Texas Standard For October 29, 2020

Early voting numbers in Texas have been high. Texas still leading in the raw numbers of youth turnout. But what’ll that mean come ballot counting time? We’ll explore. And: What’s going on at Texas juvenile detention centers? A new complaint indicates some big concerns. We’ll have the details. Also: 5G is coming. You’ve probably heard it means faster speeds, but will it, really? Plus: Staying at home to watch your favorite scary movie is a pandemic-friendly option this Halloween. We’ll examine why “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” might be the top choice in many homes across the state. All of that and more today on the Texas Standard:

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By Texas StandardOctober 29, 2020 9:30 am

Here’s what’s coming up on Texas Standard for Thursday, October 29, 2020. Listen on your Texas public radio station, or ask your smart speaker to play Texas Standard. We’ll have full posts for each story, including audio, a little later today.

Early Voting In Texas Takeaways

Texas has seen record early voting turnout. Sean Theriault, a professor at UT-Austin’s School of Government, talks to the Standard about what that turnout could mean.

Texas Juvenile Justice Department Complaints

The Texas Juvenile Justice Department is in charge of the state’s juvenile offenders. But according to a new complaint two Texas justice groups filed with the U.S. Department of Justice, the youth at these facilities routinely suffer sexual assault, violence and inadequate access to mental health resources. Brett Merfish, director of youth justice for Texas Appleseed, one of the groups that filed the complaint, joins the Standard.

First Generation, First-Time Latino Voter

Latinos make up 40% of the population in Texas. Still, campaigns are rediscovering the fact that there is no solid “Latino” bloc. Reporters from stations across Texas are listening to these voters discuss the issues they care about and give their thoughts on where the nation should be heading. Texas Public Radio’s Lauren Terrazas spoke with a young first-generation, first time Latino voter in Houston.

5G Hype versus Reality

This fall, the phones you need to actually make that 5G connection are finally reaching the marketplace. But is the speed worth the price? And can you even get 5G coverage where you live? Tech expert Omar Gallaga answers these questions for the Standard.

Guns and the Texas Senate Race

KERA’s Hady Mawajdeh looks at what both candidates have said about firearms, and explains why this issue is still important.

“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’s” Lasting Impact on Film and Texas

Horror fans call it a classic. Other’s point to its influence in the slasher genre of films. Still others just say: “no thanks.” Forty-six years ago this month, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” unleashed seismic reactions in moviegoers that still resonate today. Now with another reboot of the film scheduled, the Standard turns to Lars Nilsen from the Austin Film Society to talk about the film’s significance.

Typewriter Rodeo

The Week in Texas Politics with The Texas Tribune

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

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