.

Mason County Courthouse Fire

Mason County Judge Jerry Bearden talks to the Standard about the loss of the county’s historic courthouse. The structure, built in 1909 and located about two hours northwest of Austin, was consumed by fire last week.

Next Gen: Faith Castle On Ivy Walls

Ivy Walls is a farmer in the South Houston neighborhood of Sunnyside. And she’s made it her mission to deliver free fruits and vegetables in a neighborhood that doesn’t have a lot of healthy food options, especially during a pandemic. Walls shared her story with Faith Castle as part of NPR’s Next Generation Radio project.

Sharp Rise In Hiking

There has been a record increase in hiking reported in Texas as residents seek exercise and an affordable escape from big cities during the pandemic. Texas Public Radio’s Brian Kirkpatrick takes us on a hiking experience from the Hill Country to the Big Bend area in Far West Texas.

Border Update and MPP

The Biden administration has made immigration a focus of the first 100 days in office. But what does that mean for Texas’ southern border? Valerie Gonzalez, immigration reporter for The McAllen Monitor talks to the Standard.

All this and Texas News Roundup, plus Social Media Editor Wells Dunbar with the talk of Texas.

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