Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, April 16, 2025:
What’s the Roosevelt Reservation, and why does it matter now?
President Trump has signed an executive order allowing the military to take control of the Roosevelt Reservation, a strip of federal land along the U.S.-Mexico border. Why now? And what could this mean for border communities?
Pablo De La Rosa, a journalist based in the Rio Grande Valley, has been following the story for his newsletter, Across the Americas. He joins the show today.
Why advocates are suing over Social Security cuts
Earlier this year, the Social Security Administration said it would cut its workforce by 12%. Now, a coalition of disability rights groups — including the American Association of People with Disabilities — is suing, claiming the cuts will hurt vulnerable Americans.
Texas Public Radio’s Jackie Velez reports on how the changes could hit close to home.
Dallas Street Choir hits a high note with personal stories
The Dallas Street Choir offers more than just music — it offers hope and community for people experiencing homelessness.
KERA’s Zara Amaechi reports on their latest performance, where choir members step into the spotlight to tell their own stories.
SpaceX is now the Pentagon’s favorite ride to orbit
SpaceX just scored nearly $6 billion in military contracts to launch satellites well into the 2030s. That means big business – and possibly more launches – for Texas. What’s the impact on our skies, and what comes next?
Ars Technica space reporter Stephen Clark joins the Standard with more.
WNBA draft sends top pick to Texas
The Dallas Wings just landed star University of Connecticut point guard Paige Bueckers with their No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft. Calm under pressure and already a fan favorite, Bueckers could be the team’s next big star.
Dallas Morning News reporter Myah Taylor joins us with the story behind the pick.
Selena’s birthday is more than a celebration — it’s a legacy
April 16 is Selena Day in Texas, honoring Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, who died 30 years ago. In Corpus Christi, the Selena Museum remains a pilgrimage site for fans.
Texas Standard’s Raul Alonzo visited the museum as part of our Texas Museum Map series.
What a measles outbreak really costs
The health consequences of measles are serious, and in West Texas, the virus has already claimed two lives. But there’s also a steep economic toll when outbreaks strike.
Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies looks at the public health and financial impact of a preventable disease.
A drag queen explains Texas politics, one show at a time
Austin drag performer Brigitte Bandit is blending drag with civics, hosting weekly shows to break down the latest from D.C. and the Texas Capitol. K
UT’s Chelsey Zhu sat in on one of Bandit’s performances — part drag show, part political crash course.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
