Texas Standard delivers up-to-the-moment coverage of politics, lifestyle, the environment, technology, innovation and money from a uniquely Texas perspective. The program airs Monday through Friday on more than 30 public radio stations across Texas. Visit texasstandard.org/listen to find when it…
The Texas Standard podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the various aspects of governance and news in the state of Texas. With its in-depth examination of Texas news and commitment to journalistic rigor, it stands out as my favorite podcast for Texas news stories. The show not only covers important political events but also includes human interest features like The Typewriter Rodeo and stories about famous Texans' accents, providing a well-rounded and engaging listening experience. For those who enjoy other public radio news programs, The Texas Standard is sure to be an enjoyable addition to their podcast lineup.
One of the best aspects of The Texas Standard podcast is its diverse range of topics and varied guests. While I may not always agree with everything presented on the show, I appreciate its efforts to stay impressively middle-of-the-road and unbiased in its reporting. In a time when political polarization is rampant, it is vital to have a source like The Texas Standard that aims to provide sanity and objective analysis. Furthermore, the show's exploration of lesser-known subjects such as pirate radio on the border adds depth and historical context to our understanding of Texas culture.
However, some listeners may find that The Texas Standard does not align with their political preferences. If one's tastes lean towards opinionated cable news networks or Sinclair broadcast news shows with a strong conservative bias, they may not find this podcast to be their cup of tea. It's worth noting that The Texas Standard prioritizes journalistic rigor over catering to specific ideological viewpoints.
In conclusion, The Texas Standard podcast is an invaluable source for staying informed about the many facets of governance and news in the Lone Star State. Its dedicated focus on Texas issues sets it apart from other national or DC-centric news outlets. With its fresh reporting, great format, and uplifting hosts, it constantly reminds us that there is more to Texas than meets the eye. Whether you're a Texan looking for a comprehensive source of state news or a listener abroad wanting to stay connected to home, The Texas Standard is an excellent choice.

Texas A&M professors are suing the university system over restrictions on teaching about race and gender identity. We’ll discuss the legal challenge. Some Latino voters in Texas who supported Donald Trump in 2024 say they’re reconsidering that decision ahead of this year’s midterm elections. We’ll hear what’s driving the shift. The American Red Cross has […] The post Texas A&M professors sue over race and gender teaching rules appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A look at why Sen. John Cornyn decided to back President Trump's choice for Attorney General, Todd Blanche, after all — and what’s next.Also, why Gov. Greg Abbott has hit the brakes on any new data center projects for now.Plus, the late U.S. Rep. Kay Granger's enduring legacy.And plans are underway in Austin for a […] The post Gov. Abbott pauses new Texas data centers for state audit appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A voter purge is being rolled back in Texas after some eligible voters were wrongly flagged as potential noncitizens. We’ll discuss what happened and what it means ahead of the midterms. Also, for recent college graduates across Texas, the job market can be a difficult reality check. We'll look at why landing that first job […] The post Texas backtracks after wrongly flagging voters as noncitizens appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Columbine. Sandy Hook. Santa Fe High School. Robb Elementary: Touchstones for a sense of shared tragedy. School shootings have become a part of modern life, but what do we remember of the event that opened this chapter 60 years ago?On Aug. 1, 1966, a sniper climbed to the top of the University of Texas Tower, […] The post Revisiting ‘Out of the Blue,’ 60 years after the UT Tower shooting appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas public radio stations teamed up to tell the story of what happened after the July 4, 2025, floods — then deadly storms hit again. A conversation on how “After the Flood” updated its coverage.After years of being legal, possessing products containing Delta-8 is about to be a felony in Texas. We'll have a look […] The post Laredo's drag performers and allies navigate changing landscape appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A new poll has James Talarico up five points over Ken Paxton in the race for U.S. Senate. We'll have a look at how money and scandal could factor in.Texas shifted a lot of foster care responsibilities to third party contractors about a decade ago — but now, many have closed their doors. We'll find […] The post A peek inside a Texas wolf sanctuary appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Heavy rains replenished reservoirs and helped Corpus Christi delay a water emergency. We'll explore how city leaders will use the extra time.Also ahead: Concerns over data centers cross party lines in rural parts of the state. Democrats are using the issue to win over some Republican voters.Plus, the latest “Map the Meal Gap” study shows […] The post Floods delay Corpus Christi water emergency until 2028 appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Policies in Texas over when children should be removed from their parents are shifting. What do experts say about the changes?Ken Paxton just lost a step in the first major case against an alleged violator of Texas' abortion ban. We'll dig into what the ruling may indicate about the law.There have long been talks about […] The post Texas foster care rulings strengthen parental rights appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Midland ISD claims the way schools are funded has turned them into the state's tax collector — in violation of the Texas constitution. We'll dig into what this means and why it matters way beyond Midland.Recent flooding in South Texas brings something dangerous to the surface: Breakaway buoys in the Rio Grande.In a dystopian future, […] The post School finance lawsuit heads to court appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

