Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Thursday, June 11, 2026. Check back later today for updated story links and audio.
Abbott calls for new oversight on Texas data centers
Texas has spent years courting the AI industry, but Gov. Greg Abbott is now proposing new regulations for the rapidly growing data center sector. His recommendations include water-use standards, reporting requirements and changes to tax incentives as concerns grow over power demand and local impacts.
Alejandra Martinez, who covers the environment for the Texas Tribune, joins the Standard with more.
What the World Cup could mean for Texas business
The FIFA World Cup is expected to bring millions of visitors to Texas, with North Texas alone hosting nine matches. Supporters point to projections showing economic gains for local businesses, tourism and the broader economy, but some analysts are questioning whether the long-term benefits will match the hype.
KERA News’ Dylan Duke reports.
A documentary explores how one town celebrates Flag Day
Flag Day has been celebrated in the United States for more than a century, but few places embrace it quite like Three Oaks, Mich. Texas filmmakers Andrew and Melissa Shea traveled there to document one of the country’s largest Flag Day parades and the community traditions surrounding it.
The filmmakers join Texas Standard with more on their new documentary “Flag Day.”
Why thousands still gather for Pokémon Go Fest
Nearly a decade after Pokémon Go became a worldwide phenomenon, tens of thousands of fans are still traveling across the country to celebrate the game.
Omar Gallaga recently attended Pokémon Go Fest in Chicago, where players gathered for competitions, meetups and virtual scavenger hunts across the city. He joins the Standard with more.
South by Southwest and the Texas 250
As part of KUTX and Texas Standard’s Texas 250 initiative — taking your input on name the top 250 Texas songs — KUTX’s Matt Reilly is running down 10 big moments in Texas music history. Today, a look at the launch of Texas’ biggest music festival: South by Southwest.
The pink cake debate taking over Texas social media
A familiar panadería dessert is suddenly at the center of an online debate in Texas. The pink frosted sheet cake known to many Texans has sparked arguments over what it should actually be called — and who gets to define it.
Mando Rayo, host of the “Tacos of Texas” podcast, joins the Standard with more.
Could Ken Paxton affect down-ballot races in Texas?
Texas Republicans are preparing for a closely watched midterm election cycle with Attorney General Ken Paxton leading the GOP ticket for U.S. Senate. Some Republicans have warned his candidacy could complicate races farther down the ballot as Democrats target legislative seats across the state.
Eleanor Dearman of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram joins Texas Standard with more.
