Texas news with national signal.
The gist
Texas Standard is a public-media news magazine built around the idea that Texas rarely stays local. Its episodes move quickly from state politics and public policy to music, film, technology, history, and environmental pressure points.
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About Texas Standard
Texas Standard is a brisk public-media news magazine that treats Texas as a daily pressure gauge for politics, culture, infrastructure, and national change. It is rooted in the state, but rarely provincial. A segment about Corpus Christi’s water emergency becomes a way to understand statewide demand, planning costs, restrictions, and the possibility of state intervention. A story about Houston police policy opens into the governor’s pressure campaign over cooperation with ICE agents. School takeovers, SNAP limits, hemp-derived product lawsuits, redistricting penalties, and congressional retirements all appear as pieces of a larger civic picture. The show also makes room for the life around the news. Recent episodes move from Camp Mystic flood accountability to computer memory prices, from Artemis moon missions to an Ice Age discovery in a Central Texas cave. Its arts coverage is serious without becoming precious. Larry McMurtry is discussed through Lonesome Dove, The Last Picture Show, small-town Texas, and the long shadow of Western myth. Bob Odenkirk talks about action films, humor, Jackie Chan, and Texas barbecue. Buck Meek’s Texas roots sit alongside reporting on water, elections, and the economics of public life. The format feels broadcast-clean: clear headlines, concise framing, expert voices, reported explainers, and quick transitions. It has a strong sense of place, naming cities, institutions, and policy fights without turning the show into inside baseball. The result is a useful daily scan for people who need to understand Texas as a state where national issues often arrive early, louder, or in sharper relief. It is measured, wide-ranging, and alert to how law, weather, money, memory, culture, and power collide in ordinary public life.
Made for: For listeners who follow Texas politics, public policy, culture, and civic life, especially those who want state stories placed in a wider national frame.
What sets it apart: Texas Standard combines hard-news pacing with a unusually wide Texas brief: water systems, elections, schools, science, music, film, and local history all share the same editorial table.
In their own words
Coverage of politics, lifestyle, environment, technology, innovation and money matters from a uniquely Texas perspective.
Why you'd press play
This is your news desk when smokable hemp and lion-sized armadillos both demand a briefing.
Press play if you want
- Texas politics connected to the consequences waiting beyond the Capitol
- your public affairs balanced with spaceflight, paleontology, and the occasional Bob Odenkirk detour
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Episodes
- 1
Iran strikes stoke fears of wider war, impact on energy prices
·51m - 2
Starlink poised to expand broadband footprint in Texas
·50m - 3
Analysis finds extreme heat inside Texas prisons
·52m - 4
Texas Extra: Bob Odenkirk on ‘Normal,’ what he brings to action films and paying taxes
·27m - 5
‘They Called Us Outlaws’ revisits rise of outlaw country music
·51m - 6
Lawsuit challenges Texas crackdown on hemp-derived products
·50m - 7
‘Western Star’ explores Larry McMurtry’s legacy and Texas storytelling
·50m - 8
South Texas water crisis raises concerns about aquifer use
·50m - 9
What Trump’s election executive order could mean for voting
·51m - 10
Texas Extra: City manager remains optimistic in the face of Corpus Christi’s water crisis
- 11
Corpus Christi official says the city will never run out of water
·50m - 12
What the Artemis II liftoff means for the future of space exploration
·50m - 13
Artemis II mission builds on lunar exploration legacy
·51m - 14
New book on Selena explores the enduring impact of the Queen of Tejano
·51m - 15
What Cornyn’s absence at CPAC could signal for Senate race
·51m - 16
Texas Extra: Talking with NASA ‘Spacewoman’ Eileen Collins
·15m - 17
Shedding a light on ICE and DPS tactics in Austin
·51m - 18
Corpus Christi water crisis collides with mayor recall effort
·52m - 19
Exploring the global future of Texas-made kimchi
·51m - 20
How Texas plans to power its AI data center boom
·50m - 21
Meteor over Texas leaves debris, questions
·51m - 22
A special broadcast from Corpus Christi
·50m - 23
Debate grows over César Chávez Day and public memorials in Texas
·51m - 24
History of Texas prison bands lives on through rare recordings
·51m - 25
Bob Odenkirk talks new action role in SXSW film ‘Normal’
·51m - 26
Would could the Prairieland decision mean for future federal prosecutions?
