Texas Standard

The 89th Legislature is history. We’ll look at what lawmakers accomplished and what was left to do.We continue our series on an adult literacy program in Texarkana that does much more than help people get an education – and why it could be a model for other parts of the state.A Houston-based aerospace company successfully […] The post Houston startup eyes two-hour flights across the Pacific appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas lawmakers have approved additional funding for public schools, including more money for teachers.Some San Antonio school districts have found a way to help struggling students catch up following the pandemic. What can we learn from those efforts?Texas ranks near the bottom when it comes to adults with a high school education. As the Standard’s […] The post As Texas ranks near the bottom in high school attainment, a Texarkana nonprofit has a solution appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Severe storms brought flash floods, hail and widespread power outages to Central Texas, killing one and hospitalizing two. More than 10,000 are still without power. Rare earth minerals are being wasted when you toss out an old phone or TV. Research in Texas could change the disposal process. Texas Tech just won its first-ever game […] The post Recycling rare earth elements could power the future appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Elon Musk is leaving the Trump administration. Why now, and what's next for the Texas-based billionaire. A bill that aims to plug the state's abandoned oil and gas wells – sometimes called “orphaned wells” – is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk. Insurers in Texas are partnering with aerial imaging and AI companies to assess […] The post Oil companies face new deadlines to plug orphaned wells appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The House has passed a bill mandating the Ten Commandments be displayed in all public school classrooms. If the Senate signs off, Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to make it law. A 2023 law expanded polling place requirements – but many small counties couldn't keep up. Now a new bill that rolls back those mandates […] The post Corpus Christi's water future looks uncertain as Tesla builds nearby refinery appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A bill banning all products with THC is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk. Is this the end of the state's hemp industry? Lawmakers are also revisiting efforts to reform or replace the STAAR test. An investigation finds that some people in Central Texas are stuck behind bars beyond the 90-day limit without being indicted […] The post New institute aims to immortalize the sounds of Texas music appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

This Memorial Day, we’ll hear the story of Florentino Cantú Jr., a Laredoan who saw military service as a ticket to a better life for his parents and 10 siblings. Memorial Day is a day of reflection to be sure, but it is also the unofficial start of summer for many folks. We'll be getting some […] The post After outages last year, CenterPoint promises a better tracker appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

With just over a week to go at the Texas Legislature: what’s passed, what’s stalled, and where we stand. Retailers track your every move to build shopper profiles and offer “personalized discounts.” But these loyalty perks may be more misleading than helpful. Declining enrollment and tight budgets have school districts reevaluating their campuses. In Fort […] The post Fort Worth considers shuttering 14 schools to cut costs appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A look at the behind-the-scenes dealmaking happening at the Texas Capitol with less than two weeks until lawmakers gavel out on June 2. How proposed cuts to SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, would impact Texans. Apple has a plan to make it possible to use your laptop, phone and even smartwatch with brain control. […] The post As the clock winds down, Texas lawmakers scramble to pass key bills appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas lawmakers are considering a plan that could help prevent fentanyl overdoses in the state. Why it may not become law. A decade after the deadly biker shootout in Waco that led to nine deaths and more than 100 arrests, some civil cases against the city are still moving forward. Some Texas law enforcement agencies […] The post How one West Texas town built its own broadband lifeline appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Today we’re broadcasting live from El Paso for a special edition of the Texas Standard. 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 […] The post A special broadcast from El Paso appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A bipartisan bill on abortion has passed the Texas Senate and is making its way through the House. Why lawmakers agree it’s necessary. It’s been a decade now since a deadly shootout involving rival biker gangs at a Twin Peaks in Waco. What an investigation reveals about how the case was handled. Thousands of Brazilians […] The post 10 years later, still no convictions in Twin Peaks biker shootout appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

