Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. Check back later today for updated story links and audio.
Senate hopefuls test social media strategy ahead of debate
Two Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate meet Saturday in Georgetown, Texas for their first primary debate. State Rep. James Talarico and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett have both built national profiles online, but their approaches to social media – and the voters they’re targeting – differ sharply.
The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey reports on how digital strategy may shape the race.
EPA rollbacks raise air quality concerns in Texas
One year into President Trump’s second term, environmental advocates say federal EPA rollbacks are already straining air quality and public health in Texas. Experts point to changes in emissions standards and greenhouse gas reporting as particularly significant for the state’s energy-heavy economy.
Alejandra Martinez, Fort Worth-based environmental reporter for the Texas Tribune, joins the Standard to explain.
Rio Grande Valley confronts water scarcity reality
In the Rio Grande Valley, reservoirs feeding the river have fallen to critically low levels, forcing cities and water suppliers to seek alternatives.
Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports on how the region is adapting to long-term drought and shifting water policy.
Abilene’s ‘party line’ invites strangers to connect
A pair of payphones installed in politically opposite cities – Abilene and San Francisco – are part of a project aimed at fostering unexpected conversations. The installation, called “The Party Line,” invites callers to speak anonymously across ideological divides.
KACU’s Leslie Carrigan reports on how the experiment works and what organizers hope it accomplishes.
Aquarium prepares for sea turtle rescues ahead of freeze
As an arctic front approaches Texas, the Texas State Aquarium’s Center for Wildlife Rescue in Corpus Christi is activating emergency protocols to protect cold-stunned sea turtles and other vulnerable wildlife.
Jesse Gilbert, president and CEO of the Texas State Aquarium, joins Texas Standard to explain how rescue operations unfold during severe winter weather.
Remembering conservationist J. David Bamberger
J. David Bamberger, the Texas land conservationist and former Church’s Chicken executive, has died at age 97. After building a fast-food empire, Bamberger devoted much of his wealth to restoring native land and wildlife in the Hill Country.
Pam LeBlanc joins Texas Standard to reflect on his ranch, his environmental legacy, and the message he leaves behind.
Texas ties surface in 2026 Oscar nominations
Oscar nominations are out, and several films and filmmakers with Texas connections are in the mix. “Train Dreams” earned multiple nods, while “One Battle After Another” – filmed in part in El Paso – is also up for major awards. Actor Ethan Hawke also received his first nomination for “Blue Moon.”
Texas Standard’s Laura Rice shares more.
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.