As cleanup continues after massive rains in the Hill Country, a storm from the east threatens the Texas Gulf Coast.An update on Tropical Storm Bertha: After making landfall in Louisiana, the storm headed back into the gulf. Forecasters fear it could loop back into South Texas.Texas' World Cup summer has come and gone — almost. […] The post San Antonio seeks psychedelic therapy trials for veterans appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

President Trump is trying to renegotiate trade agreements with our nearest neighbors —again. Why is Canada so upset?Much has been made over the political leanings of the Texas Rio Grande Valley. How are things looking for Senate candidates James Talarico and Ken Paxton in the run-up to November?An iconic LGBT night spot is facing a […] The post New book recounts fishermen's Gulf of Mexico survival story appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Torrential rain and flash flooding have swelled lakes in the Hill Country, forcing authorities to open floodgates.Also, why many major donors who supported Sen. John Cornyn are not backing Ken Paxton.Also, how Texas became a leader in semiconductor chip exports — and why the industry is now booming.Plus, a fashion show in Dallas puts models […] The post John Cornyn donors hesitate to back Ken Paxton appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

After a week of devastating floods in the Hill Country, it's now about clean-up and recovery. We'll have the latest from Kerrville and more.There are two dead and hundreds rescued after floodwaters rose to record levels for a second time in as many years last week. Concerns are now about the effects downstream. In Uvalde, […] The post Big Bend's dark skies face a new threat appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

There are two confirmed fatalities in Texas’ Hill Country as rescues continue and precipitation finally begins to taper off. We'll have an update on the flooding across Texas from Lucio Vasquez of the Texas Newsroom standing by in Kerrville. Rising food prices aren't just making it tougher for more Texas families, but also for pantries […] The post An update from Kerrville after floods again rattle region appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Life-threatening floods hit parts of the Texas Hill Country as the Guadalupe River swells and flood emergencies and warnings go out. In the aftermath of shootings in Maine and Texas, a pause in ICE policy ends only hours after the change went into effect. We'll have more from Houston’s historic East End on how the […] The post Emergencies, shelter-in-place orders go out in flood-wary Kerr County region appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

More wet weather for portions of Texas’ flash flood alley: A look at the forecast and warning systems put in place since last year’s deadly storms. Cities across Texas have responded to the issue of homelessness in a variety of ways. Is it worth considering a broader approach? People in Texas have been working to […] The post Flooding risks trigger disaster declarations for parts of state appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A legal battle over the deep discounts on water bills Corpus Christi gave major companies amid a looming water crisis. Why some of the new power plants for data centers are using the same permits as dry cleaners and auto body shops that don’t require an environmental review. A new effort to help more students […] The post A permit loophole for AI power plants appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Supporters call it the most important housing legislation in decades, but what does the new housing law mean for everyday Texans? In Texas’ closely watched U.S. Senate race, a challenge to what’s become conventional wisdom about Democratic nominee James Talarico and his appeal to Texas’ Black voters. An apparent end to the ceasefire with Iran […] The post Texans are losing millions in scams involving crypto kiosks appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The latest on this week’s fatal shooting by ICE in Houston, described by Mexico’s president as part of a broader pattern of mistreatment of Mexican migrants. We’ll talk with reporters in Houston and in Mexico City. Frisco has become one of the nation's fastest-growing hubs for Indian American families, businesses and culture. But the North […] The post Questions remain after fatal ICE shooting in Houston appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Many eyes in higher education are focused on Texas and whether we’re starting to see the fruits of a landmark rethink of two-year colleges. More on the significance of enrollment numbers rising at Texas community colleges. In a deep red North Texas suburb, something that might have been considered unheard of not that long ago: […] The post Toyota brings Tacoma production back to San Antonio appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A new report by ProPublica and the Texas Tribune alleges Ken Paxton, the Republican now in a dead heat against Democrat James Talarico in Texas’ U.S. Senate race, may have broken the law by casting ballots outside the district where he resides. We’ll hear details. A priestly group with churches in Texas has been excommunicated […] The post What a Catholic Church schism could mean for Texas parishioners appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The U.S. Supreme Court declines to block Texas from verifying the age of app-users. We'll dig into what it means for parents, kids and others. We continue to remember lives lost in the Hill Country flood a year ago, including beloved Houston artist Tim Walker, whose work lives on in the Bayou City. Plus, a […] The post What's next after World Cup knockouts for host countries US, Mexico and Canada appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The CDC is trying to get to the bottom of a parasitic infection causing sickness in Texas and other parts of the country. The current spike in gastrointestinal illness has hit Texas, New York, Illinois and Michigan the hardest so far. We’ll hear what medical experts say about the dangers, possible causes and recommendations to […] The post Vogue Magazine turns its lens on classic Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

