Here’s what’s coming up on Texas Standard for Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. Listen on your Texas public radio station, or ask your smart speaker to play Texas Standard. Check back later today for updated story links and audio.
What Texas voters should know before election day
With 17 constitutional amendments on the ballot next week, state officials are reminding Texans what to expect at the polls.
From language assistance to last-minute research, Alicia Pierce, communications director for the Texas Secretary of State’s office, joins Texas Standard with what you need to know.
Sen. Charles Perry’s town hall spotlights rural priorities
At a town hall meeting in Abilene, State Sen. Charles Perry discussed outcomes from the 89th legislative session, touching on healthcare, education, rural development and his top issue – water.
KACU’s Heather Claborn reports from Abilene.
AI chatbots are getting ready to sell you things
Soon you might be able to buy directly through ChatGPT. OpenAI has announced partnerships with PayPal, Walmart and Etsy to bring “Buy” buttons into AI chats.
Tech reporter Omar Gallaga has been following how this could change e-commerce – and what risks come with it. He joins the Standard with more.
Composer Angelica Negrón turns climate loss into sound
Whale calls, melting glaciers and frog croaks take center stage in composer Angelica Negrón’s new orchestral work, “For Everything You Keep Losing.” The piece explores the vanishing sounds of nature amid climate change and Negrón’s Puerto Rican roots.
KERA News’ Elizabeth Myong reports.
Gulf Coast residents react to emissions rollback
Seventeen Texas facilities are now exempt from new federal emissions monitoring rules under the Trump administration’s latest rollback, and environmental advocates say the change could worsen air quality along the Gulf Coast.
Floodlight reporter Terry Jones joins Texas Standard with what’s at stake.
Exploring Latinx goth culture with Laurie Gallardo
For some, every day is Halloween. Austin DJ Laurie Gallardo, host of the podcast “SPF 1000: Vampire Sunscreen,” discusses Latinx goth culture, its roots in border life and the darker side of music and identity. She sits down with Texas Standard.
Houston and Austin take opposite paths on city budgets
Both Austin and Houston are facing financial strain, but their solutions couldn’t be more different. Austin voters are weighing a tax hike through Proposition Q, while Houston’s mayor pushes a no-new-taxes stance.
Reporter Chaya Tong of the Austin American-Statesman joins the Standard.