Here’s what’s coming up on Texas Standard for Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026.
School voucher applications open across Texas
Applications are now open for Texas’ new private school voucher program, launching a process that will determine which families receive state-funded education savings accounts. The Houston Chronicle reports the system is not first come, first served; instead, it will prioritize certain applicants.
Elizabeth Sander and Isaac Yu join Texas Standard to walk through the timeline, eligibility rules, and what families should expect.
Construction industry warns ICE raids are disrupting workforce
Leaders in Texas’ construction sector say immigration raids at worksites are creating labor shortages and slowing projects statewide. Industry advocates argue the enforcement surge is straining an already tight labor market and could ripple through housing and commercial development.
Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports on how the crackdown is affecting contractors and workers.
Houston’s apartment inspection reforms remain stalled
For years, Houston officials have debated tougher inspection rules for apartment complexes with chronic health and safety violations. The proposal nearly became law last year but has faced repeated delays.
Dominic Anthony Walsh reports for Houston Public Media on tenants living with unsafe conditions as the reform effort remains unresolved.
SpaceX and xAI merger could reshape tech industry
Elon Musk’s SpaceX plans to acquire xAI in what could become one of the largest public stock offerings in history. Musk has described the merger as creating a vertically integrated innovation engine capable of building data centers in space.
Is he for real? Tech journalist Omar Gallaga joins Texas Standard to explain what the merger would mean for investors, artificial intelligence, and consumers.
Texas native makes homecoming with familiar ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ role
The first time Steven Skybell played Tevye, the father character in the musical “Fiddler on the Roof,” he was in high school. Throughout his career, Skybell has returned to the role — including a stint at the Austin Opera for a production of “Fiddler on the Roof” running in early February.
We’ll hear how Skybell has grown with the role he’s become so familiar with.
Health-conscious tacos still honor tradition
Tacos can fit into a range of dietary lifestyles, from vegetarian to lactose-free to lower-calorie options. Taco journalist and Tacos of Texas podcast host Mando Rayo joins Texas Standard to explore “tacos por la dieta,” including tacos de nopales and other lighter combinations that preserve flavor without sacrificing health goals.
Community colleges expand access to bachelor’s degrees
The number of community colleges offering accredited bachelor’s degrees has grown nearly eightfold over the past two decades. Though still a small share of four-year degrees nationally, early research suggests strong employment gains for graduates. The paper was authored by Miami University’s Riley K. Acton, Camila Morales of UT Dallas, Texas A&M’s Kalena Cortes, Northwestern University’s Julia A. Turner and Lois Miller of the University of South Carolina.
Morales and Cortes join Texas Standard to discuss their new working paper and what it reveals about outcomes and access.
