Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
UT Austin changes core curriculum requirements
UT Austin is changing the courses students must take as part of its core curriculum, including a greater emphasis on Western civilization. The revisions come amid a broader debate over politics and academic decision-making at public universities, raising questions about right-wing influence on college education.
Austin American-Statesman higher education reporter Lily Kepner joins the Standard with more.
Austin moves 911 call center out of police department
Austin is restructuring its emergency communications system by moving the city’s 911 call center out of the police department. City leaders say the change could improve response times and help route emergencies more effectively, though the plan has also drawn concerns about how the transition will work.
KUT’s Luz Moreno-Lozano reports.
Arlington homeowners face costly creek erosion
Residents along Arlington creeks say repeated storms are washing away their backyards and threatening pools, foundations and other property. While the city maintains parts of its drainage system, officials say homeowners are responsible for erosion on creeks crossing private property, leaving some families facing expensive repairs.
KERA’s James Hartley reports.
Collin County’s growth leaves gaps in healthcare access
Collin County is known for rapid growth and relative affluence, but not everyone has shared equally in that prosperity. For residents without insurance or enough money for medical care, affordable options can be difficult to find. Now, a new free clinic in McKinney is trying to help close that gap.
KERA’s Caroline Love reports.
California/Texas surrogacy case tests abortion and parental rights
A dispute involving a California couple and their surrogate has moved to Texas after a serious fetal diagnosis led the intended parents to request an abortion and the surrogate refused. The case now raises complicated questions about contracts, custody, abortion law and parental rights across state lines.
UT School of Law professor Rachel Rebouché joins the Standard with the story.
Robert Earl Keen returns to the road
Texas singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen stepped away from touring several years ago after decades on the road, but retirement from live performance didn’t last. With new shows on the calendar, the influential songwriter is reflecting on his career, his return to performing and what continues to draw him back to the stage.
Texas Public Radio’s Jack Morgan reports.
W.F. Strong’s Stories From Texas
Our commentator W.F. Strong is back — this time with some banking and financial advice from his brother, Redneck Dave. Can you afford to miss this?
Minnesota sues Abbott over ICE agent extradition
Minnesota officials are suing Gov. Greg Abbott over the extradition of an ICE agent jailed in Texas and accused of shooting a Venezuelan immigrant in Minnesota. Abbott has not signed the paperwork needed to move the defendant across state lines, creating a dispute over states’ constitutional obligations in extradition cases.
University of Missouri law professor Charles “Rocky” Rhodes joins the Standard with more.
