After a long wait, the House speaker makes his committee assignments, and some Texas Republicans are none too pleased. We’ll hear the backstory and how it could affect the legislative session going forward.
With the New York Stock Exchange moving part of its operations to Dallas and a separate Texas Stock Exchange in the works, North Texas could soon be home to two major trading hubs. What does this mean for the region’s financial future?
A newly analyzed fossil could help answer a key question about the evolution of modern birds. We’ll hear from one of the researchers.
Plus: An Austin runner is trying to set his second world record this weekend – for fastest marathon while dribbling a basketball.
Cracking the mystery of sea turtles’ ‘lost years’
A new survey gives some strong indications what Texans make of the 47th president and what that portends for Texas Sen. John Cornyn’s re-election prospects.
Apple and Microsoft have followed Google in renaming the Gulf of Mexico on their maps after a Trump executive order. Tech journalist Omar Gallaga explains what’s behind the change, and whether it fits into a broader shift in Silicon Valley.
For decades, scientists have struggled to track young sea turtles between hatching and adulthood. Now, researchers may have some answers.
And: Elon Musk is making headlines in D.C. – but back in Texas, he’s been quietly growing his business empire outside of Austin.
A year after the Smokehouse Creek Fire, recovery is still underway
Concerns are growing about a measles outbreak in West Texas as some legislators push to rollback vaccination requirements.
It appears the threat of cutbacks from the federal government may already be having an effect on health services for veterans.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted targeted enforcement actions in Austin last month, and Hispanic business owners say the impact has been immediate.
And: Nearly one year ago, downed power lines sparked wildfires that ultimately burned more than 1 million acres in the Texas Panhandle. The recovery effort is ongoing today.
Former leader of USAID speaks out against agency cuts
Reports of massive staffing cuts at USAID are rattling the federal bureaucracy and supporters of foreign aid. Andrew Natsios, a Texas A&M professor and a Republican who once served as a USAID administrator, joins the show with his take on the claims of waste and inefficiency at his former agency.
A new historical marker stands outside Rockport building that was once the art studio of Simon Michael – a painter who founded the Fulton School of Painting and played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s artistic community.
Plus: The Standard celebrates our 10th year on the air with a look back at our top 10 film & TV interviews.
Texas Senate passes bill creating school voucher-like program
A bill to let families use taxpayer dollars to cover private school tuition was approved by the Texas Senate, but the debate over the bill’s not done. Next stop: the Texas House.
El Paso has still not recovered from government vacancies dating back to the height of COVID, with growing concerns about how that’s affecting basic services in one of Texas’ biggest cities.
The WNBA season may be months away, but teams are making big moves – signing free agents, making trades and shaking up coaching staffs ahead of 2025.
Spring gardening season is around the corner, but experts say now is not the time to trim your oak trees. February marks the start of oak wilt season, a deadly disease that can devastate trees across Texas.
Why did the Mavericks trade Luka Doncic?
With a de facto North American trade war set to begin tomorrow, Presidents Donald Trump and Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico announce a one-month delay on tariffs in exchange for added troops at the border.
What we learned in Gov. Greg Abbott’s State of the State address, where he announced some unexpected priorities.
And: A surprise deal by the Dallas Mavericks to trade away star Luka Doncic is sending waves of disbelief among Dallas fans and pro basketball nationwide.
Texas secures land for a new state park
A bird flu outbreak noted early in Texas is now a national issue, and concerns are rising about what the federal government plans to do.
From property taxes to THC and more, Lt Gov. Dan Patrick outlines the first batch of 40 legislative priorities for the current Texas legislative session.
Why a fight over mass transit it Dallas could wind up a matter for state lawmakers to untangle.
And: The state has finalized the purchase of a 2,000-acre tract along the Colorado River in Burnet County, next to Colorado Bend State Park.
Reflections from three Holocaust survivors in Texas
President Trump’s long-promised deportation raids get underway in Texas and in other parts of the country. Today, what we know about the weekend operations and what we’re learning.
On this International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Texas Standard’s Sarah Asch brings us the voices and memories of survivors living in Texas.
And: The Texas Senate has unveiled a bill to create a school voucher plan. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey gets us caught up on the plan ahead of a public hearing on Tuesday.
Will Corpus Christi’s water restrictions be enough to stem emergency?
A dramatic move at the Texas Capitol upends a decades-long tradition of power sharing as conservative Republicans succeed in banning Democrats from chairing legislative committees.
The end of the CBP One program for asylum-seekers following President Donald Trump’s inauguration has left many with questions about their future.
And: Growing demand and industrial expansion have left Corpus Christi facing a water emergency.
US military sending troops to southern border
The U.S. military is sending around 1,500 active-duty troops to the country’s southern border, under orders from President Donald Trump. But what will they be doing, exactly, and what are the limits on what they can do?
Half a trillion dollars have been pledged for a new AI venture called Stargate, and the first project is a data center in Abilene.
