Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, May 16, 2025:
Senate plan drops school funding hike in favor of teacher pay
After days of closed-door negotiations, Senate leaders released their version of a school funding bill. Their House Bill 2 revisions maintain an $8 billion investment – but reallocates funds by directing $4 billion toward teacher pay instead of increasing per-student funding.
Camille Phillips, who covers education for Texas Public Radio in San Antonio, joins the Standard with more.
Dallas Mavericks land top NBA draft pick in shocking lottery win
Despite just a 1.8% chance, the Mavericks scored the No. 1 pick in this year’s NBA draft — just months after trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers.
Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com explains what it means for the franchise’s future.
Texas lawmakers near deal to plug abandoned oil and gas wells
Abandoned “orphaned” wells continue to pose serious environmental hazards in West Texas. A bill intended to streamline the process of plugging these wells is on the verge of becoming law, promising improved safety for surrounding communities.
Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports:
Grocery chain faces scrutiny for misleading sales practices
A recent investigation by Consumer Reports uncovered that Kroger, a grocery chain with a big Texas footprint, advertises discounted prices – but charges full price at checkout.
Consumer Reports investigative reporter Derek Kravitz explains how this deceptive practice is affecting everyday Texans.
Texas parks ramp up efforts to improve accessibility
As camping reservations surge across nearly 90 state parks, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is working to make outdoor spaces more accessible for individuals with mobility challenges.
Macie Richter, an accessibility specialist for Texas Parks and Wildlife, joins the Standard with the latest.
Waco film ‘The Heart of Texas’ heads to Cannes
A 15-minute film from Waco, “The Heart of Texas,” traces the tumultuous journey of an aspiring singer whose story touches on music, immigration and fate.
Directed and written by Gregory Kasunich, the film has already made a mark at festivals and is now set to premiere at Cannes. Kasunich joins the Standard with more on his film’s journey.
The gang delivers another custom poem. Reach out to Texas Standard with your topic suggestions!
Texas Tribune politics reporter Jasper Scherer joins the Standard with a recap of the week that was in Texas politics.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
