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Texas Standard's commentator remembers the Academy Award-winning actor who was not born a Texan, but played a heck of one on TV and film. The post ‘He didn't take on an iconic role, he made the role iconic': W.F. Strong on Robert Duvall 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.
Everything's bigger in Texas, including a water crisis. According to the Texas Water Development Board, population and industrial demand could outpace existing supply by 7 million acre-feet by 2070—an amount equal to the current annual water demand of the entire state of Arizona. Last November, Texas voters approved the largest investment in water infrastructure in the state's history: $20 billion over 20 years. But is this enough to address current needs and ongoing rapid growth? In the first part of our series on how present choices in water, energy and growth will shape the future in Texas, we'll explore: How cities like Corpus Christi are facing impossible trade-offs between the needs of industry and residents Why a 100-year-old “Rule of Capture” is sparking battles over groundwater exports - Whether Texas can balance its booming $2.7 trillion economy with the inescapable realities of water constraints Why is this relevant for the Ten Across region and the NationThis episode features conversations with Texas State hydrologist Robert Mace, Texas 2036 policy director Jeremy Mazur, and real estate broker and water law professor Charles Porter. Relevant Articles and Resources “Inside the Fight for Texas's Most Precious Resource” (Texas Monthly, September 2025) “Running Out: Texas' water — and the path forward” (The Texas Tribune Staff, September 2025) “Texas tried to address its water crisis in the ‘60s. A new proposal echoes that historical debate” (Texas Standard, April 2025) “The Impossibly Expensive Plan to Save Texas's Water Supply” (Texas Monthly, April 2025) Assessing Texas' Water Infrastructure Needs (Jeremy Mazur, Texas 2036) “Drawing Straws” (Texas Monthly, July 2012) Relevant Ten Across Conversations Podcasts Understanding Groundwater Risks in the Southwest with Jay Famiglietti The Future of Water is Here: Are We Ready? CreditsHost: Duke ReiterWritten, produced, and edited by: Taylor Griffith Episode concept provided by: Kate Carefoot Research and support provided by: Rae Ulrich, Kelly Saunders, and Sabine Butler About our guestsRobert Mace is the executive director of the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment and professor of practice in the Department of Geography & Environmental Studies at Texas State University. He previously worked at the Texas Water Development Board for 18 years, rising to become the Deputy Executive Administrator for Water Science and Conservation. He holds a B.S. in geophysics, M.S. in hydrology and a Ph.D. in hydrogeology. Jeremy Mazur is the director of Infrastructure and Natural Resources Policy at Texas 2036. During the 88th Texas Legislature, he supported policy expanding Texas's financial strategy for developing water infrastructure, establishing regulatory frameworks for hydrogen energy, and, among other initiatives, incentivizing regional solutions for water utilities. He is currently leading a scenario-based assessment of how different energy portfolio pathways contribute to state economic growth, regional water market development, and responses to extreme weather. Charles Porter is a leading Texas water rights authority, real estate broker and author of multiple books including Water Rights and Policies in the United States. He serves on the National Association of Realtors Board of Directors, has testified as expert witness over 600 times, and successfully sponsored legislation requiring groundwater conservation district disclosure in all Texas residential real estate transactions.
Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong examines how one of the state's most celebrated writers found a home in San Antonio. The post Sandra Cisneros, a Texas literary rock star appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
At least 11 people have died in Texas, nearly half of them children, after Winter Storm Fern swept the state last week, the Texas Standard reported. Among those killed were three young brothers who fell through ice on a private pond near Bonham, about 60 miles northeast of Texas. In the Dallas suburb of Frisco, two teens died after a sledding accident. They were riding on a sled being pulled by a vehicle. Several unhoused people died of exposure in Austin, Houston and Fort Worth, according to reports. Nationally, the storm has killed at least 50 people. Nearly five years...Article Link
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.
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.
