Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025:
Texas taps vendor for school voucher rollout
Texas has selected a company called Odyssey to manage its new private school voucher program. The move highlights questions about oversight, eligibility, and how families will navigate the system. Isaac Yu, politics reporter at the Houston Chronicle, joins the Standard with more.
Death penalty supporters question upcoming execution
Robert Roberson is scheduled for execution in less than two weeks, despite strong doubts about his conviction – many even from longtime supporters of capital punishment. Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports.
Screwworm threat looms over Texas ranchers
A parasitic fly once eradicated in Texas is making a comeback, threatening livestock and prompting a major federal response. Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller says the state is preparing for the worst. Sid Miller joins the Standard with more.
Austin activist back home after being detained by Israeli military
Greg Stoker, an Iraq War veteran and anti-war activist, was detained by Israeli forces while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. He’s now back in Austin and speaking out. Andrew Weber of KUT News joins Texas Standard with the story.
Dallas finance sector expands with new exchange
The Texas Stock Exchange has won federal approval, marking a major milestone for Dallas’ growing financial industry. KERA’s Dylan Duke reports on what this means for North Texas.
Remembering Texas sports legend Babe Didrikson
Before she was known as “Babe,” Mildred Didrikson was a trailblazing athlete from Port Arthur. Her legacy spans multiple sports and generations. W.F. Strong describes her remarkable journey in this week’s “Stories From Texas.”
Wesley Hunt enters Senate race, shaking up GOP field
Houston congressman Wesley Hunt has joined the race for U.S. Senate, challenging John Cornyn and Ken Paxton. His candidacy could reshape the Republican primary – and potentially the general election. Joseph Morton, D.C. correspondent for The Dallas Morning News, joins the Standard with more.
