Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025.
Texas delegation aims to rebuild clout after congressional exodus
At least a quarter of Texas’ congressional delegation is headed for the exits next year, a massive departure that will weaken the state’s clout in the U.S. House.
How will the remaining members look to rebuild the state’s oft-cited prestige?
For more we’re joined by Gabby Birenbaum, Washington correspondent for the Texas Tribune.
With federal funding slashed, efforts explored to keep suicide crisis hotline open
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline saw a surge in calls after adopting an easy-to-remember number in 2022. Now, millions of dollars in federal funding that support the service are set to expire next year.
Advocates, lawmakers, and mental health professionals are determined to keep the suicide hotline’s vital services going. But as Houston Public Media’s Greyson Beaubien reports, it’s not exactly clear how the 988 line will be funded in the future.
A look back at our top 10 animal segments: Nos. 10-3
2025 was Texas Standard’s tenth year on the air. We celebrated our birthday all year long with top 10 lists of some of our favorite stories and interviews. Today, we’re looking back at September’s list: Our top 10 animal pieces.
A look back at our top 10 animal segments: Corpus Christi’s cattle tyrant
Back in the fall of 2023, birders in the Coastal Bend spotted one special visitor who was thought to have trekked some 2,600 miles from home, causing quite a stir in Corpus Christi.
Texas Standard digital producer Raul Alonzo was one of many who spent part of his Thanksgiving weekend that year hoping to catch a glimpse.
A look back at our top 10 animal segments: Are Texans ready for bear country?
Hunters and ranchers effectively eradicated bears from Texas by about 1950. But there have been recent black bear sightings in East Texas and they’ve begun re-colonizing parts of West Texas. So will Texans co-exist with the bears any better this time around?
The Standard’s Michael Marks reported this story in 2023.
How to stop the doomscroll in 2026
We’re officially in that time of year when people start making resolutions and setting goals for self-improvement. And whether it’s doing more reading, getting in shape or learning a new skill, following through can be a challenge.
One of the biggest issues: distraction. It’s easier than ever to fall down a rabbit hole, scrolling social media, gaming or streaming TV shows. So, what to do if your goal is to focus more on other things?
Nir Eyal, author of “Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life,” joins the show with some tips.
