Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Check back later today for updated story links and audio.
Texas backs psychedelic drug trial focused on ibogaine treatment
Texas is moving forward with research into ibogaine, a psychedelic drug that some hope could help treat addiction, trauma and other mental health conditions. The state’s efforts involve clinical trials and state support for a treatment still outside the medical mainstream.
Stephen Simpson, who covers mental health for The Texas Tribune, joins the Texas Standard to explain.
White House postpones new digital accessibility standards
New digital accessibility standards for public entities were set to take effect this Friday, making online materials accessible to people who are blind, deaf, or have physical disabilities. But on Monday, the Trump administration announced a one-year delay in implementing the rules, citing claims that cities and states need more time.
The Standard’s Shelly Brisbin has been tracking events leading up to this week’s Title II deadline, and she joins the show with more.
New West Texas cancer care center should help rural patients
For many Texans, especially those in rural parts of the state, specialized healthcare treatment can mean hours on the road or leaving home altogether. Now, a new 120,000-square-foot cancer center in Lubbock should help close that care gap for many in rural West Texas.
Brad Burt of KTTZ reports.
Texas restaurants push for work permits amid labor strain
Texas restaurants say labor shortages and immigration crackdowns are making it harder to stay profitable. Industry leaders have joined a new coalition calling for work permits for long-term immigrants working in restaurants and agriculture.
Jesus Jiménez of The New York Times joins Texas Standard to discuss.
This Texas teen invents new ways to make recycling easier
Aarav Rao is a sophomore at Jasper High School in Plano. He’s also an innovator. He decided to focus his attention on recycling after seeing people struggle over how to sort their waste.
‘Into Light’ exhibit honors lives lost to addiction
A new exhibit at the UT School of Social Work features portraits of Central Texans who died from overdoses involving opioids and other substances. Organizers say the goal is to reduce stigma and humanize the people behind the statistics.
Olivia Aldridge reports for KUT News.
Texas Medical Board disciplines doctors after pregnancy deaths
The Texas Medical Board has disciplined three doctors whose patients died after delayed or inappropriate pregnancy care under the state’s abortion ban. The cases raise new questions about how physicians are navigating legal risks and medical emergencies.
Lizzie Presser, reporter for ProPublica, joins Texas Standard to explain.