This weekend marks a year since the deadly and devastating Hill Country floods. Now, a final report is out for the Texas Legislature on what happened at Camp Mystic one year ago.We’ll also hear from a University of Texas at Arlington researcher developing a comprehensive warning system to save future lives.Also, the story of the […] The post What investigators found at Camp Mystic appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

In the year since the Hill Country floods, how much has changed, and what hasn’t?A communication breakdown was heavily blamed for the large loss of life during last year's floods. Neena Satija of The Texas Newsroom tells us about signs of change along the banks of the Guadalupe. Plus, a closer look at a less-talked-about […] The post A year after deadly floods, what has changed? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The Trump administration says immigration crackdowns target the worst of the worst, but what do the numbers say? We'll dig into the details of a Houston Chronicle analysis of immigration arrest data in Texas and what the numbers suggest about who’s really getting rounded up by immigration enforcement.Also, the U.S. military reverses course on vaccines […] The post What immigration arrest data tells us about who is being targeted in Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

It’s the last official day of the U.S. Supreme Court’s term. Among the decisions — whether to end birthright citizenship.Dust from the Saharan Desert traveled thousands of miles to Texas, creating hazy skies and air quality concerns.Smaller herds mean higher beef prices. Our Michael Marks has the all the details.The largest virtual school in Texas […] The post US Supreme Court issues ruling on birthright citizenship appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A much-awaited decision from the U.S. Supreme Court expands the range of presidential power over regulators with a caveat.Bernie Sanders keynotes as Texas Democrats convene in Corpus Christi to prepare for the midterms. We'll look at the signals they’re sending in the run-up to November.The state Board of Education made national headlines with a vote […] The post Texas approves adding Bible passages to public school curriculum appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

On July 4th, 2025, devastating floodwaters ripped through the Texas Hill Country, killing more than 130 people. After the Flood, a new podcast from the Texas Newsroom and PBS's Frontline, has followed survivors over the last year and tries to find out why this happened – and whether it could happen again. In this first […] The post Texas Extra: Introducing After the Flood appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

As the nation awaits some politically charged decisions from the Supreme Court, some new opinions were handed down yesterday with profound implications for immigration. We'll discuss the decisions concerning asylum and Temporary Protected Status.Venezuelans in Texas hope to help people back home affected by this week's devastating back-to-back earthquakes.This week in Texas politics looks at […] The post What to make of new Supreme Court decisions on immigration and status appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Facing a summer without campers and millions of dollars in debt, Camp Mystic files for bankruptcy. We'll delve into what that means.Recent rains buy time for Corpus Christi, which had been facing an imminent water shortage emergency, but is it enough time to find a long-term solution to its water woes? Dylan Baddour of Inside […] The post Nearly a year since July 4 floods, Camp Mystic declares bankruptcy appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

An important rethink of the state’s K-12 curriculum is on the drawing board in Austin. We’ll get up to speed on a week of contentious hearings now underway as the state board of education takes up a new statewide reading list featuring Bible passages and a reshape of the social studies curriculum.One year after the […] The post New podcast revisits the July 4 Hill Country flood aftermath appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

As Texas copes with concerns about water, a small river agency near Corpus Christi makes plans to build the largest desalination plant in the country.Pesticides used in the Rio Grande Valley may be the link to the large number of Parkinson’s patients in the region.“The Last 12 Weeks,” a new podcast from The Marshall Project, […] The post Can desalination solve Texas' water future? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas' Supreme Court hands down a major ruling that looks like a win for SpaceX on the surface but leaves open serious questions about a clause in the Texas Constitution.Texas Tech and Texas A&M try to narrow a health care gap in rural Texas.In North Texas, another World Cup match for Argentina today, this time […] The post Court ruling leaves Boca Chica beach fight unresolved appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

It’s been a celebration for more than 160 years — but only a federal holiday for a few. We’re recognizing Juneteenth on today’s Texas Standard.Dallas’ Opal Lee is known as the grandmother of Juneteenth for her efforts to get the holiday recognized on a national level. We'll delve more into the history, as well as […] The post Exploring Juneteenth and the history and culture of Black Texans appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

With a U.S. Senate contest stealing the political spotlight, where do we stand in the races for the two top spots in Texas politics? A check-in on the governor's and lieutenant governor's races.An unannounced feature in smart glasses could reveal the identities of people without their knowledge. Is this the future of personal networking, surveillance, […] The post What the World Cup has revealed so far appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Weather off the Texas Gulf Coast has the potential to bring a lot of rain. We'll dig into what it might mean for water-hungry cities around the state.We’ve talked a lot about the number of data centers coming to Texas, especially outside of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Now, a closer look at the legal bind […] The post Rural Texas pushes back on data centers appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

