Here’s the Texas Standard article for Friday, January 3, 2025:
FBI says suspect of acting alone in Bourbon Street attack
The FBI has now announced that the suspect in the New Year’s attack that killed 14 people in New Orleans planted explosives in ice coolers around the French Quarter with the intention of detonating them remotely.
Houston Chronicle reporter John Wayne Ferguson joins the Standard with his latest story.
Ted Cruz becomes powerful Senate committee chairman
Sen. Ted Cruz is poised to assume leadership of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. Will Texas Republicans, known as ultra-conservatives, change their approach when tackling policies affecting telecommunications, aviation and space exploration?
Dallas Morning News Washington correspondent Joseph Morton joins the Standard.
Veteran homelessness is down, overall number is up
The number of veterans experiencing homelessness is decreasing across the country, according to a federal report. But at the same time, homelessness is on the rise in Texas and across the nation.
KUT’s Audrey McGlinchey reports on this trend and what advocates say needs to be done to address the broader problem.
Opposition to LNG export terminals grows
Plans to build 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 currently seeking support from influential allies to advance the project.
Texas Observer’s Gaige Davila joins the Standard to discuss the conflict.
What’s new in the public domain?
As of January 1, works published in 1929 and recordings from 1924 were in the public domain. So what gems do you currently have free access to?
Texas Standard’s Shelley Brisbin shares some notable highlights.
West Texas in 4K: Classic Movies Remastered
Two critically acclaimed films set in West Texas, “Paris, Texas” and “No Country for Old Men,” were newly released on 4K Blu-ray by the Criterion Collection last month.
Texas Public Radio’s Nathan Cohn reviews the disc, highlighting the stunning visuals and extras that bring these classics to life in the modern era.
In memory of Jimmy Carter
Preparations are underway for a service to honor former President Jimmy Carter, culminating in a state funeral on January 9th. Mr. Carter’s legacy includes deep reflections on race and class, as seen in a 1995 interview reviewed by KERA.
Bekah Mohr reflects on Carter’s reflections on the political climate of the mid-1990s and its resonance today.
typewriter rodeo
The gang delivers another custom verse. Submit topic suggestions to Texas Standard!
A week in Texas politics
The Texas Tribune’s James Barragan joins the Standard to recap a week in Texas politics.
– Texas lawmaker acquitted of ethics investigation into campaign spending
– Texas Supreme Court dismisses state attorney’s lawsuit against assistant attorney general
– Congresswoman Mihaela Presa survived a fierce Republican challenge. Here’s how she thinks Democrats can win:
All of this is joined by Texas Newsroom’s State Director Alexandra Hart and Talk of Texas’ Wells Dunbar.
