Here’s what’s coming up on Texas Standard for Thursday, Aug. 20, 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.
Judge appoints monitor for migrant children detained in Texas
A federal judge has appointed an independent monitor after reports that migrant children are being held at a Texas detention center far beyond the 20-day limit established under a federal agreement. Some parents say prolonged detention is forcing difficult choices about whether to continue pursuing immigration claims.
The Marshall Project’s Lauren Villagran joins the Standard with more.
U.S. military develops new meals for modern warfare
The military has spent generations adapting how it feeds troops in combat, from canned C-rations to today’s familiar MREs. Now, changing battlefield conditions are prompting another rethink of how meals are prepared, transported and eaten by service members in the field.
Jay Price reports for the American Homefront Project.
Ingram business owner rebuilds after deadly Guadalupe flood
Lorena Guillen planned for an RV park and honky-tonk along the Guadalupe River to support her retirement. The deadly July 2025 flood destroyed the park and changed those plans permanently.
After another round of flooding this summer, Guillen reflects on rebuilding, debt and why her park will never reopen in a conversation with Texas State student journalist Gretchen Butwid.
PetLibro outage exposes risks of smart pet feeders
Automated pet feeders promise owners an easy way to schedule meals and monitor animals remotely. But problems with PetLibro devices recently left some customers unable to use key features, prompting complaints and raising a broader question about relying on internet-connected technology for basic pet care.
CNET technology writer Omar Gallaga joins the Standard with more.
Daniel Vaughn picks Texas’ best barbecue chicken
Brisket may dominate the Texas barbecue conversation, but smoked chicken has plenty of range of its own. After sampling 51 half chickens across the state, Texas Monthly barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn has picked standouts for everything from crispy skin and flavorful rubs to direct-heat cooking and value.
He joins the Standard to hand out the honors.
San Antonio emerges as a hub for fungus research
San Antonio is known for the Alamo and River Walk, but the city has also developed an important role in the study and identification of dangerous fungi.
Researchers there help doctors identify unfamiliar infections while contributing to a growing field with implications for public health and medicine. Texas Public Radio’s Bonnie Petrie reports.
Wheatley High’s A rating raises questions about student performance
Houston’s Wheatley High School earned an A in the latest state accountability ratings just days after a teacher drew attention to students struggling with basic academic skills.
The contrast is fueling debate over what Texas school ratings measure and what they may miss. Houston Public Media’s Bianca Seward reports.
College prep courses swell Houston ISD accountability ratings
Houston ISD now has no F-rated schools, a milestone state-appointed leaders point to as evidence of progress. But new reporting finds college prep courses played a significant role in boosting high school ratings, with every district high school potentially dropping a letter grade without them.
Houston Chronicle education reporter Claire Partain joins the Standard with more.
