Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024:
Texas lawmakers hear from Dr. Phil, John Grisham on Robert Roberson’s conviction
On Monday, a committee of the Legislature heard testimony from a variety of witnesses who believe Robert Roberson, who was convicted in the death of his 2-year-old daughter, should not be executed because now-discredited science led to his conviction. Roberson did not testify yesterday as planned, but a power struggle continues over how the case should be handled.
For more we’ll hear from Michelle Pitcher, who covers criminal justice for the Texas Observer:
Colin Allred aims to unseat Ted Cruz, become first Texas Democrat to win statewide office in decades
The biggest statewide contest on the ballot this election season is the U.S. Senate race between Republican incumbent Ted Cruz and his Democratic challenger, U.S. Rep. Colin Allred. In Washington, Allred represents District 32, which includes parts of Dallas and neighboring North Texas cities. Yesterday, we profiled Cruz, who’s hoping to be re-elected for his third six-year term.
Today, the Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey has a look into Allred, who, despite beating Cruz in fundraising dollars, faces an uphill battle against a high-profile opponent.
Bush Airport to open expanded terminal
If all goes according to plan, a new expanded terminal at Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport will be open for business this afternoon. The expanded terminal D is intended to open up more nonstop service to Houston. Houston Public Media’s Gabrielle Dawkins explains:
School voucher issue could impact elections in Houston area, across Texas
School vouchers are on the ballot this fall in Houston area and across Texas after a number of pro-voucher Republicans won their primaries in March.
As Houston Public Media’s Adam Zuvanich reports, some Democrats are rallying around the controversial issue.
A look at Austin’s mayoral race
In Austin, voters will be choosing their next mayor this fall. Incumbent Kirk Watson is hoping for reelection, but four others are vying for the spot – a former City Council member, a business owner and two nonprofit leaders.
Luz Moreno-Lozano, who covers city hall for our home station, KUT Austin, has more.
The nature of election predictions
We’re down to just a few days more of political ads, endless polls and bold predictions for Election Day results. Trying to figure out who will win elections before they happen is a ritual as old as time. But over the years, the game has changed.
David Freedlander, a contributor to New York Magazine, has been looking into the nature of predicting elections. We’ll speak with him today.
Hearing from voters on the first day of early voting
Early voting started Monday in Texas for the November election, and all over the state, Texans turned out to cast their ballots. Journalists at our partner stations were out and about, too, talking with folks about what brought them to the polls on the first day.
We’re bringing you some of those voices, from voters in San Antonio, El Paso and across North Texas.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Shelly Brisbin with the Talk of Texas.
