Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, Nov. 21, 2025.
What heavily redacted emails reveal about Musk and the governor
The newest installment of our investigative reporting series The Drill Down looks at communications between Gov. Greg Abbott and Elon Musk, released due to an open records request from The Texas Newsroom. Hundreds of pages arrived with significant redactions, raising questions about transparency and the breadth of Texas’ business-friendly open records exemptions.
Lauren McGaughy, investigative reporter and editor for the Texas Newsroom, joins the Standard with her findings.
Texans face rising ACA premiums during open enrollment
Open enrollment for Affordable Care Act marketplace plans is underway, and many Texans are encountering higher premiums and more complicated options than in recent years. Enrollment counselors say confusion is common as families try to balance cost and coverage needs.
KUT News’ Olivia Aldridge reports from Austin.
How well did FEMA respond to the Kerr County floods?
Months after deadly flash flooding along the Guadalupe River claimed over 100 lives, including dozens of children, FEMA’s response is facing new scrutiny.
Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports from Kerr County on how the agency performed and what challenges remain.
Texas researchers find a new way to target crazy ant infestations
Tawny, or “rasberry” crazy ants have spread across parts of Texas for decades, damaging homes and ecosystems. Now, a new study from University of Texas researchers has identified a method that helps an anti-ant pathogen spread more effectively, offering new promise for broader control.
Edward LeBrun, research scientist at the Brackenridge Field Laboratory, joins the Standard with more.
Cindy Walker’s musical legacy gets renewed attention
Cindy Walker wrote some of the most enduring songs in American music – recorded by stars from Ray Charles to Willie Nelson – yet she remains underrecognized in her home state of Texas. A new tribute album and community projects in her hometown aim to change that.
The Texas Standard’s Leah Scarpelli reports from Mexia, Texas.
The gang delivers another custom poem.
The week in Texas politics
The Texas Tribune politics editor Jasper Scherer joins the Standard with a recap of the week that was in Texas politics.
