Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, May 9, 2025:
Pope Leo XIV: What the first American pontiff could mean for Texas Catholics
Cardinal Robert Prevost made history this week as the first American named pope, taking the name Leo XIV. The move has sparked global attention and questions about what his leadership could mean for Catholics in Texas and beyond.
New York Times religion reporter Ruth Graham, based in Dallas, joins the Standard to talk about the church’s new direction:
Texas school voucher program poised to be the nation’s largest
With new legislation passed, Texas has become the biggest state with a statewide school voucher program – and it’s expected to outspend all others soon. But opponents aren’t giving up.
The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey reports on what’s next in the fight over funding:
Over a thousand Texas criminal cases under review after faulty DNA tests
Potentially flawed DNA testing has prompted a massive case review across the state. The tests in question were produced by one of the world’s largest manufacturers over a 10-month span.
Texas Public Radio’s Paul Flahive reports on the growing legal and scientific concerns.
A family fights the war in Ukraine with music, not weapons
The war in Ukraine rages on, and it’s being fought on many fronts. One man has employed the power of music, and now his wife and five children want to fight the war, but with weapons you strum and pluck.
Texas Public Media’s Jack Morgan reports from his San Antonio performance.
Texas Renaissance Festival ordered to sell land and assets after court ruling
The Texas Renaissance Festival has been operating for more than 50 years. But this week, a Grimes County judge has ordered its owners to sell its property and assets. The move comes following a civil court trial over a purchase deal that fell through in 2023.
Houston Public Media’s Kyle McClenagan joins the Standard with what comes next.
‘King of the Hill’ returns at the ATX TV Festival
Fifteen years after its last episode, the beloved animated series “King of the Hill” is making a comeback on Hulu. But Austin fans can get an early look at this summer’s reboot at the ATX TV Festival, which hosts a special panel with creator Mike Judge the and cast.
Festival co-founders Caitlin McFarland and Emily Gipson share the festival highlights.
The gang delivers another custom poem. Reach out to Texas Standard with your topic suggestions!
The Texas Tribune’s 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.
