Here’s what’s coming up on Texas Standard for Thursday, July 2, 2026. 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.
A year after deadly floods, what has changed?
Nearly a year after catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River claimed more than 130 lives, communities are still grappling with questions about preparedness and accountability. New reporting examines the warning systems now being installed in Kerr County and how they fit into broader efforts to improve alerts before the next major flood.
Neena Satija, investigative editor for the Texas Newsroom, joins the Standard with more.
Two communities, two recoveries
As Central Texas marks one year since the July 4 floods, recovery has unfolded differently across the Hill Country. While much of the attention has centered on the Guadalupe River, survivors along nearby Sandy Creek say their communities have received far less support.
Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports.
Beyoncé is the buzz on Texas’ Top 10 musical moments
As part of KUTX and Texas Standard’s Texas 250 initiative — taking your input on the top 250 Texas songs — KUTX’s Matt Reilly is running down 10 big moments in Texas music history. Today: the rise of Beyoncé.
Abbott signals tougher stance on data centers
Gov. Greg Abbott is calling to block new data center development in what he describes as rural neighborhoods, a proposal that goes beyond the regulatory framework he introduced earlier this year. The announcement comes as many rural communities push for greater control over projects they say could reshape their landscapes and strain local resources.
Kayla Guo covers state politics for the Texas Tribune and joins the Standard with more.
The next generation of humanoid robots
Humanoid robots are moving beyond research labs and into factories as companies race to bring the technology to market. An Austin-based startup is among those leading the effort, raising questions about automation, artificial intelligence and how robots may fit into the future workforce.
Technology journalist Omar Gallaga joins the Standard with more.
The World Cup heads into the quarterfinals
The knockout stage of the World Cup is raising the stakes as contenders battle for a place in the quarterfinals. The United States is advancing despite losing one of its top scorers to suspension, while other tournament favorites continue making their case for the title.
KUT News’ Jimmy Maas and Juan Garcia, hosts of soccer podcasts ¡Vamos Verde! and World Cup Today, join the Standard with more.
Republicans plan a new kind of convention
The Republican Party will gather in Dallas this fall for an unusual midterm convention, marking a departure from the traditional four-year presidential cycle. The event could offer an early glimpse at party priorities, campaign strategy and the issues Republicans hope will shape the November elections.
Joe Lovinger, Dallas-based reporter for Bloomberg News, joins the Standard with more.
