Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025.
Trump executive order targets cashless bail
Cashless bail allows people charged with certain nonviolent misdemeanors to await trial without posting money they may not have – a policy supporters call basic fairness, but critics say may encourage flight from justice.
President Trump signed an order Monday threatening to withhold federal funds from states or cities that allow it. That includes Houston, which has used a version since 2019.
The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez joins the Standard with more.
Texas expands film incentives program
A record $1.5 billion will be invested in Texas film incentives over the next decade under a new law that adds $300 million to the program every other year. Supporters – including stars like Matthew McConaughey and Taylor Sheridan – say the funding will boost the state’s profile. Skeptics question whether the money will deliver results.
KERA’s Marcheta Fornoff reports.
Assault penalties extended to protect utility workers
A new Texas law taking effect Sept. 1 will increase penalties for assaulting utility workers, raising the punishment to match that of assaulting a first responder. Lawmakers say the change reflects the risks utility employees face while maintaining critical infrastructure.
Houston Public Media’s Kyle McClenagan reports.
Fort Bend County resists new concrete plants
Fort Bend County is one of the fastest-growing areas in Texas, with the southwest Houston suburb expected to double by 2050. That growth brings demand for new housing, schools, and shopping centers – but also pressure to build more concrete plants. Residents and local officials say the facilities threaten quality of life.
Houston Public Media’s Natalie Weber reports.
San Antonio mulls massive new sports district
A $4 billion development proposal could reshape downtown San Antonio – expanding its convention center, upgrading the Alamodome and building a new arena for the Spurs. Called Project Marvel, the plan relies in part on taxpayer funding. San Antonio City Council just approved a nonbinding term sheet with the Spurs.
Texas Public Radio’s Josh Peck joins the Standard with where the initiative stands.
College football arrives in the Rio Grande Valley
Football has long been central to the culture of the Rio Grande Valley, but college fans have always had to travel hours to see a game. That’s changing with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros, who are launching a Division I football program this season.
The Standard’s Kristen Cabrera reports on how the team hopes to make history.
Trump administration redirects CHIPS Act funds
The CHIPS Act allocated $53 billion to strengthen U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and research, with Texas emerging as a major player. Now, the Trump administration is considering shifting $2 billion from the law into new mineral production programs.
Reuters senior correspondent Ernest Scheyder joins the Standard with more.
