Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, June 5, 2026.
Small towns caught in a property tax squeeze
A Texas law meant to encourage financial transparency is putting pressure on small cities that are struggling to complete required audits. If municipalities fall behind, they can lose access to future property tax revenue growth, creating what some local officials describe as a financial Catch-22.
Texas Tribune urban affairs reporter Joshua Fechter joins the Standard with more.
The uncertain future of Army base museums
The Army is reviewing the future of dozens of museums housed on military bases across the country. Many are difficult for the public to access, but historians say they contain important artifacts and carefully curated military history collections.
Carson Frame reports from Colorado Springs for the American Homefront Project.
Opera Arlington puts a World Cup spin on ‘Carmen’
With the World Cup headed to North Texas, Opera Arlington is hoping to connect with new audiences by blending soccer culture with classic opera. A new production of “Carmen” adds a sports-inspired layer to the familiar story as arts groups prepare for an international spotlight on the region.
KERA arts reporter Marcheta Fornoff has the story.
An Old West shootout returns to downtown Abilene
For six years, the Frontier Texas museum has brought one of Abilene’s most famous frontier-era conflicts back to life with a reenactment of the 1884 Pine Street Shootout. The event has become part of the city’s summer calendar, drawing visitors interested in local history and live performance.
KACU’s Allison Diaz reports.
A Texas adventurer aims for all 50 state high points
A Southwestern University outdoor adventure leader is attempting to summit the highest point in all 50 states in just over two weeks. The challenge combines endurance athletics, altitude preparation and complex travel logistics, while researchers also track the physical impact of the journey.
Branndon Bargo, host of PBS’s “The Highpointers,” joins the Standard with a preview.
The strange sea ropes washing onto Texas beaches
Long twisting strands washing ashore on Gulf Coast beaches may look alien, but they’re actually part of a natural spring phenomenon tied to lightning whelks. The unusual egg casings have become a familiar sight for beachgoers this time of year along the Texas coast.
Beachcomber Jace Tunnell shares the story with the Standard.
Scientists identify a new ocean predator from ancient Texas
Researchers studying marine fossils discovered that a giant sea predator once swimming over prehistoric Texas was actually a previously unidentified species. The newly named Tylosaurus rex lived roughly 80 million years ago and may have rivaled the fearsome reputation of its land-based namesake.
Research associate Amelia R. Zietlow joins the Standard with more.
Typewriter Rodeo
The gang delivers another custom poem.
The week in Texas politics
The Texas Tribune’s Jasper Scherer joins the Standard with a recap of the week that was in Texas politics.
