Texas Standard for Jan. 3, 2025: Ted Cruz to chair powerful Senate committee

Will the Texas Republican, known as an arch conservative, alter his approach as he tackles policies impacting telecommunications, aviation and space exploration?

By Texas StandardJanuary 3, 2025 8:54 am,

Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, Jan. 3, 2025:

Suspected acted alone in Bourbon Street attack, FBI says

The FBI now says the suspect in the New Year’s attack that killed 14 people in New Orleans planted explosives in ice coolers around the French Quarter, intending to detonate them remotely.

Houston Chronicle reporter John Wayne Ferguson joins the Standard with the latest:

Ted Cruz to chair powerful Senate committee

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz is poised to take over leadership of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. Will the Texas Republican, known as an arch conservative, alter his approach as he tackles policies impacting telecommunications, aviation and space exploration?

Dallas Morning News Washington correspondent Joseph Morton joins the Standard with more.

Veteran homelessness down, overall numbers up

A federal report shows a decline in the number of veterans experiencing homelessness nationwide. But at the same time, homelessness is on the rise across Texas and the country.

KUT’s Audrey McGlinchy reports on the trends and what advocates say is needed to address the broader issue:

Opposition mounts against LNG export terminal

Plans for a massive Rio Grande LNG export terminal along the Texas Gulf Coast have drawn criticism from environmental groups, the City of Port Isabel and Native American tribes. Developer NextDecade is now seeking support from influential allies to advance the project.

Gaige Davila of the Texas Observer joins the Standard to discuss the conflict.

What’s new in the public domain?

As of Jan. 1, works published in 1929 and sound recordings from 1924 have entered the public domain. So, what gems are now freely accessible?

The Texas Standard’s Shelly Brisbin shares some notable highlights.

West Texas in 4K: Classic films remastered

Two acclaimed films set in West Texas – “Paris, Texas” and “No Country for Old Men” – were newly released last month on 4K Blu-ray by the Criterion Collection.

Texas Public Radio’s Nathan Cone reviews the discs, highlighting the stunning visuals and extras that bring these classics back to life.

Remembering Jimmy Carter

Preparations are underway for services honoring former President Jimmy Carter, culminating in a state funeral on Jan. 9. Carter’s legacy includes deep reflections on race and class, as seen in a 1995 interview revisited by KERA.

Reporter Bekah Morr looks back at Carter’s reflections on the political climate of the mid-90s and its resonance today.

Typewriter Rodeo

The gang delivers another custom poem. Reach out to Texas Standard with your topic suggestions!

The week in Texas politics

The Texas Tribune’s James Barragán joins the Standard with a recap of the week that was in Texas politics:

Texas congressmen cleared in ethics investigation over campaign finance spending

Texas Supreme Court dismisses State Bar lawsuit against assistant attorney general

Rep. Mihaela Plesa survived a heated GOP challenge. Here’s how she thinks Democrats can prevail.

All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.

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