Here’s what’s coming up on Texas Standard for Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. Check back later today for updated story links and audio.
Texas braces for first major winter storm of the year
State officials are preparing for what meteorologists describe as a potentially catastrophic winter storm, with ice, snow and dangerously low temperatures forecast across much of Texas north of I-10. The storm could intensify overnight into Saturday, raising concerns about grid reliability and emergency response.
The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez joins Texas Standard to explain how the state is preparing and what Texans should expect.
How to prepare your home before the freeze hits
As the winter storm approaches, emergency officials are urging Texans to prepare for possible power outages, icy roads and freezing temperatures. From generator safety to protecting pets and pipes, small steps now could prevent serious risks later.
Monty Dozier, director of Disaster Assessment and Recovery at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, joins the Standard with practical storm-prep suggestions.
Jury acquits former Uvalde officer in first criminal trial related to shooting
A jury found former Uvalde CISD police officer Adrian Gonzales not guilty on all counts in the first criminal trial tied to the 2022 Robb Elementary shooting. Gonzales had faced charges of abandoning or endangering a child during the law enforcement response.
Camille Phillips of Texas Public Radio joins Texas Standard with more from the courtroom and reactions to the verdict.
Legal questions follow Uvalde verdict
With the acquittal of Adrian Gonzales, legal experts are weighing what the decision means for remaining cases tied to the Robb Elementary response. Prosecutors face a high bar when charging officers for failure to act in mass shooting cases, and juries have historically been reluctant to convict.
Jennifer Laurin, professor of criminal law at UT Austin, joins the Standard with analysis.
OpenAI rolls out age prediction for ChatGPT users
OpenAI has launched a new system designed to estimate whether ChatGPT users are under 18 and limit certain content accordingly. The company says the tool relies on usage patterns and account history – but admits it won’t always be accurate.
Tech journalist Omar Gallaga joins Texas Standard to explain how the system works, where it could fail, and what it means for privacy.
Cambodian barbecue brings new flavor to Fort Worth
Texas barbecue continues to evolve, and one Fort Worth liquor store is now home to a Cambodian-inspired brisket joint turning heads. Kelly’s Cambodian BBQ blends grilled brisket with Southeast Asian flavors, reflecting a broader wave of cultural fusion in the state’s barbecue scene.
Daniel Vaughn, barbecue editor at Texas Monthly, joins the Standard to talk about the spot and the changing face of Texas BBQ.
Rural Texas grapples with rapid data center growth
Data centers tied to artificial intelligence are expanding rapidly across rural Texas, drawn by available land and a business-friendly regulatory climate. But residents are raising concerns about electricity demand, water use, and strain on local infrastructure.
Nicol Lee Turner, director of the Center for Technology Innovation at the Brookings Institution, joins the show to discuss policy options and community impact.