·52m - 27
Waymo expansion sparks safety concerns in Texas cities
·50m - 28
Historic Baptist ledger sheds light on early Texas faith
·50m - 29
Texas ban on smokable cannabis products looms
·51m - 30
How Corpus Christi could be on the brink of a water disaster
·50m - 31
Texas A&M alumni raise concerns over ‘politicization’ of school
·51m - 32
Texas Extra: Extended ‘Riverbend’ film interview
·27m - 33
‘Riverbend’ returns to audiences after decades of obscurity
·52m - 34
Amid ethics probe, Rep. Tony Gonzales admits affair
·52m - 35
After Texas primary night, attention turns to November
·52m - 36
Texans head to the polls on primary Election Day
·52m - 37
School voucher applications open across Texas
·50m - 38
The town where Texas declared its independence
·52m - 39
Paxton sues more out-of-state providers over abortion pills
·52m - 40
Killing of cartel head ‘El Mencho’ touches off violence in Mexico
·50m - 41
Trump invokes Texas in State of the Union speech
·52m - 42
Amid scandal, calls grow for Rep. Tony Gonzales to step down
·51m - 43
What happens now after Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s tariffs
·52m - 44
Talarico interview on Colbert controversy shakes up race
·52m - 45
Exploring Texas’ deepest underwater cave system
·52m - 46
W.F. Strong on Robert Duvall’s Texas legacy and ‘Lonesome Dove’
·52m - 47
The Texans in the Epstein files
·52m - 48
New exhibit peels back mystique surrounding Daniel Johnston
·52m - 49
How an AI data center is driving a housing crisis in Abilene
·52m - 50
Probe raises concerns over pregnant migrant girls held in Texas
·52m - 51
Untangling legal questions in the age of AI photo manipulation
·51m - 52
Walking Dallas, one mile at a time
·51m - 53
Why many Texans are getting ready for the ‘Benito Bowl’
·50m - 54
Democrat makes surprise win in solid-red Texas district
·49m - 55
Austin’s Banana Phone turns public roasting into performance art
·50m - 56
Possible government shutdown looms after ICE shooting
·50m - 57
Gun rights debate resurfaces after Minneapolis shooting
·50m - 58
Texans brace for winter weather on land – and in the sea
·50m - 59
Former Uvalde officer acquitted in first criminal trial tied to shooting
·51m - 60
What to know as arctic front heads to Texas
·50m - 61
‘Witness’ blends music and photography to beckon reflection
·50m - 62
ICE detainee deaths draw scrutiny at El Paso facility
·51m - 63
How San Antonio’s MLK march became one of the nation’s largest
·50m - 64
Texas readies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
·50m - 65
Austin women’s skateboarding group builds space and community
·50m - 66
Proposed THC rules draw backlash from hemp businesses
·50m - 67
Minneapolis ICE shooting prompts protests in Texas
·51m - 68
What to know as flu season ramps up in Texas
·50m - 69
Uvalde school shooting trial is underway
·50m - 70
Venezuelan Texans react to Maduro’s removal
·51m - 71
What entered the public domain in 2026?
