Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. Check back later today for updated story links and audio.
What Maduro’s arrest means for Venezuela and the region
The U.S. military’s extradition of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has sent shockwaves through the country and raised new questions about what comes next for its political future. Developments in Caracas could reshape regional power dynamics and U.S. policy toward Venezuela.
Anatoly Kurmanaev, New York Times reporter based in Caracas, joins Texas Standard to describe what’s unfolding on the ground.
Democrats eye rare opening in Texas Senate primary
For the first time in years, Texas Democrats see an unusually competitive primary for U.S. Senate as they look to challenge Republican incumbent John Cornyn. Two high-profile candidates – Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico – are testing different strategies to energize voters and break a decades-long losing streak.
Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports.
Jury seated in trial tied to Uvalde response
A jury has been seated in the trial of a former Uvalde school district police officer charged in connection with the failed law enforcement response to the 2022 Robb Elementary shooting. It’s a case that’s being closely watched by families and communities seeking accountability.
Texas Public Radio’s Jerry Clayton reports.
Venezuelans in Texas face new uncertainty after Maduro’s arrest
Amid Venezuela’s political upheaval, Venezuelans in Texas are asking what it could mean for their immigration status, with questions surroundings asylum claims, temporary protections and more.
Julián Aguilar, immigration reporter for the Houston Chronicle, joins the Standard with more.
Missing juror upends Dallas fentanyl conviction
Dallas County prosecutors once pointed to a 30-year fentanyl sentence as proof of a tough new approach. But the case unraveled after a basic question surfaced: how many jurors actually served?
KERA’s Toluwani Osibamowo reports on how a procedural breakdown overturned a high-profile conviction.
Houston nurse finds healing through improv comedy
Working in health care can take a heavy emotional toll. A Houston nurse found relief and renewal by stepping onto the improv stage.
Priscilla Foreman reports as part of NPR’s Next Generation Radio Project.
Birders fan out along the Texas coast for annual count
Each winter, birders around the world take part in a massive citizen-science effort to track bird populations. Along the Texas coast, volunteers are documenting species across Galveston Island, contributing data used by researchers worldwide.
Houston Public Media’s Julianna Washburn reports.
What’s entering the public domain in 2026?
Steamboat Willie, Popeye, Winnie the Pooh: They’re three popular characters from entertainment who have entered the public domain in recent years. With the calendar recently turned to 2026, what other copyrights have just expired?
The Standard’s Shelly Brisbin joins the show with a look at what’s newly in the public domain.
