Mastodawn

The data center boom has brought massive AI and crypto operations to Texas, bringing both economic opportunity and challenges for managing energy demand.

Experts warn that the data centers’ growing footprints could also bring higher rates for other energy consumers, as well as for drought-ravaged water systems. https://txst.us/4wepg1

The data center boom could raise electric rates and lower water availability

Because data centers often require new utility infrastructure, rate payers could end up footing the bill.

Texas Standard

Texas Standard 1d ago

In 2017, pitmaster Bob Heffernan learned some devastating news: He had lung cancer, and his oncologist estimated he had seven months left to live.

When Bob was released after a one-month hospital stay, he got to work teaching his son, Evan, everything he knew about barbecue. https://txst.us/28n04v

At Heffernan Bar-B-Que in Cypress, pitmaster Evan continues his late father’s legacy

Evan decided to take over the family business after his father, Bob, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017.

Texas Standard

Texas Standard 1d ago

This week marks the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, the first use of a nuclear weapon in war.

For one son of the Lone Star State who flew over Hiroshima that morning, it was a day that haunted him forever. https://txst.us/4sqz8m

80 years after Hiroshima, the legacy of a Texas pilot lives on

Claude Eatherly gave the “all clear” to drop the bomb, and regretted it for the rest of his life.

Texas Standard

Texas Standard 2d ago

A Texas Senate panel on Wednesday unanimously advanced a proposal to scrap STAAR, the end-of-the-year state standardized test that parents and teachers widely criticize for putting enormous pressure on students. https://txst.us/crvpq4

Texas Senate panel advances bill swapping STAAR exam for three shorter tests

The tests would be administered at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. But the proposal’s fate is unclear with the House in limbo over a redistricting fight.

Texas Standard

Texas Standard 2d ago

Charley Crockett’s work ethic is unmatched. His second album of 2025 drops this week — and he’s already planning the next.

"I’d say I was running from the law, but I think I’m running from some people a little more dangerous than that." https://txst.us/n8d4xm

‘Take your version of Texas to the world’: Charley Crockett talks new album and recent success

"Dollar A Day" serves as the second album in the artist's Sagebrush Trilogy.

Texas Standard

Texas Standard 2d ago

Can watching nature online help us connect with each other? New research says yes.

Livestreaming wildlife might be more than just relaxing — it could be good for your relationships. https://txst.us/grn36u

How watching nature livestreams fosters human connections

A new study out of the UT-Arlington shows we not only benefit in similar ways from watching nature livestreams as we do to interacting with nature in real life but we also go on to engage better with our own species.

Texas Standard

Texas Standard 2d ago

Amazon Prime is going airborne. Drone deliveries are coming to Texas — but only for select items.

Would you trust a drone to drop off your next package? https://txst.us/8cm7zd

Amazon showcases new delivery drone ahead of Waco launch

Amazon introduced its new MK30 delivery drone at a community event in Waco, where residents got a first look at the technology set to launch soon.

Texas Standard

Texas Standard 2d ago

Democrats say they’re buying valuable time by walking out, drawing attention to the issue among voters and getting other blue states involved — even while recognizing that Texas’ map is likely to get passed and will need to be fought in court. https://txst.us/hihcjh

Texas Democrats know they may lose redistricting protest, but hope to spark a national fight

Democrats concede there’s only so much they can do to keep Texas from redrawing its maps. But they want to encourage blue states to retaliate.

Texas Standard

Texas Standard 2d ago

A new study out of the UT-Arlington shows we not only benefit in similar ways from watching nature livestreams as we do to interacting with nature in real life – but we also go on to engage better with our own species. https://txst.us/oa4r66

How watching nature livestreams fosters human connections

Texas Standard

Texas Standard 3d ago

In 2023, Texas voters approved a $1 billion investment in state parks. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has begun acquiring new land, conserving wildlife, and developing trails for public use. https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/new-state-parks-texas/

Parks department is ‘looking across the landscape of Texas’ for new state parks

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is buying and developing thousands of acres of private land for public use.

Texas Standard