Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Thursday, July 31, 2025:
Kerr County’s flood response under scrutiny
A month after the deadly July 4th floods, Texans are still recovering – and demanding answers.
In this month’s edition of the Drill Down, which highlights investigative journalism from The Texas Newsroom, reporter and editor Lauren McGaughy shares what reporters uncovered about local preparedness, the state’s new flood plan, and the misinformation that spread during the disaster.
Adult ed programs, still reeling from funding freeze, face new federal policy
Funding delays and a surprise policy change have thrown adult education providers into uncertainty.
The Texas Standard’s Sarah Asch reports on how the shakeup could affect programs across Texas.
Flood survivors ask lawmakers for real help
As a legislative committee heads to Kerrville, survivors are urging them to tap the state’s $24 billion Rainy Day Fund to meet urgent recovery needs. Texas Public Radio’s Brian Kirkpatrick reports:
THC crackdown could reshape school discipline
With no legal age limit on hemp-derived THC products, Texas lawmakers are weighing new rules.
But with strict rules already in place in most school districts, Texas Public Radio’s Camille Phillips reports on whether regulation could help keep more students in class.
Firefly Aerospace aims high with public offering
The Central Texas company behind a successful moon landing is going public with a $600 million stock offering.
But Firefly’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks. The Standard’s Shelly Brisbin explains.
Texas Monthly’s newest list of top BBQ spots has a few surprises
As the Texas barbecue renaissance continues, Daniel Vaughn, barbecue editor for Texas Monthly, continues to assess the latest and greatest. He joins the Standard with a rundown of this year’s top 50.
Food banks struggle to meet rising demand
Even without a pandemic, Texas food banks are facing shortages and surging need. Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas, joins us to talk about what’s driving the crisis.
New GOP map could shift Texas politics
A proposed congressional redistricting map could help Trump gain five seats in 2026. Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports on what’s at stake in the newly released map.
