Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Thursday, May 15, 2025:
Texas may send more juveniles to adult prison, despite DOJ abuse report
Less than a year after a federal report condemned conditions in Texas juvenile prisons, lawmakers are advancing a bill that would impose harsher punishments, including incarceration in adult prisons.
Michele Deitch of UT Austin’s LBJ School joins the Standard to break down the implications.
The humble gavel gets its moment at the Texas Capitol
The wooden mallet that signals order in courtrooms and legislatures alike is a constant presence at the Texas Capitol. But how did the gavel become such a powerful symbol?
The Texas Newsroom’s Nina Banks asked lawmakers about the gavel and its role – practically and symbolically – at the statehouse.
Senate slashes student funding in revisions to education bill
Texas school districts’ best chance of seeing a significant increase in per-student funding now appears unlikely.
Texas Public Radio’s Camille Phillips reports most of the funding that the House planned to direct to school funding is now directed toward teacher pay.
Austin’s progressive art studios center artists with disabilities
For decades, a quiet but growing movement has supported artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Texas Standard’s Sean Saldana visits a progressive East Austin studio helping redefine what inclusion in the art world can look like.
Lubbock barbecue spot keeps family and tradition on the menu
Turning backyard barbecue into a full-blown restaurant isn’t for everyone. But in Lubbock, Jiménez y Friends Barbecue y Taqueria is doing just that – successfully.
Texas Monthly’s Daniel Vaughn shares more.
Carrie Rodriguez and Calexico bring Ameri-Chicana sounds to Austin
Singer-songwriter Carrie Rodriguez describes her music as “Ameri-Chicana” – a blend of Texas roots and Latin influence. Her ongoing project Laboratorio brings together experimental musicians, including members of Calexico, for a unique performance at the Paramount Theatre.
We’ll hear from Rodriguez today.
Biden-era AI chip export limits scrapped by Trump
A key rule restricting AI chip exports to countries like China and Russia was expected to take effect this week – but now it’s off the table.
Tech expert Omar Gallaga joins the Standard to explain why the rule was reversed, and what it means for companies like Nvidia.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
