Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Redistricting hearing stretches into third day as war over new maps continues
A federal court hearing that will determine whether or not Texas can use its new map of congressional districts stretches into its third day, as the lawsuit filed after Texas Republicans’ successful redistricting effort this summer continues. Yesterday, the court heard testimony from several state lawmakers, citizens and experts.
Blaise Gainey, state capitol reporter for The Texas Newsroom, joins Texas Standard to speak about the hearing.
Texas’ dirtiest air choking Houston neighborhood
Residents of a northeast Houston neighborhood known as Settegast have experienced some of Texas’ dirtiest air. For the last three years, an air control monitor maintained by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has picked up on some of the highest average readings of an air pollutant known as PM2.5. The reading is higher than any other official monitor in the state.
Rebekah Ward, the Houston Chronicle’s climate and environmental reporter, joins the Standard with more.
Advocates push awareness of Texas Safe Haven law after infant abandonment in Austin
After an incident of infant abandonment in Austin last week, advocates want to raise awareness about Texas’ Safe Haven laws, as KUT’s Olivia Aldridge reports.
Fermi America, an Amarillo-based startup co-founded by former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, is worth $19 billion following an initial public offering this week. The company wants to harness nuclear energy to power AI data centers, and already has the attention of Wall Street, with shares up 55 percent over the opening stock price after one day of trading.
Claire Hao, who covers energy and the power grid for the Houston Chronicle, joins Texas Standard to explain.
Austin is thinking about higher taxes on homes to help those without
The City of Austin may be turning to property taxes to fund new initiatives to help unhoused people find a place to live and get back on their feet.
KUT’s Luz Moreno-Lozano reports on how one nonprofit is giving people housing, education and hope for the future.
Zell Miller III, Austin’s born-and-raised poet laureate, has a complex relationship with his hometown. He speaks to the Standard about the city that raised him, his inspirations, his craft and more.
The stars at night are big and bright. This new West Texas observatory will help you see them
People who live in West Texas might take the night sky for granted, but astronomers and photographers across the globe look up and see something extraordinary.
KACU’s Josiah Wonnell shares a look at Texas’ unique astrophotography scene, and how a new observatory gives people everywhere a chance to experience it.
The gang delivers another custom poem.
The Texas Tribune politics editor Jasper Scherer joins the Standard with a recap of the week that was in Texas politics.
The Talk of Texas: Shutdown
Wells Dunbar shares your comments on how to keep going when everything else screeches to a halt.
