Here’s the Texas Standard article for Friday, December 6, 2024:
Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan declines re-election as leader
Dade Phelan’s withdrawal from the Texas House speaker race, newly announced this morning, is a pivotal moment for the state’s Republican Party. The race to fill the speaker’s seat has already begun, with candidates from the party’s right wing in the fray.
For more, Blaze Gainey, state politics reporter for the Texas Newsroom, has joined the Texas Standard.
Desert bighorn sheep return to Franklin Mountains
Desert bighorn sheep are roaming El Paso’s Franklin Mountains again. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department released 80 animals into their historic range, marking a major milestone in recovering species wiped out in Texas by disease and uncontrolled hunting.
KTEP’s Angela Kocherga reports from Franklin Mountain State Park.
Patrick calls for a complete ban on the sale of THC products in Texas
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said he will seek a statewide ban on the sale of all consumable THC products in the next legislative session. Andrew Schneider of Houston Public Media reports that Patrick’s efforts could face fierce opposition.
Rising home insurance costs threaten Texas homeowners
As property tax bills arrive in the mailbox, many Texans are facing another financial hurdle: rising home insurance premiums. Texas has the most expensive insurance in the nation, forcing homeowners to pay more for less coverage, according to a Houston Chronicle analysis.
The Chronicle’s Texas politics and economics reporter Megan Kimball talks about the growing crisis.
Why is it taking so long to expand broadband in Texas?
Despite more than $5 billion in federal and state funding to improve high-speed internet access in underserved Texas, little progress has been made. The Texas Tribune investigated the broadband project’s delays and uncovered bureaucratic roadblocks and other challenges.
Reporter Jamie Lozano Carver joins the Standard to explain the holdup.
UT’s turtle pond comes out of its shell.
The UT Austin Tower is a landmark known for its glowing orange lights and clock chime. Despite its vibrant surroundings, the quiet reserve to the north is the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle.
Texas Standard’s Laura Rice takes us to this peaceful region and explores how it is evolving amid changes on campus.
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.
All of this is joined by Texas Newsroom’s State Director Alexandra Hart and Talk of Texas’ Wells Dunbar.
