Texas Standard on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, brought a variety of interesting stories to its listeners.
Firstly, there was a significant development in the case of Robert Roberson, a Texas death row inmate. Lawmakers intervened to delay his execution after new evidence suggested he may be innocent of the 2002 murder of his 2-year-old daughter. State Rep. Brian Harrison shed light on this unprecedented legal move.
In another news, the Alamo has introduced guided tours in Spanish for the first time, aiming to make the landmark more accessible and diverse for visitors from around the world. This initiative is part of an effort to broaden the storytelling at the historic site.
A major announcement was made regarding the State Highway 288 toll road in Texas. The Texas Department of Transportation plans to repurchase the toll road from Blueridge Transportation Group for $1.7 billion. Josephine Lee from the Texas Observer explained the rationale behind this expensive decision.
Additionally, a new podcast called The Texas Whiskey Trail explores the growing whiskey scene in Texas, showcasing distilleries from various regions of the state. Hosted by Mando Rayo and Chloe Bertrand, the podcast delves into the craft and culture of Texas whiskey.
The film “Bookworm,” directed by Ant Timpson and starring Elijah Wood, made its debut at Fantastic Fest and is set for a wider release on Oct. 18. The movie follows a girl and her father on a quest to find a mythical panther in New Zealand, blending adventure with the supernatural.
Furthermore, the Typewriter Rodeo crew presented another custom poem, inviting listeners to suggest topics for future creations. The week in Texas politics was recapped by James Barragán from The Texas Tribune, providing insights into the latest political developments in the state.
To conclude the broadcast, Alexandra Hart from the Texas Newsroom delivered a state roundup, and Wells Dunbar shared the Talk of Texas segment. If you appreciate the reporting by Texas Standard and KUT, consider making a donation to support their work in providing valuable news and stories to the community. Your contribution helps sustain the efforts of texasstandard.org and KUT.org. Thank you for considering a donation today.