Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025:
Greg Abbott signals new limits on THC
Gov. Greg Abbott is preparing an executive order that could restrict access to hemp-derived THC products, with expectations that the minimum purchasing age will be set at 21.
KUT News’ Nathan Bernier has been following the governor’s proposal and its potential impact on Texas businesses; he joins the Standard with the latest:
FEMA’s uncertain future could hurt Texas
President Trump has called for eliminating the Federal Emergency Management Agency, shifting its responsibilities to the states. But FEMA has played a crucial role in disaster recovery, including during deadly floods in Texas earlier this summer.
Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports on how dismantling FEMA could affect the state’s readiness for future emergencies.
Catholic Church canonizes young ‘influencer’
The Roman Catholic Church has canonized Carlo Acutis, a teenager who used technology and faith to inspire followers before his death from leukemia in 2006. Sometimes referred to as “God’s influencer,” Acutis is now recognized as the first millennial saint.
Texas Public Radio’s Jerry Clayton reports.
Medicaid renewals trip up millions
Millions of Americans lose Medicaid coverage each year despite still qualifying, often due to complicated renewal procedures and missed paperwork. New research looks at whether simple outreach, like prerecorded calls, can make a difference in keeping people covered.
Laura Dague, professor of health policy at Texas A&M University, explains what her study found and what it says about red tape in health programs.
Grant cuts threaten Hispanic-serving institutions
Texas is home to several of the nation’s largest Hispanic-serving institutions, but new federal cuts could eliminate funding that supports these colleges and universities. Advocates warn the changes would disproportionately affect Hispanic-majority regions along the border and beyond.
El Paso Matters reporter Daniel Perez joins the show with more.
Texas ties to infamous Atari flop
The 1982 video game “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” is remembered as a commercial failure that helped crash the industry. Many of the unsold cartridges later unearthed in a New Mexico landfill were manufactured in El Paso – where Atari once operated its largest plant outside California.
On the show, Gwen Howerton of the Houston Chronicle traces Texas’ surprising role in gaming history.
James Talarico launches U.S. Senate bid
More than 100,000 people gathered in Round Rock to watch Texas House Rep. James Talarico announce his campaign for the U.S. Senate. The Democrat enters a crowded primary that includes former astronaut Terry Virts and ex-congressman Colin Allred, with Attorney General Ken Paxton or Sen. John Cornyn waiting in the general election.
Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom has more.
