Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Thursday, May 14, 2026.
Texas AG runoff could shape state politics for years to come
With the Texas attorney general runoff entering its final stretch, both parties are battling over issues likely to carry well beyond November.
KERA News’ Caroline Love reports on the high-stakes races that could define the future direction of law enforcement and conservative politics in Texas.
Texas Republicans’ approach to Indian American voters takes dark turn
For years, Texas Republicans have worked to build support among Indian American voters, especially in fast-growing North Texas suburbs like Frisco. But as the Texas Tribune’s Eleanor Klibanoff writes, that effort is colliding with a louder anti-immigration strain inside the party — exposing deeper fights over identity, belonging and the future of the GOP coalition in Texas.
She joins the show with more.
Warmer winters are changing crawfish season in Texas
Texas crawfish farmers brought in a strong harvest this year despite a late freeze and a slow start to the season.
Houston Public Media’s Natalie Weber reports that increasingly warm winters are reshaping when crawfish farming begins — and altering one of the Gulf Coast’s signature industries.
Microsoft keeps pushing AI. Some users are pushing back.
From Windows to Xbox, Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant seems to be turning up everywhere — and not everyone is thrilled about it.
Tech expert Omar Gallaga joins the Standard to discuss why some users see the company’s AI rollout as intrusive, and why Microsoft recently backed away from bringing Copilot deeper into gaming consoles.
After a devastating fire, Miller’s Smokehouse fights to rebuild
When a fire tore through Miller’s Smokehouse in Belton, much of the famed barbecue joint was destroyed — but the pit room survived.
Texas Monthly barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn joins the program to talk about how the restaurant’s family and staff are rebuilding, adapting and trying to keep the smoke going after disaster struck.
Veterans are watching the Iran war with caution and concern
As the war with Iran stretches into its third month and tens of thousands of U.S. troops remain in the Middle East, many American veterans are responding with skepticism and unease.
Shelby Herbert reports for the American Homefront Project on how former service members are processing another prolonged conflict overseas.
The Gunter Hotel still carries the legend of Robert Johnson
Blues legend Robert Johnson recorded some of his most influential songs at San Antonio’s Gunter Hotel, helping cement the site’s place in music history.
Texas Public Radio’s Jack Morgan reports on how the hotel is preserving the legacy and mythology surrounding one of America’s most mysterious musicians.
Trump’s China talks unfold under the shadow of war with Iran
As the conflict with Iran continues and costs mount, President Trump’s talks with China are taking place against a far more volatile global backdrop.
UT Austin international relations professor Michael Mosser joins Texas Standard to discuss the geopolitical stakes, rising military costs, and reports that Iran may retain more operational missile sites than previously acknowledged.
