Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Monday, April 6, 2026. Check back later today for updated story links and audio.
How redistricting shaped Houston’s District 18 runoff race
An incumbent-on-incumbent runoff in Houston’s District 18 is drawing attention as candidates compete on recognition and policy differences. The race is unfolding in the shadow of recent redistricting changes, with implications for what comes next.
Andrew Schneider, reporter for Houston Public Media, joins Texas Standard to explain.
Where border wall construction stands in Trump’s second term
Border wall construction is moving forward in multiple areas, including near the culturally significant Mt. Cristo Rey. The work has sparked protests and raised questions about potential expansion into Texas state park lands.
Martha Pskowski, reporter for Inside Climate News, joins the Standard to discuss.
This week in Texas music history
Jason Mellard from Texas State’s Center for Texas Music History looks back.
Comedian Angelina Martin on Moontower and Austin’s comedy boom
Austin’s Moontower Comedy Festival has grown into a major event, reflecting the city’s expanding comedy scene. Performers are navigating the realities of the industry while finding new audiences and opportunities.
Angelina Martin, comedian and festival performer, joins the show with more.
Artemis II mission pushes human spaceflight farther than ever
The Artemis II mission is marking a major milestone as astronauts travel farther from Earth than any humans before. The flyby around the far side of the moon represents a series of firsts for NASA and a step toward future exploration.
Michael Adkison, reporter for Houston Public Media, joins the Standard to explain.
Texas Standard Movie Madness reaches the Final Four
The competition to crown the best Texas movie has narrowed to four iconic films spanning genres and eras. The matchups highlight both critical favorites and audience-driven classics as voting intensifies.
Shelly Brisbin reports on the final round of Texas Standard’s Movie Madness bracket.
Texas hip-hop fans debate the state’s greatest rap anthem
A bracket-style competition is pitting Texas rap songs against each other to determine the state’s defining anthem — and the debate reflects regional styles and the cultural weight behind decades of music.
Confucius and Fresh from KUTX’s The Breaks join the show with the picks.
What Trump’s election executive order could mean for voting
A new executive order could significantly reshape how elections are administered, including a potential role for the Postal Service — but legal experts and officials are raising questions about its feasibility and legality.
Nathaniel Rakich, managing editor for VoteBeat Texas, joins the Texas Standard to explain.
