Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, September 29, 2021.
Matthew Dowd on his Run for Lieutenant Governor
This morning, former George W. Bush strategist Matthew Dowd announced his plans to take on Dan Patrick as a Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor. Positioning himself as a “Bob Bullock/Ann Richards” style candidate, will his moderate approach resonate? The answer may not only determine the outcome in 2022, but potentially the future of Texas politics for the foreseeable future. Matthew Dowd joins us today.
About 1,000 migrants have been arrested since Gov. Greg Abbott announced state police would begin policing the border. Now, almost a month after Abbott’s policy was enacted, a state district judge has ordered the release of almost 250 migrants who have been held in state prisons cleared out just for them. For more we turn to Jolie McCullough, criminal justice reporter for the Texas Tribune.
Like so many other industries, the burgeoning Texas wine business was forced to make quick decisions on how to stay afloat after COVID-19 struck. Now, more than a year into the pandemic, Texas wineries are ready to make up for lost time. And as Nadia Chaudhury writes for Eater Austin, “the future of Texas wine is bright and tart and rich and dry.” She joins us with an overview today.
Despite striking out in the past three legislative sessions, a bill restricting the sports teams transgender student athletes play on is before the Texas Legislature again. Supporters say the bill is about ensuring fairness in young women’s sports. But as the Texas Standard’s Jill Ament reports, for transgender students in Texas and their parents, the measure’s return solidifies concerns they and their families aren’t welcome in the state.
Next Gen Stories: Reproductive Rights Advocate
On Friday, a U.S. district judge will consider whether to freeze the implementation of Texas’ new abortion ban, which prohibits the procedure as early as six weeks into pregnancy. The measure also makes anyone who performs or facilitates abortion after that period open to lawsuits. Advocating for reproductive rights has been part of Rachel Carter’s life for a long time – and she says the new law isn’t deterring her. Carter shared her story with Mizelle Mayo as part of NPR’s Next Generation Radio project.
About 1 in 50 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder – and that diagnosis can vary widely based on the gender and race of the child. KERA contributor Caroline Love reports on disparities in autism research and treatment, starting with a look at how boys are often diagnosed much earlier than girls.
Sissy Farenthold
Frances “Sissy” Farenthold died over the weekend at the age 94. In the early 1970s, the Corpus Christi native made waves at the Texas Capitol fighting corruption, waging progressive campaigns for governor, and more – actions that put her on the short list for the 1972 Democratic vice presidential nomination. Farenthold remained an outspoken activist for women’s rights and other causes throughout her long life. Recently, Lise Olsen spoke with Frances Farenthold for the Texas Observer, and she joins us today.
All this and Texas News Roundup, plus Social Media Editor Wells Dunbar with the talk of Texas.
