Here are the stories on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
Texas 2026 primary early voting rules and what to know before heading to the polls
Early voting for Texas’ March 3 primary is underway, and voters across the state are navigating polling place lookups, ID requirements, party primaries and what to do if there’s a problem at check-in.
Rachel Osier Lindley, managing editor for the Texas Newsroom, joins Texas Standard to walk through what to bring, how the process works and more.
Texas attorney general race preview as Ken Paxton runs for US Senate
The next Texas Attorney General will take over for Ken Paxton, who is running for U.S. Senate in the Republican primary against incumbent John Cornyn. Republicans vying to replace Paxton say they will continue his legacy, while Democrats argue it’s time for a new direction in the state’s top legal office.
Caroline Love, who has been covering the race for KERA News in North Texas, joins Texas Standard with a look at the candidates and key issues.
Artemis II mission puts Houston’s Johnson Space Center back in the lunar spotlight
For the first time in decades, the United States is expected to return to the moon. The Artemis II mission will send four astronauts to orbit the moon before returning to Earth, putting NASA on track toward a future lunar base; though delayed, the mission could launch as soon as next month.
Houston Public Media’s Michael Adkison reports on the critical role Houston’s Johnson Space Center will play.
Rice University study finds drivers often misinterpret cyclist hand signals
The number of bicyclists killed on U.S. roadways has increased sharply in recent years, averaging 883 deaths annually. While distracted driving and limited bike lanes are often blamed, new research from Rice University suggests miscommunication between drivers and cyclists is also a key factor.
Christine Petersen, who conducted the research while earning her Ph.D. at Rice, joins Texas Standard to discuss the findings and what both drivers and cyclists can do differently.
Funding disparities affect reach of 988 suicide and crisis lifeline
The national 988 suicide and crisis lifeline launched less than four years ago and has already responded to nearly 20 million contacts. But support for 988 varies widely by state, affecting staffing and accessibility – especially in rural communities.
Texas Standard’s Michael Marks reports for Harvest Public Media on how funding differences shape crisis response.
Lady Bird Johnson’s 1964 civil rights tour revisited
In 1964, amid the Cold War, a presidential election, and the passage of the Civil Rights Act, First Lady Lady Bird Johnson launched a train tour through the Deep South aimed at easing racial tensions and promoting civil rights.
Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports on the “Lady Bird Special” and the effort to heal a divided nation.
W.F. Strong reflects on Robert Duvall’s Texas legacy and ‘Lonesome Dove’
Actor Robert Duvall, who died at 95, was not born in Texas but became closely associated with the state through roles in “Tender Mercies” and the television miniseries “Lonesome Dove.” His portrayal of Augustus McCrae remains iconic.
Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong joins Texas Standard to reflect on Duvall’s performances and his lasting Texas connections.
