Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, July 23, 2025:
Speaker Johnson shuts down Epstein vote – and the House
The House recessed early this week after Speaker Mike Johnson refused to allow a vote on releasing documents tied to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Johnson said he didn’t want to play “political games,” but the move has sparked backlash and raised questions about GOP unity ahead of budget negotiations.
Mark Jones, political science fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute, joins the Standard with more:
July 4th attack at a Texas ICE facility raises fears of rising extremism
Authorities say a group in black military-style gear set off fireworks and vandalized cars outside a North Texas immigration detention center before a responding officer was shot. The incident is part of a troubling pattern of politically motivated violence.
KERA’s Caroline Love reports from Alvarado.
Texas families are cutting back on food and medicine to pay the power bill
A new report from the Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute finds that nearly three-quarters of low- to moderate-income households are sacrificing basic needs to keep the lights on. The data, drawn from 2022–23 surveys, paints a stark picture of energy insecurity in the state.
Margo Weisz, the institute’s executive director, joins the Standard with more.
Austin leans into its soccer identity as MLS All-Star Week kicks off
From murals to merch, Austin FC fans are embracing the city’s role as host of this year’s Major League Soccer All-Star Game. But what exactly is the All-Star Game, and why does it matter?
Jimmy Maas, host of KUT’s Vamos Verde podcast, joins the Standard with a preview.
Texas Standard’s top 10 bug stories are crawling with charm
From cicadas to tarantulas, insects have long been a favorite subject on the show. As part of our 10th birthday celebration, Texas Standard is revisiting our most memorable “Bug Lady” segments with Wizzie Brown, program specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
Another death in Harris County Jail raises alarm over inmate safety
Harold Alexander Jr. was arrested for misdemeanor harassment in June. Weeks later, he was found unresponsive in his cell and later pronounced dead – the 11th such death in a Harris County jail this year.
Houston Public Media’s Sarah Grunau joins the Standard with more.
