Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
Floods delay Corpus Christi water emergency until 2028
Recent flooding has replenished reservoirs serving Corpus Christi, pushing the city’s projected water emergency back to fall 2028. The reprieve gives local leaders more time to pursue long-term supplies, though questions remain about conservation, desalination and stalled infrastructure projects.
Dylan Baddour, who covers climate and the environment for Inside Climate News, joins the Standard with more.
Rising health insurance costs squeeze farmers
Farmers and ranchers are facing sharply higher health insurance premiums after enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits expired. The added expense comes during an already difficult agricultural economy and is influencing decisions about work, family finances and the future of some farms.
Harvest Public Media’s Macy Byars reports.
Uvalde County begins documenting flood damage
Uvalde County is creating a temporary position to assess damage from this month’s flooding and help residents seek reimbursement. The work is an early step in a long recovery process for communities where homes, roads and other property were damaged.
Texas Public Radio’s Kory Cook reports.
Data center concerns shape Democratic push in West Texas
Democratic candidates touring the Plains and Panhandle are focusing on growing opposition to data centers in traditionally Republican communities. Concerns about water, electricity and local control have crossed party lines, giving Democrats an opening as they call for a special legislative session.
KTTZ’s Brad Burt reports from Lubbock.
Texas weighs conservative alternative to SAT and ACT
Texas higher education officials are considering whether to approve the Classic Learning Test for admission to public universities. The exam emphasizes ethics, virtue and traditional texts and has gained support among conservative educators, though questions remain about how well it predicts college readiness.
Austin American-Statesman higher education reporter Lily Kepner joins the Standard with more.
Austin artist Kennon shares his transition from R&B music to country
From working with former schoolmate That Mexican OT to making demos for Chris Brown, the Prairie View A&M University alumnus discusses his journey navigating the music industry.
Irving deploys goats to manage park vegetation
Some Irving parks are using goats instead of heavy machinery to clear brush and overgrown vegetation. The animals can reach difficult terrain while reducing the need for fuel-powered equipment, offering the city an unconventional approach to landscape maintenance.
KERA’s Andy Lusk reports.
John Oliver challenges Buc-ee’s over trademark lawsuits
Comedian John Oliver has launched a line of parody merchandise after highlighting Buc-ee’s history of aggressively defending its trademarks. The products feature a squirrel mascot and a pointed invitation for the Texas convenience store chain to sue, with proceeds benefiting Hunger Free America.
Texas food insecurity reaches record levels
Nearly one in five Texans experiences food insecurity, according to a new county-level analysis from Feeding America. The report finds both the number and share of residents struggling to afford enough food are rising, with particularly high rates among children, seniors and Black Texans.
Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas, joins the Standard with more.
