Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. Check back later today for updated story links and audio.
Data reveals intensity of ICE crackdown in Texas under Trump
1 in 4 ICE arrests have occurred under the Trump administration in Texas since the president launched his immigration crackdown, according to an analysis of the data by the Texas Tribune. But many of those arrested don’t have criminal convictions, despite the president’s campaign pledges to go after “the worst of the worst.”
The Texas Tribune’s Alex Nguyen and Colleen DeGuzman join the show to discuss.
Visually impaired students create sonic sounds as the Semi-Modulars
Students who attend the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired have found a creative outlet that has also entranced audiences who see them live. The students have founded a band called the Semi-Modulars, and under instructor Dan Butler, have utilized synthesizers to create music.
Butler talks more about the inspiration behind the group.
Funding for dementia research on the ballot
Texans have the opportunity to weigh in on 17 different constitutional amendments at the polls today. That includes Prop 14, which would commit $3 billion to fund the new Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.
KUT’s Olivia Aldridge reports the effort comes as the older population in Texas is growing.
New cookbook traces the plant-based roots of Texas and Mexican cuisine
Traces of vegetarianism can be sourced back to ancient civilizations, but in the last two decades the number of people practicing a fully or partially plant-based diet has been taking off. Growth has been spurred by concerns over the environment, personal health, and the increased availability of meat alternatives.
But a new book by Chef Adán Medrano says a plant-based diet has deep roots in South Texas and northern Mexico cuisine. He’s put some of the recipes and the stories behind them into a new book, “The Texas Mexican Plant-Based Cookbook.”
Medrano joins the Standard to dish on the details of his book.
Rounding up the Standard’s top 10 book segments of the past decade
This year marks 10 years that the Texas Standard has been on the air. As part of our year-long celebrations, each month we’re looking back on some of our favorite segments.
For October, Laura Rice rounded up some of our favorite author interviews and will reveal the list today.
Battle over open primaries brews within state GOP
The Texas Republican Party is in the middle of a legal battle over who should get to vote in its primary elections. Right now, both party primaries in Texas are open, meaning anyone can vote in them. But the state GOP wants to restrict its March elections so that only registered Republicans can participate going forward.
Not everyone in the party’s ranks is sold on this, though. Natalia Contreras covers elections in Texas for Votebeat and the Texas Tribune. She joins Texas Standard to discuss.
