Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Monday, Oct. 13, 2025:
New poll shows Cornyn and Paxton in statistical dead heat
A new poll from the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs shows Sen. John Cornyn has significantly cut into the lead Attorney General Ken Paxton had in previous polls – pulling even with his rival amid their primary contest. This comes after the entrance of U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt into the race, who trails the two frontrunners.
Mark Jones, a political science fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and a senior research fellow at the Hobby School of Public Affairs, joins us with a breakdown.
Why a Texas appeals court issued stay on Robert Roberson’s execution
Robert Roberson will not be executed this week. Roberson was scheduled to die on Oct. 16, but a Thursday ruling from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals stayed that death sentence for now.
Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies explains the court’s decision.
This week in Texas music history
Jason Mellard with The Center for Texas Music History at Texas State University brings us a new story from the archives.
Halal barbecue pitmasters making waves in Texas
Halal barbecue is frequently served by immigrants from across the Middle East and Africa, and influenced by the traditions of native-born Black Muslims, as well. And here in Texas, where beef is at the center of all things ‘cue, Halal pitmasters are thriving.
Farhan Mustafa wrote about the rise of halal barbecue for Bon Apetit and joined the Standard to dish on the details.
ACL aims to set the stage for sustainability
Weekend two of the Austin City Limits Music Festival is over. Festivalgoers may have seen new initiatives to recycle more, waste less and power the stages responsibly. It’s part of the festival’s effort to show how a massive music event can be a model for sustainability.
Jenny Dubin reports on these green goals.
The visionary behind Austin’s giant subway sandwich sculptures
A listener to KUT News’ ATXplained series wrote in with a question about a particularly effective piece of commercial art in Austin.
The Texas Standard’s Sean Saldana has the story.
Texas’ Medicaid estate recovery challenged
When a Medicaid recipient dies, the state is required to recover the cost of long-term care services from the patient’s estate. But there are exemptions to the law, designed to protect a surviving spouse or dependent child. In Texas, Medicaid estate recovery is managed by a private contractor, who survivors say has harassed them for payment, and failed to recognize valid exemptions.
Julie Poole reported this story for the Texas Observer and joins us with the details.
