Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025:
A glance at the top-line issues this Legislature
From the speaker’s race to marijuana, Texas Newsroom investigative reporter and editor Lauren McGaughy and Capitol reporter Blaise Gainey break down the issues they’re keeping an eye on as Jan. 14 approaches.
Some Texas public school leaders take a different tone on vouchers; advocates hold firm
With Texas’ legislative session starting this month, school funding and voucher-like programs are back in the spotlight.
Camille Phillips from Texas Public Radio reports on the latest in this ongoing debate.
Texas lawmakers set to take up fight over Ten Commandments in public schools
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has pledged to pass legislation in 2025 that would mandate the placement of the Ten Commandments in every public-school classroom in Texas. Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports the future of any such policy in Texas could be affected by a Louisiana case where courts ruled against the state’s requirement. Louisiana is likely to appeal, setting up a potential Supreme Court fight.
Saving maternal care in rural Texas
With nearly half of Texas counties lacking maternity care services, rural mothers face daunting hurdles. Eleanor Klibanoff of The Texas Tribune explores new efforts to tackle this growing crisis.
She joins Texas Standard to discuss how the state can restore critical health care access for rural women.
Checking in with rural Texas ahead of the legislative session
Texas has more rural residents than any other state, with 4.8 million people living outside urban areas. As lawmakers prepare for the 2025 session, rural leaders are voicing hopes and challenges for their communities.
Stamford Mayor James Decker shares insights on what’s needed for small-town Texas.
How does the Legislature work and who is in the chamber? What you need to know
Texas Newsroom investigative reporter and editor Lauren McGaughy and Capitol reporter Blaise Gainey return with a who’s who and breakdown of processes ahead of the Legislature gaveling in.