·50m - 72
Venezuela’s future and what it means for Texas oil
·52m - 73
Encore presentation: A special broadcast from San Antonio
·51m - 74
Encore presentation: A special broadcast from the McDonald Observatory
·52m - 75
The top news of the year and looking ahead to 2026
·52m - 76
Tips to stop doomscrolling in 2026
·52m - 77
What to know if Affordable Care Act subsidies expire
·51m - 78
Our top 10 books stories of the past decade
·51m - 79
Stories to warm your heart this Christmas
·51m - 80
Our top 10 music stories of the past decade
·51m - 81
Our favorite stories from the Texas Standard and Texas Newsroom
·50m - 82
The best of the Texas Standard and Texas Newsroom in 2025
·51m - 83
Dallas’ Longhorn Ballroom marks 75 years
·51m - 84
Tejano music mourns two foundational figures
·51m - 85
Protecting monarch butterflies on Texas highways
·50m - 86
Texas collects data on trans residents through state IDs
·51m - 87
Tiny Texas town’s library could be adult education template
·52m - 88
Texas Extra: The challenges and opportunities ahead for the Austin-San Antonio ‘Megaregion’
·22m - 89
A special live broadcast from the McDonald Observatory
·51m - 90
Tamales in Texas: A holiday debate with deep roots
·51m - 91
Voces Oral History Center founder talks legacy ahead of retirement
·49m - 92
With Crockett in, Texas Democrats mull Senate race strategy
·51m - 93
Trans students push back as university policies shift
·51m - 94
A special broadcast from San Antonio
·51m - 95
Why a Texas Democrat was pardoned by Trump
·51m - 96
Voters flagged as noncitizens may have been eligible all along
·50m - 97
Is Texas being used as an oil waste dumping ground?
·51m - 98
What’s next after Supreme Court restores Texas’ congressional map?
·52m - 99
Protesters, DPS troopers clash outside Dilley ICE detention facility
A news roundup covering a protest at the Dilley ICE detention facility, a military buildup near Iran, and new census data for Texas.
·50m - 100
Austin police cooperation with ICE faces renewed scrutiny
This episode of Texas Standard covers the aftermath of a winter storm, a U.S.
·51m - 101
Texas Extra: Writer David Streitfeld on ‘Lonesome Dove’ and why Larry McMurtry loved and hated Texas
Laura Rice interviews David Streitfeld about his biography of Larry McMurtry, focusing on 'Lonesome Dove' and McMurtry's complex relationship with Texas.
Apr 18, 2026·19m - 102
Big Thief guitarist Buck Meek talks solo album ‘The Mirror’
Texas Standard includes Megan Kimball's report on a draft Texas water plan priced at $174 billion over 50 years, up from $80 billion.
Apr 17, 2026·50m·3 clips - 103
Camp Mystic ruling could shape flood accountability case
This episode of Texas Standard covers a threat to cut Houston police funding over immigration policy, the Camp Mystic flood damage hearing, and other Texas news.
Apr 16, 2026·50m·2 clips - 104
Why the Spurs owe San Antonio millions after failed MLS bid
The episode discusses why Bexar County says the San Antonio Spurs' parent company owes millions after a failed MLS bid.
Apr 15, 2026·50m - 105
Tracking state takeovers of Texas schools
This episode of Texas Standard covers the state takeover of failing school districts, along with other Texas news including a congressman's retirement, the attorney general's role, SNAP benefit changes, and a disability-inclusive gym.
Apr 14, 2026·50m - 106
Discovery in Central Texas cave reshapes understanding of Ice Age wildlife
Hidden gemJohn Moretti says the cave bed was "just littered" with Ice Age fossils, including a lion-sized armadillo relative.
Apr 13, 2026·50m·2 clips - 107
Texas Extra: Bob Odenkirk on ‘Normal,’ what he brings to action films and paying taxes
Hidden gemBob Odenkirk says people should pay their “f***ing taxes” and links film incentives to streets, sidewalks, and firemen.
Apr 11, 2026·27m·2 clips - 108
‘They Called Us Outlaws’ revisits rise of outlaw country music
Apr 10, 2026·51m - 109
Lawsuit challenges Texas crackdown on hemp-derived products
Hidden gemTexas Standard centers on a lawsuit from hemp businesses, including the Texas Hemp Business Council, after Texas health agencies and the Attorney General adopted a new consumable-hemp rule.
