Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024:
Cold front sweeps through Texas ahead of holiday travel
A cold front has brought a chill to Texas, with temperatures dropping fast. How will the freeze affect road safety and holiday travel plans in the coming days? Patricia Sanchez, a forecaster at the Fort Worth office of the National Weather Service, joins the Standard with the latest forecast and precautions for travelers:
GOP divisions over Texas House speaker race
With the Texas Legislature reconvening in January, Republicans remain divided over who should serve as the next House speaker. The majority back Rep. David Cook of Mansfield, while a sizable faction prefers Rep. Dustin Burrows of Lubbock. Both are conservative, but what sets them apart? And why are Republicans at odds?
The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey explains what’s at stake.
Austin’s vacant land purchases raise questions
Since 2020, Austin has spent millions acquiring roughly 60 acres of land, with the goal of putting affordable housing on it – yet much of it sits unused. What are the city’s plans for these properties?
KUT’s Audrey McGlinchy reports on the future of these high-dollar purchases.
Mystery aircraft sightings spark alarm in northeastern states
For over a month, mysterious aircraft have been sighted across northeastern states, raising concerns of foreign surveillance or government activity. Officials promise investigations but warn citizens against taking action themselves.
Omar Gallaga, who has written about the sightings for CNET, joins Texas Standard with the details.
Remembering Melinda Wickman Swearingen, ‘the Annie Leibovitz of outlaw country’
Photographer Melinda Wickman Swearingen, who died earlier this year, captured evocative images of outlaw country musicians. Her work will soon be on display at the Wittliff Collections at Texas State University.
Hector Saldaña, curator of the Texas Music Collection at the Wittliff, joins the Standard to share Swearingen’s story.
Austin med students help homeless residents access healthcare
Affordable and consistent healthcare is often out of reach for people experiencing homelessness. In Austin, a group of medical students is stepping in to fill the gap.
KUT’s Olivia Aldridge reports on their efforts to make healthcare more accessible.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
