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Data centers may start creating their own power plants

Gina Ortiz Jones made history over the weekend, becoming San Antonio’s first openly lesbian mayor and only the third woman to hold the office.
An assault case is exposing deeper failures in Texas group homes.
With the rise of data centers across Texas, a push for private power plants run by natural gas.
The new documentary “Sally” explores the private life of public space hero Sally Ride. We’ll talk to writer and director Cristina Costantini.
And: Diving into the history of Adolph Hofner, the Texas-born bandleader who popularized Czech music and made it swing.

Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.

You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org

Texas Extra: Amy Lee Nelson on her new film, Texas music, and her dad

This week, Willie Nelson celebrated his 92nd birthday. Last weekend, the latest film he served as executive producer on had its debut. It screened at the Dallas International Film Festival and it was co-directed by his daughter, Amy.

This is an extended interview with her about the film, “King of the Roadies.” It’s about the world’s first roadie, Ben Dorcy III, who long worked with Willie Nelson and other well-known musicians.

Galveston becomes a major hub for the luxury cruise industry

The fight against the measles outbreak in West Texas is being hampered in part by poor infrastructure.
Two days before a death row inmate was set for execution, it’s been delayed for the second time. The back-and-forth over evidence – and how victims families are feeling.
Another day of high wildfire danger across Texas. How one county is looking to help some people who may struggle to better prepare.
Going a cruise? Many Texans don’t have to leave the state to start that journey. How Galveston has become a key player in the industry.

Presidio County seeks ownership of international bridge

A massive dockworkers strike has ended – but the settlement reached is only a tentative deal, and it leaves one of the most contentious issues still unsettled.
Presidio County wants to gain control of an international crossing that’s currently in the hands of the state. But the process might be more complex than it seems.
A new documentary, “We’re Here,” examines the aftermath of the Smokehouse Creek Fire that scorched millions of acres in the Panhandle earlier this year.
And: Austin’s Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is coming alive with its annual Fortlandia exhibit. The Standard’s Patrick M. Davis and takes us behind the scenes.

State stops effort to reclaim Fairfield Lake State Park

Expensive homes owned by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton have not been disclosed to the state as required by law. Investigative reporter Lauren McGaughy of the Texas Newsroom has more.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will no longer try to use eminent domain to reclaim Fairfield Lake State Park, ending a months-long struggle between the state and a Dallas developer.

The digital divide has for decades been a concern. Why many in Texas worry things are getting worse.

And: Remember expectations of a blue wave? How are Democrats’ chances for political success in Texas shaping up for 2024?

Texas Extra: Ken Burns on The American Buffalo (Extended)

Last Friday, Texas Standard featured an interview with Ken Burns of PBS documentary fame. His latest two-parter is all about bison — “The American Buffalo.” This is an extended version of that interview that includes more context and more back and forth about the bison’s future.

Houston sues state over ‘Death Star’ law that will block local ordinances

Houston has sued the state to try and block the “Death Star” law that will block local regulations from being enacted at the city and county level.

Why several homes and businesses flooded during Hurricane Harvey may be passing up a last chance for compensation.

A new documentary, “Every Body,” turns the spotlight on people in the intersex community.

Plus, with digital streaming services upending the old model for making money in music, tech expert Omar Gallaga explores ways to support one’s favorite artists.

How to keep yourself and your pets safe this Fourth of July

Texas prison heat is an issue we’ve highlighted on this program for years. Why it’s not being solved quickly.

Abortion access is one of the top political issues in Texas. So how did state lawmakers manage to quietly pass a bill clarifying exceptions to the ban?

On the eve of July Fourth, we’ll give you a checklist to run through to make sure people, pets and property are all well taken care of.

And how the Supreme Court’s latest ruling on affirmative action will impact the processes at some Texas colleges and universities.

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