Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Navy destroyer headed to the southern border region
Shortly after President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the Pentagon sent 1,000 Army personnel and 500 Marines to the southern border. Now, the Navy is sending assets to the region as well.
The USS Gravely is a destroyer equipped with guided missiles and torpedoes that takes more than 300 sailors to operate. Justin Katz, who covers the Navy and Marine Corps for the website Breaking Defense, joins the Standard to discuss.
DPS tracks changes to sex on driver’s licenses
The Department of Public Safety has been tracking every time someone makes a request to change the sex listed on their driver’s license. In some cases, DPS tracked when someone just asked for information about changing their sex.
This is according to exclusive reporting from The Texas Newsroom’s investigative reporter and editor, Lauren McGaughy. We’ll hear from her today.
San Antonio park for kids of all abilities expands
Morgan’s, a San Antonio-based nonprofit, creates accessibility opportunities for children and adults with special needs and their families. Morgan’s received worldwide attention for its inclusive theme park. It’s also created an accessible salon and sports park. Texas Public Radio’s Jackie Velez reports.
Five years after COVID-19, vaccination rates are down
When vaccines were developed for COVID-19, many people lined up to get them, eager for the promise of returning some normalcy to their lives. But now, five years after the first cases of the virus in Texas, vaccination rates for COVID, flu, and a range of other illnesses are at their lowest point in years. KUT’s Olivia Aldridge reports.
Working the Texas top 50 BBQ list
Texas Monthly BBQ Editor Daniel Vaughn explains how he and his team find and choose the list of top 50 BBQ places in the state.
Austin high school students produce “Our Generation” podcast
Jenica Panicker and Maya Kalidindi are seniors at Westlake High School in Austin. Their podcast “Our Generation,” about youth culture and wellness, just posted its 12th episode. The two podcasters join us for a discussion.
Microsoft will charge for AI access in Notes and Paint
If you use AI features in Windows as part of Microsoft apps Notepad and Paint, those tools are about to cost you. Soon, you’ll need a Microsoft 365 subscription to use AI within these otherwise-free apps.
Is this change a warning that the days of free personal access to AI tools on your computer or phone are coming to an end? Our tech expert Omar Gallaga checks in with an update.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Shelly Brisbin with the Talk of Texas.