And: Sherman, Texas, is experiencing a silicon rush, with two massive microchip factories under construction – one by Texas Instruments and another by Global Wafers.
Health and Human Services Commission employees accused in data breach
Parts of Texas that seldom see snow may well see frozen precipitation blanketing beaches tomorrow. We’re keeping watch.
Seven employees of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission have been fired for improperly accessing, and in some cases, stealing, from the accounts of thousands of Texans receiving public assistance.
And: TikTok went dark for U.S. users on Saturday night, hours before a ban on the service was due to take effect. But on Sunday, the service returned, with a message crediting President-elect Trump, who said he would delay the ban. We’ll have the latest.
State targets Allstate data collection practices
We’ll have the latest on a dramatic drop in thermometers statewide and what that could mean for large parts of Texas next week. Also: How some are hoping to protect people experiencing homelessness from the worst of the big freeze.
The incoming Trump administration has vowed to make immigration enforcement a top priority, possibly including mass workplace raids. What this could mean for Texas workers and businesses.
And: After suing General Motors in August over alleged illegal driver data sales, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has now filed a similar lawsuit against Allstate, accusing the insurer of tracking drivers without their knowledge.
Dustin Burrows wins race for Texas House speaker
In a session-opening battle for speaker of the House – one of the most powerful positions in state government – Rep. Dustin Burrows won the role in a blow to a rising faction in the Texas GOP, and a victory for what many call establishment Republicans.
Elon Musk, Texas’ richest resident, is turning his eyes to a vastly different venture: education. Lauren McGaughy of The Texas Newsroom has the story, plus a look at her plans to dig into how Musk’s massive wealth and business ambitions are affecting his new home.
And: As the Standard celebrates our 10th birthday in 2025, we’re kicking off a year of Top 10 lists with a beloved story from commentator W.F. Strong.
What’s a wolf moon?
It’s go-time at the Texas Capitol as the 89th legislative session opens tomorrow, running through June 2. Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom has a preview of what to expect.
War on drugs? Or drug users? How a mass overdose event underscores what critics say is wrong with Texas’ anti-drug strategy.
You’ve heard of a super moon, blood moon, harvest moon. But what exactly is a wolf moon?
Also: an artistic linkup between San Antonio and Havana, Cuba.
Could Houston send water to West Texas?
With temperatures on the rise, beware the temptation to let down your guard: a waning winter storm and what it means for drivers today.
Gov. Greg Abbott is keen on an idea to pipe Houston’s surplus water to drought-stricken West Texas.
With the U.S. inauguration just 10 days away, what’s in store for the relationship between Washington and Mexico City?
Plus: 2025 taco hacks from taco journalist Mando Rayo.
The polar vortex is complicating Northeast Texas farming
Rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow are sweeping across Texas, with the Panhandle and DFW areas bracing for the worst. We’ll have the latest on this week’s forecast – and how it’s complicating life for farmers and ranchers between Dallas and Texarkana.
With the Texas Legislature set to reconvene in a few days, some lawmakers preparing to fight again for Medicaid expansion in Texas.
As the president of UT Austin announces plans to lead Southern Methodist University, a years-long fight between SMU and the United Methodist Church over a potential split is set to reach the Texas Supreme Court in just days.
Also: President-elect Trump is getting pushback from car manufacturers on his plan to roll back EV incentives and mandates.
What to expect as polar vortex hits Texas
We have the latest on what’s shaping up to be the first real winter storm of 2025 in Texas – and we’ll also turn to energy and what the winter weather adds up to for consumers and the industry.
Houston mayor John Whitmire marks one year in office. How’s it going so far?
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that in 2024, Texas gained over half a million new residents, more than any other state.
Iconic Austin venue Antone’s celebrates 50 years of Texas blues. Co-owner Will Bridges and booker Zach Ernst reflect on its legacy and what’s next.
Ted Cruz to chair powerful Senate committee
The FBI now says it believes the suspect in the New Year’s attack in New Orleans acted alone. We’ll have an update on the latest.
Ted Cruz is poised to take over leadership of the powerful Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.
As of Jan. 1, works published in 1929 and sound recordings from 1924 have entered the public domain. The Standard’s Shelly Brisbin shares some notable highlights of what’s now freely accessible.
And: Opposition mounts against an LNG export terminal along the Texas Gulf Coast.
What we know about Texas ties to deadly attack in New Orleans
The FBI has identified the suspect in a deadly terrorist attack in New Orleans as Texas resident Shamsud-Din Jabbar. We’ll have the latest on the rampage that left 15 people dead.
Ahead of next week’s national day of mourning for former President Jimmy Carter, a look at his impact on the Lone Star State.
What steps should lawmakers prioritize in the upcoming legislative session to address the state’s water crisis?
And: Scientists have identified a new bee species found only in Texas and Oklahoma.
A look ahead at the 89th legislative session
As the 89th session of the Texas Legislature looms, here’s a preview of some of the marquee issues that will likely hold the focus of lawmakers.