Texas Standard

As we celebrated 10 years of the Texas Standard in 2025, our yearlong tour of the state recently took us to our partners at Texas Public Radio, based in San Antonio.  Though its many landmarks bring in the tourists, new residents are rushing in, too – putting pressure on resources like energy and water.  We explored those growing pains but […] The post Encore presentation: A special broadcast from San Antonio appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas Standard had the best seat in the state for the recent Geminid meteor shower. We’re revisiting our special broadcast from the McDonald Observatory earlier this month.  We’re focused on space science, including the history of this West Texas research gem – and how it’s continuing to contribute to what we know about the universe and beyond.  Dark skies are essential for observation, but […] The post Encore presentation: A special broadcast from the McDonald Observatory appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

As we wrap up 2025, we’re reflecting on some of the most important news moments of the past year, including what happened with new proposals aplenty passed during the biennial state legislative session.   We’ll also drill down on some original investigative reporting of the year with the Texas Newsroom’s Lauren McGaughy and look at how 2026 is teed up for Texas through a […] The post The top news of the year and looking ahead to 2026 appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas could lose as many as 17 members of Congress next year. What does that mean for the Lone Star State in terms of clout?The clock is ticking as federal funding for the 988 Crisis Lifeline expires next year.Distractions are everywhere. “Indistractable” author Nir Eyal offers strategies for focusing on what matters to you.And as […] The post Tips to stop doomscrolling in 2026 appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

There may be no personal income tax in Texas, but property tax? That’s another thing. And perhaps, the next big thing in Texas politics. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey joins us with more on what’s emerging as a new theme in Texas politics for 2026: Property taxes.4 million Texans signed up for health plans from […] The post What to know if Affordable Care Act subsidies expire appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

It’s almost time to turn the page on 2025, but we’re stretching out Texas Standard’s 10th birthday celebration a little longer with our 10 favorite book interviews from the past decade.   It’s a list that includes children’s books, young adult literature, and books diving deep into history. Join us as we count them down.  The post Our top 10 books stories of the past decade appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Just a few weeks ago, the editors and producers of the Texas Standard made out their lists and checked them twice, picking out stories from the past year that filled them with a certain sense of uplift – something that can at times seem so elusive.   In the spirit of the season, we’re sharing some of these feel-good stories with you on a […] The post Stories to warm your heart this Christmas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Music is a huge part of what makes Texas what it is. And as part of Texas Standard’s yearlong 10th birthday celebration, we’re celebrating our top 10 favorite music stories from the past decade.   Those include an exclusive interview with Phil Collins at the Alamo, an expansive conversation with the boundary-pushing band Khruangbin, and deep dives into the lives and legacies of Texas greats Johnny Canales and […] The post Our top 10 music stories of the past decade appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

How will you remember 2025? This hour we’re listening back to some of our favorite stories of the year from reporters with the Texas Standard and Texas Newsroom.  Remember the author of “Holes,” who made a sharp turn in 2025? Or when it was blazing hot outside and the swimming pool became too irresistible to say no to? What about the rise and rise […] The post Our favorite stories from the Texas Standard and Texas Newsroom appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

This holiday season, we’ve been listening back to some of the most compelling reporting by our in-house journalists here at the Texas Standard, as well as a team of public media reporters statewide known as The Texas Newsroom.   From an effort to help more adults complete a high school education, to a mystery Bible in Boerne, to the long-awaited launch of a […] The post The best of the Texas Standard and Texas Newsroom in 2025 appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Politicians can raise a lot of money running for election. But what happens to it when the campaign trail ends? Elected officials in Texas have a loophole to help them spend the money they raise on campaigns after they retire. How many concert venues have made it 75 years? We’ll take a tour of Dallas’ […] The post Dallas’ Longhorn Ballroom marks 75 years appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says a Wisconsin-based electronic health records company has a monopoly over the industry. We’ll have more on the AG’s fight against Epic.Remembering a couple of major figures in the Tejano music world who we lost this past weekend: Manny Guerra and Abraham Quintanilla.Plus, counties are getting new equipment to warn […] The post Tejano music mourns two foundational figures appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

