Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Monday, March 2, 2026. Check back later today for updated story links and audio.
U.S. bombing of Iran, killing of leaders raises constitutional questions, fear of wider war
Mixed messaging from the White House is adding to uncertainty after U.S. strikes on Iran and the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. With Congress holding the power to declare war, legal and historical questions are mounting.
UT Austin historian Jeremi Suri joins the Texas Standard to examine what this moment means and its implications for the future.
Iran strikes rattle energy markets as oil and gas prices surge
Global markets reacted sharply after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, with oil prices climbing and energy futures spiking. Analysts are watching the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping choke point, as tensions escalate.
Matt Smith of KPLER explains what this could mean for gasoline prices and Texas’ massive energy sector.
North Texas Iranians react after US and Israel strikes
Iranians living in North Texas say they’re hopeful for a democratic transition for their family and friends living in Iran.
As KERA’s Pablo Arauz Peña reports, this follows the strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces on the Middle East nation.
New scrutiny for Rep. Tony Gonzales after pay raise for alleged affair partner revealed
The Uvalde Leader-News reports that a former staffer for U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales received a significant pay raise in 2024 – the same year allegations surfaced about an affair with the now-deceased staffer.
Reporter Hali Mecklin breaks down the findings, how the information was uncovered, and what responses have come from those involved.
New novel ‘The Mural’ explores Uvalde school shooting through fiction
A new novel inspired by the 2022 Robb Elementary shooting examines grief, censorship, cancel culture, art and healing.
Author Sidney Balman Jr., a Pulitzer-nominated journalist and writer in residence at Sul Ross State University, discusses why he chose fiction to explore one of Texas’ most painful recent tragedies.
Three dead, 14 injured in Austin’s Sixth Street shooting
Police have identified the gunman in a late-night shooting outside a club in downtown Austin that left three people dead, including the suspect, and sent 14 others to hospitals. Investigators, including the FBI, are still working to determine a motive.
Tony Plohetski of the Austin American-Statesman shares the latest details.
