Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, Sept. 12, 2025.
Texas GOP’s long game on power
New congressional maps adding seats for Republicans may be just one part of a broader effort to entrench power in Texas politics. From party censures to court rulings and control over legislative committees, some see a pattern stretching back decades.
Robert Downen of Texas Monthly calls it part of a plan to end fair elections in Texas. He joins the show to explain.
Texas A&M launches sweeping audit after viral clash
A viral video of a Texas A&M student confronting a professor over gender and sexuality curriculum has escalated into sweeping administrative changes. The university’s president ordered firings, and the board of regents has mandated a review of courses across the entire system.
Houston Chronicle reporter Megan Menchaca has been following the fallout and joins the Standard with more.
Who gets to call themselves a doctor?
A Texas law school graduate with a medical degree is suing the state’s medical board, arguing he has the right to use the title “doctor” despite not being licensed to practice medicine. The Texas Supreme Court is weighing his case, which could affect how professional titles are regulated statewide.
KERA’s Toluwani Osibamowo reports.
Trooper overtime raises questions for Operation Lone Star
Border crossings have slowed to record lows, but Texas troopers stationed under Operation Lone Star continue to rack up millions in overtime pay. New data shows some officers logging extraordinary hours, raising questions about costs, duties and their mental health.
Houston Chronicle politics reporter Benjamin Wermund reviewed the numbers and joins the show with the story.
Making learning accessible through braille
In San Antonio, one educator is ensuring that visually impaired students have equal access to classroom assignments by creating lessons in braille. From math worksheets to literature excerpts, the behind-the-scenes work of transcription shapes how children experience education.
Texas Public Radio’s Jackie Velez reports.
From the operating room to the stage
A Dallas plastic surgeon has written a musical exploring the history and culture of breast implants, first developed in Texas more than six decades ago. Called “CleaVage,” the show mixes humor, personal insight and Texas history, with performances scheduled this fall during breast cancer awareness month.
Co-writer and lyricist Dr. Ron Friedman joins Texas Standard.
The gang delivers another custom poem.
The Texas Tribune politics editor Jasper Scherer joins the Standard with a recap of the week that was in Texas politics.