He’s been an elected Democrat for over 50 years, but now local party officials in Houston are refusing to endorse Mayor John Whitmire. Unwinding the political drama, today on the Texas Standard.Texas’ new bathroom law effects schools and government-owned buildings, but one reporter found enforcement depends on exactly where you go.Texans Michael and Susan Dell […] The post Protecting monarch butterflies on Texas highways appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas does not allow people change their gender on driver’s licenses. Those who still try are now being tracked.How the Trump administration is reorganizing the Army to reflect a new focus on Latin America.Professors caution students about relying on AI, but some universities are doing just that to review course content.And a new memoir by […] The post Texas collects data on trans residents through state IDs appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Houston, Fort Worth… Now three more Texas school districts are expected to be taken over by state education officials. Where, why and what comes next?The son of Texas A&M’s campus rabbi is among those critically injured in the mass shooting at Bondi Beach near Sydney, Australia.Mexican citizens who routinely cross into the U.S. at Texas’ […] The post Tiny Texas town’s library could be adult education template appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Austin and San Antonio have long been home to some of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. Together, they are becoming what the authors of a new book are calling a "Megaregion." The post Texas Extra: The challenges and opportunities ahead for the Austin-San Antonio ‘Megaregion’ appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The Geminid Meteor Shower is happening, and we’ll have tips for your stargazing in a special live broadcast from the McDonald Observatory. Today we’re focused on space science, including the history of this West Texas research gem – and how it’s continuing to contribute to what we know about the universe and beyond. Dark skies […] The post A special live broadcast from the McDonald Observatory appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Millions of student loan borrowers are bracing themselves for big changes. We’ll have details on the end of the so-called SAVE program and why experts worry millions of student loan borrowers may be forced into default. As some Texas cities cut funding for homeless services, a look at one approach from nonprofits: giving cash directly […] The post Tamales in Texas: A holiday debate with deep roots appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas’ top two political officials are lockstep on a new effort to make sure conservative youth organization Turning Point USA can launch at every high school in the state. We’ll take a closer look.Human plasma is vital for medical needs, but it’s also a multibillion-dollar industry on its own. We’ll explore.A Texas school district is […] The post Voces Oral History Center founder talks legacy ahead of retirement appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

High-profile Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett launches her campaign for the U.S. Senate. We’ll look at how she’ll compete in a crowded field against primary opponent State Rep. James Talarico and prospective general election foes incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton.Last month Texas voters approved funding for a dementia prevention and research institute. […] The post With Crockett in, Texas Democrats mull Senate race strategy appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Political musical chairs is underway in Texas on deadline day for candidates to file for the midterm elections. We’ll explore where we stand and what it means today.Mandatory course reviews and changes to policies at universities have faculty warning of dire threats to academic freedom, especially when it comes to teaching hot-button topics – like […] The post Trans students push back as university policies shift appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

It is a city as well known for its history as its growth in the here and now. Today we’re broadcasting from San Antonio for a special edition of the Texas Standard.As we celebrate 10 years of the Texas Standard, our yearlong tour of Texas takes us to the studios of our partners at Texas […] The post A special broadcast from San Antonio appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Democratic congressman Henry Cuellar from Texas faced charges of conspiracy, bribery and money laundering. Why did the president just pardon him? We’ll dive in today.Texas becomes the first state to buy bitcoin. Why, and what it adds up to in a larger context.Imagine distilling your entire year into a snapshot – like a top 10 […] The post Why a Texas Democrat was pardoned by Trump appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Some new Texas laws are going into effect this week, including a modified bathroom bill. Other new laws include yet another one affecting abortion access, and one changing the tests kids take in Texas schools.Texas flagged hundreds of voters as potential noncitizens earlier this year, but county officials have already determined many were mis-flagged.The latest […] The post Voters flagged as noncitizens may have been eligible all along appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Questions about the Trump administration’s military operations in the Caribbean against Venezuela are growing. We’ll delve into the details.We’re also following the special election in Houston’s 18th Congressional District amid uncertainty over which congressional map Texas will use.Fort Worth and Tarrant County cut back on some public meetings, leading to an outcry.Is Texas becoming a […] The post Is Texas being used as an oil waste dumping ground? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The eyes of many Texans are on the U.S. Supreme Court – with new redistricting maps hanging in the balance. The Texas Tribune’s Eleanor Klibanoff joins us with an update on a legal back and forth that could affect which maps Texas uses for the 2026 election season.Another Texas Republican, U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls, says […] The post What’s next after Supreme Court restores Texas’ congressional map? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

