Here’s what’s coming up on Texas Standard for Tuesday, May 19, 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.
Paxton faces scrutiny over plea deals, including no jail time for a sexual abuser
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is facing criticism over a plea deal offered to a Waco man accused of repeatedly sexually abusing a young boy, a controversy unfolding as Paxton campaigns against John Cornyn in the Republican Senate runoff.
Neena Satija of The Texas Newsroom joins the Standard to discuss the case, questions around lenient plea deals from Paxton’s office and more.
Austin Democrats battle for House District 49
Early voting is underway in the Democratic runoff to replace longtime state Rep. Gina Hinojosa in Austin-area House District 49.
Andrew Weber of KUT News reports on the matchup between Montserrat Garibay and Kathie Tovo, two candidates pitching themselves as the political heir to Hinojosa.
Federal judge weighs Corpus Christi mayor case
A federal judge is expected to rule this week on a preliminary injunction tied to removal proceedings against Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo, targeted via a petition initiative over her role in a tax break agreement.
Rob Boscamp of KEDT reports the latest from the courtroom fight in Corpus Christi.
Texas data center boom sparks local backlash
Texas’ race to become the nation’s biggest data center market is accelerating, but some local officials say the growth could overwhelm infrastructure and water supplies.
Justin Sayers of the Austin Business Journal joins the Standard to discuss massive proposed projects in Caldwell County, concerns over water usage and grid strain — and how some county leaders feel powerless to slow the boom.
Texas students eye futures in oil and gas
Oil and gas companies are investing heavily in Texas high school career programs as students prepare for jobs in the energy industry.
The Hechinger Report’s Jordan Gass-Pooré reports on the schools in Midland and Houston training students for oil and gas careers, and why critics are concerned about industry influence in public education.
Cycling the whooping crane migration route
Photographer Mike Forsberg and Andy Caven are retracing the endangered whooping crane migration route by bicycle, traveling from the Texas coast to Canada to raise awareness about the birds’ fragile future.
The pair stop by the Standard to talk about conservation, endurance, and the long journey ahead.
A podcast tracks Texas before the World Cup
With the World Cup set to bring millions of eyes to Texas, Miranda Suarez and Ron Corning of KERA News are launching a new podcast, “When the World Comes to Texas.”
They join the Standard to talk about the stories, personalities, infrastructure questions, and regional tensions surrounding soccer’s biggest event.
