Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Thursday, June 12, 2025.
Saharan dust arrives in Central Texas, affecting skies and air quality
Dust traveling thousands of miles from North Africa is settling over the region this week, part of an annual weather event that can lower visibility and worsen respiratory issues.
Houston Chronicle meteorologist Justin Ballard joins us with what to expect.
NASA caught in the crossfire of Trump-Musk feud
A social media beef between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk could reshape the future of NASA, SpaceX’s contracts and leadership of the agency.
Ars Technica’s Eric Berger breaks down how the fallout could impact future missions.
Fed’s latest Beige Book paints a nuanced picture of Texas economy
Instead of data points, the Dallas Fed’s new economic report uses local anecdotes to take the pulse of the Texas economy. Texas Standard’s Sean Saldana reports on what these stories tell us about the state’s financial health.
Meta’s new ‘super intelligence’ team aims to build true AGI
Mark Zuckerberg is recruiting 50 people to help Meta create artificial general intelligence. What does it mean for us? Tech journalist Omar Gallaga explains what’s at stake.
Texas Monthly barbecue editor finds new hot spots along the border
While McAllen landed on this year’s official Top 50 list, Daniel Vaughn recently uncovered more standout barbecue further up from the Rio Grande Valley. He shares the names you need to know before your next road trip.
Asleep at the Wheel celebrates 50 years with a new Texas tribute album
The Grammy-winning band is back with “Riding High in Texas,” featuring 10 of their favorite Lone Star tunes. Ray Benson, frontman and Texas icon, joins us to talk about the band’s legacy and the new record.
The Texas Tribune politics reporter Jasper Scherer joins the Standard with a recap of the week that was in Texas politics.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
