Texas Standard for Nov. 4, 2022: The MacArthur Genius professor keeping satellites safe in space

A collision between a satellite and a random piece of space junk, like a leftover wrench or bolt, could be catastrophic. The fact that it doesn’t happen more often is thanks in large part to Moribah Jah, a professor of aerospace engineering and engineering mechanics at the University of Texas at Austin who was recently made a member of the MacArthur genius fellowship class of 2022.

By Texas StandardNovember 4, 2022 9:33 am,

Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, Nov. 4, 2022. Check back later today for updated story links and audio.

What’s driving lower turnout in Texas elections?

During the first week of early voting, turnout lagged way behind the numbers we saw during the 2018 midterms. Is that still the case today, the last day of early voting? Julián Aguilar, reporter with The Texas Newsroom, has more.

Who’s running for Texas comptroller, and why is that job so important?

Who investigates complaints about drag shows? How about the person who oversees the state’s assets? It’s the same official: the Texas comptroller, who also oversees tax collections. Texas voters are currently deciding whether to re-elect Republican incumbent Glenn Hegar to the position, or to replace him with Democrat Janet Dudding. The Texas Newsroom’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán talked to both candidates about their plans if elected.

Why changing your city’s rules can take so many amendments

A city charter is a city’s governing document. So whether it’s a policy rewrite or a small shift in punctuation, any changes to a charter are subject to a public vote. The Texas Standard’s Michael Marks has more on some of the charter changes on ballots around the state this coming Election Day.

Senate Bill 6 may be contributing to a record number of deaths at Harris County Jail

The number of people inside Harris County Jail is butting up against the facility’s maximum capacity. And advocates are blaming overcrowding for a record number of deaths there so far this year. Houston Public Media’s Lucio Vasquez investigated how Senate Bill 6, which went into effect late last year, may be worsening delays in an already clogged criminal justice system.

The MacArthur Genius professor keeping satellites safe in space

A collision between a satellite and a random piece of space junk, like a leftover wrench or bolt, could be catastrophic. The fact that it doesn’t happen more often is thanks in large part to Moribah Jah, a professor of aerospace engineering and engineering mechanics at the University of Texas at Austin who was recently made a member of the MacArthur genius fellowship class of 2022. We’ll hear from him today.

He’s 75 – and about to run in his 75th marathon

Meet San Antonio Richard Newman, who’s about to line up for the New York City Marathon this weekend.

Under pressure from Congress, some states are making it easier for overseas troops to vote

For military members, voting is much more complicated than for civilians – especially if they’re stationed overseas or in a combat zone. This year’s midterms come ten years after Congress passed new laws and some states adopted more technology to make the process easier. But as Jonathan Ahl reports for the American Homefront Project, the rules are not consistent from state to state.

Typewriter Rodeo

The gang delivers another custom poem.

The week in Texas politics

Texas Tribune political reporter James Barragán 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.

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