Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, April 9, 2025:
Texas measles outbreaks continues to grow
West Texas is in the midst of a still-growing measles outbreak, with 505 cases reported this week. Olivia Aldridge, who covers healthcare for our home station, KUT News, joins Texas Standard with an update:
The Texas House lags the Senate – by a lot
The Texas Legislature is more than halfway through its 140-day session, but the House has passed fewer than 10 bills – compared to over 200 from the Senate.
The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey looked into what’s slowing things down in the lower chamber.
Since Texas legalized hemp products, the industry has taken off. But Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is now pushing to shut it down, claiming intoxicating products like Delta 8 and Delta 9 comprise a public health crisis.
Critics say the move would destroy small businesses. Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports.
W.F. Strong’s top Texas euphemisms
We’ve all heard euphemisms, and Texans seem to be especially expert. So-and-so is “no longer with us.” Or perhaps, a double barrel like “we’re downsizing; we’ll have to let you go.”
Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong has been reflecting on some of his favorite ways of saying things without, really saying them.
Living near oil and gas wells linked to childhood leukemia
New research out of Colorado finds that kids who live near oil and gas drilling sites face a higher risk of leukemia. We’ll hear from study lead author Lisa McKenzie, associate professor at the Colorado School of Public Health.
‘Time Passages’ defies description – and that’s the point
Director Kyle Henry’s new film is hard to pin down. It’s part documentary, part memory collage – and completely mesmerizing.
Henry, who grew up in Houston and studied at UT Austin and Rice University, joins us to talk about “Time Passages.”
TSA warns REAL ID enforcement starting May 7 could cause long lines and confusion at airports
Starting May 7, you’ll need a REAL ID to fly domestically or enter federal buildings. You can spot it by the star in the upper-right corner of your license.
As KUT’s Nathan Bernier reports, TSA is warning of possible airport confusion.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
