Texas Standard

May 3, 2025

Texas Extra: Amy Lee Nelson on her new film, Texas music, and her dad

This week, Willie Nelson celebrated his 92nd birthday. Last weekend, the latest film he served as executive producer on had its debut. It screened at the Dallas International Film Festival and it was co-directed by his daughter, Amy. This is an extended interview with her about the film, “King of the Roadies.” It’s about the […]

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May 2, 2025

Judge rules Trump’s use of Alien Enemies Act was unlawful

A South Texas ruling prevents the deportation of some detainees. What it means for the Trump administration’s strategy.Houston’s large Afghan population is closely watching efforts to unwind programs providing them legal status in the U.S. Why many say they can’t return to their home country.Some Texans will be headed to the polls tomorrow for local […]

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May 1, 2025

Farmers in Texas face mounting losses as lawmakers propose relief

An $8 billion funding bill for public schools has passed the Texas House. But is it enough? Where lawmakers stand on education spending.After a string of weather disasters, a bill could bring financial relief to impacted farmers.A new book, “Rethinking Medications: Truth, Power, and the Drugs You Take,” examines a shift in trust over federal […]

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April 30, 2025

UT System bans drag shows, but students push back

Texans weigh in on everything from artificial intelligence to the economic outlook. What a new poll tells us about the state of the state.We’ll also dig into consumer spending, and what the latest information from credit card companies does and doesn’t tell us about consumer confidence.Creeks and watering holes are a beloved aspect of Central […]

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April 29, 2025

100 Days, Two Americas: A Texas Standard / California Newsroom Special

We’ve been here before, but this time feels different. President Donald Trump has rounded out 100 days in office, but getting a grasp of this moment in our country’s history is a challenge. Whether what’s unfolding is good or bad depends on where you look, and who you ask. This hour, we’re getting a snapshot […]

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April 28, 2025

Questions remain after death of man in Dallas County jail

Though a voucher-like plan has passed in Texas, lawmakers are far from done with education-related changes. What’s still on the legislative docket? Just about a month left before scheduled sine die at the Texas capitol, Andrew Schneider of Houston Public Media shares some of the less well-known school-related measures lawmakers are considering.In other news, a […]

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April 25, 2025

After yearslong fight, school voucher bill clears Legislature

A measure long sought by Texas Republicans is now on its way to the governor’s desk: A voucher-like plan to use public dollars to pay for private education. We’ll get details from Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom. A massive plan was once proposed to keep Texas from running out of water in the late […]

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April 24, 2025

How Texas schools fared in long-awaited TEA accountability grades

After lawsuits and a long delay, the Texas Education Agency releases rankings for schools in the Lone Star State. The school rankings are more than just an indicator of how well students are doing, they can have ripple effects on the schools themselves, as well as on housing prices and more. KERA’s Bill Zeeble joins […]

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