Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. Check back later today for updated story links and audio.
U.S. ramps up pressure on Venezuela
The U.S. military has blown up manned boats off of Venezuela’s coast, citing cartel activity. The Trump administration has also revived charges against President Nicolás Maduro. With tensions rising, questions swirl about the administration’s motives and next steps.
Katrin Bennhold, senior writer at the New York Times, joins the Standard with more.
Talarico leads early in Democratic primary fundraising
In the race for Texas’ U.S. Senate seat, Democratic state Rep. James Talarico is emerging as a fundraising frontrunner. His $6 million haul outpaces primary rivals Colin Allred and Terry Virts, raising questions about strategy and support.
Kayla Guo, politics reporter at the Texas Tribune, joins the Standard with more on the race.
Shutdown hits Texas ports and workers
As the federal shutdown drags into its second day, Texas ports remain active – but many essential workers are unpaid. President Trump calls it an “opportunity” to cut federal programs.
Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports.
Texas Monthly’s beef with Southern Living’s BBQ list
Southern Living named 17 Texas joints to its Top 50 BBQ list – but Texas Monthly’s Daniel Vaughn says that’s 17 too many. Why? He explains why the Lone Star State’s barbecue deserves its own category.
Vaughn joins us to make the case.
Neon app raises privacy concerns
A viral app that paid users for access to phone calls is offline after a security scare. Neon’s developers say it’ll return soon, but critics warn of privacy risks.
Omar Gallaga, tech writer for CNET, joins Texas Standard with the story.
Our resident insect expert returns to answer more bug questions posed by Texas kids.
Volunteers ask Dallas to save birds by rethinking new convention center
Downtown Dallas ranks among the worst cities for bird deaths caused by building collisions. Advocates want the new convention center to be redesigned with wildlife in mind.
Pablo Arauz Peña of KERA News reports.
Texas may drop American Bar Association oversight in law schools
The Texas Supreme Court is moving to end its affiliation with the American Bar Association, which has accredited law schools nationwide since 1983. The court plans to take over accreditation duties itself – a shift that could isolate Texas law grads and reshape legal education.
Karen Sloan, legal affairs reporter for Reuters, joins the Standard with more.
