Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024:
Big spending on Texas judicial races raises concerns about fairness
As Election Day nears, campaign ads are everywhere, and in North Texas, some of the flashiest are backed by Texas billionaires hoping to sway voters on judicial races. These ads, many of which claim “soft-on-crime” judges are responsible for crime rates in Dallas, are paid for by a PAC supporting conservative judicial candidates.
Legal experts are raising questions about the impact of such large donations on the state’s judicial rulings. For The Drill Down, we’re joined by KERA’s Toluwani Osibamowo with more.
When faith and politics meet: Texas clergy weigh in on election issues
Every week, thousands of preachers, imams and rabbis across Texas share age-old teachings with their congregations. Some also touch on political issues, navigating a fine line between spiritual guidance and political influence. But how does this align with U.S. tax rules and the separation of church and state?
In today’s installment of our election-season series on faith and politics in Texas, Texas Public Radio’s Jack Morgan reports.
From Longview to outer space: Meet the Texan who plays the Xenomorph
You wouldn’t recognize him, but Longview native Trevor Newlin has played some of the silver screen’s most frightening monsters. Learn what it’s like to suit up as the “Alien” series’ iconic Xenomorph.
American Airlines faces $50 million fine over wheelchair mishandling
Wheelchair users have long expressed frustration with airlines’ treatment of mobility equipment and lack of trained staff to assist passengers with disabilities. Now, American Airlines is facing a $50 million fine from the federal government after the Department of Transportation cited it for incidents causing serious passenger injuries and damaging wheelchairs.
The Standard’s Shelly Brisbin joins the show with more:
One man’s 37-state journey to find America’s best barbecue
Not many would dedicate a year and a half to exploring 37 states and nearly 150 barbecue joints, but if you’re Texas Monthly’s renowned barbecue editor, it’s all part of the job. Daniel Vaughn, the expert behind countless ‘cue reviews, recently embarked on such a cross-country trek – and along the way, he’s had what he calls a “barbecue epiphany.”
Vaughn joins the Standard to share his smoked awakening.
‘The Right to Privacy in Texas’ explores a belated but essential right
In most U.S. states, privacy rights gained legal traction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries – but Texas didn’t recognize privacy as an individual right until the 1970s. John Domino, a political science professor at Sam Houston State University, examines this journey in his new book, “The Right to Privacy in Texas.”
Domino explores the history of Texas privacy laws, both official and unofficial, and discusses their significance amid today’s pressing political and civil rights debates.
Brazos County voters to decide whether livestock should roam free or be fenced in
This election season, Brazos County voters will weigh in on two propositions related to Texas’ open range laws. Currently, livestock like cattle can roam freely unless local laws specify otherwise. One proposition addresses only cattle, while the other considers all livestock. The outcome could significantly impact local ranching practices.
Tiffany Dowell Lashmet, professor and agricultural law specialist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, joins the Standard with more.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
