Texas Standard

01/25/2025

A group of Austin ISD elementary school students is gearing up for their first-ever cheerleading competition.

Meet the district’s youngest cheer team:

The teacher who started the cheer team says it's the only one at an elementary school in Austin ISD. The students say the team has helped them develop all types of skills – from problem solving to toe touches.

01/24/2025

Under Senate Bill 2, families enrolling their children in private school would receive $10,000 per year, or $11,500 if the student has a disability, through what’s called an education savings account.

Under SB 2, families enrolling their children in private school would receive $10,000 per year, or $11,500 if the student has a disability, through what’s called an education savings account. Supporters say it would be “the largest day one ESA program in the nation.”

01/24/2025

17 minutes might seem short, but for one sheriff’s deputy, it’s the difference between life and death.

Texas Public Radio spoke with the cast and crew of “17 Minutes,” a play set in the aftermath of a school shooting.

The Miscast Theatre’s production of "17 Minutes" runs from Jan. 24 to Feb. 8 at the Palo Alto College Performing Arts Center in San Antonio.

01/24/2025

New Texas House rules passed on Thursday prevent members of the minority party from holding influential committee chair positions. This change breaks a long-standing tradition in the chamber — and could signal that a contentious legislative session lies ahead.

New Texas House rules passed on Thursday prevent members of the minority party from holding influential committee chair positions. This change breaks a long-standing tradition in the chamber — and could signal that a contentious legislative session lies ahead.

01/24/2025

Corpus Christi has been trying for years to develop a seawater desalination plant, but its efforts have lagged as big, thirsty industries continue to locate nearby and a five-year drought persists.

The Texas city has been trying for years to develop a seawater desalination plant, but its efforts have lagged as big, thirsty industries continue to locate nearby and a five-year drought persists.

01/24/2025

Howdy y'all, and happy Friday.

What news is top of mind this morning? Let us know!

01/23/2025

As Texans try to keep warm, volunteers are bundling up to go help a population particularly vulnerable to the cold: sea turtles.

South Padre Island-based nonprofit Sea Turtle Inc. says it’s gearing up for a rescue operation as the second cold snap in two weeks threatens turtles with cold stun, a life-threatening condition that can kill the reptiles when temperatures drop too low. https://txst.us/xxgyy8

01/23/2025

There are two massive microchip factories currently under construction between Dallas and Oklahoma – one by Texas Instruments, another by the Taiwanese company Global Wafers. Although the factories aren’t up and running yet, they’ve already helped transform the area around them.

Developers are set to capitalize on the coming population boom.

01/23/2025

A new AI venture called Stargate, launched by OpenAI, Texas-based Oracle and Softbank, was announced at the White House earlier this week.

Promising a $500 billion investment and thousands of jobs, Stargate’s first project is a data center in Abilene.

The new joint venture between OpenAI, Oracle, SoftBank and other partners intends to build the infrastructure needed to greatly expand artificial intelligence in the U.S.

01/23/2025

Oscar nominations are out – and we’re excited to see the attention “Sing Sing” is getting!

Listen to our Q&A with Best Actor nominee Colman Domingo here: https://txst.us/kviybg

01/23/2025

President Trump has declared an "energy emergency" in the U.S. to boost fossil fuels.

But U.S. energy production is currently quite high – making it uncertain how lifting of restrictions will impact what comes out of the ground.

Given current high production levels, it isn’t clear whether reducing regulation and ending a pause on permitting for energy projects will actually boost the industry.

01/22/2025

Among the 88 feature-length films showcased this year at the Sundance Film Festival are at least four with Texas ties. On top of that, there’s an episodic premiere and at least one short film.

Though the devastating California fires are expected to loom large over this year’s festival, filmmakers are still hoping to create the buzz they need to reach broader audiences.

01/22/2025

Libraries are safe spaces for Texans to get information and internet access, but some have also provided mental health services. A program at nine Central Texas libraries is set to end in a few months, and participants are divided on whether it’s worth finding new funding.

While research shows that the peer support model is effective at improving clients’ well-being, experts say that low pay makes it difficult for people to remain in positions or create livable careers.

01/22/2025

The Texas Senate and House each filed their versions of the 2026-2027 state budget today.

The two versions are just a few billion dollars apart. Significantly, both set aside an equal amount to pay for a school vouchers program:

Both proposed budgets earmark $1 billion for a school vouchers program.

01/22/2025

President Trump fulfilled a campaign promise to Libertarian supporters on his second day back in office by pardoning the former creator and owner of an underground e-commerce website known for drug trafficking.

Ulbricht operated the anonymous digital marketplace known as Silk Road when law enforcement arrested him. The pardon fulfills a campaign pledge Trump made to Ulbricht's Libertarian supporters.

01/22/2025

Hump day, or so they say …

What's on your mind y'all?

01/22/2025

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in North Austin started opening its doors to people experiencing homelessness earlier this year. The church aims to have the pop-up shelter up and running anytime the temperature hits 35 degrees or lower.

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in North Austin started opening its doors to people experiencing homelessness earlier this year. The church aims to have the pop-up shelter up and running anytime the temperature hits 35 degrees or lower.

01/22/2025

El Paso’s emerging fashion scene includes recognized designers, fashion students and boutiques that have established a new era for the culture of the borderland.

El Paso's emerging fashion scene includes recognized designers, fashion students and boutiques that have established a new era for the culture of the borderland.