Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026.
Texas Senate races take shape as primaries near
With primary elections approaching, Texas’ U.S. Senate contests are beginning to clarify. On the Republican side, Sen. John Cornyn is outraising challenger Ken Paxton amid an increasingly personal campaign. Democrats, meanwhile, are watching the faceoff between frontrunners Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico.
Mark Jones, political science professor at Rice University, joins Texas Standard to break down what the fundraising, messaging and timing reveal so far.
Hill Country flood recovery remains unfinished after six months
Six months after catastrophic flooding tore through the Texas Hill Country, recovery efforts remain incomplete for many communities. More than 130 people were killed, and some residents are still navigating insurance disputes, rebuilding delays and unanswered questions about warning systems.
The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports.
Proposed THC rules draw backlash from hemp businesses
Smokeable hemp products sold legally across Texas could soon disappear under proposed state health rules that would redefine how THC is measured and significantly raise compliance costs. At a recent public hearing, business owners warned the changes could shutter shops statewide.
KUT News’ Nathan Bernier reports.
Congress closes loophole that reshaped hemp farming
Hemp became legal nationwide with the 2018 Farm Bill, spawning a fast-growing industry that blurred the line between hemp and marijuana. Lawmakers moved last fall to close what became known as the “hemp loophole,” forcing growers to rethink crops and supply chains.
Molly Ashford reports for Harvest Public Media.
Venezuelans in Austin process Maduro’s arrest
The U.S. military action in Venezuela and the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro have sparked protests – and complicated emotions among Venezuelans living in Texas. Many who fled government repression say they feel both hope and fear about what comes next.
KUT News’ Greta Díaz González Vázquez reports from Austin on how the community is reacting.
Wizzie Brown is a program specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and our go-to insect expert. She shares her insect expertise on today’s show.
San Antonio’s forgotten role at the dawn of cinema
Before Hollywood became synonymous with filmmaking, early movie pioneers brought westerns to life in San Antonio. At the Star Film Ranch, filmmakers produced some of the first authentic westerns ever shot.
Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports on the rediscovery and restoration of this overlooked chapter in Texas film history.
New dietary guidelines reshape national nutrition advice
The Trump administration has unveiled sweeping revisions to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, including support for full-fat dairy and other notable shifts. The changes reflect new research and a different policy philosophy, with implications for schools, health programs, and household diets.
Kellie Casavale, director of the Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Evidence Center at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, joins Texas Standard to explain what’s changed and why.
