Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025:
Texas A&M professor dismissed after clash on gender identity
A Texas A&M professor and staff members have been fired after a discussion with a student over classroom discussion of gender identity. The case has drawn attention from lawmakers and free speech advocates alike, raising broader questions about academic freedom at public universities.
Lily Kepner, higher education reporter for the Austin American-Statesman, joins the Standard with more.
North Texas Ukrainians mark independence amid war
It’s been three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In North Texas, Ukrainian Americans continue to gather in support of their homeland.
A recent concert in Irving marked Independence Day, celebrating resilience even from afar. KERA’s Andy Lusk reports.
Labubu festival arrives in Texas
A new celebration is making its debut in Texas: A Labubu festival, inspired by a toy craze that has grown into a worldwide phenomenon. The event highlights the cross-cultural connections between global pop culture and Texas audiences.
KERA’s Elizabeth Myong reports.
Facebook revives the poke for Gen Z
Facebook is bringing back its once-famous “poke” feature, aiming to spark renewed interest among younger users. Meta says the move could gamify interactions and reconnect Gen Z with a platform they’ve largely ignored.
Technology journalist Omar Gallaga wrote about the revival for CNET and joins the Standard with more.
Pushback in Mexico against SpaceX expansion
The impact of SpaceX launches in South Texas is felt across the border in Mexico, where activists say rocket debris, noise and environmental harm are affecting daily life.
Some officials are even weighing legal action against the company. Pablo de la Rosa, a reporter based in the Rio Grande Valley, joins the Standard.
PanPan Bakery mixes heritage, innovation and community
Arlington’s PanPan Bakery and Cafe – featuring Mexican-Japanese items like milk bread concha, mango sticky rice and horchata matcha – has experienced an explosion of support on social media.
As part of NPR’s NextGen Radio program, Micaelli Magday reports.
Stories from Texas: Cowboy time
It isn’t fast or slow. It isn’t tied to a clock at all. It’s tied to the sun, the herd and the work.
Commentator W.F. Stong dispenses more homespun wisdom as only he can.
Surveillance tower sparks privacy debate in Juárez
In Juárez, across the border from El Paso, a massive surveillance tower is under construction, outfitted with thousands of cameras, license plate readers and facial recognition technology. Supporters say it will improve security, but critics warn of corruption risks and civil liberty concerns.
Francesca D’Annunzio, investigative reporting fellow with the Texas Observer, joins the Standard with more.
