Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024:
Cruz and Allred face off in Dallas debate
Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Democratic opponent U.S. Rep. Colin Allred took the stage last night in their only debate before Election Day. Did their Dallas debate change any minds, and what were the key moments?
Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider, who covered the debate, joins the Standard with the latest.
Black churches and their political influence in Texas
Black churches in Texas have long been a cornerstone of community life, playing vital roles both socially and politically. Opal Lee, known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” has addressed several Black congregations, following a tradition from the Civil Rights Movement. But not all lean left, with some embracing conservative views.
KETR’s Mark Haslett explores the connection between faith and politics at a historic Black church near Sulphur Springs.
‘The Witches of El Paso’ is a magical trip across time and space
In “The Witches of El Paso,” Luis Jaramillo’s new novel, teenager Nena struggles with strange premonitions and fainting spells while caring for her nieces and nephews in 1943 El Paso. When a mysterious nun arrives one night, Nena follows her on a journey across space and time. We’ll hear more from Jaramillo today.
Rural 911 calls in Collin County face hurdles
Quick emergency response is a given when dialing 911, but in rural parts of Collin County, it’s not always so fast. City fire departments are stepping in, but KERA’s Caroline Love reports that their resources are stretched thin and may not be able to keep up for much longer.
Finding community and heritage through running
Rocío Villalobos didn’t grow up running; as a child, her East Austin neighborhood’s poorly maintained parks kept her indoors. But as an adult, she found joy in running, connecting it to her Indigenous roots. When she couldn’t find a welcoming community group, she started her own.
Villalobos shared her story with Kaiya Little for NPR’s Next Generation Radio Project.
A forgotten chapter in Texas labor history
The Texas Farm Workers Union split from the United Farm Workers in the 1970s to represent agricultural laborers here. But today, only one of these unions appears in Texas textbooks and state historical markers.
Texas Standard digital producer Raul Alonzo examines the push to introduce new histories in the final part of a three-part series.
Fact-checking Texas voter roll claims
Gov. Greg Abbott has touted that Texas removed over 1 million ineligible voters this election cycle, including more than 6,500 noncitizens. However, an investigation by ProPublica, The Texas Tribune and Votebeat found these numbers were overstated. The state identified just 581 noncitizens removed from the rolls.
Votebeat reporter Natalia Contreras joins the Standard with the findings.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
