Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Monday, March 3, 2025:
The latest on school funding at the Texas Legislature
We’re keeping a close eye on the state Legislature’s actions when it comes to school funding and the increase proposed per student across the state.
We’ll hear more from Blaise Gainey, who covers the statehouse for The Texas Newsroom and joins us every Monday for a look at the week ahead at the Legislature.
Troops may return to Big Bend National Park
For the first time in nearly 30 years, active-duty military personnel could patrol Big Bend National Park. Talks between park leaders and the Department of Defense’s Northern Command are stirring concerns with locals and some onlookers.
Sam Karas with The Big Bend Sentinel explains what’s at stake.
How Texas’ oil country is changing
“Phases and Stages: The Texas Energy Story” is a podcast from UT Austin’s Energy Institute hosted by Andy Uhler. In advance of the podcast’s latest episode, Uhler joins the Standard with a sneak preview:
Remembering the San Antonio migrant tragedy
Over two years after 53 migrants died in an abandoned tractor-trailer in San Antonio, Texas Monthly contributor Elliot Woods has connected with survivors and families still grappling with the aftermath of one of the deadliest smuggling disasters in U.S. history. He joins Texas Standard with the story.
This week in Texas music history
Jason Mellard with The Center for Texas Music History at Texas State University has the story of country bandleader Jimmy Heap.
Austin ISD revives historic Pease Elementary
After sitting vacant for nearly five years, Austin’s Pease Elementary will reopen as a childcare center run by United Way for Greater Austin.
KUT’s Becky Fogel reports on the district’s plan to repurpose the historic building.
Lawmakers respond to Texas’ largest wildfire
One year after the Smokehouse Creek Fire scorched over a million acres, Texas lawmakers are pushing bills to reduce wildfire risks and bolster firefighting resources.
Jayme Lozano Carver from The Texas Tribune breaks down the proposed legislation.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