We’re bringing you a special rebroadcast from the studios of our partners at Houston Public Media, the November destination in our yearlong waltz across Texas marking 10 years on the air.Today, we’ll explore Houston’s rise to become the nation’s newest global city.Also, a mission to tell the true story of the first female astronauts, the […] The post Encore presentation: Houston’s rise to become a global city appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texans under the age of 18 make up almost a quarter of the state’s population, so we put together a show with them in mind, from Abilene and the Children’s Art and Literacy Festival In June.We begin with a conversation about politics: We’ll hear from some Texas teens who make their voices heard, even though […] The post Encore presentation: A special Texas Standard for kids, from Abilene appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

From the oldest radio station in Texas, in Dallas’ historic Fair Park, site of the State Fair of Texas, it’s Texas Standard Time.As we continue to celebrate our 10th birthday this year, the Texas Standard tour bus in October pulled into the historic home of WRR, temporary home to our partners KERA North Texas.We’ll explore […] The post Encore presentation: From State Fair to stock exchange, a special broadcast from Dallas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

As we continue our yearlong 10th birthday celebration, we’re sharing a special rebroadcast of our July show before a live studio audience at a place that’s been called the “Athens of Texas” – Waco, itself celebrating 25 years of public radio from our partners at KWBU.We’ll be sampling some of the sights, sounds and tastes […] The post Encore presentation: Dr Pepper, mammoths and more – all about Waco appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Today we’re bringing you a special rebroadcast of Texas Standard’s May show from El Paso.We hear from some prominent El Pasoans – former Congressman Beto O’Rourke and former El Paso Mayor Dee Margo – on the city’s dynamic politics.El Paso has become a leader in innovative water management. How the city is securing its future […] The post Encore presentation: The politics, food and culture of El Paso appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

He’s cultivated relations with top political figures, but how much is known about the ties between Elon Musk and Gov. Greg Abbott?The Texas Newsroom’s investigative reporter Lauren McGaughy on what started out as a public records request that turned into an odyssey as she tried to learn more about the relationship between Musk and the […] The post Cindy Walker’s musical legacy gets renewed attention appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

You’ve heard about the ruling striking down Texas’ new congressional maps, but what does that mean as a practical matter for the upcoming primaries? The new ruling on Texas’ redistricting plan, and an expected appeal throws a lot into limbo.Space shuttles once routinely orbited the earth many times over, but a plan to bring one […] The post A Mexican government program is filling in US adult education gaps appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A ruling out of West Texas has upended Republican redistricting efforts to get more seats in Congress. Where things stand now that a federal judge in El Paso has struck down Texas’ new congressional map.We’ve reported before on how Texas school district leadership seems to have become increasingly partisan. We’ll take a closer look at […] The post Federal court blocks redrawn Texas congressional map appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas A&M bans professors from discussing race or gender ideology. Will other universities follow?They were supposed to be protected from deportation, but now ICE is going after some DACA recipients, too. How some Dreamers are ending up in detention centers.Why the VA is making it harder for men with breast cancer to get medical care […] The post The little-known story of the NFL’s Dallas Texans appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

For the first time in more than a decade, there is no incumbent in the race for one of the most powerful – and often contentious – posts in Texas. Incumbent Attorney General Ken Paxton is not running for reelection, and now seven people are vying for his office. Eleanor Klibanoff of the Texas Tribune […] The post How a ‘nurdle’ nightmare is costing Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

