Texas Standard

Texas voters are deciding on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution – including one to dedicate a portion of state tax revenues to funding water projects. We’ll take a closer look at Proposition 4.There are growing concerns among military families as the federal shutdown continues, with no clear end in sight.East Texas is seeing […] The post A family fight over Bonnie and Clyde’s graves appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

First responders in Kerr County struggled to communicate during this summer’s deadly Independence Day floods because parts of their radio network failed to reach key areas, according to an investigation by The New York Times.Tech giant Meta is building a $1.5 billion data center in Northeast El Paso – a project that’s raising tough questions […] The post Meta’s billion-dollar bet on El Paso appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

It’s the biggest drop in voter registration in Texas in a decade. What’s behind it and what does it mean for the future of Texas politics? Jeremy Wallace of the Houston Chronicle joins us with more.When it comes to beef, Texas is number one. But President Trump wants push costs down with a plan to […] The post Will beef from Argentina bring down US prices? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas has flagged thousands of registered voters who officials say could be noncitizens. What we know about that claim right now.For years, Texas Standard has been following the legal battle over a beloved waterway in East Texas. Now, some powerful figures are getting involved in the fight over the Cutoff.Some leadership changes at UT Austin […] The post Legal fight over access to East Texas waterway continues appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

If the ongoing government shutdown runs into next week, Texas families could see their SNAP food benefits cut off.Oil prices have plummeted to a level not seen since the COVID days. Why and what it could mean for Texas consumers and oilfield workers.Contract negotiations, the Dallas Wings search for a new coach, and more: A […] The post Spreading kindness through a Texas-made story appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Yes, it’s that time again: Early voting gets underway across the Lone Star State on this Monday.A statewide ballot that will decide no statewide offices? True, though the stakes in this election are huge for Texans – some 17 proposed changes to the Texas constitution hang in the balance.We’ll hear about several of the most […] The post Early voting kicks off on 17 proposed amendments 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 has pulled into the historic home of WRR, temporary home to our partners KERA North Texas.We’ll explore the […] The post From State Fair to stock exchange, a special broadcast from Dallas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Some local law enforcement offices in Texas get a heads-up when ICE is coming to town, but others don’t. We’ll dig into why.There’s new evidence that, no surprise, the online world isn’t always so great for today’s teens. Advice from tech expert Omar Gallaga on making it safer.Gov. Greg Abbott has a new challenger for […] The post Uneven ICE notifications raise concerns appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

