Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Monday, July 20, 2026.
Kerrville begins recovering from another flood
Just one year after catastrophic flooding devastated Kerrville and surrounding communities, high water has left residents cleaning up damaged homes and businesses again. While this flood was far less deadly than last year’s disaster, it underscored the region’s continued vulnerability and the long road to recovery.
Camille Phillips of Texas Public Radio joins the Standard with an overview.
Neighbors step up after Uvalde-area flooding
Historic flooding damaged hundreds of homes across Zavala and Uvalde counties, leaving many families displaced as recovery efforts get underway.
KERA News’ Dylan Duke reports that amid the destruction, residents are relying on neighbors, volunteers and local organizations for help.
Judge allows Hood County data center review
A Hood County judge has ruled against developers seeking automatic approval for two proposed data centers, allowing county officials to continue reviewing the projects. The decision comes as communities across Texas seek to balance economic development against concerns over land use, water and power demand.
KERA News’ Emmanuel Rivas reports.
Looking back on the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded with Spain’s victory over Argentina, bringing an end to a tournament that transformed Texas into one of soccer’s biggest stages. From record crowds to matches across the state, the event may leave a lasting mark on the sport’s future in the United States.
Jimmy Maas and Juan Garcia, hosts of KUT’s ¡Vamos Verde! podcast, join the Standard with more.
Ahead of Texas midterms, Abbott appoints new secretary of state
Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed a new Texas secretary of state just months before this fall’s midterm elections. As chief elections officer, the secretary oversees voter registration, election administration and the certification of results — a significant transition ahead of what’s expected to be a hard-fought midterm election.
Andrew Schneider of Houston Public Media joins the Standard with the implications.
This week in Texas music history
Jason Mellard from Texas State’s Center for Texas Music History looks back.
Big Bend’s dark skies face a new threat
The night skies over far West Texas are among the darkest in the continental United States, supporting world-class astronomy and attracting visitors from around the globe. Now, scientists and conservation advocates worry planned lighting along portions of the U.S.-Mexico border could permanently alter one of the region’s defining natural resources.
New York Times science reporter Katrina Miller joins the show with more.
How a Central Texan reunites flood victims with their missing possessions
Another round of flooding in the Texas Hill Country has communities picking up the pieces – just as some were still recovering from the 2025 July 4 floods. Dondi Persyn and her husband have spent the last year trying to reunite people with lost belongings, launching a popular Facebook page called “Found on the Guadalupe River.”
She spoke with Texas State student Sidney Orman earlier this year about her mission.