Apr 9, 2026·50m·3 clips - 110
‘Western Star’ explores Larry McMurtry’s legacy and Texas storytelling
Apr 8, 2026·50m - 111
South Texas water crisis raises concerns about aquifer use
Apr 7, 2026·50m - 112
What Trump’s election executive order could mean for voting
Apr 6, 2026·51m - 113
Corpus Christi official says the city will never run out of water
Apr 3, 2026·50m - 114
What the Artemis II liftoff means for the future of space exploration
Apr 2, 2026·50m - 115
Artemis II mission builds on lunar exploration legacy
Apr 1, 2026·51m - 116
New book on Selena explores the enduring impact of the Queen of Tejano
Mar 31, 2026·51m - 117
What Cornyn’s absence at CPAC could signal for Senate race
Mar 30, 2026·51m - 118
Texas Extra: Talking with NASA ‘Spacewoman’ Eileen Collins
Mar 28, 2026·15m - 119
Shedding a light on ICE and DPS tactics in Austin
Mar 27, 2026·51m - 120
Corpus Christi water crisis collides with mayor recall effort
Corpus Christi is facing a water crisis with main reservoirs below 10 percent, and Kirsten Crow says the city could reach a water emergency within months while a recall petition adds pressure on the mayor.
Mar 26, 2026·52m·3 clips - 121
Exploring the global future of Texas-made kimchi
Mar 25, 2026·51m - 122
How Texas plans to power its AI data center boom
Mar 24, 2026·50m - 123
Meteor over Texas leaves debris, questions
Mar 23, 2026·51m - 124
A special broadcast from Corpus Christi
Mar 20, 2026·50m - 125
Debate grows over César Chávez Day and public memorials in Texas
Mar 19, 2026·51m - 126
History of Texas prison bands lives on through rare recordings
Mar 18, 2026·51m - 127
Bob Odenkirk talks new action role in SXSW film ‘Normal’
Mar 17, 2026·51m - 128
Would could the Prairieland decision mean for future federal prosecutions?
Mar 16, 2026·52m - 129
Waymo expansion sparks safety concerns in Texas cities
Mar 13, 2026·50m - 130
Historic Baptist ledger sheds light on early Texas faith
Mar 12, 2026·50m - 131
Texas ban on smokable cannabis products looms
Mar 11, 2026·51m - 132
How Corpus Christi could be on the brink of a water disaster
Mar 10, 2026·50m - 133
Texas A&M alumni raise concerns over ‘politicization’ of school
Mar 9, 2026·51m - 134
Texas Extra: Extended ‘Riverbend’ film interview
An extended interview with director Sam Furstenberg and film restoration pioneer Michael J.
Mar 7, 2026·27m - 135
‘Riverbend’ returns to audiences after decades of obscurity
Mar 6, 2026·52m - 136
Amid ethics probe, Rep. Tony Gonzales admits affair
Mar 5, 2026·52m - 137
After Texas primary night, attention turns to November
Mar 4, 2026·52m - 138
Texans head to the polls on primary Election Day
Mar 3, 2026·52m - 139
Iran strikes stoke fears of wider war, impact on energy prices
Mar 2, 2026·51m - 140
The town where Texas declared its independence
Feb 27, 2026·52m - 141
Paxton sues more out-of-state providers over abortion pills
Feb 26, 2026·52m - 142
Killing of cartel head ‘El Mencho’ touches off violence in Mexico
Feb 25, 2026·50m - 143
Trump invokes Texas in State of the Union speech
Feb 25, 2026·52m - 144
Amid scandal, calls grow for Rep. Tony Gonzales to step down
Feb 24, 2026·51m - 145
What happens now after Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s tariffs
Feb 20, 2026·52m - 146
Talarico interview on Colbert controversy shakes up race
The episode discusses the controversy surrounding James Tallarico's pulled interview on Stephen Colbert and its impact on the Texas Senate race.
Feb 19, 2026·52m - 147
Exploring Texas’ deepest underwater cave system
Feb 18, 2026·52m - 148
W.F. Strong on Robert Duvall’s Texas legacy and ‘Lonesome Dove’
Feb 17, 2026·52m - 149
The Texans in the Epstein files
Feb 16, 2026·52m