The recent entrance of Kamala Harris and running mate Tim Walz into the presidential race has brought a new energy to the Democratic party. Brandon Rottinghaus, a professor of political science at the University of Houston, discusses the significant shift in tone on the left in recent weeks.
A new survey conducted by the University of Houston and Texas Southern University has revealed that 90% of Texans believe that housing costs in Texas are too high, indicating a bipartisan concern over the housing affordability crisis in the state. Mark Jones, a senior research fellow at the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs, joins the discussion on whether this shared concern will lead to legislative action.
Employees at the outdoor retailer REI in Austin have accused management of union-busting and ignoring workplace sexual harassment. The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union has filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board as a result. Audrey Goff, a worker and union committee member at the downtown Austin REI, shares the employee perspective on the situation.
The Big Tex Choice Awards at the State Fair of Texas have announced their top 10 food finalists, including creative flavors such as nachos, sweet and savory bacon, and various fried delights. Penelope Rivera with KERA North Texas provides a taste of the fair’s menu, starting with the Tran family’s Tropical Two-Step Punch.
With the surge in vaping among minors, schools are facing a growing challenge in addressing this issue on campus. Jennifer Cofer, executive director of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s EndTobacco Program, discusses the significant uptick in e-cigarette use among students, even middle schoolers.
Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo, star of the prison-set drama-within-a-drama “Sing Sing,” joins the Standard to talk about his role as inmate theater leader Divine G and his experience meeting his real-life counterpart.
The Typewriter Rodeo gang delivers another custom poem, and Texas Tribune political reporter James Barragán recaps the week in Texas politics. Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas also provide additional insights into the diverse stories covered on Texas Standard.
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