Texas Standard

Gasoline prices on the rise, a looming crisis in Corpus Christi, and more fallout from a Texas congressman’s decision to end his reelection bid.We’ll have the latest on Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales’ abrupt decision to end his reelection efforts amid a House ethics investigation on sexual misconduct allegations.Also, a deep-pocketed Aggie alunmus weighs in on […] The post Texas A&M alumni raise concerns over ‘politicization’ of school appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Director Sam Firstenberg and film restoration pioneer Michael J. Dennis stopped by the Texas Standard studio this week to talk about the movie “Riverbend.” This is an extended version of the interview that aired on Texas Standard. The full transcript of this episode of Texas Standard is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. […] The post Texas Extra: Extended ‘Riverbend’ film interview appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

After winning a spot in a runoff, Congressman Tony Gonzales drops his bid for reelection amid growing pressure over an affair scandal. We'll dig into the latest today.Also, confusion at some polling places on primary day: What really happened and what’s the fallout?And a film of Black resistance shot in Texas — but largely lost […] The post ‘Riverbend' returns to audiences after decades of obscurity appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

South Texas lawmaker, Rep. Tony Gonzales, is facing a runoff and has now admitted to carrying out an affair with an aide who later died by suicide. Now a House committee is investigating the scandal.How the primary election turned Tejano music star Bobby Pulido into a Democratic political contender in the general election.The taco truck: […] The post Amid ethics probe, Rep. Tony Gonzales admits affair appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Excitement among Democrats, challenges for some incumbents and a few lingering legal questions after last night's primary election.The top-line race on both sides of the aisle was for U.S. Senate. Democrat Jasmine Crockett conceded Wednesday morning to fellow progressive James Talarico, but for the Republicans it’s incumbent John Cornyn versus Ken Paxton in a runoff.How […] The post After Texas primary night, attention turns to November appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

It’s primary Election Day. We’ll check in with our reporters at polling places across the state.A federal appeals court cleared the way for tariff refunds to begin, so what’s next and what should you do if you’re owed money?Teachers are among those who caught hundreds of errors in the new religious curriculum introduced in Texas […] The post Texans head to the polls on primary Election Day appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Fighting widens as U.S. and Israeli warplanes pound Iran. Iran and its proxies hit back, leading to a spiraling expansion. We’re following a rapidly expanding Middle East conflict with a close eye on the implications for Texas. UT international affairs expert Jeremi Suri answers some of the critical questions right now.Also, we'll have a warning […] The post Iran strikes stoke fears of wider war, impact on energy prices appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Who’s up, who’s down, and who’s in trouble  — a final poll before primary day in the Lone Star State. We'll go over what the numbers are telling us.President Trump is in Corpus Christi today, hitting the hustings on this last day of in-person early voting before crucial primaries in Texas. James Henson of the […] The post The town where Texas declared its independence appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton files suit against a California doctor and a larger international organization for providing abortion pills to Texans. Paxton’s lawsuit is not the first time he’s gone after out-of-state providers of mifepristone — though so far, he's had little to show for it.After the floods in Kerrville, volunteers round what may […] The post Paxton sues more out-of-state providers over abortion pills appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Gov. Greg Abbott is urging Texans in Mexico right now to follow shelter-in-place orders as violence sweeps much of that nation. We'll have a report from Mexico City on the wave of coordinated retaliatory attacks and widespread uncertainty as wanted drug cartel leader, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes – known as “El Mencho” – is killed […] The post Killing of cartel head ‘El Mencho’ touches off violence in Mexico appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas came up more than once during President Trump’s State of the Union speech. We'll have an analysis of what he mentioned and what he left out.Camp Mystic is facing troubles in court after the way it handled deadly flooding in July. But a comment from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick could spell even further challenges.After […] The post Trump invokes Texas in State of the Union speech appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

After violence on the streets in parts of Mexico, things are returning to normal. But will it last? We'll dig into the latest following the killing of cartel head “El Mencho” in Mexico.Why turnout for early voting for the March primaries is exceeding expectations – especially for Democrats.The growing calls for Congressman Tony Gonzales to […] The post Amid scandal, calls grow for Rep. Tony Gonzales to step down appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A major repudiation of one of the Trump administration’s signature initiatives: The Supreme Court’s tariff decision and the Texas impact today on the Standard.A new investigative report reveals six deaths in six weeks at immigration detention centers in Texas. Other stories we’re tracking: As the first week of early voting in the Texas primaries comes […] The post What happens now after Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s tariffs appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

