Here’s what’s coming up on Texas Standard for Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. Listen on your Texas public radio station, or ask your smart speaker to play Texas Standard. Check back later today for updated story links and audio.
More than 20,000 Texas students give up school vouchers
More than 20,700 students awarded Texas school vouchers have given them up, including thousands who previously attended public schools. Education experts say the numbers highlight a challenge facing the new program: Receiving a voucher doesn’t guarantee admission to an affordable or nearby private school.
Dallas Morning News education reporter Jessica Ma joins the Standard with more.
Federal homeless aid changes could affect thousands of Texans
The Trump administration is seeking to overhaul a federal homelessness program and move away from the longstanding Housing First approach, potentially affecting assistance for thousands of Texans. A federal judge has blocked the administration’s latest attempt, but uncertainty remains for local organizations and people relying on housing support.
KERA’s Emily DeMotte reports.
Boerne Little League returns to World Series
Boerne’s Little League team, dubbed Texas West, is heading to Pennsylvania to compete for a national championship.
Texas Public Radio’s Jack Morgan was on the diamond for their last practice before they flew out early this Friday and shares this report.
Mike D’Antoni enters Basketball Hall of Fame
Former Houston Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni is joining the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame after a career that helped reshape NBA offense. His fast-paced system influenced a generation of teams, while his Rockets tenure paired that philosophy with James Harden and produced a franchise-record regular season.
D’Antoni joins the Standard to reflect on his career and induction.
Texas Longhorns enter 2026 season ranked No. 4
The Texas Longhorns enter the 2026 college football season ranked fourth in the preseason coaches poll, with expectations again running high in Austin. Quarterback Arch Manning returns for his final season alongside a promising new receiving target, though Texas faces one of the country’s toughest schedules.
Austin American-Statesman sports reporter Danny Davis joins the Standard with more.
Monkey’s brain sea beans wash up on Texas beaches
Hundreds of wrinkled seeds resembling tiny brains recently washed ashore along the Texas Gulf Coast after traveling thousands of miles. Known as Monkey’s Brain sea beans, the unusual beachcombing finds offer clues about ocean currents and the remarkable journeys objects can make before reaching Texas.
Texas beachcomber Jace Tunnell shares the story.
James Magee’s mysterious West Texas artwork opens to more visitors
For four decades, artist James Magee built an imposing collection of stone structures in the Chihuahuan Desert known simply as “The Hill.” Only a few hundred people visited during his lifetime, but the nonprofit overseeing his life’s work is now looking to welcome a wider audience.
Texas Highways writer Chi Pham joins the Standard with more.
Typewriter Rodeo
The gang delivers another custom poem.
The week in Texas politics
The Texas Tribune’s Jasper Scherer joins the Standard with a recap of the week that was in Texas politics.
