Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024:
Meet Cinder, the porcupine that survived the Panhandle wildfires
In the wake of the devastating wildfires across the Panhandle, an unlikely story of resilience has captivated worldwide attention: that of Cinder, a porcupine who survived the blaze at Lake Meredith.
Stephanie Brady, founder of the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Amarillo, joins the Standard with Cinder’s story of survival and recovery.
The birds are back in town: Yellow-crested helmetshrike spotted after decades
The yellow-crested helmetshrike hadn’t been seen in nearly two decades – until now.
It was just one of the rare discoveries scientists from the University of Texas at El Paso made during a six-week expedition through the cloud forests of a mountain range in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
UTEP professor Eli Greenbaum co-led the expedition and joins us today.
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.
Austinite with ALS made Boston Marathon his final race
Austin resident Bill Corrigan is a serious runner who’s done marathons all over the world. But his trip to the Boston Marathon in April was his last race after being diagnosed in 2022 with ALS, a disease that causes the motor neurons in his brain to lose connection with the muscles in his body.
He sat down with Texas Standard to share his story.
WNBA expansion sparks hopes for Austin franchise
With the WNBA set to add teams in San Francisco, Portland and Toronto, there’s speculation about a 16th team. Could Austin be next?
Fran Harris, who has a championship pedigree with the University of Texas and Houston Comets, is an advocate for bringing the league to the city. She joins the Standard with her vision for the capital as a future WNBA hub.
Remembering Johnny Canales’ legacy
Legendary television presenter Johnny Canales, who died in June, would have turned 82 in August. Canales broadcast his show from Corpus Christi and sometimes the Rio Grande Valley but was known far and wide. He introduced Tejano, cumbia and other acts to an international audience.
His death this summer had many Texans reminiscing on growing up with his show, including the Texas Standard’s Kristen Cabrera and Raul Alonzo. They bring us more on Canales’ legacy.
Meet Sugar Gay Isber, the ‘Hit Man’ jewelry designer
Richard Linklater’s latest movie “Hit Man” solidifies the collaboration between the Texas filmmaker and actor, writer and producer Glen Powell, both Austinites. But making a film takes more than just two powerhouses, and another Texan played a small role.
Artist and jewelry designer Sugar Gay Isber joins the Standard with more.
