Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Monday, Feb. 9, 2026.
Redistricting reshapes Houston’s 29th congressional district
When Texas Republicans redrew congressional maps at the request of President Trump, many Democratic districts were squeezed or reconfigured. In Houston’s 29th district, Rep. Sylvia Garcia now faces a competitive Democratic primary after boundary changes altered the political landscape.
Jeremy Wallace, state politics reporter for the Houston Chronicle, joins Texas Standard to explain how the district changed and what the race could signal.
Democrats compete for lieutenant governor nomination
Three Democratic candidates are vying for the chance to challenge Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has held the office for more than a decade. The role is widely considered one of the most powerful in Texas politics.
The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey introduces the candidates and explains why the position draws intense interest.
This week in Texas music history
This week’s installment looks back at the first recordings of The Soul Stirrers, a gospel group that helped shape American music in the mid-20th century.
Jason Mellard with the Center for Texas Music History shares the story.
Advocates push for better care of pregnant inmates
Investigations have documented lawsuits and allegations of mistreatment involving pregnant inmates in Texas jails, including cases of inadequate medical care. The state is now collecting more detailed data on pregnant people in custody – a change advocates hope will improve accountability.
Krish Gundu, co-founder and executive director of the Texas Jail Project, joins the Standard to discuss conditions and potential reforms.
Alpha-gal syndrome disrupts farmers’ lives
An emerging tick-borne condition known as alpha-gal syndrome causes allergic reactions to red meat and has affected hundreds of thousands of Americans. For farmers who work closely with livestock, the diagnosis can be especially disruptive.
Rebecca Smith reports for Harvest Public Media on how the condition is reshaping daily life and livelihoods.
Walking Dallas, one mile at a time
Dallas is often described as a city built for cars, not pedestrians. Photographer Jeffrey McWhorter set out to challenge that perception by walking 52 miles across the city over two days.
He joins the Standard to discuss what he saw, who he met, and how the journey reshaped his view of his hometown.
Bankruptcy filings rise across Texas
Bankruptcy filings reached a three-year high in 2025, with more than 38,000 individuals and businesses in Texas seeking protection from creditors. The increase reflects broader economic pressures affecting households and companies statewide.
Paul Flahive, who reported on the trend for the Hearst newspaper chain in Texas, joins Texas Standard to examine the causes and what the numbers suggest about the state’s economy.
