Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026.
FAA shuts down El Paso International Airport airspace for ‘special security reasons’
The Federal Aviation Administration abruptly shut down airspace around El Paso International Airport late Tuesday night, halting roughly 170 daily arrivals and departures and diverting flights without advance notice to local authorities. The FAA cited unspecified “special security reasons” and warned that deadly force could be used against aircraft violating the restriction.
Angela Kocherga, news director at KTEP El Paso, joins Texas Standard with the latest.
Texas 2026 primary preview as early voting begins Feb. 17
Early voting for Texas’ March 3 primary begins Tuesday, Feb. 17, as competitive U.S. Senate races dominate attention in both parties. Polling shows shifts in the Democratic contest between Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico, while Republicans watch the race among John Cornyn, Ken Paxton, and Wesley Hunt. Then there’s race between Democrats to see who will face incumbent Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in November.
Blaise Gainey, who covers state politics for the Texas Newsroom, joins Texas Standard with a preview of the races to watch.
Border wall funding boosts construction through sensitive Rio Grande Valley lands
Billions in federal funding for border wall construction are now clearing the way for new segments through South Texas natural areas along the Rio Grande. Environmental advocates warn the barrier threatens wildlife corridors and fragile ecosystems, while supporters argue it strengthens security.
Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports on the fight unfolding in the Rio Grande Valley.
Discord rolls out new age verification system
Discord is introducing new age verification measures aimed at limiting minors’ exposure to certain content. The changes come amid growing pressure on tech companies to better monitor platforms popular with teenagers.
Tech journalist Omar Gallaga joins Texas Standard to explain how the system works and what it could mean for user privacy and enforcement.
Houston co-living arrangements offer formalized shared housing model
In Houston’s Third Ward and other neighborhoods, developers are marketing “co-living” homes where residents have private bedrooms and bathrooms but share kitchens and common areas. While roommate arrangements are nothing new, these formalized rental deals can place up to ten people under one roof.
Marissa Luck, senior real estate reporter for the Houston Chronicle, joins Texas Standard to explain how the model works and what tenants pay.
Pregnant migrant minors sent to South Texas shelter
A months-long investigation by The Texas Newsroom and The California Newsroom reports that pregnant migrant minors in federal custody are being sent to a single South Texas facility in San Benito that advocates say is medically inadequate. The policy raises concerns about health care access and abortion restrictions.
KUT’s Mose Buchele reports.
San Antonio artists return from cultural exchanges in Cuba
For three years, a small group of San Antonio artists have traveled to Cuba on trips they describe as equal parts difficult and rewarding. The exchanges have focused on collaboration and cultural connection despite political tensions between the two countries.
Texas Public Radio’s Jack Morgan reports.
Stargate data center drives housing crisis in Abilene
The massive 4-million-square-foot Stargate data center under construction in Abilene has brought roughly 6,000 workers to the city of just over 100,000 residents. With housing already limited, rents have surged, deepening affordability challenges.
Andrew Chow, correspondent for Time magazine, joins Texas Standard to discuss how the AI project is reshaping Abilene’s housing market.
