Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, April 23, 2025:
Bill to clarify Texas abortion law advances in Senate
A new bill aimed at clarifying Texas’ abortion law has cleared a Senate committee, with lawmakers adding amendments in response to criticism from both sides of the aisle.
The Texas Tribune’s Eleanor Klibanoff joins the Standard with the latest.
VA budget cuts raise concerns about patient care
The Department of Veterans Affairs is cutting spending, with leaders saying savings will be redirected toward care for veterans. But critics worry that money slashed from VA contracts might not stay within the agency.
Steve Walsh reports from Norfolk for the American Homefront Project.
Houston ISD has half the nurses it did last year
The number of nurses in Houston public schools has dropped by 50% in the past year. The district says it’s not a problem – but public health experts and state lawmakers disagree. Now one representative’s filed a bill that would set requirements.
Houston Public Media’s Colleen DeGuzman reports.
How New York aided the Texas Revolution
Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong has the story of how the Bowery Theatre in New York City, back in 1836, raised money for the Texas Revolution.
Student loan collections are about to resume
Starting May 5, the federal government will restart collections on student loans in default. That means garnishing tax refunds and Social Security checks – a practice that was paused during the pandemic.
Elaine Rubin of Edvisors joins the show to explain what borrowers need to know.
A Texas painter’s influence on the Johnsons’ environmental legacy
Porfirio Salinas’ vivid Hill Country landscapes may have helped inspire President Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird’s environmental legacy.
Alexa Ura explores the artist’s influence in a new piece for Texas Highways titled “The 10 Hues of the Hill Country” and joins us with more.
Life sentences for financial crimes in Texas?
What should the punishment be for nonviolent financial crimes? Prosecutors in one northeast Texas county say it could be up to life in prison. Smith County has sentenced a handful of people convicted of crimes like credit card skimming to life behind bars. Is their approach working?
Houston Chronicle investigative reporter Eric Dexheimer joins the Standard with more.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
