Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Check back later today for updated story links and audio.
Judge orders release of family held 10 months in Texas detention center
A federal judge has ordered the release of an Egyptian family of six who had been held for 10 months at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley. The family is believed to have been detained there longer than any other family in the facility.
Neena Satija, investigative reporter and editor at The Texas Newsroom, joins Texas Standard to explain.
Dan Patrick remarks spotlight Christian nationalism in Texas politics
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is leading President Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission, which is expected to make policy recommendations next month. Patrick’s recent comments rejecting the idea of separation of church and state are drawing new attention to the influence of Christian nationalism in Texas politics and beyond.
Andrew Schneider reports for Houston Public Media.
Calls grow to suspend gas tax as fuel prices stay high
Gas prices have eased slightly in Texas but remain far above where they were this time last year, while diesel prices are still over $5 a gallon. Pressure at the pump is leading politicians from both parties, including Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, to call for suspending the federal gas tax.
Blaise Gainey, politics reporter for The Texas Newsroom, joins Texas Standard with more.
Extreme weather events bring growing costs to farms and ranches
Flooding, drought, wildfires, ice storms and sharp temperature swings have hit much of the central United States this spring. Farmers and ranchers are facing mounting damage and disruption as extreme weather becomes more common.
Emma George-Griffin reports for Harvest Public Media.
Earth Day efforts highlight conservation and drought challenges in Texas
Texas marks Earth Day as drought conditions continue across parts of the state. Nature centers, wildlife groups and environmental organizations are working to adapt and educate communities about water and conservation challenges.
Rob Boscamp reports for KEDT.
New book revisits Texas philosopher Rick Roderick’s public reach
A new book looks back at the life of Rick Roderick, the Texas philosophy professor whose recorded lectures found a wide audience in the 1990s. The memoir explores both his ideas and the personal impact he had on students and friends.
Thomas Zigal, author of “The Seasons of Rick Roderick,” joins the Standard to discuss.
ERCOT forecast raises new questions about Texas power demand
ERCOT says Texas electric demand could reach nearly 370,000 megawatts by 2032, quadrupling our current capacity. Much of the projected growth is tied to data centers, raising fresh questions about grid planning — including how many of those centers will actually be built.
Mose Buchele, senior energy and environment correspondent for KUT News, joins Texas Standard to explain.
