The war in Iran and the big energy bottleneck presents implications for the Lone Star State. As we parse out the latest, we’ll have a closer look at the impact on oil and why one top analyst says despite record oil exports from Texas, we’re still not out of the woods.
There has been a lot of talk about cheap drones that are giving an edge to adversaries on the battlefield. Why is the U.S. lagging on using them?
A new study examines an educational experiment in Dallas, rewarding teachers for student performance. How effective is that approach, and should it be replicated statewide?
We’ll hear the results and the takeaway, plus the week in Texas music and much more.

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David Streitfeld wrote the new biography “Western Star” about his friend Larry McMurty. In this extended interview, you’ll hear more about “Lonesome Dove,” McMurtry’s reaction to the television miniseries and whether McMurtry himself was more of an Augustus McCrae or a Woodrow Call. Streitfeld also talked about what he hopes readers will get out of his new book.

The full transcript of this episode of Texas Standard is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps.

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As Corpus Christi and neighboring cities try to head off a water catastrophe, water demand exceeds supply across Texas and there are new staggering estimates for a statewide water plan. We’ll go over the numbers, what’s behind them, and what comes next.
A runoff for lieutenant governor looms in Texas — but do Texans know either of the candidates?
Also: Born in Houston, raised in Wimberley, and leaving his mark on music worldwide — singer-songwriter Buck Meek on his new solo album, “The Mirror.”

Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
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The biggest city in Texas faces intense pressure from Gov. Greg Abbott over cooperation with immigration enforcement. David Goodman of the New York Times joins us with more on a threat to cut funding for Houston police unless it changes a new policy on collaboration with ICE agents.
What happens next to Camp Mystic? A hearing over what to do with damaged structures as questions remain over last July’s deadly floods.
What’s the price for memory? More than you might imagine, especially if you haven’t bought any recently. Tech expert Omar Gallaga tells us why and what it means.
And whither Artemis? What’s next for the moon.

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Texas Republican Tony Gonzales has begun the process of resigning amid accusations tied to sexual misconduct. What’s next for Texas’ 23rd congressional district?
There’s an annual ritual going on right now on parts of the Texas Gulf Coast. Why conservationists are celebrating the unusual display of the Attwater’s prairie-chicken.
The San Antonio Spurs are headed into the NBA playoffs, but its parent company is facing a challenge. Why Bexar County says it’s owed millions.
The Trump administration had a plan to help farmers hire foreign workers, but many say the idea to lower wages under the visa program is not the way.
Plus, we’ll introduce you to new novelist Rebecca Bendheim, and we’ll explore a bit of lesser-known Texas history.

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The state is taking control of more struggling school districts, but how effective are the takeovers? We’ll discuss with two Houston Chronicle reporters tracking takeovers in Texas.
Should the state attorney general make national politics one of his primary duties as outgoing AG Ken Paxton has done? It’s become an issue as voters elect the state’s new top legal representative.
Texans can no longer use SNAP benefits to buy candy or sugary drinks, but what qualifies at the checkout counter?
We’ll delve more into the fallout over President Trump’s war of words with Pope Leo.
And a new gym in Waco is redefining what fitness can look like for people with disabilities.

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After talks with Iran fall apart, energy prices are back on the rise — as are military tensions. UT global affairs expert Jeremi Suri on what happened in talks and what it means for the foreseeable future.
The end of the Artemis II mission, the start of a new chapter in space exploration. We’ll have more on that front, as well as the discovery of the remains of what looks like an armadillo the size of a lion. What a Central Texas cave is telling us about what Texas really looked like in the Ice Age — upending some long-held assumptions.

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Texas Standard talked with Bob Odenkirk during SXSW about his new film “Normal.” Now, it’s hitting theatres. This extended conversation goes beyond why he loves the new film to include how he feels he adds to the action genre and why he votes “Rushmore” for the best Texas film. He also gets real about how he feels about Texas barbecue and film incentives from state to state.

The full transcript of this episode of Texas Standard is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps.

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The threat of hail, possible tornadoes and flooding conditions spells what could be a severe start to a stormy weather season in Texas. Meteorologist Eric Berger joins us with what to expect and how it fits into the bigger weather picture.
How are you weathering rising gasoline prices? We’ll hear how some Houstonians are coping.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s election-year forecast: Not a rosy one for the Texas GOP. We’ll talk about that with Jasper Scherer of the Texas Tribune.
We’ll reveal our winner in our contest for the best Texas film of all time, as well as talk with the filmmaker behind “They Called Us Outlaws,” all about the rise of outlaw country music.

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High stakes in Texas as cannabis businesses file suit over a new statewide ban on smokable hemp.
This year’s midterm elections signal the biggest turnover in recent memory and Texas is part of that trend. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey on what’s behind this changing of the guard.
Despite a tenuous ceasefire with Iran, tech expert Omar Gallaga tells us high-tech battles are still being waged.
The prescription for a nursing shortage in Texas? A new training opportunity launches in Abilene.
And a new series exploring Texas’ endangered landscapes debuts on PBS stations statewide tonight. We’ll have a preview of “Daytripping with the Nature Conservancy.”

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