Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, June 4, 2025:
San Antonio’s mayoral runoff election is this weekend
Voters will choose the next mayor of San Antonio on Saturday, June 7, in a runoff election. Former Under Secretary of the U.S. Air Force and Democratic congressional candidate Gina Ortiz Jones will face former Republican Texas Secretary of State Rolando Pablos.
Texas Public Radio city hall reporter Josh Peck joins Texas Standard with a preview.
Fear at immigration court as ICE arrests migrants there for a hearing
Days after migrants, including children, were documented on video being detained after attending immigration court, San Antonio activists are pushing back. They say the migrants are being trapped and punished for following the law.
Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports.
How Bexar County’s Somerset ISD improved student learning outcomes during the pandemic
Two school districts in South Bexar County are among the select few that have recovered scores from the pandemic slump in both reading and math. Researchers say barely 100 districts across the country are on that list – and just 11 are in Texas.
On Monday’s Texas Standard, Texas Public Radio’s Camille Phillips told us how Southside ISD brought up their test scores. Today, she reports on Somerset ISD.
Texas moves to ban lab-grown meat
Texas lawmakers have approved Senate Bill 261, which would prohibit the sale of lab-grown meat for human consumption. Supporters say it’s about transparency and safety; critics argue it’s anti-innovation.
Freelance journalist Joe Fassler, who covers food and environmental issues, joins the Standard with what the ban could mean for the future of meat in Texas.
Texas and Texas Tech face off in all-Lone Star softball showdown
It’s Longhorns vs. Red Raiders in the Women’s College World Series championship, and Game One is tonight. This marks Texas Tech’s first-ever appearance in the title series, while Texas is seeking redemption after back-to-back runner-up finishes.
Bishop Van Buren, reporter for Texas Tech Public Media, joins the Standard with more.
Austin author explores loss, identity and boxing in new novel
In “The Slip,” Austin writer Lucas Schaefer weaves a layered mystery around a teenager’s disappearance, a boxing gym and the many lives intersecting in late ’90s Austin. The story digs into masculinity, belonging and second chances.
Schaefer joins Texas Standard with the story.
Austin settles police ‘less lethal’ lawsuits for $27 million
Austin police fired so-called “less lethal” beanbag rounds into crowds during 2020 protests, injuring dozens. While charges against officers were dropped, civil suits followed, and the city has now paid $27 million in settlements.
KUT government accountability reporter Andrew Weber joins the Standard with more.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
