Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022:
How El Paso is responding to an increase of migrants seeking asylum
El Paso officials mulled declaring a state of emergency earlier this year, in response to rising numbers of migrants at the border. The declaration never materialized, and new reporting states the White House, wary of the optics, had a hand in quashing it. What’s really happening with El Paso’s migrant response? Angela Kocherga, news director at our partner station KTEP in El Paso, has more.
Bexar County DA’s race will show impact of gun control and abortion issues on election
Bexar County’s top lawyer will be determined this November. Democratic District Attorney Joe Gonzales came into the job promising reform, police accountability and a focus on violent crime. Republican challenger Mark LaHood espouses a back-to-basics, aggressive law enforcement stance at a time when the murder rate is higher. Texas Public Radio’s Paul Flahive has the story.
Big Tex, the iconic state fair cowboy, turns 70 (or is it 10?)
Every year around this time, Texans from all over flock to Dallas for the State Fair of Texas. And every year, fairgoers are met by Big Tex, the fair’s massive, monumental icon. This year marks two milestones for the fair’s towering mascot: For one, Tex turns 70. And today is also the 10th anniversary of the most shocking moment in Big Tex history – his immolation. KERA’s Jacob Wells reports on what the state fair’s most famous attraction means to Texans.
Cavern discovered on a ranch in Medina County
Out enjoying this cooler weather today? Take a moment to think about what’s under your feet. Grass, dirt, concrete – but how about underneath that? Don and Debbie Davis own a ranch in northwestern Medina County. Like you, they didn’t used to give much thought to what was below their feet. But it was something fantastic. Texas Public Radio’s Jerry Clayton has the story.
What’s behind the ongoing rise in domestic violence deaths?
Last year, 204 people were killed by intimate partners in Texas. While a slight downturn from 2020, where 228 people died at the hands of their partners, the 2021 figures are still the third highest in a decade. The Texas Council on Family Violence’s Mikisha Hooper joins us to talk to us about it.
What it’s like to date (and have sex) under Texas’ abortion ban
It’s been almost two months since Texas’ “trigger law” took effect, banning abortion statewide. As advocacy groups challenge the ban on several fronts, how are conversations changing for Texans who are dating and can get pregnant? KUT’s Audrey McGlinchy has the story.
Debunking false election claims with PolitiFact
A viral Facebook post suggests a person can register a dead relative to vote and then cast a mail ballot in their name in Texas. Is that a fact? Joining the Texas Standard to go over this fact-check from PolitiFact is Nusaiba Mizan with the Austin American-Statesman.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
