Here’s what’s coming up on Texas Standard for Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. Listen on your Texas public radio station, or ask your smart speaker to play Texas Standard. Check back later today for updated story links and audio.
Texas Medical Board clarifies abortion exceptions
For the first time since Texas enacted its strict abortion ban, the state’s medical regulator has issued detailed guidance clarifying when doctors can legally terminate a pregnancy to protect a patient’s health. The training materials follow passage of the so-called Life of the Mother Act and a ProPublica investigation into rising maternal risks.
Cassandra Jaramillo, who covers reproductive health for ProPublica, joins Texas Standard to discuss what the new guidance does – and does not – change.
Border wall construction advances in the Big Bend
Construction crews are preparing to build a new section of border wall in the Big Bend region, one of Texas’ most remote and ecologically sensitive areas. Local landowners and environmental advocates are raising concerns about habitat disruption and long-term impacts on tourism and ranching.
Sam Karas, who reports for the Big Bend Sentinel, joins Texas Standard with an update on where the project stands.
New tech aims to make sports more accessible for blind fans
As the Winter Olympics begin and the Super Bowl approaches, broadcasters and tech companies are rolling out tools designed to help blind and visually impaired fans experience live sports more fully. From enhanced audio description to tactile devices that track the movement of a football, the innovations aim to bring fans closer to the action.
The Standard’s Shelly Brisbin explains how the technology works.
Latino Texans plan watch parties around Bad Bunny halftime show
For many Texans, this Sunday’s Super Bowl halftime show may be the main event. Grammy-winning artist Bad Bunny’s performance has sparked excitement across Latino communities, with watch parties and merchandise sales already underway.
Madalyn Mendoza, who reported for Axios on the preparations, joins Texas Standard to explore why the moment feels culturally significant.
Documentary ‘The Librarians’ revisits Llano County book battles
A new documentary highlights the story of Suzette Baker, the former Llano County librarian who became a central figure in the fight over banned books. The film examines how Texas libraries have become flashpoints in a national debate over censorship and access.
Baker joins Texas Standard to reflect on her experience and how the conversation has evolved.
Black History Month Profile: Meet Dr. Hepcat
February is Black History Month and all month long we’ll be featuring Black artists, events and venues that have shaped the Austin music scene. Today, Miles Bloxson introduces us to Dr. Hepcat (born Albert Lavada Durst) – an American blues pianist, singer, baseball commentator and radio DJ.
North Texas drag pageant supports community health services
In North Texas, an annual drag pageant is drawing new attention as shifting policies reshape the landscape for LGBTQ Texans. Organizers say the event provides both celebration and tangible support for community health services.
KERA’s Abigail Ruhman reports on how the pageant is taking on expanded meaning in the current political climate.
Typewriter Rodeo
The gang delivers another custom poem.
The week in Texas politics
The Texas Tribune politics editor Jasper Scherer joins the Standard with a recap of the week that was in Texas politics.
