Texas Standard

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

December 26, 2025

Our top 10 books stories of the past decade 

It’s almost time to turn the page on 2025, but we’re stretching out Texas Standard’s 10th birthday celebration a little longer with our 10 favorite book interviews from the past decade.   It’s a list that includes children’s books, young adult literature, and books diving deep into history. Join us as we count them down. 

Listen

December 25, 2025

Stories to warm your heart this Christmas 

Just a few weeks ago, the editors and producers of the Texas Standard made out their lists and checked them twice, picking out stories from the past year that filled them with a certain sense of uplift – something that can at times seem so elusive.   In the spirit of the season, we’re sharing some of these feel-good stories with you on a […]

Listen

December 24, 2025

Our top 10 music stories of the past decade 

Music is a huge part of what makes Texas what it is. And as part of Texas Standard’s yearlong 10th birthday celebration, we’re celebrating our top 10 favorite music stories from the past decade.   Those include an exclusive interview with Phil Collins at the Alamo, an expansive conversation with the boundary-pushing band Khruangbin, and deep dives into the lives and legacies of Texas greats Johnny Canales and […]

Listen

December 23, 2025

Our favorite stories from the Texas Standard and Texas Newsroom 

How will you remember 2025? This hour we’re listening back to some of our favorite stories of the year from reporters with the Texas Standard and Texas Newsroom.  Remember the author of “Holes,” who made a sharp turn in 2025? Or when it was blazing hot outside and the swimming pool became too irresistible to say no to? What about the rise and rise […]

Listen