Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025:
Texas’ response to the measles outbreak
The number and geographic distribution of measles cases in Texas continues to grow, as has the number of people hospitalized. How fast is the disease spreading, and how should Texans who are concerned for their safety, and that of their children, respond?
Dr. Jennifer Shuford, Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, joins us with the latest.
How Tesla drivers, and those around them, feel right now
For years, Tesla CEO Elon Musk was politically neutral – or even leaned left. Now, he’s aligned himself with the conservative right and tied himself tightly to Donald Trump. He’s also the face of the dramatic cuts being made by the Department of Government Efficiency.
So now, people who bought Teslas years back, out of a concern for the environment or a badge of their liberal leanings, are feeling some kind of way about what they think of the man so closely tied to the brand.
The Texas Newsroom’s Lauren McGaughy checked in on Tesla and Cybertruck drivers
Will teachers get a raise this session?
Gov. Greg Abbott named raising teacher pay as one of seven priority items for lawmakers this year. While it’s uncertain which education-related bills will get across the finish line, legislation has been filed in the Texas House and Senate to increase teacher pay. These two priority bills include three different methods for giving teachers a raise.
KUT’s Becky Fogel explores the potential impact of each.
‘This is going to be my magnum opus’: UT Austin student self-publishes first novel
Osawese Agbonkonkon, a men’s track and field star, started writing his book, “Psychic Suit,” at age 13. We’ll hear more from the Frisco native.
Defense secretary signals climate change-related budget cuts
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth says the military will trim 8% from its budget in each of the next five years. But experts say the DOD needs to be planning for climate change years in advance.
Jay Price of the American Homefront Project reports.
What’s affecting El Paso’s air quality?
So far in 2025, daily particulate matter pollution is the highest it’s been for this time of year in El Paso since at least 2000, according to figures collected by a federal air quality monitor.
But why is that? Diego Mendoza-Moyers, who covers energy and the environment for El Paso Matters, will tell us.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Shelly Brisbin with the Talk of Texas.
