Tonight, the stage is set for the highly anticipated debate between Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and his Democratic challenger, Colin Allred, at the WFAA Studios in Dallas. With national attention focused on this race, the Cook Political Report has re-ranked it as more competitive, although polls still indicate Cruz holds a slight lead. Blaise Gainey, state Capitol reporter for the Texas Newsroom, provides a preview of what to expect in this crucial debate.
In an effort to streamline the college application process for Texas students, a new tool has been introduced. This tool allows students to see which state public universities would accept them based on their credentials before they even submit an application. The goal is to simplify the application process and remove any barriers that may deter students from applying. Kate McGee, who covers higher education for The Texas Tribune, explains how the Direct Admissions tool works and the benefits it offers to students.
The WNBA finals are currently underway, with the New York Liberty set to take on the Minnesota Lynx in Minneapolis. This season has seen record attendance and TV ratings, showcasing the significant progress the league has made. The roots of women’s professional basketball can be traced back to the late ’70s when the Women’s Professional Basketball League debuted with teams like the Houston Angels, who were the league’s inaugural champions. Danielle Lerner, a sports reporter for the Houston Chronicle, discusses the legacy of the Houston Angels and the evolution of women’s professional basketball.
As Hispanic Heritage Month continues, Texas Standard highlights trailblazers across the state, including artist Stephanie Bergara. Bergara, based in Austin, has spent the past decade honoring the legacy of the Queen of Tejano, Selena, while establishing her own reputation in the art world. Jerry Quijano of KUT shares Bergara’s journey as she closes one chapter and embarks on a new chapter in her career.
In the 1970s, the Texas Farm Workers Union embarked on a remarkable 1,600-mile march from Austin to Washington, D.C. to raise awareness of the challenges faced by agricultural workers. This march was a powerful demonstration aimed at amplifying the voices of farmworkers and advocating for change. Raul Alonzo, a digital producer for Texas Standard, speaks with individuals who participated in this historic march as part of a three-part series on the union’s efforts.
During times of natural disasters like Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, volunteer amateur radio operators play a crucial role in maintaining communication channels. These operators ensure that vital information continues to flow, especially when conventional systems may fail. Jerry Clayton of Texas Public Radio, who is also an amateur radio operator, reports from San Antonio on the invaluable contribution of these volunteers in disaster response.
In addition to these stories, Alexandra Hart provides a state roundup from the Texas Newsroom, and Wells Dunbar shares the Talk of Texas. If you appreciate the reporting featured in this article, please consider making a donation to support it. Your contribution helps sustain the quality journalism found on texasstandard.org and KUT.org. Thank you for considering a donation today.