Just a few weeks ago, the editors and producers of the Texas Standard made out their lists and checked them twice, picking out stories from the past year that filled them with a certain sense of uplift – something that can at times seem so elusive. In the spirit of the season, we're sharing some of these feel-good stories with you on a […] The post Stories to warm your heart this Christmas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
It’s almost time to turn the page on 2025, but we’re stretching out Texas Standard’s 10th birthday celebration a little longer with our 10 favorite book interviews from the past decade. It’s a list that includes children’s books, young adult literature, and books diving deep into history. Join us as we count them down. The post Our top 10 books stories of the past decade appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Music is a huge part of what makes Texas what it is. And as part of Texas Standard's yearlong 10th birthday celebration, we’re celebrating our top 10 favorite music stories from the past decade. Those include an exclusive interview with Phil Collins at the Alamo, an expansive conversation with the boundary-pushing band Khruangbin, and deep dives into the lives and legacies of Texas greats Johnny Canales and […] The post Our top 10 music stories of the past decade appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
How will you remember 2025? This hour we’re listening back to some of our favorite stories of the year from reporters with the Texas Standard and Texas Newsroom. Remember the author of “Holes,” who made a sharp turn in 2025? Or when it was blazing hot outside and the swimming pool became too irresistible to say no to? What about the rise and rise […] The post Our favorite stories from the Texas Standard and Texas Newsroom appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
This holiday season, we’ve been listening back to some of the most compelling reporting by our in-house journalists here at the Texas Standard, as well as a team of public media reporters statewide known as The Texas Newsroom. From an effort to help more adults complete a high school education, to a mystery Bible in Boerne, to the long-awaited launch of a […] The post The best of the Texas Standard and Texas Newsroom in 2025 appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
He’s been an elected Democrat for over 50 years, but now local party officials in Houston are refusing to endorse Mayor John Whitmire. Unwinding the political drama, today on the Texas Standard.Texas’ new bathroom law effects schools and government-owned buildings, but one reporter found enforcement depends on exactly where you go.Texans Michael and Susan Dell […] The post Protecting monarch butterflies on Texas highways appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
It is a city as well known for its history as its growth in the here and now. Today we’re broadcasting from San Antonio for a special edition of the Texas Standard.As we celebrate 10 years of the Texas Standard, our yearlong tour of Texas takes us to the studios of our partners at Texas […] The post A special broadcast from San Antonio appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Texans under the age of 18 make up almost a quarter of the state’s population, so we put together a show with them in mind, from Abilene and the Children’s Art and Literacy Festival In June.We begin with a conversation about politics: We’ll hear from some Texas teens who make their voices heard, even though […] The post Encore presentation: A special Texas Standard for kids, from Abilene appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
From the oldest radio station in Texas, in Dallas’ historic Fair Park, site of the State Fair of Texas, it’s Texas Standard Time.As we continue to celebrate our 10th birthday this year, the Texas Standard tour bus in October pulled into the historic home of WRR, temporary home to our partners KERA North Texas.We'll explore […] The post Encore presentation: From State Fair to stock exchange, a special broadcast from Dallas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Today we’re bringing you a special rebroadcast of Texas Standard's May show from El Paso.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 its future […] The post Encore presentation: The politics, food and culture of El Paso appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Boxer, preacher, and grill super salesman George Foreman died in his longtime hometown of Houston in March. Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong has been thinking about Foreman’s life and how he literally fought his way from rags to riches more than once. The full transcript of this episode of Stories from Texas is available on […] The post George Foreman's resilience: A two-time rags-to-riches story appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Texas has flagged thousands of registered voters who officials say could be noncitizens. What we know about that claim right now.For years, Texas Standard has been following the legal battle over a beloved waterway in East Texas. Now, some powerful figures are getting involved in the fight over the Cutoff.Some leadership changes at UT Austin […] The post Legal fight over access to East Texas waterway continues appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
From the oldest radio station in Texas, in Dallas’ historic Fair Park, site of the State Fair of Texas, it’s Texas Standard Time.As we continue to celebrate our 10th birthday this year, the Texas Standard tour bus has pulled into the historic home of WRR, temporary home to our partners KERA North Texas.We'll explore the […] The post From State Fair to stock exchange, a special broadcast from Dallas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Did you know a Texan actually co-founded the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA)? But before that, she showed prowess in several other sports. Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong explains that she was so good at baseball, she was nicknamed after one of the greatest players of all time. Here is the story of Mildred “Babe” […] The post They called her ‘Babe' appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong has met a lot of Texans throughout the years. Some have shared bits of history from the Lone Star State. Some have recalled old family traditions or news of certain oddities. But others have imparted on him some unique problem-solving skills. This story tells of two old friends and their […] The post Belle and Lea appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong reminds us of a time you’ll find particularly in rural Texas – Cowboy Time. The full transcript of this episode of Stories from Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The post Cowboy Time 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.
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.
The start of the school year means it’s the end of summer travel season for many families. As Texans well know, depending on where you live in the state, it can take longer to travel out of it than to cross several state lines beyond our borders. Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong reflects on coming […] The post The sky welcomes you home appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
There are a few symbols so deeply woven into the fabric of Texas that they seem as native as mesquite or bluebonnets. One of them is the Stetson hat. Not just any Stetson hat – the Boss of the Plains. Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong says that oddly enough, it didn’t come from Texas at […] The post The hat that made the cowboy appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Mason LaDue raises cattle on family land in Central Texas. But before he was a rancher, he was mostly on the road, managing tours for artists like Curren$y and Wiz Khalifa.His journey from the Dallas hip-hop circuit to the homestead is the focus of today's special program, Rap to the Ranch: The Ballad of Mason […] The post Rap to the Ranch: The Ballad of Mason ‘Bric' LaDue – A Texas Standard Special Rebroadcast appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
If there’s one thing the Texans of the early republic never lacked, it was imagination – especially when it came to dodging tariffs and taxes. Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong explains. The full transcript of this episode of Stories from Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available […] The post Creative smuggling when Texas was a republic appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
President Trump considers a move that has brought together resistance from the left and the right. The stakes for U.S. involvement in a new Mideast war.Juneteenth is a holiday marking freedom for people enslaved in Texas, a proclamation announced in Texas on this date 160 years ago, now celebrated across the U.S.. The Texas Standard’s […] The post Marking Juneteenth where it began: Galveston celebrates freedom appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Texans under the age of 18 make up almost a quarter of the state’s population, so we’ve put together a show with them in mind. We’re joining you today from Abilene and the Children’s Art and Literacy Festival.We begin with a conversation about politics: We’ll hear from some Texas teens who make their voices heard, […] The post A special Texas Standard for kids, live from Abilene 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.
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.
Today marks the first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s second term in office. In this special episode of The LA Report, we're sharing with you “100 Days: Two Americas” – from the California Newsroom and the Texas Standard. This hour-long special assesses the effects of Trump’s second term – on California and Texas – two economic powerhouses with diverse communities, but with very different politics. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency!Support the show: https://laist.com
In an hour-long special, the California Newsroom and the Texas Standard team up to examine how the Trump administration is changing life in two of the nation's largest states. To mark President Trump's 100 days in office, the California Newsroom and the Texas Standard teamed up to examine how life is changing in two of the nation's largest states - California and Texas - through the lens of politics, immigration, tariffs, agriculture, and education. The hour-long special is called 100 Days, 2 Americas and is hosted by CapRadio Insight Host Vicki Gonzalez alongside David Brown based in Austin. It includes reporting from Angela Korcherga of KTEP in El Paso, Michael Marks of the Texas Standard, Levi Sumagaysay and Carolyn Jones of CalMatters in Sacramento, Stella Chávez of the Texas Newsroom, Gustavo Solis of KPBS in San Diego, Tyche Hendricks of KQED in San Francisco, and Jessica Greenwell of KVCR in Riverside, Calif.Editor's note: The audio version of this story incorrectly identifies Arroyo Grande as a city in the Central Valley of California; it is actually located along the state's central coast. We apologize for this error.
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.
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.
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.
