Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, Aug. 8, 2025:
Redistricting fight goes national
Texas’ redistricting fight is has spread past state lines. New federal legislation aims to ban mid-decade congressional redistricting, and the brawl looks likely to impact upcoming elections and the 2028 presidential race.
Mark Jones, political science fellow at Rice University and senior research fellow at the University of Houston, joins Texas Standard with more:
Amazon Prime drones take flight
Amazon Prime customers in Texas may soon see packages delivered by drone. The company is rolling out a new line of Prime Drones to handle select deliveries.
KWBU’s Molly-Jo Tilton reports.
San Antonio unveils billion-dollar project
San Antonio is planning a massive sports and entertainment district, including a new arena for the Spurs, a convention center expansion and more.
Dubbed Project Marvel, the initiative could cost billions – with local taxpayers footing part of the bill. San Antonio Report’s Jasper Kenzo Sundeen joins the Standard with the story.
How nature livestreams foster human connection
New research from UT Arlington shows that nature-focused livestreams can help people feel more connected to each other.
The study, coauthored by social work professor Rebecca Mauldin, explores how remote engagement with nature supports meaningful human interaction. Mauldin joins with more.
Charley Crockett’s relentless rise
San Benito native Charley Crockett went from street performer to arena headliner. With new album “Dollar a Day” dropping this week and a nationwide tour with Leon Bridges on the horizon, Crockett shows no signs of slowing down.
He joins Texas Standard to talk music and momentum.
Typewriter Rodeo: Degenerative AI
The gang delivers another custom poem. Reach out to Texas Standard with your topic suggestions!
The week in Texas politics
Texas Tribune politics editor Jasper Scherer joins the Standard with a recap of the week that was in Texas politics:
The Talk of Texas: Quorum bust
Wells Dunbar shares listener reactions to the escalating quorum break drama at the Legislature, and what’s been lost in the crossfire:
