Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Thursday, June 26, 2025:
Civil liberties groups to sue Texas over Ten Commandments classroom law
A new state law will require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every Texas public school classroom, but it’s already facing a legal challenge. Civil liberties groups plan to sue, citing a recent court victory over a similar law in Louisiana.
Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider joins with more.
Just 26% of Texans approve of the Legislature’s job performance
A new poll from the Texas Politics Project finds that only about a quarter of Texans think state lawmakers are doing a good job.
Director Jim Henson of the Texas Politics Project breaks down what’s driving the numbers and where public sentiment is headed.
Sugar Land acquires historic district tied to city’s roots in the sugar industry
Once a company town built around sugar production, Sugar Land is now seeking to preserve its complex history with the city’s acquisition of the Imperial Historic District.
Devon Rodriguez, Sugar Land’s director of redevelopment, explains what that means for the future.
Dallas names lakes after Native American tribes with roots in North Texas
Three lakes along the Trinity River now have new names honoring the area’s original inhabitants.
KERA’s Pablo Arauz Peña reports on the unanimous Dallas City Council vote to rename them the Three Sisters Lakes.
Mexican flags and identity in the U.S.: Mando Rayo reflects on what they mean
Mexican flags are a common sight at homes, businesses – and protests. Mando Rayo, host of the Tacos of Texas podcast, reflects on how growing up in El Paso shaped his understanding of these symbols and their deeper meaning for Latinos in the U.S.
Texas NBA teams dominate draft night, shaking up league dynamics
With the top two picks in the NBA draft going to the Spurs and Mavericks, and the Rockets also landing a big prospects, Texas basketball teams are making major moves.
Texas Public Radio’s Dan Katz reports on how the draft could reshape the NBA’s future.
Vera C. Rubin Observatory may unlock secrets of dark matter
A 3,200-megapixel camera and a sweeping sky survey could help scientists better understand distant galaxies and the nature of dark matter.
Tech writer Omar Gallaga joins to explain what makes the Vera C. Rubin Observatory such a big deal for astronomy.
Austin ISD to vote on plan to improve failing schools
The Austin Independent School District board votes tonight on a plan to improve three middle schools that have gotten consecutive failing grades from the state. The Texas Education Agency will have final say on the turnaround plans it’s requiring for Burnet, Dobie and Webb middle schools.
As KUT News’ Becky Fogel reports, while those plans are based on a model that’s improved student outcomes at other Texas schools, success can be hard to maintain.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