Mason LaDue raises cattle on family land in Central Texas. But before he was a rancher, he was mostly on the road, managing tours for artists like Curren$y and Wiz Khalifa.His journey from the Dallas hip-hop circuit to the homestead is the focus of today's special program, Rap to the Ranch: The Ballad of Mason […] The post Rap to the Ranch: The Ballad of Mason ‘Bric' LaDue – A Texas Standard special appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Steinbeck's comments about Texas and Texans go well beyond his “Texas is a state of mind” quote. Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong explores. The full transcript of this episode of Stories from Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The post John Steinbeck (and Charley) on Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
President Trump’s long-promised deportation raids get underway in Texas and in other parts of the country – what we know about the weekend operations and what we’re learning. On this International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Texas Standard’s Sarah Asch brings us the voices and memories of survivors living in Texas. And: The Texas Senate has […] The post Reflections from three Holocaust survivors in Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Texas Standard is celebrating its 10th birthday by looking back on 10 years of covering Texas. One way we're going to do that is with top 10 lists. We started by counting down our top 10 Stories from Texas from commentator W.F. Strong. The full transcript of this episode of Stories from Texas is available on the […] The post Do you have a favorite W.F. Strong story? Here are our top 10 appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Texas Standard had good reason to talk to Billy Bob. Though he's from Arkansas, he's lived in Texas on a couple of occasions – and he's played some classic Texas roles: from Coach Gary Gaines in the film “Friday Night Lights” to Davy Crockett himself in the film “The Alamo.” Billy Bob Thornton has been […] The post Texas Extra: Billy Bob Thornton and ‘Landman’ appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Some of the most frustrating hours of our lives might be spent in a vehicle. After some hard times on the road, nothing can feel better than the perfect parking spot at the place you need to be. But how will you pull in? Texas Standard commentator WF Strong has some thoughts. The full transcript […] The post Fronters and backers appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Episode SummaryAlain Stephens started his career in the military and later as a police officer in North Texas. But then he found himself in the world of journalism and realized this was the perfect avenue for his investigative skills. In this episode Alain talks about his path to journalism, the challenges of being an investigative reporter in the current media landscape, and tells us about one of his investigations that led him to suing the Department of Justice. Guest BioAlain Stephens is a staff writer at The Trace covering developments in firearms technology and the ATF. His investigations into auto sears, toy guns, and ghost guns for The Trace have led to congressional action. A military veteran and gun owner, Alain worked at inewsource and Texas Standard, where his work led to important public safety, civil rights, and criminal justice reforms.Social MediaAlain on X Alain on Instagram Listen to Alain's podcast, The Gun MachineRate and SubscribeBe sure to subscribe to The Rough Draft on Spotify, Apple, or anywhere you get your podcasts in order to stay up to date with the latest episodes.Follow Rev and The Rough Draft on Instagram, LinkedIn and XThe Rough Draft is produced by Rev, and releases a new episode every Tuesday & Thursday.Mentioned in this episode:Rev.com
Episode SummaryInvestigative reporter Alain Stephens shares the process of reporting out one of his most impactful investigations: the discovery that 52,000 former police guns were sold to the public and later used in crimes. This investigation resulted in multiple stories including an episode of Reveal and a collaboration with CBS News. Guest BioAlain Stephens is a staff writer at The Trace covering developments in firearms technology and the ATF. His investigations into auto sears, toy guns, and ghost guns for The Trace have led to congressional action. A military veteran and gun owner, Alain worked at inewsource and Texas Standard, where his work led to important public safety, civil rights, and criminal justice reforms.Social MediaAlain on X Alain on Instagram Listen to Alain's podcast, The Gun MachineRate and SubscribeBe sure to subscribe to The Rough Draft on Spotify, Apple, or anywhere you get your podcasts in order to stay up to date with the latest episodes.Follow Rev and The Rough Draft on Instagram, LinkedIn and XThe Rough Draft is produced by Rev, and releases a new episode every Tuesday & Thursday.Mentioned in this episode:Rev.com
Texas Standard commentator WF Strong says the Gruver Farm Scholarship Foundation has already made a multi-generational impact. The full transcript of this episode of Stories from Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The post How some donated land became a bounty for a small town's students appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Hanif Abdurraqib's latest book centers the sport, but from there spins meditations on mortality and “making it.” The full transcript of this episode of Texas Standard is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The post Texas Extra: ‘There's Always This Year' goes beyond the bounds of basketball appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
The story of the TFWU is one of epic strikes and marches, but also one that occasionally brushes up against controversy. But what this documentary ultimately aims to do is simply share a story few Texans know from history. The full transcript of this episode of Texas Standard is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio […] The post Texas Extra: A documentary on the Texas Farm Workers Union appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.