After years of tightening restrictions on water use, a South Texas town issues an ominous declaration of emergency. Beeville, Texas, is fast running out of water and they’re asking for help from the state. We’ll talk to the interim city manager about what can be done.It’s a new law requiring parental permission for public school […] The post Where Texas birders can spot sandhill and whooping cranes this winter appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The Trump administration has reportedly slashed jobs at a federal office responsible for overseeing special education. What might that mean here in Texas?A new school in Uvalde offers a place for learning apart from the building desecrated by a mass shooting – but remembrance is built into the design.The craft brewing bubble has burst. A […] The post What layoffs at special education office could mean for Texas schools appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The leading Democratic candidate for Texas’ U.S. Senate seat isn’t even in the race yet – and it might not be who you think. Plus, where things stand on the Republican side as U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt joins the field against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton.Another delay in the Robert Roberson […] The post Why a Texas appeals court halted Robert Roberson’s execution appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A new report from the Wall Street Journal raises questions about how a prominent Texas Republican got rich as a politician. The report puts the personal finances of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the spotlight, though his supporters are calling it a hit piece. We’ll talk with one of the reporters behind the story.A […] The post New exhibit captures the meaning of ‘The Selena Effect’ appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Public schools across Texas are being put to the test. From Fort Worth to Grapevine, Austin to San Antonio, we’ll look at how communities are reacting – and in some cases, pushing back – on plans to shutter schools and shuffle the map for many students.Also, a big fight over redistricting with huge consequences – […] The post Texas school closures raise tough questions appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A billion-dollar school voucher program is coming to Texas, but the company running it is based in New York. What that means for families.A Texas father convicted of killing his daughter faces execution in less than two weeks, but new evidence is raising serious doubts in the case of Robert Roberson.New World screwworms: The parasite […] The post Texas taps vendor for school voucher rollout appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The Texas National Guard is being sent beyond state lines. We’ll unpack what’s driving the deployment and the legal battle brewing around it.The ICEBlock app, designed to alert users about ICE agents nearby, has been pulled from app stores. Critics are calling it a violation of free speech.Years after the pandemic lockdowns, what do we […] The post Legal battle brews as Texas National Guard is sent beyond state lines appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A University of Texas professor says Congress has gotten so good at frequent government shutdowns, finding the political will to get back on track could be an obstacle in itself. We’ll take a closer look. Nearly two weeks after the deadly shooting at a Dallas ICE facility, investigators say the motive may be more about […] The post Houston megachurch faces legal revolt appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A Texas congressional redistricting fight enters the courtroom, with both sides taking different positions from those taken earlier. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey with more on the start of what’s expected to be a nine-day federal hearing over new congressional maps.The most polluted air in Texas? We’ll hear why a Houston community may have a […] The post Amarillo startup wants AI to go nuclear appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The U.S. invasion of Grenada. The U.S. invasion of Panama. As the U.S. builds up a major military presence in the Caribbean, Katrin Bennhold of the New York Times talks about Venezuela and what she sees as the growing specter of regime change.The latest on the federal government shutdown and what it means for vital […] The post Talarico leads early in Democratic primary fundraising appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The federal government is officially shut down. What does it mean for Texas, and what happens next in Washington?Also, the Supreme Court opens a new term and major rulings are ahead. What can we expect from the nation’s highest court over the next few months?And wildfire risk is climbing as the state swelters through record […] The post How the government shutdown impacts Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A court battle is set to begin over the newly drawn congressional maps. At stake is whether they go into effect for the 2026 midterm elections.The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey joins us to talk about the recent rise in political violence.Have you heard of 7-OH? It’s the latest drug cropping up at convenience stores. Now […] The post Court weighs Texas redistricting fight appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A breakthrough in a murder case unsolved for more than three decades: Police say they know who was behind Austin’s yogurt shop murders. Tony Plohetski of the Austin American-Statesman and KVUE on what has led police to declare the Austin yogurt shop murders “solved” after 34 years.Many questions swirling around a highly unusual meeting of […] The post Police say Austin’s yogurt shop murders case is finally solved appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A looming budget deadline and threats of a government shutdown: what that could mean for Texans.The Texas Democratic Party has launched an expansion plan that includes relocating its headquarters to Dallas. The decision has roiled quite a few within the party, even prompting an exodus of top staff.In Texas, there are around 11,000 students who […] The post How thousands of blind and visually impaired Texans learn to get around safely appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

An investigative report claims as Texas flooded on the July 4 weekend, the head of FEMA couldn’t be reached. We’ll hear more about a reported slow response from acting administrator David Richardson and what it meant for Texas during the Hill Country floods.Concerns are rising in higher ed over millions of federal dollars for Hispanic-Serving […] The post Where was the acting FEMA head during the July 4 floods? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A deadly shooting this morning at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Dallas. We’ll share the latest details.Workplaces across the state trying to calculate the implications of a new $100,000 fee for H-1B applications. We’ll hear more on the questions raised by the new policy and the possible fallout.How college football in Texas […] The post Rodney Crowell talks new album, career appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

