Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, July 30, 2025:
Democrats push back on Texas redistricting
As Republicans move to redraw congressional maps mid-decade (at Trump’s urging), Democrats are warning of a power grab and traveling out of state to rally support. A prolonged quorum break could block the effort, but lawmakers risk $500-a-day fines.
Brandon Rottinghaus of the University of Houston joins us with more.
What happens when you need a lawyer – but not for a crime?
Legal aid groups help low-income Texans fight evictions and navigate civil court – but their future is uncertain.
Rebecca Schuetz, housing reporter for the Houston Chronicle, joins us with more.
Why school security is big business in Texas
From bulletproof glass to AI surveillance, districts are investing in new tech to keep campuses safe.
KERA’s Bill Zeeble reports on the booming school security industry.
With thousands of caves and sinkholes, the Lone Star State has a rich underground world.
W.F. Strong shares the story of one such cave in Terrell County.
How influencers are reshaping disaster coverage
After the Central Texas floods, content creators rushed in – sometimes clashing with traditional media.
Texas Monthly writer Lauren Larson explains how influencer culture collided with the crisis response.
Why Team Rubicon was welcomed in Kerr County
More than 60 volunteers with Team Rubicon were mobilized to Kerr and Tom Green counties, assisting with clearing debris and mucking out flood-damaged homes to combat fast-spreading mold in extreme heat and humidity.
Texas Public Radio’s Aden Max Juarez reports from Ingram.
The floods swept away her father’s legacy. Now, she’s digging up memories left behind in the mud.
In Big Sandy Creek in flood-ravaged northern Travis County, one woman is combing through debris with care.
KUT’s Katy McAfee has her story.
Why ‘Don’t California My Texas’ isn’t the whole story
Texas politicians love to bash California – but some are quietly borrowing its playbook when it comes to regulation.
Texas Monthly’s Christopher Hooks explains the paradox.
