Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025.
SNAP benefits at risk as shutdown drags on
Millions of Texans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could lose their food benefits if the federal government shutdown continues into November. State agencies have begun warning families that SNAP funding could run out soon, affecting some of the state’s poorest households.
The Texas Tribune’s Terri Langford joins the Standard with more.
Austin Prop Q campaign critic draws ethics complaint
Austin voters are weighing a controversial property tax increase on the November ballot. But one critic’s campaign against Proposition Q is now under scrutiny after an ethics complaint was filed. The case highlights the high stakes – and sharp elbows – in Austin’s political scene.
KUT’s Andrew Weber reports.
Texas plays key role in AI-driven power demand
As data center projects tied to AI giants like OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank expand in Texas, the state’s electric grid faces new pressure. Companies are increasingly building private power plants to meet skyrocketing energy needs – and that could reshape the state’s energy landscape.
Jennifer Hiller of the Wall Street Journal joins the Standard with more.
Oil prices tumble to pandemic-era lows
Oil prices have fallen to levels not seen since the early days of COVID-19, sparking concern across Texas’ energy sector. Analysts cite strong supply, sluggish demand, and global uncertainty, especially from China, as major factors.
Matt Smith, lead energy analyst at Kpler, joins the Standard to explain what it means for the state economy.
Spreading kindness through a Texas-made story
The Austin-based organization Dude. Be Nice is turning its message of compassion into a children’s book. “Dude. Be Nice” follows a bear who learns that helping others means first asking what they really need.
Authors Brent and Jamie Lynn Camalich join the Standard to discuss how their story aims to teach empathy to young readers.
WNBA expansion, contract talks test the league’s momentum
The WNBA’s surge in popularity has created both excitement and tension ahead of the 2026 season. Players are negotiating a new labor deal while several teams, including the Dallas Wings, search for new coaches. The outcome could define the league’s next chapter.
Ben Pickman of The Athletic joins the Standard with more.
