Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, July 25, 2025:
What’s legal and what’s not with THC in Texas?
As lawmakers return for a special session, regulation of Texas’ booming hemp industry is on the table.
KUT’s Nathan Bernier joins the Standard to explain how products like THC seltzers and gummies exist in a legal gray area – and what state rules do (and don’t) say.
Flood alerts often miss Texans with disabilities
In rural areas with low water crossings, deaf and blind Texans face serious barriers to receiving life-saving weather alerts.
Texas Public Radio’s Jackie Velez reports on what’s being done and what’s still missing.
It’s the largest refinery in North America, but there are few signs of growth
Saudi-owned Motiva expanded its Port Arthur refinery this year; it now produces over 650,000 barrels a day.
But as Andy Uhler explains in this excerpt from “Phases & Stages: The Texas Energy Story,” the surrounding community still struggles to see the benefits:
It’s never too late to learn how to swim
At the Austin YMCA, adults are conquering their fear of water and gaining life-saving skills through swim lessons designed just for them.
As part of her continuing look at adult education, Texas Standard producer Sarah Asch has the story.
Ben Kweller on grief, music and ‘Cover the Mirrors’
Dripping Springs-based musician Ben Kweller opens up about the death of his 16-year-old son, how it shaped his new album “Cover the Mirrors,” and why he chose to keep playing.
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: THC
Wells Dunbar weaves reactions from everyday Texans into the debate over THC regulation:
