Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
Redrawn 29th Congressional District tests Sylvia Garcia in Democratic primary
When Texas Republican lawmakers redrew the state’s congressional map last year, Houston’s 29th Congressional District was one of their top targets. The district was reshaped in a way that raised the real prospect that Houston’s only Latina U.S. representative, Sylvia Garcia, could lose in the Democratic primary.
But as Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports, Garcia may be poised to fend off that threat.
Houston releases Human Rights Action Plan ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup
Houston is four months away from hosting seven matches during the FIFA World Cup, with hundreds of thousands of visitors expected. The Houston Host Committee is releasing its required Human Rights Action Plan, addressing worker protections, fan safety and concerns about human trafficking during major international events.
Michael Adkison of Houston Public Media joins Texas Standard to explain what the plan includes and how it will be funded.
USDA Climate Hubs face uncertainty as extreme weather intensifies
U.S. Department of Agriculture Climate Hubs aim to better understand how climate change affects agriculture and forestry and help producers adapt. But the future of these hubs is uncertain as farmers across the country continue experiencing more extreme and unpredictable weather.
Rachel Cramer reports for Harvest Public Media.
UN warns of deepening crisis in Cuba tied to fuel shortages
The United Nations is warning of a worsening socio–economic crisis in Cuba, citing compromised hospitals, power cuts, and disruptions to food and maternity services tied to severe fossil fuel shortages. The situation follows U.S. military action in Venezuela and shifting oil flows in the region.
Matt Smith, lead energy analyst at Kpler, joins the Standard to explain how Venezuela, U.S. policy, and global oil markets intersect in Cuba’s crisis.
More than 750 families, many with children, held at Dilley detention center
As of early February, more than 750 families – nearly half including children – were being held at the Dilley Detention Center in South Texas. Investigative newsroom ProPublica has received letters from detained children describing conditions inside.
Mica Rosenberg, who reports for ProPublica, joins Texas Standard to discuss the letters, the number of children detained, and the broader immigration picture.
This week in Texas music history
Jason Mellard from the Center for Texas Music History dives into the past.
Texas Dream Act appeal affects in-state tuition at public universities
For over two decades, the Texas Dream Act allowed undocumented Texans to pay in-state tuition at public universities. This semester marks the first full term under new tuition rules following a lower court order siding with the Justice Department in a challenge to the law. The case is now on appeal at the Fifth Circuit.
Marco Julian Gonzalez, a UT Austin student and member of a Latino-founded fraternity involved in the legal fight, joins Texas Standard to explain how students are being affected.
Newly released Jeffrey Epstein files name high-profile Texans
Newly released documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein offer a clearer picture of his network of relationships across finance, politics, academia, and media. Newly examined records show a number of high-profile Texans appearing in his communications, including a former university president and prominent business figures.
Gwen Howerton, who covers Texas culture for Chron.com, joins Texas Standard to discuss who is named and what the records show.
