Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025:
Texas Senate fast-tracks teacher pay raise after school voucher vote
Gov. Greg Abbott made education-related bills a priority in his State of the State address, pushing for both school vouchers and higher teacher pay. The Texas Senate quickly approved the voucher bill, and today, lawmakers are holding a hearing on raising teacher salaries.
KUT News education reporter Becky Fogel has more on the details of the proposal.
What ACA budget cuts mean for Texas
The Trump administration’s first month has brought big funding cuts to several programs, including a major reduction to the Affordable Care Act Navigator program. What does this mean for Texans who rely on it?
Walter Moreau, executive director of Austin-based nonprofit Foundation Communities, joins us with insight.
The danger of lithium-ion battery disposal
A fire at a San Antonio metal recycling plant last year was traced back to a lithium-ion battery – one that never should have been there. As these batteries become more common, Texas Public Radio’s Josh Peck reports on the risks they pose and the need for more awareness.
Can Reddit survive the internet’s changing landscape?
Reddit has grown steadily since mid-2023, with 365 million weekly active users. But with its recent IPO, plans for paywalled content, and a flood of AI-generated posts, the platform faces new challenges.
Our tech expert Omar Gallaga, who wrote about Reddit’s future for CNET, joins us to break it down.
A hidden BBQ gem in Texas? Daniel Vaughn says yes
Texans love sharing their favorite under-the-radar barbecue spots, but how often do they actually live up to the hype? Texas Monthly BBQ editor Daniel Vaughn recently discovered a standout: Weavers BBQ. He tells us where it is and why it’s worth the trip.
Texas gets its infrastructure report card
Every four years, the American Society of Civil Engineers grades the nation’s infrastructure. This week, the ASCE Texas Section released its latest report on the state’s roads, bridges, dams and more.
Austin Messerli, co-chair of the report, breaks down Texas’ grades.
Lawsuit challenges federal wildlife trapping in Texas
The Center for Biological Diversity is suing the USDA to stop its wildlife trapping and killing program in Texas. The lawsuit, filed in San Antonio federal court, argues the program should be re-evaluated based on updated science, particularly concerning mountain lions and black bears.
Attorney Tala DiBenedetto joins the show with what’s at stake.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
