Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026.
Spike in candidate challenges tests Texas election system
An unusually large number of candidates are facing formal challenges ahead of the March primaries, particularly in North Texas. Party officials argue some filings don’t meet eligibility requirements, with the disputes playing out largely in judicial races.
Eleanor Dearman, who covers state politics for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, joins Texas Standard with more on why it matters.
Runoff debate sharpens contrast in Houston’s 18th District
Amanda Edwards and Christian Menefee faced off this week in their sole debate ahead of the special election runoff in Texas’ 18th congressional district. The race to replace the late Rep. Sylvester Turner has drawn national attention, with health care and public safety emerging as central themes.
Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports from the debate in Humble.
Scientists describe upheaval under Trump’s second term
Canceled grants, job losses, diminished trust in science: A year into President Trump’s return to office, scientists across the central U.S. say federal research funding cuts and shifting priorities have reshaped their work for worse.
Harvest Public Media’s Kate Grumke reports on how researchers are adapting amid uncertainty.
New law exposes school districts to costly misconduct lawsuits
A lawsuit in Collin County over alleged teacher sexual misconduct could cost a North Texas school district millions under a new state law. Legal experts say the case may open the door for similar claims across Texas as more victims come forward.
KERA News’ Caroline Love reports on how the law is changing liability for school districts statewide.
Grok limits AI images after exploitation backlash
Elon Musk’s AI company says its Grok chatbot will no longer generate nude or sexualized images of real people, including children, after intense criticism from lawmakers and regulators worldwide. The controversy raised alarms about how easily exploitative content could be created and distributed.
Tech journalist Omar Gallaga joins the Standard to explain.
Texas readies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
With World Cup matches set for Dallas and Houston this summer, organizers are preparing for an influx of international visitors and unprecedented logistical demands. Planning efforts span transportation, security, and fan events well beyond stadium walls.
Monica Paul, president of the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee, joins Texas Standard to explain how the region is getting ready and what fans can expect.
Free speech concerns grow over Texas A&M course reviews
Texas A&M’s review of roughly 200 courses for content related to race and gender has drawn scrutiny from free speech advocates, who warn the policy could chill classroom discussion.
Graham Piro, campus rights advocacy team member with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), joins the Standard to explain why the issue extends beyond one campus.