After years of failed attempts, a so-called “bathroom bill” becomes law in Texas. We’ll cover what the rules say and how they’ll be enforced.Thinking of getting a COVID booster and have questions? We have answers.Why the National Weather Service offices in Austin and San Antonio are not fully staffed, even after historic flooding this summer.A […] The post Breaking down new guidances over COVID boosters appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Some are calling it a new chapter in the relationship between higher education and Texas politics – we’ll have a closer look at what’s happening at A&M right now and why it matters.Something is missing in a new report from the Agriculture Department: an explanation for the data. Michael Marks reports on why the missing […] The post Why voters in Odessa turned against the far-right local government appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas A&M President Mark Welsh is resigning after a week of turmoil over a viral video and a clash over gender identity content in the classroom. What’s behind Texas’ redistricting push? KUT’s Mose Buchele reports on a political strategy started decades ago. The flesh-eating new world screwworm, a parasite once eradicated from Texas, has been […] The post Texas A&M president resigns amid viral video controversy appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Remember the Democratic walkout this summer over Texas redistricting? Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit accusing Beto O’Rourke of bribery and other charges for supporting the walkout continues – but O’Rourke appears to have the upper hand. Recovery funds are finally on the way for many in Houston who suffered damage during Hurricane Beryl and last […] The post A history of the Texas Civil Rights Project appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Programs aimed at helping millions of low-income students earn college degrees is potentially on the chopping block. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Silas Allen joins us with a look.A series of bills aimed at preventing a repeat of the July 4th flooding tragedy in Texas’ Hill Country has passed, but some are asking if they go […] The post Remembering Robert Redford’s Texas ties appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Hurricane Harvey caused historic flooding in Houston. Why developers are once again building homes in flood-prone areas.Gambling is illegal in Texas, but there is a gray area when it comes to online betting on sports teams: prediction markets and daily fantasy sports.Food banks are reporting steep increases in demand as families struggle with higher costs […] The post Matthew McConaughey returns with ‘Poems & Prayers’ appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

From the border to the rest of the state, Gov. Greg Abbott’s crackdown on immigration enters a new phase.The Trump administration’s creation of long, thin military installations along the border is affecting not just migrants but locals as well.Texas has settled another opioid lawsuit. So where’s that money going?After more than 20 years in Washington, […] The post Operation Lone Star moves beyond the border appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The contours of Texas politics are changing – part of Republican’s decades-long plan? Texas Monthly’s Robert Downen joins us to talk about what he sees as an unprecedented consolidation of power aimed at ending fair elections in Texas.Also, Texas A&M launches audits of its courses statewide – this after the firing of a professor over […] The post ‘CleaVage’ musical is a deep cut into Texas plastic surgery history appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The latest on the dismissal of a Texas A&M professor and the removal of two top administrators after political pressure over what was being taught in a children’s literature class – an incident that has led to concern about academic freedom.The impact of SpaceX launches in South Texas is felt across the border in Mexico, […] The post Pushback in Mexico against SpaceX expansion appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Gov. Greg Abbott seems to be taking THC regulation into his own hands. What we know about what he wants to change.About 20% of Medicaid recipients lose access during the yearly renewal process because of all the red tape. How Texas researchers are trying to fix that.Texas is home to more than 100 Hispanic-Serving Institutions, […] The post The Texas ties to an infamous Atari flop appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The Supreme Court allows ICE to round up people based on factors like appearance, at least for now.The attorneys general of New York and Texas face off over mail-order abortion pills crossing state lines.For years, rumors have circulated online about a serial killer targeting Rainey Street in Austin. A new study finds no such threat.The […] The post Study finds no evidence of serial killer on Austin’s Rainey Street appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

As the dust settles on this year’s legislative action at the Capitol, where do the two main parties stand?If you buy beef, you may have noticed that it’s gotten more expensive lately. Michael Marks has the story, and whether there are any signs of relief.For several years, black bears have gradually spread throughout the Trans-Pecos […] The post What to know after black bear sightings in East Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

As Texas lawmakers return home, what are the big takeaways from six weeks of overtime at the Capitol? We’ll take a closer look at what happened – and what didn’t.Why some think Collin County could become one of the nation’s most highly contested political battlegrounds.Antone’s, known as Austin’s home of the blues, celebrates its 50th […] The post Antone’s celebrates 50 years of the blues in Austin with special box set appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The Legislature’s second overtime comes to a close with new political maps and a slew of Republican wins. But how do Texas voters come down on the big issues of the day? A new survey offers some answers.After years of planning and tens of millions spent already, Corpus Christi’s city council cancels a high-profile project […] The post Corpus Christi cancels controversial desalination project appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

