Here’s what’s coming up on Texas Standard for Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. Listen on your Texas public radio station, or ask your smart speaker to play Texas Standard. Check back later today for updated story links and audio.
Student loan settlement raises new uncertainty for borrowers
A proposed federal settlement announced this week would end the SAVE repayment program and reshape how millions of Americans manage their student loans. Supporters say the agreement brings clarity after months of litigation; critics warn it could raise costs for many borrowers.
Persis Yu, deputy executive director and managing counsel at Protect Borrowers, joins Texas Standard to explain what the deal would change:
Inside the economics of plasma donation in America
For life-saving medications to reach patients, the global plasma supply depends heavily on compensated donors in the United States.
In part three of a special series, Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies examines how payment structures shape the industry, why demand keeps rising and more.
Austin experiments with guaranteed income as homelessness rises
As Austin reduces funding for homelessness services, some nonprofits are piloting universal basic income programs to help people stabilize their lives. Supporters say direct cash assistance can prevent crises before they escalate, while critics question long-term viability.
KUT’s Andrew Weber reports on one Austin resident who says the support arrived at a critical point:
Netflix ends mobile casting as streaming platforms tighten controls
Netflix has discontinued official support for casting video from mobile devices to TVs – part of a broader change across streaming platforms as they limit workarounds and encourage in-app viewing. Plex is also restricting features for some users, underscoring industry-wide shifts in access and pricing.
Tech journalist Omar Gallaga joins the Standard to explain what these updates mean for viewers.
Trump unveils $12 billion aid package for farmers and ranchers
The Trump administration says a new round of payments will help farmers recover from a year marked by its tariff instability, weak crop prices and mounting operational costs. The package includes support for grain, fruit, vegetable and livestock producers, with details still emerging on eligibility and timing.
Texas Standard reporter Michael Marks breaks down what producers can expect:
Tamales in Texas: A holiday debate with deep roots
Corn husk or banana leaf? Sweet or savory? As tamal season returns, chefs and home cooks across Texas bring strong opinions about technique and taste.
Mando Rayo, host of the Tacos of Texas podcast, joins the Standard to explore regional variations, cultural traditions, and why this masa-filled debate resurfaces every December.
Typewriter Rodeo
The gang delivers another custom poem.
The week in Texas politics
The Texas Tribune politics editor Jasper Scherer joins the Standard with a recap of the week that was in Texas politics:
