Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
State takeovers of Texas schools raise questions about effectiveness
Texas has increasingly taken control of school districts under a law expanded more than a decade ago, sparking debate over whether it improves student outcomes or deepens challenges for communities.
Reporters Ashley Soebroto and Megan Menchaca created a statewide tracker of takeovers for the Houston Chronicle. They join the Texas Standard with their findings.
Role of Texas attorney general becomes key issue in election
State attorneys general like Texas’ Ken Paxton have become national political players — but some argue that’s not supposed to be their primary job.
KERA News’ Caroline Love reports on how that debate is shaping the current race.
Adaptive gym in Waco builds community for athletes with disabilities
A new fitness space in Waco is expanding access for athletes with disabilities while fostering a strong sense of community. Participants say the gym offers more than physical training, creating a supportive environment for connection and growth.
KWBU’s Molly-Jo Tilton reports from Waco.
SNAP changes limit what foods Texans can buy with benefits
New restrictions on SNAP benefits in Texas are changing what items can be purchased at grocery stores. The rules exclude candy and many sugary drinks, leaving some shoppers confused about what qualifies.
KUT News’ Olivia Aldridge reports on how the changes are playing out at checkout lines.
New book highlights women’s role in Texas conservation history
From Big Bend to Caddo Lake and Padre Island to Palo Duro, Texas has no shortage of public lands — but the path to conserve that land wasn’t simple. In her new book “Wild Women for Good,” author Jennifer Bristol documents the role female Texans played in shaping the state’s conservation and public preservation.
Bristol joins the Texas Standard with more.
Trump’s attacks on Pope draws attention to political and religious divide
President Trump’s recent social media barrage — attacking Pope Leo as “soft on crime” and hostile to the White House, plus an AI-generated image of Trump as a healing, Christ-like figure — are straining the intersection of faith and politics.
Paul Froese, sociology professor at Baylor University, and Haajrah Gilani, religion reporter for the Houston Chronicle, join the Texas Standard to discuss.
