Texas Standard

12/16/2025

Records obtained by The Texas Tribune show how universities are using the technology to reshape curriculum under political pressure, raising concerns about academic freedom.

Records obtained by The Texas Tribune show how universities are using the technology to reshape curriculum under political pressure, raising concerns about academic freedom.

12/16/2025

The formation of the Western Hemisphere Command is intended to bolster the Administration’s military priorities, including border security and targeting suspected drug cartels in the Caribbean.

The formation of the Western Hemisphere Command is intended to bolster the Administration's military priorities, including border security and targeting suspected drug cartels in the Caribbean.

12/16/2025

Pest specialists are still searching for ways to manage the pasture mealybug.

Pest specialists are still searching for ways to manage the pasture mealybug.

12/16/2025

The Texas Education Agency is replacing the elected school boards of Beaumont, Connally and Lake Worth ISDs after campuses in each district posted five consecutive failing ratings. The move is required under state law, but critics argue TEA takeovers are becoming more frequent and disruptive for families.

The three interventions come after the state’s education agency announced plans to take over Fort Worth ISD in October.

12/16/2025

A year after the state blocked transgender Texans from updating their state IDs, it has collected information on more than 100 people who have tried. Officials won’t say what they’re using the list for.

A year after the state blocked transgender Texans from updating their state IDs, it has collected information on more than 100 people who have tried. Officials won’t say what they’re using the list for.

12/16/2025

Joe Ely never broke out into the mainstream, but has been a beloved Texas treasure for five decades. His death Monday at age 78 brought tributes from fans and fellow musicians alike.

Joe Ely never broke out into the mainstream, but has been a beloved Texas treasure for five decades. His death Monday at age 78 brought tributes from fans and fellow musicians alike.

12/16/2025

Billy Henry helps bring the stars within reach in his role as the host of StarDate, which airs on public radio stations across the country.

He sat down with Texas Standard during our broadcast from the McDonald Observatory to talk about what he’s learned and what he thinks of when he looks up at the night sky.

He's the third host of the long-running science program.

12/15/2025

Adult education programs across Texas faced months of uncertainty this year as federal funding was delayed. In Caldwell, a local library leaned on volunteers and community support to keep classes running.

The library in Caldwell, Texas, runs adult ed classes with a small budget. It could be a model for more communities in the future.

12/15/2025

What was a high point of this year for you — big or small?

What was a low you’re glad to leave behind?

12/12/2025

Tamales and the holiday season go hand in hand, especially here in Texas. And though the corn husk may reign supreme in most homes, the banana leaf variety is coming for that crown.

"Tamales are not easy to make. And it takes a whole community, a whole family."

12/11/2025

Plasma donations power a global medical supply chain, but many donors rely on compensation to get by.

A new report looks at the economics behind a growing industry.

The world’s supply of many life-saving medications depends on people in the United States deciding to sell their blood plasma. Without them, there would be a global shortage of critical medications and a public health crisis. But what does it take to be a supplier of this indispensable resource?

12/11/2025

Netflix is killing mobile casting, and Plex is tightening features too — signaling a bigger shift in how streaming platforms control access.

The streaming service no longer allows you to beam Netflix content from a mobile device to your TV.