Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Thursday, July 23, 2026.
Bertha approaches South Texas as heat advisories expand
Tropical Storm Bertha is approaching the Gulf Coast as dangerous heat settles over large parts of Texas. Forecasters are watching where the storm’s rain and wind could have the greatest impact, while also assessing whether the recent stretch of extreme temperatures will continue into August.
Matt Lanza, meteorologist and editor of The Eyewall, joins the Standard with more.
Crystal City flood becomes personal for a Texas reporter
Last week’s flooding came as a shock to Crystal City, a South Texas community more accustomed to drought than rising water. For KERA reporter Priscilla Rice, the disaster became deeply personal as she returned to her hometown to document the damage, recovery and resilience of the people who shaped her.
She shares her story with the show.
Measuring the impact on Texas’ World Cup host cities
The World Cup has come and gone, but the impact lingers on. According to the host committee in Houston, more than one million people participated in some World Cup-related event in in that city.
Houston Public Media’s Michael Adkison has more.
San Antonio seeks psychedelic therapy trials for veterans
San Antonio leaders want the city to play a larger role in federal research into psychedelic-assisted treatments for veterans with PTSD. The push comes as local researchers prepare an MDMA trial and city officials seek funding for a new VA medical center, though some experts caution that enthusiasm may be outpacing the science.
San Antonio Report journalist Eleanor Fitzgerald joins the Standard with more.
Texas cities reconsider Flock license plate cameras
Cities across Texas and the country are rethinking contracts with Flock Safety as concerns grow over how their cameras collect, store and share license plate data. While some communities are seeking stricter safeguards, some residents in Houston have taken more direct action by cutting cameras from their poles.
CNET technology writer Omar Gallaga joins the Standard with more.
High beef prices push Texas barbecue beyond brisket
Rising beef prices are putting pressure on barbecue restaurants and making brisket an increasingly expensive centerpiece. Some pitmasters are responding by turning to beef cheeks, tri-tip, shoulder clod and other cuts that reflect Texas barbecue’s long tradition of improvisation.
Texas Monthly barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn joins the Standard with more.
Frisco religious projects face scrutiny and hostility
Residents from Muslim, Hindu and Sikh communities in Frisco say they need more space to worship as the North Texas suburb continues to grow. But plans for three new religious institutions have drawn intense scrutiny and opposition, leaving immigrant families concerned about whether they can practice their faith without hostility.
KERA News’ Caroline Love reports.
