Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Monday, June 16, 2025. Check back later today for updated story links and audio.
Texans watch closely as Middle East conflict escalates
As Israel and Iran trade attacks, fears grow of a broader regional war. With Texas home to one of the largest Persian communities in the U.S., the conflict feels especially personal.
Historian Jeremi Suri joins Texas Standard with context for Israel’s strike on Iran, their retaliation and what could come next:
This week in Texas music history
Jason Mellard with The Center for Texas Music History at Texas State University shares the story of legendary bluesman Lead Belly’s final performance:
Off the beaten path in McAllen
Author Katy Vine’s latest piece for Texas Monthly explores the city’s vibrant and often overlooked creative scene – far from the state’s biggest cities, but just as rich in art, music and culture.
She joins the show with more today.
Oil markets react as Israel-Iran conflict escalates
With the Middle Eastern countries’ energy infrastructure in the crosshairs, fallout from the conflict is already hitting global oil markets.
Kpler energy analyst Matt Smith joins the show with what we know and what could come next.
What presidents can teach us about leadership
LBJ Foundation CEO and presidential historian Mark Updegrove draws leadership lessons from seven American presidents in his new book, “Make Your Mark: Lessons in Character from Seven Presidents.”
He joins the Standard today with an overview.
Texans march on Trump’s birthday
Tens of thousands of Texans marched in Austin, Houston, Dallas and beyond in peaceful demonstrations Saturday as part of a nationwide “No Kings” protest against the Trump administration.
The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez has the latest.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
