Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, Jan. 9, 2026.
Flu cases surge across Texas after holiday travel
Flu activity is rising sharply across Texas and much of the country, with doctors warning that transmission is likely to continue for weeks. Health officials say children have been hit especially hard.
Varun Shetty, chief state epidemiologist for the Texas Department of State Health Services, joins Texas Standard to explain what people can do to protect themselves.
Former Cowboys cheerleader turns life experience into fiction
In the 1980s, Marina Evans auditioned for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders on a whim – and ended up launching an unexpected chapter of her life. Now an author, Evans draws on that experience in new murder mystery “The Cheerleader,” inspired by the pressures and secrets of America’s Team.
We’ll hear from her today.
Why youth sports are pricing families out
New reporting shows how youth sports have become increasingly expensive, with costs driven up by travel leagues, private equity investment, and rising expectations. Now, some families are struggling to keep kids involved or are dropping out entirely.
Todd Frankel, sports enterprise reporter for the Washington Post, joins the Standard with the story.
An Austin artist finds meaning after losing a beloved tree
When a live oak in Steve Parker’s yard died from oak wilt, he was surprised by the depth of his grief. Rather than discard the wood, the Austin artist and musician transformed it into sound and sculpture. The result is “Funeral for a Tree,” a solo exhibit exploring loss, memory and renewal.
KUT News’ Mose Buchele reports from Austin.
Reviving a forgotten guitar concerto
With so much music readily available, countless compositions have faded into obscurity. A North Texas guitarist set out to change that by producing a high-quality recording of a long-overlooked guitar concerto, blending historical research with modern musicianship.
KERA’s Andy Lusk reports.
Netflix House Dallas brings your favorite shows like ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘Squid Game’ to life
For years, Netflix was synonymous with staying at home. Now, the brand wants you to go out. It has a new space with an arcade, restaurant, and a whole lot of merch at the Galleria in Dallas.
KERA arts reporter Marcheta Fornoff toured Netflix House Dallas over the holiday and shares this report.
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.