As the school year winds down, Texas lawmakers cramming for their final days at their desks are focused on education – and what some had hoped would be an increase in state spending per student may be shifted to teacher pay raises.Consumer Reports investigates a tip that sale prices at Kroger aren’t showing up at […] The post State parks are expanding efforts to improve accessibility appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A bill would make it possible for criminal offenders as young as 15 to be sent to state prisons for adults.Why hopes for a big increase in per-student funding for Texas public schools may have slipped away for this legislative session.Also at the Capitol: The loud bang of a wooden mallet is supposed to keep […] The post Central Texas art studio centers artists with disabilities appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas gets a lot of flack for its culture wars – but some note a change at the Capitol this legislative session.More than a year after the state took over Shelby Park in Eagle Pass during the peak of illegal border crossings, it has now reopened to the public – and residents have bittersweet feelings.After […] The post An Austin book club has been reading the same novel for more than a decade appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A record-breaking heat wave will blanket big sections of the state. Is this a preview of summer?The U.S. has suspended imports of cattle from Mexico as a devastating pest, the New World Screwworm, makes its way north, threatening livestock.The Houston City Council kicks off budget hearings this week, weighing steep cuts.The new book “Freedom Season” by Texas […] The post Potentially historic heatwave settling in over much of Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Abortion pills, denial of bail, and a ban on land purchases for some people: What’s happening in the final weeks of the Texas Legislature?After jackpot controversies, multiple resignations and a ban on online lotto ticket sales, the state's lottery system is now under investigation.Cities on the rise across Texas are quite literally sinking, with Houston […] The post Houston is the fastest-sinking city in the US, study finds appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas Catholics, now almost a third of the state population, are celebrating the selection of Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from America.Gov. Gregg Abbott has just signed into law a school voucher plan, but some Texans are continuing to push back.A judge orders the sale of the Texas Renaissance Festival, following a civil court […] The post Texas Renaissance Festival ordered to sell land, assets following lengthy legal battle appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Several current and former Frio County officials have been indicted for alleged vote harvesting, part of a years-long investigation led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. One critic calls it voter suppression 101. What’s behind the charges?In the conversation over cash bail reform, what’s missing? An new investigation points to a lack of focus on […] The post Ranchers plead for help to fight a devastating pest on its way back to Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

According to a new poll, Texans have predictable opinions along party lines about Donald Trump’s immigration policies – but it’s more complicated on the economy.Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is taking legal action against Austin ISD, accusing it of teaching critical race theory. It’s not the first time a Texas district has faced such charges.Shrimp […] The post How shrimp fraud is affecting coastal fishers appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

State lawmakers from the House and Senate reach a deal lowering property taxes. Will it pass?It’s the ultimate company town: How Space X’s launch site in South Texas became a city.Generic and house brands are taking off as people look to save on grocery bills. But that’s not the only reason shoppers prefer them.What’s next […] The post What's next as Gregg Popovich steps away from the Spurs? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

As the clock ticks down on the legislative session, how close is Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to completing his wish list?Weekend balloting across Texas brings some big local changes. We’ll hear from reporters statewide.Texans dominate at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson golf tournament in McKinney.The documentary “The Stones Are Speaking” tells the story of Michael […] The post Documentary tells story of landmark Texas archaeological site appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

This week, Willie Nelson celebrated his 92nd birthday. Last weekend, the latest film he served as executive producer on had its debut. It screened at the Dallas International Film Festival and it was co-directed by his daughter, Amy. This is an extended interview with her about the film, “King of the Roadies.” It’s about the […] The post Texas Extra: Amy Lee Nelson on her new film, Texas music, and her dad appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A South Texas ruling prevents the deportation of some detainees. What it means for the Trump administration’s strategy.Houston’s large Afghan population is closely watching efforts to unwind programs providing them legal status in the U.S. Why many say they can’t return to their home country.Some Texans will be headed to the polls tomorrow for local […] The post Judge rules Trump's use of Alien Enemies Act was unlawful appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

An $8 billion funding bill for public schools has passed the Texas House. But is it enough? Where lawmakers stand on education spending.After a string of weather disasters, a bill could bring financial relief to impacted farmers.A new book, “Rethinking Medications: Truth, Power, and the Drugs You Take,” examines a shift in trust over federal […] The post Farmers in Texas face mounting losses as lawmakers propose relief appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texans weigh in on everything from artificial intelligence to the economic outlook. What a new poll tells us about the state of the state.We’ll also dig into consumer spending, and what the latest information from credit card companies does and doesn't tell us about consumer confidence.Creeks and watering holes are a beloved aspect of Central […] The post UT System bans drag shows, but students push back appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

