Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Thursday, May 28, 2026. Check back later today for updated story links and audio.
Does Bo French’s railroad commission victory signal a further shift right?
Republican voters chose political activist Bo French over incumbent Jim Wright in a closely watched railroad commission runoff, despite Wright’s backing from major oil and gas interests and Gov. Greg Abbott. French has barely spoken to oil and gas issues, drawn attention instead for inflammatory remarks about Islam, LGBTQ Texans and diversity efforts.
Robert Downen of Texas Monthly joins Texas Standard with more.
Questions remain about where a Big Bend border wall could be built
Plans for new border barriers in the Big Bend region have remained murky since the Trump administration first announced them late last year. Residents, park advocates and landowners are still waiting for details about where construction could happen, what type of wall may be used and how the project could affect public lands and nearby communities.
Mary Cantrell of Marfa Public Radio joins Texas Standard with the story.
Four Spurs-loving nuns are becoming playoff fan favorites in San Antonio
A group of Catholic sisters on San Antonio’s West Side have captured attention during the Spurs’ playoff run, with fans embracing the nuns’ enthusiasm for the hometown team. The sisters say they hope the spotlight also draws attention to their community work and outreach efforts beyond basketball.
Texas Public Radio’s Brian Kirkpatrick reports.
A Texas reporting series examines mental illness inside the justice system
A new installment of the “Minds on Trial” series from KACU in Abilene focuses on one family’s struggle to help a loved one experiencing severe mental illness. After exploring the policies and institutions surrounding mental health care in Texas, the series now turns to the emotional and practical realities families face during moments of crisis.
Josiah Wonnell of KACU brings us the story.
The music industry’s next battle over AI is already taking shape
Universal Music Group has reached a new agreement with TikTok that restores music from major artists to the platform while also addressing royalty payments and some concerns about AI-generated content. At the same time, another recent deal involving Spotify is raising new questions about how artificial intelligence could reshape music production and artist protections.
CNET’s Omar Gallaga joins Texas Standard with more.
Tejano legend Ruben Ramos reflects on music, recovery and legacy
For decades, Ruben Ramos has helped define the sound of Tejano music while influencing generations of musicians across Texas and beyond. Now, after recent vocal-cord surgery and a Grammy-winning collaboration with Los Texmaniacs, Ramos is back with a new album that reflects on family, culture and endurance.
Ruben Ramos joins Texas Standard with more.
John Cornyn’s Senate defeat marks the end of a different era in Texas politics
After more than two decades in the U.S. Senate, John Cornyn lost his Republican primary runoff to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, ending a political career rooted in establishment conservatism and institutional leadership. The defeat is fueling broader questions about what Republican voters now value in statewide candidates and how the party continues to evolve.
Todd Gillman, former Washington bureau chief for the Dallas Morning News, joins the Standard with the story.
