Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, Dec. 6, 2024:
Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan bows out of leadership reelection bid
Dade Phelan’s withdrawal from the race for Texas House speaker, newly announced this morning, is a pivotal moment for the state’s GOP. The race to fill the speaker’s seat is already underway, with candidates from the party’s right wing in contention.
For more, Blaise Gainey, state politics reporter for the Texas Newsroom, joins Texas Standard.
Desert bighorn sheep return to the Franklin Mountains
Desert bighorn sheep are once again roaming the Franklin Mountains in El Paso. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department released 80 of the animals into their historic range, a major milestone in restoring the species wiped out in Texas by disease and unregulated hunting.
KTEP’s Angela Kocherga reports from Franklin Mountain State Park.
Patrick calls for blanket ban on sale of THC products in Texas
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he’ll press for a statewide ban on sales of all consumable THC products in the next legislative session. Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports Patrick’s effort could face stiff opposition:
Rising home insurance costs threaten Texas homeowners
As property tax bills hit mailboxes, many Texans face another financial hurdle: skyrocketing home insurance rates. A Houston Chronicle analysis reveals Texas has some of the most expensive insurance in the nation, forcing homeowners to pay more for less coverage.
Megan Kimball, Texas political economy reporter for the Chronicle, discusses the growing crisis.
Why broadband expansion in Texas is taking so long
Despite more than $5 billion in federal and state funding pledged to improve high-speed internet access in underserved Texas, little progress has been made. The Texas Tribune investigated the delays in broadband projects, uncovering bureaucratic hurdles and other challenges.
Reporter Jayme Lozano Carver joins the Standard to explain the hold-up.
UT’s Turtle Pond comes out of its shell
The UT Austin Tower is a landmark, known for its glowing orange lights and chiming clock. While the area around it buzzes with activity, a quieter sanctuary to the north offers a break from the hustle.
The Texas Standard’s Laura Rice takes us to this peaceful pocket and explores how it’s evolving amid campus changes.
The gang delivers another custom poem. Reach out to Texas Standard with your topic suggestions!
The Texas Tribune’s James Barragán joins the Standard with a recap of the week that was in Texas politics.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
