Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, Oct. 24, 2025:
Flood fallout reveals cracks in Kerr County’s emergency system
First responders in Kerr County struggled to communicate during this summer’s deadly Independence Day floods because parts of their new Motorola radio network failed to reach key areas. Some local officials say an alternative system could have provided better coverage.
New York Times reporter Danny Hakim, who investigated the issue, joins Texas Standard with the story.
Shutdown and tariffs ripple through the Port of Houston
The Port of Houston moves more tonnage than any other U.S. port, but the ongoing federal shutdown and Trump administration tariffs are creating headaches for businesses that rely on it.
Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports on how global trade tensions are hitting Texas’ busiest port.
Why vertical farms keep going under
Indoor farming promised a sustainable alternative to traditional agriculture. But companies like Eden Green Technology in Cleburne are shutting down amid high costs and tough economics.
Mark Bomford, director of Yale University’s Sustainable Food Program, explains what’s driving the failures – and what might replace the vertical farming concept.
Meta’s billion-dollar bet on El Paso
Tech giant Meta is building a $1.5 billion data center in Northeast El Paso – a project that’s raising tough questions about water use, electricity demand and local incentives.
Reporter Diego Mendoza-Moyers of El Paso Matters has been following the story and joins the Standard.
Central Texas Screamer: Fangoria meets ‘The Faculty’
During the month of October, Texas Standard is showcasing horror movies with Texas ties. This week, it’s “The Faculty,” which was filmed across Central Texas.
Class is in session with Fangoria’s Jason Kauzlarich:
Giant pumpkins and the people who grow them
It’s pumpkin season – and for some growers, size is everything. A small but passionate community is competing to grow gourds weighing thousands of pounds, setting world records along the way.
Harvest Public Media’s Peter Medlin reports.
The gang delivers another custom poem. Reach out to Texas Standard with your topic suggestions!
Renzo Downey of The Texas Tribune joins the Standard with a recap of the week that was in Texas politics.
