Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Monday, Dec. 9, 2024:
What exactly does the Texas House speaker do?
On Friday, embattled Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan announced he wouldn’t seek another leadership term. By Saturday, GOP members backed Rep. David Cook, but Rep. Dustin Burrows claimed he had enough votes to override the caucus. With Democrats and some Republicans breaking ranks, the speakership battle remains undecided.
What’s at stake for the next legislative session? Jess Huff from the Texas Tribune joins the Standard with the latest.
Operation Lone Star’s toll on National Guard members
Gov. Greg Abbott’s border mission, Operation Lone Star, has mobilized thousands of National Guard troops. While aimed at curbing illegal migration, it has claimed 17 soldier lives, many by suicide.
Gabriella Alcorta Solorio reports for the American Homefront Project on the cost of this extended deployment.
After Assad falls, what’s next for Syria?
In a stunning turn of events, a coalition of Syrian rebels has overthrown Bashar al-Assad’s regime, ending decades of dictatorship. What comes next in this rapidly evolving situation?
Jeremi Suri, Mack Brown distinguished professor at UT-Austin, shares insights on this historic moment:
Saudi Arabia struggles to maintain oil dominance
Saudi Arabia’s influence in global oil markets is slipping as OPEC countries defy production agreements. Could a new U.S. administration add to the volatility?
Matt Smith, energy analyst at Kpler, breaks down what this means for the future of oil prices.
‘Valió la pena’: For new Dallas citizens, a sense of relief
New U.S. citizens in Dallas say they’re relieved to have protections as anti-immigrant rhetoric ramps up at both the federal and state level. But as KERA’s Priscilla Rice reports, one couple now finds themselves of mixed status:
Austin’s airport sounds off with holiday stories
As travelers flock to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the KUT podcast “24 Hours in Austin” captures the unique rhythm of the holidays.
KUT’s Greta Díaz González Vázquez meets a man collecting his prized German shepherd from Europe in this tale from the terminal.
When Texas banned trans care for minors, it impacted adults, too
In 2023, Texas banned puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors. And although adults face no legal barriers, spillover effects from that law mean many trans adults in Texans still struggle to find gender affirming care.
Eleanor Klibanoff of the Texas Tribune joins the Standard with more.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
