Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025.
House expected to vote to end shutdown
The U.S. House is set to vote today on a bill to end the 53-day federal government shutdown. The compromise, backed by eight moderate senators, omits premium subsidy extensions Democrats had sought for the Affordable Care Act.
UT Austin government professor Alison Craig joins Texas Standard with more.
Texas redistricting fight heads to court
After redrawing congressional maps early to favor Republicans, Texas lawmakers face legal challenges over the plan’s constitutionality. Houston saw some of the most dramatic changes in district lines, where residents are weighing what it means for representation.
The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey reports.
Austin looks for budget fixes after tax hike defeat
Austin voters soundly rejected a proposed property tax increase last week. Now, city leaders are weighing deep cuts and potential layoffs to balance the budget.
KUT’s Luz Moreno-Lozano reports on the fallout from Proposition Q’s defeat.
Can Dallas become a bike-friendly city?
In car-centric Dallas, cycling can be risky business. City officials and advocates recently took to the streets to test the city’s infrastructure and envision a more bikeable future.
KERA’s Ava Thompson reports from Dallas.
Previewing the Texas women’s basketball season
Three Texas programs (UT, Baylor and TCU) start the season ranked in the top 20. The Longhorns lead the way at No. 4, powered by standout Madison Booker.
Austin American-Statesman sportswriter Danny Davis joins Texas Standard with a preview.
Faith-based ‘Campaign University’ trains political hopefuls
In Fort Worth, a megachurch is teaching Christians how to run for public office. The Mercy Culture church’s “Campaign University” program is drawing national attention for its political ambitions and religious ties.
Marissa Greene and Cecilia Lenzen of the Fort Worth Report join the Standard.
Tracking space junk with a MacArthur ‘genius’
Thousands of satellites orbit Earth — and thousands of pieces of debris threaten them. UT Austin aerospace engineer Moriba Jah has pioneered methods to track and prevent collisions in orbit.
The 2022 MacArthur Fellow joins Texas Standard in a conversation revisited for the show’s 10th anniversary.