No more QR or barcodes: Why Collin, Williamson and Bastrop counties are changing the way voters will cast ballots.Housing affordability is a big issue in Texas, and three new state laws aim to address it. Will they work?Many are concerned new Texas congressional maps dilute the voting power of Texans of color. But others welcome […] The post Some Texas counties switch to paper ballots ahead of midterms appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The Texas Lottery gets a second chance under new management. So what will change?A new state law now in effect targets AI-generated child pornography. But could it also ban some anime?Americans have been on the move since the founding of our country. But now, more people staying put rather than relocating for new jobs and […] The post Could a new Texas law make some types of anime illegal? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The fight over redistricting has shifted from the Capitol to the courthouse, but plenty of serious work is still on the table when legislators return to their offices Tuesday. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey joins with a look at what’s left on the agenda.A new law in effect today creates a statewide alert system for […] The post New state law will give farmers a heads-up on pests and diseases appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Three new measures are set to take effect aiming to “Make Texas Healthy Again.” Political sloganeering or genuine change? A closer look at the laws that prompted Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s visit to Texas.As we approach Sept. 1, more than 800 new laws are set to take effect. We continue our close-up of some of […] The post Educators face new risks under inappropriate material law appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas’ newly drawn congressional maps are aimed at helping Republicans in 2026, but they’re shaking up the political landscape already. We’ll hear just how today on the Texas Standard.Rice University’s Mark Jones on the musical chairs among Texas’ congressional Democrats, and whether these maps are likely to survive scrutiny as legal challenges proliferate.Over 800 new […] The post Elon Musk looks to build tunnels under Houston appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

President Trump is using the threat of legal action to push his policies forward in Texas and beyond.We continue our series about new state laws taking effect with a look at one that prevents people from certain countries from buying land in Texas.20 years after Hurricane Katrina, how the New Orleans residents who found a […] The post Austin Butler, Darren Aronofsky talk Texas, filmmaking & ‘Caught Stealing’ appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

President Trump signs an executive order ending cashless bail. We’ll dive into what that means for cities like Houston.We’re also tracking new state laws set to take effect Sept. 1, including one that aims to attract more film and television productions. Another increases the penalty for assaulting a utility worker.Plus, could the San Antonio Spurs […] The post College football arrives in the Rio Grande Valley appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A much-talked-about redistricting battle starts to take a back seat to other legislative priorities at the Texas capitol.As the battlefront over redistricting shifts to a multistate fight with Texas and California setting the pace, top California Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger has a message for his fellow Republicans in Texas. The Houston Chronicle’s Lisa Falkenberg tells us […] The post California weighs in on Texas redistricting fight appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Asleep at the Wheel are celebrating 50 years in the business with their latest album out this week, “Riding High in Texas.” Longtime frontman Ray Benson joined Texas Standard to talk about the band’s legacy and the music of the Lone Star State in this extended version of a conversation that first aired in June. […] The post Texas Extra: Asleep at the Wheel celebrates five decades with new album appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

At the Texas Capitol, a big shift in focus as the spotlight swings from bare-knuckle politics to long-delayed flood relief.Food is labeling set to change in Texas as a sweeping new law takes effect aimed at, among other things, alerting shoppers to ingredients long the focus of concern in other countries.Austin-based filmmaker Noah Hawley likes […] The post Noah Hawley talks ‘Alien: Earth’ appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

President Trump claims a big win in Texas as the state House passes new congressional maps giving the GOP an edge in 2026. Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom and Andrew Schneider of Houston Public Media share what it means for the political landscape going forward.Are Americans falling out of love with their credit cards? […] The post The Texas House passes new district map designed to give Republicans an edge in Congress appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A poll on Texas’ 2026 Senate race finds a tightening GOP battle between Ken Paxton and John Cornyn, and a Democratic preference for Beto O’Rourke – who isn’t yet in the race.This morning, a federal judge temporarily blocked 11 Texas school districts from displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms. We’ll bring you the latest.Texans are […] The post 11 Texas school districts temporarily blocked from displaying Ten Commandments appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.