No matter where you are, you’re in for a treat as we broadcast from the biggest city in the Lone Star State.We’re coming to you from the studios of our partners at Houston Public Media, the latest destination in our yearlong waltz across Texas marking 10 years on the air.Today, we’ll explore Houston’s rise to […] The post A special broadcast from Houston appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The deal to reopen the federal government included a ban on intoxicating hemp – potentially undoing measures taken by the Texas Legislature last session.Houston’s 9th congressional district is among those most affected by redrawn political maps. We’ll take a trip there to explore the impact.Corpus Christi is trying to shore up water supplies. What city […] The post Deal to end shutdown could impose THC ban appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Healthcare subsidies were a central issue that led to the federal government shutdown. Now that a deal is in the works, what happens to them?We’re still waiting to hear from courts on whether new Texas district lines will be in place for the 2026 election. We’ll dig into the potential impacts in Houston.In Austin, voters […] The post Fort Worth megachurch draws attention for political push appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A few Democrats join Republicans in an effort to end the federal shutdown. We’ll have details.Families of girls killed in the July 4 Hill Country flood sue Camp Mystic.Car-dominant Texas needs more public transit to meet future needs. So says a new report from TxDOT.And on this Veteran’s Day, the Voces Oral History Center pays […] The post Camp Mystic faces lawsuits over deadly flood appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Signs of a possible temporary end to the federal shutdown, but closer to home concerns are growing that Texas is running out of water.The Texas Tribune employed artificial intelligence to answer some Texans’ water concerns, but there are limits. We’ll hear from two Tribune reporters who are trying to fill in the gaps.The U.S. race […] The post Texas, western states brace for uranium boom appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Cancellations across the nation are putting many air travelers in limbo.KUT’s Nathan Bernier joins us with an update of how flight cancellations brought on by the federal shutdown are affecting the nation’s busy air traffic system – with a particular look at the impact here in Texas.Also, why Texas is likely to be the state […] The post Flight cancellations, long TSA lines hit Texas travelers appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

At stake? Prices for consumers, billions in business activity, and the scope of presidential power. A Texas perspective as the U.S. Supreme Court takes up the case against President Trump’s tariffs.The Wall Street Journal says “Amazonification” has come for Texas-based Whole Foods. A look at what that means.Look! Up in the sky! Is that thing […] The post Texas director Richard Linklater talks latest film ‘Nouvelle Vague’ appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texans said yes to all 17 proposed state constitutional amendments. What’s that mean now?We’ll also dig into some select local results from across the state, including an update in the race to fill the U.S. House seat of the late Sylvester Turner.The Trump administration recently announced a new cap on the number of refugees that […] The post Texas voters approve all 17 proposed constitutional amendments appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

1 in 4 immigration arrests are happening in Texas under the Trump administration. We’ll take a look at the statewide crackdown.It’s Election Day. One constitutional amendment that funds a new Dementia Prevention and Research Institute for the state’s aging population is on the ballot.A look back at our top 10 author interviews as the Standard […] The post Data reveals intensity of ICE crackdown in Texas under Trump appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A federal court orders the Trump administration to prevent the Supplemental Food Assistance Program (SNAP) from lapsing. What happens now?A trial is set to begin this month against defendants for their alleged roles in the July 4 shooting at an ICE detention center in Alvarado. Why this may be a playbook for prosecutions now that […] The post Texas schools turn to AI to flag banned books appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

SNAP food assistance benefits are set to run out at midnight, and across the Lone Star State, food banks are bracing for unprecedented demand. How Texans can best help their neighbors in need. Of the 17 constitutional amendments to be decided by Texas voters, at least four go straight to the heart of a major […] The post Food banks prepare to fill the gap as SNAP runs out appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

With 17 constitutional amendments on the ballot next week, state officials are reminding Texans what to expect at the polls. We’ll talk with the Texas Secretary of State’s Office about dos and don’ts while voting. Both Austin and Houston are facing financial strain, but their solutions couldn’t be more different: One wants to raise taxes, […] The post What Texas voters should know before Election Day appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit against Tylenol could trigger a wave of government-led litigation over claims about a highly questioned link to ADHD and autism. A year after Michelin first arrived in Texas, the coveted dining guide has released its latest list of awardees. But what does the honor actually mean for local chefs and […] The post What difference has a Michelin star made for Texas restaurants? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

As the federal government shutdown drags on, the impact grows worse. From food benefits to trade, what it means for the Lone Star State. Texas does not have regulations for police pursuits, and some end in deadly crashes. What can we learn from Minnesota, where accountability rules offer a potential model for reform. Immigrants with […] The post Tim Duncan’s story comes home to Texas screens appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.