We've been here before, but this time feels different. President Donald Trump has rounded out 100 days in office, but getting a grasp of this moment in our country's history is a challenge. Whether what's unfolding is good or bad depends on where you look, and who you ask. This hour, we're getting a snapshot […] The post 100 Days, Two Americas: A Texas Standard / California Newsroom Special appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Though a voucher-like plan has passed in Texas, lawmakers are far from done with education-related changes. What’s still on the legislative docket? Just about a month left before scheduled sine die at the Texas capitol, Andrew Schneider of Houston Public Media shares some of the less well-known school-related measures lawmakers are considering.In other news, a […] The post Questions remain after death of man in Dallas County jail appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A measure long sought by Texas Republicans is now on its way to the governor’s desk: A voucher-like plan to use public dollars to pay for private education. We’ll get details from Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom. A massive plan was once proposed to keep Texas from running out of water in the late […] The post After yearslong fight, school voucher bill clears Legislature appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

After lawsuits and a long delay, the Texas Education Agency releases rankings for schools in the Lone Star State. The school rankings are more than just an indicator of how well students are doing, they can have ripple effects on the schools themselves, as well as on housing prices and more. KERA’s Bill Zeeble joins […] The post How Texas schools fared in long-awaited TEA accountability grades appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Healthcare providers and people on both sides of Texas’ abortion ban are working together – kind of – on an effort to clarify the law.The VA is trying to trim its budget without affecting patients. A closer look at the plans and their potential holes.The number of nurses in Houston public schools has dropped by […] The post Houston ISD has half the nurses it did last year appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The Supreme Court halts deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. We’ll have the latest on the case involving migrants held in Texas.He was called a “monster” by one of the survivors of the El Paso Walmart mass shooting. We hear from victims and relatives of those killed as the gunman is sentenced.Pope Francis once made […] The post Remembering the ‘People's Pope' appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

From Houston to Fort Worth, thousands of Texans joined people across the country over the weekend in a national day of protest against the Trump administration.The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey gets us up to speed on what’s happening at the state Capitol with six weeks left in the legislative session.Four Houston-area suicides among members of law […] The post Harris County deputy suicides raise questions about mental health support appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas Extras are special and extended content put together just for our podcast listeners! Texas Standard recently revealed our Top 10 list from April: the Top 10 Typewriter Rodeo poems from the past decade. Each poem is pretty short, usually just about a minute long, but we still didn't have time to play them in […] The post Texas Extra: Our favorite Typewriter Rodeo poems appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Bird flu is spreading fast among wildlife including foxes and raccoons in Panhandle counties.Twenty-seven candidates are running to become the next mayor of San Antonio – the city's biggest field in recent memory – as voters head to the polls next month.Deployed Resources, a Texas company that grew into a contracting giant building tent shelters, […] The post Bird flu is spreading across Texas wildlife appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

For the first time ever, the Texas House votes to approve the use of taxpayer money for private school education. Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom shares what comes next.Many farmers in South Texas say a water treaty with Mexico is costing them dearly. Now the Trump administration appears ready to get involved.Thousands of acres […] The post Texas House gives initial approval to school voucher bill appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

An area known as the Roosevelt Reservation is getting renewed attention thanks to an executive order allowing for military control. What it could mean for border communities.Texas disability organizations are closely watching a legal fight involving the Social Security Administration.SpaceX is becoming the go-to provider for military launches. How the Texas-based company secured contracts that […] The post WNBA draft sends top pick Paige Bueckers to Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

How a secretive gambler known as “The Joker” and his partner helped take down the Texas Lottery.A new order from the Trump administration took effect yesterday requiring documentation of cash transactions along the U.S.-Mexico border.A plan to expand the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge in the Panhandle is now in peril. The Texas Standard’s Michael Marks […] The post Plan to expand Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge is in peril appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Almost half of all Texas counties don't have a hospital or birth center that provides obstetric care. A look at the challenges and what's being done to support pregnant people across rural Texas.How some Houston fourth graders are calling for changes at school by petitioning for reusable lunch trays and learning how to make their […] The post Could SpaceX's Starbase become an actual city? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The Texas House has approved its version of the state's two-year budget. Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom gets us up to speed on what Texas’ representatives want to spend taxpayer money for, and where they’ll have to work out the kinks with the Senate.A test for President Trump in South Texas – and how […] The post Valley bakery raid sparks immigration debate in region swept by Trump appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

