Here’s what’s coming up on Texas Standard for Monday, Jan. 26, 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.
Winter storm leaves slick roads, stable grid
After a weekend winter storm brought ice, snow and freezing temperatures to much of Texas, forecasters say the worst may be over – though hazardous road conditions remain in many areas. Still, power outages appear limited, and the state grid held steady.
Eric Berger, meteorologist and editor of Space City Weather, joins Texas Standard to recap how the storm unfolded and what the week ahead looks like.
Dem Senate hopefuls face off in first debate
The race for Texas’ U.S. Senate seat drew national attention as Democratic contenders Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico met for their first primary debate in Georgetown on Friday. The two offered their own visions on labor, messaging and party leadership.
The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey reports from Austin with highlights and analysis.
This week in Texas music history
Jason Mellard with Texas State’s Center for Texas Music History takes us back – way back! – into time.
Austin police cooperation with ICE faces renewed scrutiny
In Austin, city leaders and residents alike are questioning local police cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Records show Austin police have contacted ICE dozens of times regarding people with outstanding civil – not criminal – warrants, even as council members object.
KUT senior correspondent Mose Buchele joins Texas Standard for the Drill Down to explain what the records reveal and what authority the city actually has.
Abilene’s Stargate project anchors massive AI buildout
A 4-million-square-foot complex rising outside Abilene is set to become a cornerstone of Stargate, a $500 billion nationwide expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure backed by OpenAI and Oracle. Supporters see it as an engine of economic development and tech leadership, while critics question its water use, energy demand, and impact on the region.
Texas Monthly contributor Christopher Collins joins Texas Standard to unpack what the project could mean for West Texas.
Ancient rock art reveals 4,000 years of cultural continuity
New research shows that intricate cave paintings near the Pecos River were created over a span of roughly 4,000 years, reshaping understanding of one of North America’s oldest artistic traditions. The findings trace a continuous cosmology expressed through shared symbols and evolving techniques.
Carolyn Boyd, anthropology professor at Texas State University, joins Texas Standard to discuss what the artwork reveals about its creators.
