Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, July 16, 2025:
Cloud seeding conspiracy theories muddy flood response
Online rumors are blaming cloud seeding for the deadly Texas floods, even though the science doesn’t support it. Experts say these viral falsehoods are undermining emergency response.
KUT’s Mose Buchele joins the show with more.
Texas, Trump admin dispute each other. Is it a ruse to rush redistricting?
Gov. Greg Abbott has called legislators back to Austin to redraw congressional maps after the U.S. Justice Department flagged racial gerrymandering. But Texas officials continue to claim the maps are “race blind.”
Eleanor Klibanoff of The Texas Tribune joins the Standard with more.
Texas launches one of the largest psychedelic research efforts in the U.S.
Despite psychedelics remaining illegal federally, Texas is now funding major research into their potential to treat PTSD and addiction.
Robin Berghaus with the American Homefront Project has details.
There are a few symbols so deeply woven into the fabric of Texas that they seem as native as mesquite or bluebonnets. One of them is the Stetson hat.
Commentator W.F. Strong has more.
Authorities warn flood victims to beware of scams
Disaster zones are often targeted by scammers, either to exploit victims or mislead donors.
Cliff Steinhauer of the National Cybersecurity Alliance explains what to watch out for.
Robert Earl Keen plans a star-studded benefit concert for Kerrville on Aug. 28
Kerrville musician Robert Earl Keen was originally slated for a July 4 show in the city’s Louise Hays Park. Now he’s decided to put on that concert, only bigger, and benefitting the Community Foundation of the Hill Country.
He joins the Standard with details of the benefit show, which will feature Tyler Childers, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall and Jack Ingram, among many others.
Mental health services quietly cut in Texas schools
While some education programs are getting boosts, mental health support in Texas schools is slowly losing ground.
The Texas Tribune’s Stephen Simpson joins the show with what school leaders are saying.