More than 500 student visas are revoked, many in Texas. What’s happened, why and what could come next.With Texas lawmakers considering bills affecting public schools, how some students are deciding to get involved themselves.Tech companies are teaming up with video game makers to develop new standards for accessibility.A golden age of Texas golf is shining […] The post All eyes are on Texan Scottie Scheffler at the Masters appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Cases continue to rise in Texas’ ongoing measles outbreak. Experts say they know how to stop the spread. What’s preventing that?One priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick this legislative session is clawing back the state’s legalization of hemp-based products. Where that effort stands.You’ll need a REAL ID to travel by air starting May 7. How […] The post Living near oil and gas wells linked to childhood leukemia appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

How shutting down the Department of Education will affect the rights of students with disabilities.Dallas-based company Colossal Biosciences says it's successfully created three genetically engineered wolf pups resembling the long-extinct dire wolf.How the state makes it hard for journalists to track the deaths of abused and neglected children.Military veterans helped elect President Trump. Now many […] The post A Texas company says it's brought the dire wolf back from extinction appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A second child has died of measles in Texas as cases continue to rise. How this latest outbreak compares with that of the ’90s.Baylor has just hired its first-ever E-sports director and coach: Adam Stanley of Brewton-Parker College, a small private college in Georgia and powerhouse in E-sports.Hosting the Final Four of the college men’s […] The post Baylor bets big on E-sports with first-ever program director and coach appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

March was all about music for Texas Standard. We debuted our latest Texas Standard special – “Rap to the Ranch: The Ballad of Mason ‘Bric' LaDue.” And we celebrated ten years of the show with a top 10 list of our favorite music interviews and stories from the past decade. The first weekend in March, […] The post Texas Extra: My KUTX appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

As China announces retaliatory tariffs against the U.S., the possible toll on Texas ranchers is generating lots of anxiety. A Texas A&M trade expert who’s worked on previous trade deals takes a closer look as the implications of extended trade wars loom large.Fatalities related to child abuse in Texas fall dramatically – but the numbers […] The post There's no online registry for ranchers' brands – but that could change appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

One of Texas’ top economists weighs in on the impact of Trump’s tariffs, what looks like the end of a U.S.-led free trade era, and what it could add up to for Texas.It looks like John Cornyn may have a serious challenger for his seat in the Senate: Attorney General Ken Paxton.The latest AI trend […] The post Trump's new tariffs could hit Texas businesses hard appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Houston’s affordable housing project has winners and losers – and the winners are not the renters. Digging into a new investigation from the Houston Chronicle.Changes in funding for refugee resettlement programs have nonprofits scrambling to figure out how to continue to help.Matthew McConaughey and industry reps push for Texas lawmakers to beef up the state's […] The post ‘Mistaco' teaches kids how tacos can make everything better appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Torrential rain in South Texas leads to dangerous flooding, trapping people in their homes. How the Rio Grande Valley is recovering.A new DEI directive led the Pentagon to purge certain historical figures from web pages. Why that decision has now been reversed.Some churches are looking to re-purpose buildings and land to help residents who need […] The post Deadly floods swamp South Texas, shatter records appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A Texas House committee is set to debate school choice legislation this week, reviving a contentious issue that's repeatedly stalled in the lower chamber.Since San Antonio's annual César E. Chávez March for Justice began in 1997, musicians Los Inocentes have composed ballads telling his story.An investigation into child abuse deaths in Texas reveals a system […] The post 30 years after her death, Selena's legacy only grows in Corpus Christi appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Major cuts in federal funding for infectious diseases as West Texas struggles with a growing measles outbreak. We’re checking in with Brad Burt at KTTZ in Lubbock.Remembering Carole Keeton Strayhorn, the trailblazing Texas politician who famously called herself “one tough grandma.”Muslim women are speaking out about the stigma surrounding menstruation during Ramadan, when they are […] The post Remembering Carole Keeton Strayhorn, a trailblazing Texas leader appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.