Here’s what’s coming up on Texas Standard for Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Listen on your Texas public radio station, or ask your smart speaker to play Texas Standard. Check back later today for updated story links and audio.
State takes over three more Texas school districts
The Texas Education Agency is replacing the elected school boards of Beaumont, Connally and Lake Worth ISDs after campuses in each district posted five consecutive failing ratings. The move is required under state law, but critics argue TEA takeovers are becoming more frequent and disruptive for families.
Jaden Edison, who covers education for the Texas Tribune, joins Texas Standard with more.
Why Mexican nationals cross the border to sell plasma
Along the U.S.-Mexico border, thousands of Mexican citizens legally cross into Texas each day to sell their plasma. Their paid donations unquestionably saves lives, but critics argue it’s an exploitation built on a loophole in immigration law.
In the final chapter of his Blood Work series, Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports from Laredo.
Frisco ISD grapples with shrinking enrollment
Once one of Texas’ fastest-growing districts, Frisco ISD, is now closing campuses as enrollment drops and costs rise. Now, district leaders are searching for answers about where students went, and how to plan for a more uncertain future.
KERA’s Bill Zeeble reports from North Texas on financial pressures reshaping suburban schools.
Afghan immigrants face uncertainty after processing freeze
The Trump administration has paused the processing of immigration requests for Afghan nationals following a deadly shooting involving one Afghan immigrant in Washington, D.C. Many Afghans who arrived legally now fear losing their status.
Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports on how families in Texas are responding.
Looking back – and ahead – at Texas energy as 2025 ends
From record oil and gas production to continued growth in renewables, Texas’ energy sector saw major shifts in 2025, with analysts watching how global demand, geopolitics and state policy could shape what’s next.
Kpler energy analyst Matt Smith joins Texas Standard with more.
This week in Texas music history
Jason Mellard with The Center for Texas Music History at Texas State University consults the calendar.
How a Caldwell library offers adult education with limited resources
Adult education programs across Texas faced months of uncertainty this year as federal funding was delayed. In Caldwell, a local library leaned on volunteers and community support to keep classes running.
Texas Standard’s Sarah Asch reports on how the program became a model for doing more with less.
Invasive pasture mealybug spreads across Southeast Texas
An invasive insect called the pasture mealybug has been identified in more than 20 counties in Southeast Texas, threatening grasses used for grazing and hay production. Ranchers say the pest is difficult to control and costly to manage.
Texas Standard’s Michael Marks spoke with Stephen Biles of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension about what farmers can expect.
