Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Check back later today for updated story links and audio.
South Texas water crisis spreads beyond Corpus Christi
For this month’s edition of our investigative series The Drill Down, the Texas Standard looks at growing water concerns in Corpus Christi and across South Texas.
Dylan Baddour of Inside Climate News and Neena Satija of the Texas Newsroom share the latest updates, including info on looming restrictions, industrial water use and what comes next.
Texas court weighs future of smokable hemp sales
A hearing in Austin could determine whether smokable hemp products can continue to be sold in Texas while a legal fight plays out. The hemp industry is suing to block new state regulations that sharply increased fees and effectively ban cannabis flower and concentrates.
KUT News’ Nathan Bernier reports.
UAE exits OPEC as oil markets already on edge
War with Iran has rattled global oil markets and raised pain at the pump for many Texans. Now the United Arab Emirates says it is leaving OPEC, exposing new cracks inside the cartel.
Rice University energy expert Jim Krane joins the Standard to discuss what it could mean for drivers, drilling and exports.
How a man named Connie began an empire in Texas
Conrad Hilton built one of the world’s most famous brands, first breaking ground in Texas.
Stories From Texas’ W.F. Strong shares the tale.
North Texans push to preserve DART paratransit service
Three Dallas-area cities are set to vote on whether to remain in DART, a decision that could affect paratransit riders who rely on the service to get around.
KERA News’ Pablo Arauz Peña reports on disabled North Texans raising awareness about what’s at stake.
NASA hopes Artemis missions inspire a new generation
After the success of Artemis II, NASA has unveiled its main rocket for next year’s Artemis III mission.
As Houston Public Media’s Michael Adkison reports, the agency hopes a growing cadence of moon missions will inspire a new Artemis generation.
Austin is a hotbed for robotaxis — and safety concerns
As autonomous vehicles expand in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, Texas is becoming a major testing ground for robotaxis. But local officials and safety experts are raising concerns after incidents involving school buses, emergency vehicles and more.
Axios Austin reporter Nicole Cobler joins the show with more.