James Talarico’s campaign raises millions after an interview with Stephen Colbert is pulled. But was it really a backfire against President Trump? The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey with the lowdown.A look at a hugely important hearing today for four men accused of the notorious 1991 yogurt shop murders in Austin.Also, why are so many barbecue […] The post Talarico interview on Colbert controversy shakes up race appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Wildfire risk is so high in the Texas Panhandle that an energy company preemptively cut off power to avoid lines blowing down and starting to spark. We'll take a closer look at the situation.Early voting is underway across Texas. We sent reporters to polls across the state to hear from voters who made it out […] The post Exploring Texas' deepest underwater cave system appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Early voting is underway in Texas for the primaries. We'll go over what you need to know before casting a ballot on today's show.With Paxton out, a look at the candidates who want to be the next attorney general in Texas.How Houston’s Johnson Space Center will play a critical role in the Artemis II mission […] The post W.F. Strong on Robert Duvall’s Texas legacy and ‘Lonesome Dove’ appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Can Sylvia Garcia, Houston’s only Latina U.S. representative, hang on to her seat? We may know sooner than some realize.If you were waiting for this fall for the start of election season, wait no more. Early voting in the state’s primaries is set to begin tomorrow. A closer look at a race with huge implications […] The post The Texans in the Epstein files appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Major changes at one of the state’s flagship universities, with UT Austin consolidating seven departments focused on ethnic and gender studies into two new ones.Five years since Winter Storm Uri and a massive blackout that led to investigations and a rethink of how the state manages the power grid. What’s changed? A look back.The Standard’s […] The post New exhibit peels back mystique surrounding Daniel Johnston appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

What really happened that led to a sudden and largely unprecedented shutdown of the airspace and the airport in El Paso? We'll dive in on today's Texas Standard.With just days to go before early voting begins in the Texas primaries, Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom gets us up to speed on the Democratic race […] The post How an AI data center is driving a housing crisis in Abilene appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The FAA reopened airspace around El Paso as abruptly as it shut it down. We'll dig into what we know about the strange and unprecedented actions.A months-long investigation from The Texas Newsroom and The California Newsroom finds pregnant migrant girls are being held at a South Texas shelter that's been flagged as medically inadequate. Why […] The post Probe raises concerns over pregnant migrant girls held in Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

One of the most closely watched political contests in this midterm election year is happening in Texas, and a new poll offers some surprises.The race for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by John Cornyn has recently been characterized as tightening up, but a new poll suggests Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat Jasmine Crockett are […] The post Untangling legal questions in the age of AI photo manipulation appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Redistricting wars may sound like esoteric politics, but a race in Houston shows how high the stakes are for some Texas communities. We'll look at how a lesser-known political contest in Houston's 29th district illustrates the impact of the redistricting fight on some Texas communities.It may sound like a social media trend, but it’s a […] The post Walking Dallas, one mile at a time appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas becomes the first state with a strict abortion ban to provide doctors with guidelines on exceptions. We'll dig into what’s in those guidelines with ProPublica reporter Cassandra Jaramillo.Coming soon to the pristine spaces of the Big Bend: Construction of a border wall. We'll look at how many locals are trying to push back.And in […] The post Why many Texans are getting ready for the ‘Benito Bowl’ appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The application window opens for Texas education savings accounts, often called school vouchers. But demand may outstrip available funds. We’ll talk with two reporters for the Houston Chronicle closely following the application process, hear about the application experience of one Texas mom, and learn more about what’s included, what isn’t, and what happens if there’s […] The post School voucher applications open across Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The partial government shutdown is over. Did you know we were in one? Well, now another could be on the way as negotiations over ICE's budget persists on Capitol Hill.Texas school boards are considering a new state law that allows time to be set aside during the day for prayer and reading the Bible.Texas has […] The post Starlink poised to expand broadband footprint in Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas state prisons that don't have a/c get so hot in summer with temperatures that violate state standards for other lockups.Also, well-known former Texas Police Chief Art Acevedo questions tactics used by immigration agents in Minneapolis. We'll hear from him about his concerns over fallout for other law enforcement.And we'll check in to see how […] The post Analysis finds extreme heat inside Texas prisons appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

In a little-watched race, Taylor Rehmet's surprise win for Democrats in Texas may be a potential warning shot for Republicans in a midterm election year. Is this a one-off, or is the GOP in trouble in the Lone Star State?Also, Texas environmental regulators greenlight what looks like the largest fossil-fueled power plant project in the […] The post Democrat makes surprise win in solid-red Texas district appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

With national attention focused on the tactics of immigration enforcement, a concern is growing among Texas Republicans about the political fallout.We’re still months away for an important midterm election. But this weekend, voters in one part of Texas will be picking their representative to Congress. Andrew Schneider of Houston Public Media brings us the backstory […] The post Austin’s Banana Phone turns public roasting into performance art appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Protesters outside the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley called for the release of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father who were taken into ICE custody in Minnesota.Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, a massive military buildup as President Trump warns Iran to abandon its nuclear program – or else. But […] The post Protesters, DPS troopers clash outside Dilley ICE detention facility appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The second death of a person in Minnesota at the hands of ICE agents has fueled an outcry from some for another government shutdown.Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers aren’t just in Minnesota, of course. They’re also showing up in small-town Texas. A look at their impact on Elgin.We’ll hear from journalists José Ralat and Rodrigo […] The post Possible government shutdown looms after ICE shooting appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Pressure builds inside the Texas detention center in Dilley housing parents and children. What’s behind a protest that erupted there over the weekend?Second Amendment advocates speak out after licensed gun owner Alex Pretti is killed by Border Patrol agents in Minnesota.A look at how weight loss drugs are transforming obesity and diabetes care in San […] The post Gun rights debate resurfaces after Minneapolis shooting appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

