Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025. Check back later today for updated story links and audio.
Texas voter rolls take a surprising dip
New data show Texas’ registered voter count has declined, a puzzling trend in one of the nation’s fastest-growing states. The drop raises questions about the impact of new election laws, record-keeping practices and what it means for future elections.
Jeremy Wallace of the Houston Chronicle, who covers Texas politics, joins the Standard with more.
Will Argentine beef bring down US prices?
President Trump says importing beef from Argentina could ease record-high meat prices. But the economics behind that idea are far from simple – and ranchers may not be cheering.
Derrell Peel, professor of agricultural economics at Oklahoma State University, joins Texas Standard with an overview.
Amazon’s Ring cameras back in the spotlight
Amazon once said it would limit police access to Ring doorbell footage. But new partnerships with surveillance tech companies suggest otherwise, reigniting privacy concerns.
CNET contributor Omar Gallaga joins the show to explains what’s changing, how it works, and what it means for Ring users.
‘Luv Ya, Bum!’ brings a Texas legend to theaters
A new documentary celebrates Bum Phillips, the cowboy-hat-wearing coach who turned the Houston Oilers into contenders and became a Lone Star icon. Narrated by Dennis Quaid, “Luv Ya, Bum!” features Earl Campbell, Terry Bradshaw and Peyton Manning.
Co-director Sam Wainwright Douglas and producer Vance Howard join the Standard with a look at the film.
The Sausage Sensei and his Texas-sized following
Pitmaster Bill Dumas has built an international reputation and a rockstar persona as the “Sausage Sensei” of Texas barbecue.
Daniel Vaughn, barbecue editor at Texas Monthly, joins the Standard with a profile.
What to watch at this year’s Austin Film Festival
The Austin Film Festival kicks off with a slate of movies by and about Texans and a special focus on writers. From documentaries to narrative features and star-studded panels, it’s a big week for cinephiles in Central Texas and beyond.
Laura Rice, managing producer of Texas Standard, offers up a preview.
Car loan defaults are rising – and fast
Car loan delinquencies have jumped 50 percent over the past 15 years, raising red flags for consumers and lenders alike. High prices, tightening credit, and a shaky auto market could spell trouble.
Melissa Lawford, U.S. economics correspondent for The Telegraph, joins the Standard.
