Texas Standard

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.

The state says the West Texas measles outbreak is over. What that means for parents and children.Are natural gas wells, pipelines and storage facilities prepared for another dangerous winter storm? Mose Buchele of KUT News examines the inspection process.We know AI data centers need a lot of power, but they also use a lot of […] The post Could Texarkana be a political bellwether? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

After national headlines and a pledge from California to offset Texas’ redistricting plans, the walkout by Texas House Democrats is over. Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom has the latest on the Dems’ return to Austin and what comes next.Old satellites, tools, even food wrappers: Space debris is piling up. Now, a Texas company's recycling […] The post A Texas firm tackles space junk appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom joins the show with a live update from the Capitol as the Legislature’s first special session ends amid a Democratic walkout.After flooding and a historically wet July, new concerns about water levels dropping.As students return to the classroom, more and more schools are being shuttered. The Standard’s Zachary Suri […] The post Tesla's robotaxi plans shift into gear appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Redistricting seems like the entire political conversation in Texas right now, so it’s probably no surprise it’s influencing the U.S. Senate race.Texas received millions in federal funding for adult education programs, but it was uncertain and came several weeks late.What are the impacts of programs that give money, with no strings attached, to people and […] The post Why police are ditching a popular gun appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Gov. Greg Abbott threatens a concurrent second special session with a Democratic walkout still underway. Is there any end in sight?Details from a new release of materials withheld by Uvalde County and the Uvalde school district in the wake of the 2022 Robb Elementary school shooting.What’s behind a massive growth in virtual schooling in Texas?W.F. […] The post Virtual public school enrollment surges appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Undocumented college students in Texas are no longer eligible for in-state tuition. As the new semester starts, many are in limbo.As we keep an eye on the special session where Texas Democrats broke quorum, a look at another state – Oregon – where Republican lawmakers staged a walkout.A new state law that bans cell phones, […] The post No phones, devices in classrooms as Texas students return to school appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Just one more full week is left in the Texas Legislature’s special session, and with House Democrats away, what happens next?Some of those Democrats have decamped to California, which is now mulling a possible redistricting effort to offset potential Republican gains in the midterms.The IRS says churches can now endorse candidates, a move that could […] The post Dinosaur tracks uncovered near Austin after floods appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas' redistricting fight is has spread past state lines. New federal legislation aims to ban mid-decade congressional redistricting, and the brawl looks likely to impact upcoming elections and the 2028 presidential race.San Antonio is planning a massive sports and entertainment district, including a new arena for the Spurs, a convention center expansion and more – […] The post Charley Crockett talks new album and recent success appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

While the Texas House remains stalled due to a quorum break, the Senate continues its work, advancing a key education bill that could eliminate STAAR testing statewide.Texas is seeing a boom in data centers driven by AI and crypto – but the growth comes with major energy and water demands.Thanks to a $1 billion voter-approved […] The post State parks are getting bigger and better appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas Democrats are facing legal threats and potential action from the FBI for fleeing the state during the special session.Concerns about artificial intelligence are coming to a head with the most recent round of college graduates. How it’s disrupting the job market.A proposed expansion for the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge in the Panhandle had been […] The post Muleshoe Refuge expansion plan scrapped appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The high-stakes battle over redistricting continues. Why Democratic Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins took the risk and left the state.Gov. Greg Abbott has threatened to remove Democratic lawmakers from their seats for leaving during a special session, but can he legally do that?The history of partisan gerrymandering in the Lone Star State.Why Texas has become a professional […] The post A century of redistricting fights in Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

More than 50 Democratic lawmakers have left the state so the Texas House would not have a quorum, trying to derail a redistricting plan that could add five more congressional seats for Republicans in the midterms. Harvest season is arriving in South Texas, but many cotton farmers are still reeling from drought, inflation, and weakened […] The post Texas Democrats flee state, break quorum over redistricting appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Why weren’t Hill Country communities alerted as a deadly wall of water roared down the Guadalupe on the weekend of July 4th? In their first public testimony on the floods, top emergency officials in Kerr County said they were away or asleep. Voting the old-fashioned way? A return to hand-marked ballots in Collin County is […] The post Kerr County emergency officials were sleeping when flood hit July 4 appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.