An update on this weekend's winter storm – the lingering aftereffects, and when to expect things to get back to “normal.”Though the worst may be over, many extreme cold advisories have been issued statewide today, and frozen precipitation is making many secondary roads treacherous. We'll have an update, plus a look at the storm's impact […] The post Austin police cooperation with ICE faces renewed scrutiny appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texans statewide are preparing for the biggest winter storm we’ve seen in years. We'll have the latest on a weekend of snow, ice and freezing rain that's en route to Texas.At the moment, officials say the power grid is looking good, though localized outages are likely due to falling limbs and ice on power lines.For […] The post Texans brace for winter weather on land – and in the sea appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texans prepare for a major winter storm, projected to be the most severe since the deadly winter storm of 2021. We’ll get an update on preparations by state officials in what promises to be the first real test of the power grid since Winter Storm Uri five years ago.A Uvalde school police officer, the first […] The post Former Uvalde officer acquitted in first criminal trial tied to shooting appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Freezing temperatures and ice are in the forecast for much of Texas. We'll go over what you need to know to feel prepared.An investigation into jail deaths in Tarrant County finds a common denominator: A lieutenant who looked on.Drone delivery could soon be coming to your front porch. We'll cover the companies embracing the technology […] The post What to know as arctic front heads to Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A year ago, President Trump began his second term in office with a promise to carry out mass deportations. We'll have a view from the border on today’s Texas Standard.Is the state funding private schools that discriminate?An update on a lawsuit challenging the heartbeat abortion law in Texas.Plus, award-winning photojournalist and musician Tamir Kalifa combines […] The post ‘Witness' blends music and photography to beckon reflection appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

From one end of Texas to the other: Parades, celebrations and service events in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Veteran host of “In Black America,” John L. Hanson Jr., pays tribute to the civil rights leader.We’ll also hear from the host of a new PBS documentary on the evolving legacy of […] The post ICE detainee deaths draw scrutiny at El Paso facility appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

It may be the single election day with the greatest power to reshape the Texas political landscape, and yet most Texas voters don’t bother with it. We’ll unpack it today.Do you know when the Texas primaries are? Plan to vote in them? The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey joins us with the often-misunderstood stakes of primary […] The post How San Antonio's MLK march became one of the nation's largest appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Dueling ballot challenges in Tarrant County: Why longtime Texas politics-watchers say they’ve never seen anything like it.A look at a teacher’s alleged sexual misconduct and a new state law that could wind up costing a local school district millions. We'll dive into whether other school districts could be on the hook as more victims seek […] The post Texas readies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A new investigation shows officials were confused about how many were missing at Camp Mystic in the hours after the deadly July 4 Hill Country flood.A disruption in the courtroom during the trial of the school police officer accused of not doing enough to intervene in the Uvalde shooting: Why the sister of one of […] The post Austin women's skateboarding group builds space and community appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The Republican race for U.S. Senate heats up with incumbent John Cornyn raising a record amount of money ahead of the primary. We'll dive into where the race stands there, as well as between Democrats Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico.Six months after the catastrophic Hill Country flood, where do recovery efforts stand?Hope for the future […] The post Proposed THC rules draw backlash from hemp businesses appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The killing of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis last week sparked protests around the nation this weekend. We’ll look at what happened here in Texas.The state of Texas has handed over voter registration rolls to the Trump administration Justice Department. Why Texas Democrats and some experts fear that could have violated […] The post Minneapolis ICE shooting prompts protests in Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Concerns about the flu are making headlines in many places across the country. Where do we stand in Texas?Our conversation with the state’s epidemiologist to hear how concerned Texans need to be as flu season ramps up.Also, more and more Texas parents are crying foul over the rising cost of their kids playing in youth […] The post What to know as flu season ramps up in Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Over three years later, the first criminal trial over the police response to the Uvalde school shooting is underway. We'll have a live report with the latest in the trial of one of the first police officers to arrive at the scene of the deadly school shooting at Robb Elementary.With a big meeting set at […] The post Uvalde school shooting trial is underway appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The legal case against Nicolás Maduro and his wife has begun, but how’s that going to work exactly?Venezuelans living abroad, including here in Texas, continue to react to the capture. Why Austin-based “Freedom is a Feast” author Alejandro Puyana says it’s so important we keep including their voices in the news coverage.The U.S. military might […] The post Venezuelan Texans react to Maduro's removal appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The latest from inside Venezuela as the Trump administration takes over and an interim president is sworn in.A look at the on again, off again immigration status of Venezuelans seeking asylum in this country – and Texas, in particular.Dallas County prosecuted its first fentanyl dealer, so how did the case fall apart?Birders have been busy […] The post What entered the public domain in 2026? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A historic U.S. military operation has extracted Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro from the country. What are the implications, both for Texas and the U.S.? University of Texas global affairs expert Jeremi Suri weighs in on this weekend's events, including the legality of the Venezuela operation and whether it was about narcoterrorism, oil, or something more.Speaking […] The post Venezuela's future and what it means for Texas oil appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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

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

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

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