Episodes
January 7, 2026
Venezuelan Texans react to Maduro’s removal
The legal case against Nicolás Maduro and his wife has begun, but how’s that going to work exactly?Venezuelans living abroad, including here in Texas, continue to react to the capture. Why Austin-based “Freedom is a Feast” author Alejandro Puyana says it’s so important we keep including their voices in the news coverage.The U.S. military might […]
Listen
January 6, 2026
What entered the public domain in 2026?
The latest from inside Venezuela as the Trump administration takes over and an interim president is sworn in.A look at the on again, off again immigration status of Venezuelans seeking asylum in this country – and Texas, in particular.Dallas County prosecuted its first fentanyl dealer, so how did the case fall apart?Birders have been busy […]
Listen
January 5, 2026
Venezuela’s future and what it means for Texas oil
A historic U.S. military operation has extracted Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro from the country. What are the implications, both for Texas and the U.S.? University of Texas global affairs expert Jeremi Suri weighs in on this weekend’s events, including the legality of the Venezuela operation and whether it was about narcoterrorism, oil, or something more.Speaking […]
Listen
January 2, 2026
Encore presentation: A special broadcast from San Antonio
As we celebrated 10 years of the Texas Standard in 2025, our yearlong tour of the state recently took us to our partners at Texas Public Radio, based in San Antonio. Though its many landmarks bring in the tourists, new residents are rushing in, too – putting pressure on resources like energy and water. We explored those growing pains but […]
Listen
January 1, 2026
Encore presentation: A special broadcast from the McDonald Observatory
Texas Standard had the best seat in the state for the recent Geminid meteor shower. We’re revisiting our special broadcast from the McDonald Observatory earlier this month. We’re focused on space science, including the history of this West Texas research gem – and how it’s continuing to contribute to what we know about the universe and beyond. Dark skies are essential for observation, but […]
Listen
December 31, 2025
The top news of the year and looking ahead to 2026
As we wrap up 2025, we’re reflecting on some of the most important news moments of the past year, including what happened with new proposals aplenty passed during the biennial state legislative session. We’ll also drill down on some original investigative reporting of the year with the Texas Newsroom’s Lauren McGaughy and look at how 2026 is teed up for Texas through a […]
Listen
December 30, 2025
Tips to stop doomscrolling in 2026
Texas could lose as many as 17 members of Congress next year. What does that mean for the Lone Star State in terms of clout?The clock is ticking as federal funding for the 988 Crisis Lifeline expires next year.Distractions are everywhere. “Indistractable” author Nir Eyal offers strategies for focusing on what matters to you.And as […]
Listen
December 29, 2025
What to know if Affordable Care Act subsidies expire
There may be no personal income tax in Texas, but property tax? That’s another thing. And perhaps, the next big thing in Texas politics. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey joins us with more on what’s emerging as a new theme in Texas politics for 2026: Property taxes.4 million Texans signed up for health plans from […]
Listen
