Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. Check back later today for updated story links and audio.
Trump-backed redistricting reshapes Texas politics
With the Texas Legislature passing new congressional maps at President Trump’s request, Republicans are poised to gain as many as five seats in the 2026 midterms. But beyond Washington, the maps are already shaking up local politics in communities where district lines were redrawn.
Rice University political scientist Mark Jones joins Texas Standard with his analysis.
New peer support program for Texas first responders
Thousands of firefighters and EMS workers helped rescue and recover during the state’s deadly July 4 floods. Now, a new law aims to help first responders cope with the emotional toll of their work.
House Bill 35, taking effect Sept. 1, creates a peer support network to address trauma in the field. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey reports.
Tailoring, immigration, and legacy: the story of Gassane Tailors
For decades, Ghassan Karim altered suits for presidents and governors at his Austin shop. After Karim developed dementia, his brother-in-law Joseph Faraj, who fled Lebanon’s civil war, stepped in to continue the work.
Faraj spoke with Texas Standard about family, immigration and the legacy of Gassane Tailors.
Flood concerns rise in North Texas after deadly storms
Last month’s catastrophic flooding in Central Texas has heightened concerns across the state, including North Texas. Two major Trinity River projects are now at the top of the state’s flood plan, aimed at protecting vulnerable communities.
KERA’s Pablo Arauz Peña reports.
Trump taps AirBnB cofounder as U.S. chief design officer
President Trump says government websites should be “both usable and beautiful.” To lead the charge, he’s appointed AirBnB cofounder Joe Gebbia, who also worked on Elon Musk’s DOGE project.
Gebbia says he wants federal sites to feel as seamless as Apple’s. But what about security and accessibility? Tech expert Omar Gallaga joins the show with more.
Texas Standard at 10: Top art stories
As part of its 10th anniversary, Texas Standard is revisiting standout coverage from the past decade. For August, host Laura Rice counts down 10 of the team’s favorite arts stories from across Texas.
Houston eyes tunnels as post-Harvey flood solution
Eight years after Hurricane Harvey devastated Houston, officials continue to explore how to prevent another catastrophe. One idea: massive underground tunnels to redirect stormwater – and new reporting reveals Elon Musk’s Boring Company has been involved in the planning.
As part of our Drill Down investigative series, The Texas Newsroom’s Lauren McGaughy joins the Standard with more.
