Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025:
Abbott’s political muscle puts his agenda on fast track in Legislature
Gov. Greg Abbott’s State of the State speech laid out his policy priorities, including school vouchers, property tax relief and new bail restrictions. The governor spent last election cycle trying to oust anti-voucher Republicans, but some remain in the Legislature.
What does it mean for Abbott’s priorities? James Barragán of The Texas Tribune joins us to break it all down.
Arlington approves its first new gas drilling site in over a decade
For the first time since 2012, Arlington is getting a new gas drilling site. The city council unanimously approved the project, which will add 10 new gas wells. But the move has sparked outrage from residents, particularly families with children at nearby schools and a childcare center.
Inside Climate News reporter Dylan Baddour has been following the story.
Texas sees rise in bird flu outbreaks, with millions of chickens affected
The CDC reports nearly 1,500 bird flu outbreaks across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, with Texas seeing its fair share. Public health officials are monitoring the situation closely, especially after human cases and one death linked to bird flu were reported.
Jayme Lozano Carver of The Texas Tribune joins us with the latest.
Elon Musk primarily relying on young, inexperienced engineers for government restructuring
Elon Musk has announced plans to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development with President Trump’s approval. Musk says the move is part of a broader push to streamline bureaucracy, but the decision has sparked backlash.
Musk currently sits at the helm of the self-styled Department of Government Efficiency, where he’s using a team of young engineers to reshape the government. WIRED reporter Vittoria Elliott broke the story and joins the Standard with more.
What does the Farmer’s Almanac say about Texas’ forecast?
With temps hitting the 80s, Texans are in shorts while the nation’s most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, predicts six more weeks of winter. Texas’ own weather-predicting critters – Beaumont’s Big Al and Bee Cave Bob – aren’t as sure.
What does the Farmer’s Almanac say? Brandi Addison of the USA Today Network has been checking the long-range forecast.
Does DEI actually help businesses?
In his State of the State speech, Gov. Greg Abbott touched on a range of issues, including education and property taxes. But he also addressed diversity, equity and inclusion, a topic that’s been under increasing scrutiny.
Supporters say DEI programs boost diversity and improve business outcomes – but do they? Bloomberg economist and columnist Allison Schrager joins us with her analysis.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