When the World Comes Comes to Texas is a podcast from our partners at KERA in North Texas exploring what it means to bring the World cup to the Lone Star State. We’re sharing these episodes with very Tuesday night through June 16th. Episode 5: How to Enjoy Every Kick This World Cup The post Texas Extra: When the World Comes to Texas Episode 5 appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The Strait of Hormuz is set to reopen after months of conflict between the U.S. and Iran. We'll look at what it could mean for Texas drivers and gas prices.As Corpus Christi faces potential water cuts, questions are mounting over a nearby crypto mine’s water consumption. Why are city officials withholding updated records?With the FIFA […] The post Corpus Christi's water fight meets cryptomining appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas regulators are moving closer to allowing treated wastewater from oil and gas drilling operations to be reused on farmland and other sites outside the energy industry. Some fear the proposal is getting ahead of the science. Texas Republicans signaled their priorities at their convention in Houston, with Gov. Greg Abbott outlining his vision for […] The post State regulators weigh new uses for fracking wastewater appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

They say it's only a game, but Texas sports fans know better. This time, however, some see an existential threat to college sports. A scandal involving Texas Tech football quarterback Brendan Sorsby is now in the national spotlight. We’ll hear why and what’s at stake. Meanwhile in Houston, evidence that there’s nothing like a challenging […] The post A Texas Tech gambling case could test NCAA rules appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Sunset for the days of Texas as the wild west of AI? A closer look at the Gov. Greg Abbott's new plan for greater oversight of the rapidly expanding landscape of data centers statewide.Day one of the World Cup — do the numbers add up? A closer look at projections about the economic impact here […] The post Gov. Abbott calls for new oversight on Texas data centers appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

New World screwworm is affecting a part of South Texas currently vacant a member of Congress. Some say that should spur a quick special election.UT researchers believe they’ve figured out who has been scrambling GPS signals across huge swaths of Europe in recent years. We’ll find out about their discovery and what it might mean.The […] The post Another small peach crop frustrates Hill Country growers appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Hugo Gonzalez is the founder and co-owner of Dallas Street Soccer, and he sat down with Ron and Miranda to talk about how street soccer makes the sport more accessible and also how street soccer can bring people together across culture and language barriers. The post Texas Extra: When the World Comes to Texas Episode 4 appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Can Mike Miles, the man appointed to lead Houston ISD and help that struggling district, provide a roadmap for others in the state? We'll have the details.Also, a look at the federal government's plan to stop the New World screwworm from spreading as more cases appear in South Texas.Plus, fire safety concerns about the batteries […] The post Texas officials race to contain screwworm outbreak appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Supreme Court cases on birthright citizenship, gun rights, transgender women and girls in sports… Where do we stand? Constitutional law professor Seth Chandler of the University of Houston Law Center joins us with what cases to watch for and where the high court appears to be leaning as the nine justices wrap up the current […] The post Big Bend border wall plans upend vital park changes appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

130 Texas towns and cities put on notice that they won’t be able to raise property tax rates. One city official calls it a catch-22.The national Democratic Party sets its sights on flipping 12 seats in the Texas House — one sign that their candidate for senate, James Talarico may have serious coattails. We’ll hear […] The post A Texas adventurer aims for all 50 state high points appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

It’s considered by many to be the marquee race of the midterms: Paxton versus Talarico. But if you think that’s all there is to it, think again.Shades of Ross Perot? Why a third-party candidate could upset the calculus in this year's big Senate race in Texas.And they’re back: For the first time in 60 years, […] The post First case of New World screwworm found in Texas since 1960s appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

What control do county officials have when a data center wants to move in? A look at an investigation from the Texas Tribune.The ballots are set for the midterm election in November, but at least one big thing is changing: Texas’ top elections leader, Secretary of State Jane Nelson, is stepping down.What do the results […] The post Rural Texas counties say data centers are arriving faster than regulations appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Elliott Stockdale is the founder of Hear Sport, an organization that provides audio descriptive sports commentary for people who are blind or have low vision. He sat down with Ron and Miranda to talk about how this kind of commentary is different than what you might traditionally hear, and how low vision and blind people can enjoy the games. The post Texas Extra: When the World Comes to Texas Episode 3 appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Struggling school districts say extra funding approved by state lawmakers was too little and too late. We'll delve into what the districts told lawmakers and what solutions may be on the table.Independent testing finds toxic metals in the black wastewater released by a Tesla refinery near Corpus Christi.A new book by a Texas doctor, “The […] The post Despite state funding boost, school districts still struggle appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.