Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, Jan. 16, 2026.
Why Texas primary turnout matters more than most elections
Early voting for Texas’ March party primaries begins in just a few weeks, but history suggests only a fraction of the state’s 18 million registered voters will participate. That low turnout can have an outsized effect on who advances to November ballots – and ultimately, who governs.
The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey reports on the outsize importance of primary participation.
Houston ISD’s state takeover enters a critical new phase
Houston ISD is moving into its third calendar year under state control, with Superintendent Mike Miles continuing to reshape the district. Recent reporting has revealed new details about contract negotiations, student departures, and teacher losses during the takeover.
Nusaiba Mizan, who covers education for the Houston Chronicle, joins Texas Standard to discuss what her reporting shows.
Houston braces for World Cup tourism boom
Houston leaders are preparing for hundreds of thousands of visitors expected to arrive for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer. Officials say the tournament could bring a billion-dollar economic boost, but also major demands on infrastructure and public services.
Houston Public Media’s Michael Adkison reports.
Oil slump hits Midland as prices slide
Falling crude prices have begun to ripple through West Texas, where energy jobs anchor much of the local economy. In Midland, declining rig counts and reduced drilling activity are already affecting workers, housing, and small businesses.
Konrad Putzier, economics reporter for The Wall Street Journal, joins Texas Standard to explain how falling oil prices are raising anxiety in the Permian Basin.
ICE attorney returns to court after racism controversy
An ICE prosecutor who was linked to a racist social media account in 2025 has quietly returned to immigration court, despite unanswered questions about disciplinary action. Lawmakers had previously called for an investigation after the Texas Observer exposed the account.
Steven Monacelli, special investigative correspondent for the Texas Observer, joins the Standard to explain what’s known about the attorney’s return and what remains unclear.
How San Antonio’s MLK march became one of the nation’s largest
What began as a small, quiet walk honoring Martin Luther King Jr. has grown into one of the largest MLK marches in the country, drawing more than 100,000 people each year to San Antonio’s East Side.
Arlington Callies, son of one of the march’s founders, joins Texas Standard to reflect on its origins, growth, and meaning for the community it passes through.
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.
