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In the latest news from Texas Standard on Thursday, November 14, 2024, President Trump has chosen Texan John Ratcliffe as his nominee for CIA director. Ratcliffe, who previously served as director of national intelligence, is set to lead the Central Intelligence Agency once confirmed. With a background as a U.S. attorney and congressman, Ratcliffe brings a wealth of experience to the role.

Meanwhile, Texas lawmakers are gearing up for a debate over the placement of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has vowed to introduce legislation in 2025 mandating the display of the commandments in every Texas public school. This move may face challenges following a court ruling against a similar requirement in Louisiana, which is expected to be appealed to the Supreme Court.

In other news, AeroGarden, a popular indoor gardening tech company, is closing its doors despite a surge in demand during the pandemic. Tech expert Omar Gallaga joins the discussion to shed light on this development.

A new podcast titled “24 Hours in Austin” from KUT News provides insights into the bustling city life even during the late hours when most residents are asleep. The podcast aims to explore what happens in Austin around the clock and what it reveals about the city and its inhabitants.

Moreover, there is talk of creating an Appalachian-style trail in Texas known as the xTx or cross-Texas Trail. This ambitious project aims to offer hikers a challenging and scenic route similar to the iconic Appalachian Trail. Charlie Gandy, the driving force behind this initiative, shares more details about the proposed trail.

On a different note, a family in Princeton is facing displacement due to the expansion of Highway 380. While many residents welcome the highway expansion to alleviate traffic congestion, some families like the one interviewed by KERA’s Pablo Arauz Peña are directly impacted by the project.

Lastly, Alexandra Hart from the Texas Newsroom provides a state roundup, and Shelly Brisbin brings the Talk of Texas to the audience. If you appreciate the news coverage provided by Texas Standard and KUT, consider making a donation to support their work in delivering valuable information to the community. Your contribution goes a long way in sustaining quality journalism on platforms like texasstandard.org and KUT.org. Thank you for considering a donation today.