It’s the final stretch before the primary runoffs in Texas, but the real test may not be the race most folks are focused on.
Next week, early voting begins in the primary runoff contest between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and challenger Ken Paxton — but win or lose, who’ll take over Paxton’s current seat as attorney general? We’ll take a closer look.
Also, a top Texas-based expert in geopolitics weighs in on the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping and what it might mean for the future of the U.S. conflict with Iran.
Harvest time in Texas? How warmer winters have triggered a seasonal shift for the Texas crawfish industry.

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Former President Barack Obama made a surprise stop in Texas. We’ll dig more into what his appearance might mean for Democrats heading into the midterms.
The number of students in Texas public schools dropped by tens of thousands at the beginning of this school year. We’ll look into why.
Plus, another Texas-based company is also now making Texas its legal home. What we can make of this growing trend.
Texas Monthly Senior Editor Aaron Parsley’s young nephew was killed in the devastating July 4th flooding. His essay about his family’s experiences just won a Pulitzer Prize. We’ll speak with him.
And getting ready for the World Cup in Houston means taking really good care of some grass.

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A bipartisan bill aims to fix the country’s broken immigration system. Does it stand a chance in Congress?
We’ll look at how adult education can help increase income for families coping with rising costs.
Plus, free burgers for college students at UT Austin — how “churgers” are providing relief amid rising grocery prices.
And the NBA playoffs now shift to San Antonio. Spurs star Victor Wembanyama returns to the floor after his controversial Game 4 ejection.

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The state’s biggest school district, already under state control, now faces a civil rights investigation by the federal government. The probe into Houston Independent School District focuses on plans to change how special education services are delivered — what some believe may amount to illegal segregation.
A massive liquefied natural gas export terminal is rising near the Laguna Madre, bringing promises of economic growth to the Rio Grande Valley — but not everyone is on board.
Democrat James Talarico is making big gains in the U.S. Senate race, railing against billionaires. But a new investigation finds some billionaires backing his campaign. We’ll have a closer look.
Also, remembering the leader of a distinctly hot dance orchestra back in the 1950’s. These days, he’s often called the father of Tejano music.

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After three deaths on a cruise ship, fears over hantavirus are going viral online. A top Texas epidemiologist shares what science says.
The race for a U.S. Senate seat from Texas is getting a lot of attention as current Attorney General Ken Paxton tries to take the seat of a fellow Republican. But what about the seat he’s vacating? How much do you know about who’s in the running?
Wind power: One of the biggest stories of Texas energy in recent years. But now, wind is set to take second place to something else.
Plus, the week in politics with the Texas Tribune and poetry from the Typewriter Rodeo.

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Texas lawmakers have long known about flood dangers along the Guadalupe. So why were calls for life-saving protections not heeded?
Amid lawsuits, two top state leaders say they want to make it easier for summer camps along the Guadalupe to reopen this summer, less than a year after the deadly July 4 floods.
Plans to open a data center at U.S. military base Fort Bliss is getting serious pushback from nearby El Paso residents.
Also, what’s behind a huge increase in drug overdose deaths at Texas prisons?
Plus, why officials are raising red flags over a rise in cases of what’s called Valley Fever.

Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org.

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Some of Ken Paxton’s usual big backers have not pitched in yet for his U.S. Senate race. What does that tell us about the runoff election?
Houston ISD is trying something new next school year, launching so-called AI-focused schools. What’s that mean exactly?
The business of craft brewing was growing for years, but now they’re shutting down faster than they’re opening. A look at the shift.
We’ll also look at how Texas is working towards getting mental health patients out of the criminal justice cycle.
And though gas prices are high, it’s still often cheaper than flying. We’ll take a look at some Texas road trip recommendations.

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The Supreme Court intervenes in the battle over the medication mifepristone that is used for abortions mailed across the country.
An ICE agent shot and killed Ruben Ray Martinez, a U.S. citizen, on South Padre Island in 2025 — but his family in San Antonio didn’t find out how he died for nearly a year. What happened?
Plus, Houston ISD proposes major changes for special education.
Also, a look at the history of the Voting Rights Act and how it reshaped Texas.
And a large, unusual animal was spotted in south Austin. What is it and why is it roaming the area?

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A cloud of confusion over rulings involving THC and smokable hemp in Texas: What’s legal, what’s not, and why now?
In this midterm election year, a test of efforts to expand legal protections and access to voting for Texans with visual impairments. We’ll hear why researchers say barriers are still common.
Thousands nationwide are exonerated as laws banning “junk science” take hold. But in Texas, the state’s top criminal court has blocked defendants from using the state’s junk science law to get a new trial.
And new developments in the Strait of Hormuz. Any signs of relief for Texans feeling the pinch at the pumps?

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Camp Mystic withdrew its application to operate this summer, but dozens of other Texas camps are still trying to get state approval to open.
Corpus Christi’s water crisis could soon mean people have to make big cuts in water usage — but there’s concern leadership isn’t prepared for the mounting emergency.
A Texan in the Trump administration is facing an ethics complaint. Why Agriculture Commissioner Brooke Rollins is on the defense.
Abilene is trying to increase access to emergency care to a spread-out West Texas population. We’ll look at what they’ve learned.
Plus, checking in on a new program for future space engineers and a new cafe offering opportunity in North Texas.

Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support our work by becoming a sustaining member at supportthispodcast.org.

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