Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, April 17, 2026.
Texas water plan estimates rising cost of fixing infrastructure
A new draft state water plan lays out the growing cost of repairing and expanding Texas’ water infrastructure as shortages worsen across the state. The plan also raises questions about how accurate those projections are — and what happens if no action is taken.
Megan Kimble, political economy reporter for the Houston Chronicle, joins Texas Standard to explain.
Democratic runoff for lieutenant governor features two little-known candidates
Two candidates with similar politics are facing off in the runoff for the Democratic nomination for Texas lieutenant governor. Vikki Goodwin is a state legislator from Austin, while Marcos Vélez is a Houston union leader and political newcomer.
Karen Brooks Harper, senior Texas politics reporter for The Dallas Morning News, joins the Standard with a look at the candidates and the office.
AI could reshape career paths for workers without degrees
AI is expected to reshape career paths for many, including workers without four-year degrees. Those workers have been able to build job skills in entry-level positions. Now, researchers are looking into what happens when some of those early career opportunities are put at risk by AI.
Justin Heck, senior director at Opportunity at Work, joins Texas Standard to explain.
Big Bend residents, environmental group sue White House over border wall plan
A West Texas river guide and church preservation group, along with a national advocacy group, are suing the Trump administration for bypassing federal environmental laws to speed up border wall plans in the state’s Big Bend region.
Marfa Public Radio’s Travis Bubenik reports.
Grandfather and granddaughter prepare for a potential Boston Marathon first
Monday’s Boston Marathon will be Carlos Sanchez’s 38th. It will be his granddaughter Mia Sanchez’s second. The pair from Round Rock recently qualified for the prestigious marathon for the first time. They just may be the first grandfather/granddaughter duo to do so.
Big Thief guitarist Buck Meek talks solo album ‘The Mirror’ and his Texas roots
On his new record “The Mirror,” Wimberley native Buck Meek explores fears, dreams and inner turmoil across a set of new songs. Meek, also known for his work with Big Thief, is balancing solo projects with multiple bands.
He sits down with the Standard for a Q&A.
The gang delivers another custom poem.
The week in Texas politics
The Texas Tribune’s Alejandro Serrano joins the Standard with a recap of the week that was in Texas politics.
