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4 weeks ago | 
texasstandard.org | Marcheta Fornoff |Gabby Munoz
From KERA News:Jon Suder is one of a dwindling number of Americans who recently bought a new piano. He wasn’t planning to. The Fort Worth attorney still beams with pride when showing off the 1922 Steinway baby grand that he and his siblings took lessons on as kids. But Suder is a big supporter of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, even hosting competitors in his home. Steinway & Sons moves pianos into every host family home, so the competitors can practice.
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1 month ago | 
texasstandard.org | Andrew Schneider |Gabby Munoz
From Houston Public Media:The Texas House on Sunday passed Senate Bill 10, a measure requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in every public-school classroom in the state. The bill now returns to the Senate for concurrence, following a last-minute perfecting amendment the Senate participated in writing. It would then advance to the desk of Gov. Greg Abbott, who is expected to sign it into law.
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Feb 27, 2025 | 
texasstandard.org | Charles Maynes |Gabby Munoz |Joanna Kakissis |Eleanor Beardsley |Anton Shtuka
Thousands of civilians have been killed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. Ukrainians want the war to end, but not on Russia’s terms. That would be rewarding the aggressor, they say, and an unequal peace deal could lead to more war. Yet Russia’s bargaining power has increased with President Trump returning to the White House last month. Trump came to office with vows to end the war quickly — and he is acting on them.
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Jan 16, 2025 | 
texasstandard.org | Gabby Munoz
The Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, a case that revolves around a Texas law requiring websites to verify the ages of people seeking adult content, such as pornography. Free speech advocates and members of the adult entertainment industry sued to block the law and are being represented by the ACLU. The case has broad implications for the First Amendment, as well as for similar laws in other states.
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Jan 15, 2025 | 
texasstandard.org | Gabby Munoz
Texas prisons were so short-staffed in 2023, the state had to shuttle correctional officers to far-flung facilities where guard shifts couldn’t be filled locally. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice bill for hotels and travel meals that year came to nearly $14 million, double what it was the year before.
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Jan 15, 2025 | 
texasstandard.org | Gabby Munoz
Here’s what’s coming up on Texas Standard for Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. Listen on your Texas public radio station, or ask your smart speaker to play Texas Standard. Check back later today for updated story links and audio. The Texas House has a new speakerAfter weeks of infighting among Texas House Republicans over who would lead their chamber this legislative session, Dustin Burrows has won the role of House speaker.
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Jan 14, 2025 | 
texasstandard.org | Gabby Munoz
On Jenny Cudd’s 11 acres in the Texas Hill Country, January 6 is commemorated a little differently, perhaps, than in other parts of the country. To mark the day when supporters of Donald Trump overran the United States Capitol disrupting the certification of the 2020 election results, the property displayed a sign reading “Happy Patriots Day!”The property is planned to have five houses meant to help those charged with crimes during the 2021 insurrection get back on their feet after serving time.
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Jan 14, 2025 | 
texasstandard.org | Gabby Munoz
As Texas lawmakers gather in Austin for the kickoff of the 89th legislative session Tuesday, one question looms large over almost every single discussion they’ll have over new legislation: How much is it going to cost? Whether it’s school vouchers, property tax relief or infrastructure improvements, funding needs to be allocated to make many laws a reality.
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Jan 14, 2025 | 
texasstandard.org | Gabby Munoz
A Texas Standard listener wanted to know more about hover flies – also sometimes called flower flies or syrphid flies because they’re in the family Syrphidae – particularly why they buzz like a bee. Wizzie Brown, our go-to insect expert, said that for any insect, the buzzing sounds are created by the wings – essentially displacement of the air by the wings. “If you think about smaller insects, they’re going to beat their wings more quickly.
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Jan 13, 2025 | 
texasstandard.org | Gabby Munoz
This Week In Texas Music History is supported by Brane Audio. On Jan. 18, 1968, Vietnamese singer Bach Yen cut a 45 single for Sonobeat Records in Austin. Formed by father and son team Bill Josey Sr. and Bill Josey Jr., Sonobeat was one of Austin’s earliest successful indie labels, capturing such late ’60s local acts as the Sweetarts, Lavender Hill Express, and the Conqueroo.
