Here’s what’s coming up on Texas Standard for Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. Listen on your Texas public radio station, or ask your smart speaker to play Texas Standard.
Highlights From The Vice Presidential Debate
Did last night’s vice presidential debate do anything to move the needle with undecided voters? Here to wrap up the highlights and missed opportunities is Richard Pineda, associate professor in the University of Texas El Paso’s Department of Communication. He is also director of the Sam Donaldson Center for Communication Studies.
Could Nasdaq Move To Dallas?
Nasdaq is in talks with Gov. Greg Abbott about a possible move to Dallas. What exactly does that mean? Dallas Morning News reporter Dom DiFurio broke the story and talked to the Standard about how serious Nasdaq is about moving its data platforms to the Lone Star State or whether it’s a move to get a better tax deal in New Jersey.
Bar Reopenings
Gov. Greg Abbott says it’s time to open up bars in Texas. Twice before, he’s tried to reopen bars and has regretted it when COVID-19 cases soared as a result. Now, he says, as long as county governments give the OK, bars in those counties will be able to reopen at up to 50% capacity.
The Big Flip Part 3: How A Democrat-Led Texas House Could Change Redistricting – Or Not
Democrats have their eyes on winning a majority in the Texas House of Representatives this fall. And that would be a huge upset in the political status quo in the Lone Star State. It’s been nearly 20 years since Republicans secured a lock on all levels of government in Texas. KUT’s Mose Buchele and Ashley Lopez have been looking at what could happen this week in a series called “The Big Flip.” Lopez explains that even with a House majority, Democrats’ main power would be to stop Republican proposals from becoming law.
Tech Employees And Political Donations
The current administration and Silicon Valley have butt heads plenty of times. The president often criticizes social media, accusing companies of unfair bias. Many who work in tech have criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Recent data, analyzed by the campaign finance watchdog Open Secrets, shows which campaigns tech company employees are overwhelmingly donating to. For more on that story, the Standard talks to tech expert Omar Gallaga.
The Pumphrey Brothers On ‘The Old Truck’
Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey grew up around Houston and now live in Austin. They wrote and illustrated a children’s book called “The Old Truck,” and will soon publish a follow-up called “The Old Boat.” They tell Texas Standard about the experiences that inspired their work and the unique artwork they developed.
South Dallas’ Need For Pet-Care Resources
Nearly three-quarters of the 40,000 dogs and cats that end up in Dallas’ animal shelter come from south of one of the city’s east-west boundaries of Interstate 30. As KERA’s Stella Chavez reports, animal advocates say, there’s a staggering need for more pet resources and education in the city’s southern half.
General Land Office Takeover Of Houston’s Harvey Housing Recovery Program
Houston’s Hurricane Harvey housing recovery program is changing hands. The feds have approved a deal that allows the Texas General Land Office control over the relief program. Houston Chronicle reporter Jasper Scherer explains why there has been a tug-of-war over the program and what it will mean going forward.
All this and Texas News Roundup, plus Social Media Editor Wells Dunbar with the talk of Texas.
