Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, Aug. 29, 2025.
Texas pushes new ‘healthy food’ laws with federal backing
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited Texas this week to back a slate of health-related bills signed by Gov. Greg Abbott. Supporters say the measures – including restrictions on school lunches and limits on SNAP purchases – could help Texas qualify for federal rural hospital funding.
KUT’s Olivia Aldridge joins the Standard with more.
Educators face new risks under law on inappropriate material
When some 835 new Texas laws go into effect Sept. 1, one will remove a legal defense for teachers, librarians and even doctors accused of giving minors access to inappropriate material. The change marks a sharp turn in a debate that’s flared for years at the Capitol and beyond.
Texas Standard’s Sarah Asch reports.
‘Swiped’ struts its rom-com stuff
The new novel “Swiped” bills itself as “a rivals-to-lovers, slow burn, STEM rom-com.” We’ll hear from author Paula Rogers.
What’s in Texas’ law regulating artificial intelligence?
From chatbots to workplace tools, artificial intelligence is reshaping everyday life. But lawmakers worry about misinformation, security and safety concerns.
A new Texas law seeks to balance innovation with consumer protection by setting guidelines for AI use in the state. The Standard’s Shelly Brisbin joins us with an overview.
Texas researcher nears breakthrough with edible cottonseed
For decades, cottonseeds have mostly been discarded during processing. But one Texas scientist has been working to make them edible – and may finally be close to success.
Texas A&M plant biotechnologist Keerti Rathore has spent more than 30 years developing a cottonseed that could help feed populations abroad. Professor Rathore joins the Standard with more.
From Army life to country music: Romeo Vaughn’s big dreams
Romeo Vaughn’s journey from Army service to homelessness and recovery has been anything but easy. But the Santa Rosa native is now turning hardship into hope with his debut single, “Big Dreams from a Small Town,” and a new music video.
Country musician Romeo Vaughn joins Texas Standard to talk music and resilience.
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.
