Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2026.
Iran escalation raises risk of wider regional conflict
Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated following recent military strikes and counterthreats, prompting concerns about a broader regional conflict.
Michael Mosser, associate professor of instruction in the Department of Government at the University of Texas at Austin, joins Texas Standard to assess the risks and likely next steps.
Anti-ICE protesters clash with DPS troopers outside Dilley ICE detention facility
Texas Department of Public Safety troopers in riot gear confronted protesters outside the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas yesterday. A chemical irritant used for crowd control was deployed, prompting protesters to disperse.
Texas Public Radio’s Joey Palacios joins us to talk about what he saw on the ground.
More aggressive ICE tactics catch migrants off guard
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are using increasingly aggressive tactics as the Trump administration pushes for higher deportation numbers. Advocates say migrants are being surprised at routine check-ins and taken into custody with little warning.
Priscilla Rice of KERA News reports from Dallas on how attorneys and community groups are adjusting to the new enforcement landscape.
Meta tests premium subscriptions across platforms
Meta is preparing to test paid subscription features for Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, including expanded sharing tools and enhanced artificial intelligence features. While other social media companies already offer premium tiers, this would mark Meta’s first broad push toward individual subscriptions.
Tech journalist Omar Gallaga joins Texas Standard to explain what users may be asked to pay for – and whether the strategy stands a chance of succeeding.
Adult education program helps Austin’s unhoused residents earn GEDs
An Austin transitional housing center is offering adult education classes designed to help people experiencing homelessness earn high school equivalency diplomas. Organizers say this access to GED programs opens doors to employment and long-term stability.
Texas Standard’s Sarah Asch reports on how the program works and what it means for participants rebuilding their lives.
This illusionist’s magic formula combines family, passion and decades of dedication
John “Magic” Wright fell in love with magic as a teenager and has spent his entire adult life honing his craft. His career as a magician has spanned nearly five decades, including a residency at the Magic Castle in Los Angeles. Today, you can see him performing illusions at Magic’s Theater and Museum in Southwest Austin.
As Austin grows, bats adapt to new urban challenges
Austin’s rapid downtown development has created challenges for the city’s Mexican free-tailed bats and builders both, with wildlife groups fielding more calls about bats ending up in apartments and offices.
Andrea Ball, who covers growth and development for the Austin Current, joins Texas Standard to discuss how urban expansion is affecting the colony.
New census data shows Texas still adding residents at a rapid clip
New federal population estimates show U.S. growth slowing overall, with international migration down sharply from the previous year. Texas remains among the fastest-growing states and added more residents than any other state in raw numbers.
Lloyd Potter, Texas state demographer and director of the Texas Demographic Center at UT San Antonio, joins Texas Standard to break down what’s driving the trends and why they matter.
