Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025.
What’s next for the government shutdown?
A Senate vote to reopen the government has passed with bipartisan support after several Democrats joined with Republicans despite their sticking point, subsidies for the Affordable Care Act marketplace, not being addressed.
UT Austin’s Sean Theriault breaks down the politics behind the deal and what’s ahead in the House.
Greg Abbott touts new tax plan in reelection bid
Gov. Greg Abbott is making property taxes a centerpiece of his reelection campaign for a fourth term – but his six-point plan would require a constitutional amendment and would further shrink local tax authority.
The Dallas Morning News’ Gromer Jeffers joins the Standard with more.
Farmers are finding uses for the land under solar panels
Known for being the leader in wind energy, solar panels are becoming a more common sight across Texas. The same is true across the Midwest, and some farmers are finding advantages in growing food under the panels. The practice is called agrivoltaics.
KBIA’s Jana Rose Schleis reports on how the technology is being deployed.
A Veteran’s Day reflection on one Texan’s service
Today, on Veteran’s Day, we remember the people who have served in the military and fought for their country. One of those is Frank Maldonado, the son of Mexican immigrants who grew up in Central Texas and went on to become a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War.
Carlos Morales with the Voces Oral History Center has his story.
Camp Mystic faces lawsuits over deadly flood
Families who lost children in the July 4th Hill Country floods are suing Camp Mystic, alleging the summer camp where 25 girls and two adults died failed to act on warnings about dangerous weather.
The New York Times’ Ruth Graham joins the Standard with more.
A café with a mission in San Antonio
The Mermaid Café was founded by Leah Meyer, who lives with Down syndrome. The restaurant‘s inclusive model is creating opportunities for people with disabilities and drawing attention since opening in May.
Texas Public Radio’s Jackie Velez reports from San Antonio.
A border drag queen finds her voice
Moroni DeAnda, who performs as La Dede Camacho, is a beacon for the LGBTQ+ community along the U.S.-Mexico border. Before becoming a drag queen, DeAnda had to navigate identity and acceptance.
Sofia Sierra shares the story as part of NPR’s Next Generation Radio Project.
TxDOT’s surprising transit pivot
A new draft plan from TxDOT calls for expanded public transit to meet the needs of 9 million new Texans by 2050. The agency, long focused on highways, now backs rural transit and high-speed rail in the Texas Triangle.
Joshua Fechter of the Texas Tribune joins the Standard with more.
