Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022:
As the COVID-19 pandemic developed, governors across the country declared disasters in their respective states. Such a declaration can open up funding opportunities from the federal government and vest extra power in the governor’s office. Most states have ended their pandemic disaster declarations – but last week, Gov. Greg Abbott extended Texas’ order by another 30 days. Hearst state politics reporter Cayla Harris joins to tell us more.
Fighting the false information about voting machines
All this week we’ve been examining disinformation and the Texas midterms. False claims about the 2020 presidential election have fueled the “big lie” that Donald Trump actually won. That’s not true – but it hasn’t stopped false claims about voting machine security. Today, Texas Public Radio’s Josh Peck explains how voting machines Texas uses actually work.
What Melissa Lucio’s case says about coerced confessions
In 2008, Melissa Lucio was convicted of the murder of her 2-year-old daughter and sentenced to death. Her case, which is currently back in court, includes what many experts have called a coerced confession from Lucio. What is a coerced confession, and how common are they? Allison D. Redlich, an author and professor at George Mason University, shares more.
Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em: It’s time for Texas Monthly’s BBQ Fest
The Texas Monthly BBQ Fest fires up in Lockhart, Texas next weekend. The Monthly’s barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn takes us on a mouth-watering tour.
‘The Other Fellow’ follows these real-life James Bonds
It’s the season for costumes and alter egos. You may see masked monsters or caped avengers. Or maybe a debonair spy – sharply dressed, with a martini (shaken, not stirred of course). You can guess who we’re talking about here, right? Or can you? The Texas Standard’s Laura Rice has the answer.
How moms use the legend of La Llorona to keep their kids in line
Speaking of the spooky season: The story of La Llorona doubtlessly arrived in Texas with the earliest Mexican settlers. Ever since, thie wailing wraith has haunted our rivers, lakes and streams. While there are dozens of versions of her story, commentator W.F. Strong shares a favorite.
U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin recently said on Twitter that natural gas costs have gone up more than 200% over the past five years. Is that a fact? Nusaiba Mizan, reporter with PolitiFact and the Austin American-Statesman, has the answer.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
