Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, April 7, 2023. Check back later today for updated story links and audio.
What’s in the Texas House’s budget – and what’s next
The Texas House of Representatives passed a $302.6 billion budget Thursday after a spirited debate on the floor. The budget bill addresses several key issues, including property tax cuts, school vouchers, school safety and teacher pay. Houston Chronicle Capitol reporter Jasper Scherer joins us with more.
What a banking slowdown in Texas means for the economy
There’s been a big slowdown in banking activity in Texas, according to new data from the Dallas Federal Reserve. And it means that banks are not only handing out less money, but that Texans are asking for less. The Standard’s Sean Saldana takes a closer look at what this slowdown might mean for Texas.
Verne Lundquist reflects on his time at The Masters
The Masters golf tournament got underway Thursday, and a legendary sportscaster with deep Texas roots is back in the tower at the 16th hole at Augusta National. Houston Public Media’s Matt Thomas spoke with Verne Lundquist about his decades-long career:
How do the Spurs’ games in Austin sit with San Antonio fans?
Few teams in sports – to say nothing of just basketball – have the kind of connection with their fans that the San Antonio Spurs do. So what’s behind the Spurs’ run of games 90 miles up the road in Austin? We take a closer look.
Clarence Thomas received decades of luxury gifts from this Dallas GOP megadonor
For 20 years, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has maintained a close relationship with Dallas billionaire and GOP donor Harlan Crow. A ProPublica investigation found that Thomas has also vacationed with Crow, flown on his private jet, accepted gifts and spent time at Crow’s private resort with Crow’s friends and fellow donors to conservative causes. Justin Elliott is on the ProPublica team that reported the story, and he joins us today.
New documentary looks at what happens when a newspaper stops printing
After more than 130 years of publication, a newspaper in the Panhandle city of Canadian has suspended print operations. What does the loss of the Canadian Record mean for the community? It’s one of the questions explored in “For the Record,” a new film tracking the struggles of the paper. Director Heather Courtney joins us with more.
Typewriter Rodeo
The gang delivers another custom poem. Get in touch with your own topic suggestions!
The week in Texas politics
Texas Tribune political reporter Patrick Svitek stops by with a recap of the week that was.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
