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 against Austria, and another chance at history being made. All eyes are on the pitch in Dallas as soccer legend Lionel Messi takes the field as part of the tournament many see as his “last dance.”
After the excitement from the Spurs’ NBA Finals run has faded, many are remembering a basketball championship that might have been and the impact that may last longer-term.
And remembering a pioneer in Tejano and Mexican folk music.
What the World Cup has revealed so far
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, or something else? Omar Gallaga tells us about it.
Also, we’ll get up to speed on the World Cup in Texas.
And what does it take to create social change in a Texas city with a conservative reputation? The new book “The Dallas Way” looks at the tactics and compromises behind a decades-long fight for LGBTQ rights.
State regulators weigh new uses for fracking wastewater
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 another term.
The Spurs’ hopes for a championship came to an end with a Game 5 loss to the New York Knicks — but it’s still a big win for San Antonio.
One Texas school district near is eliminating librarian positions and replacing them with hourly paraprofessional staff as part of a cost-saving effort.
A Texas Tech gambling case could test NCAA rules
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 race to focus political will. After years of infighting, Texas Republicans putting up a united front at their party convention.
In El Paso, an effort to open up frontiers to an underrepresented community of filmmakers, marking a major milestone. We’ll have more on the Femme Frontera Film Festival.
Gov. Abbott calls for new oversight on Texas data centers
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 in Texas.
Also, the great dot cake debate goes viral online. What is a dot cake you ask? We ask Tacos of Texas host Mando Rayo, who has some choice words about a dessert that’s divided the internet.
Big Bend border wall plans upend vital park changes
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 term.
More cases of New World screwworm in Texas discovered: How the Lone Star State is scaling up for all-out war on a parasite that could wreck the ranching industry.
And whither the pristine Big Bend amidst controversy over a border wall? A firsthand account.
A Texas adventurer aims for all 50 state high points
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 more in the week in Texas politics with the Texas Tribune.
A Texas opera company gives Bizet’s greatest hit gets the World Cup treatment, hoping to score points with a new audience.
A Southwestern University outdoor adventure leader is attempting to summit the highest point in all 50 states in just over two weeks.
The discovery of a new T-Rex species, without having to get your hands dirty?
Plus, the return of the Texas Beachcomber.
First case of New World screwworm found in Texas since 1960s
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, a New World screwworm has been detected in Texas livestock. Now, an emergency quarantine in parts of South Texas. We’ll have details.
Also, a last-minute surge puts the Knicks over the Spurs in Game 1 of the NBA finals. Today: 20 things New York can’t win over San Antonio.
Plus, a top 10 moment in Texas music and more.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org.
Probe says officers are tackling, pepper-spraying and tasering students in Texas schools
After Uvalde, Texas bet big on safety with police in every school, but a new report suggests an unintended and very troubling side effect.
The New York Times and the San Antonio Express-News reports thousands of incidents of officers tackling, pepper-spraying even tasering students for offenses that once would have meant a trip to the principal’s office, and no clear standards to protect against over-policing at school. We’ll talk to two of the authors of this report.
Also, Angela Kocherga with how the latest on the border wall may lead to an unusual conflict between church and state.
Plus a “Friday Night Lights” reunion conversation with actress Adrianne Palicki, the week in politics and more.
Where things stand with Big Bend border wall plans
He wants to ban Islam in Texas and now he’s the GOP pick for a seat on one of Texas’ most powerful commissions. Who is Bo French? A closer look at why, after this week, a race for a seat on the Texas railroad commission suddenly carries more weight than it might seem at first blush.
A longtime U.S. Senator from Texas forced to give up his seat — what the end of the John Cornyn era says about Texas politics today.
And where to things stand with plans for a border wall in the Big Bend region?
Also, first it was streaming that rewrote the rules for the music industry — now it’s AI. Tech expert Omar Gallaga on two very big music deals involving TikTok and Spotify and why they matter.
A preview of key races for primary runoff Election Day
Across the Lone Star State, Memorial Day observances and events are scheduled.
Meanwhile, voters in Texas are making their lists and checking them twice with primary runoff day set for tomorrow. We’ll get you up to speed on the statewide races to watch.
Plus, we’ll hear about a new app from the folks at Texas Parks and Wildlife. We’ll also learn about the women who’ve played an oversized, but often less-acknowledged, role in conservation.
Dallas hip-hop group Cure for Paranoia talks breakout Tiny Desk win
Texas-based oil-drillers are looking for a competitive advantage — and they’re turning to AI. What are the implications? Turns out regulators don’t really know. We’ll hear more.
As the nation turns to honor members of the military who gave their all while serving, what of those service members who died years later after exposure to chemicals while in uniform?
Plus, the week in politics and a rising star in Dallas — our conversation with the frontman of Cure for Paranoia.
Texas data centers collide with water shortages
As the school year winds down across Texas, one major school district considers declaring an emergency over money. El Paso ISD sounds an alarm after finding a $52 million shortfall, leaving officials with many questions and critical decisions to make.
A primary runoff for a seat on the railroad commission has implications that may not be obvious.
For Corpus Christi, some encouraging news as the city scrambles to avoid an all-out water emergency.
And a Texas-based air carrier issues a ban on robots. Tech expert Omar Gallaga tells us resistance is futile.
Texas Children’s settles gender care fight with unprecedented clinic deal
A Texas hospital agrees to what appears to be a first of its kind settlement over allegations of providing illegal gender transitioning to minors.
Houston based Texas children’s hospital agrees to form a first of its kind detransitioning clinic to settle charges of violating state law. A US China Summit, a stalemate with Iran and what it all adds up to for energy-rich Texas. A fresh look at disability inclusion in all things tech.
And what looks like currency, feels like currency, is issued by the government, but isn’t money? It’s called the Texas Redback and a lawsuit claims it may have crossed a redline.
Lou Diamond Phillips talks Texas roots, ‘La Bamba’ and legacy
Big and getting bigger — that’s been the story of Texas’ population growth, but recent census numbers suggest a new chapter being written. State Demographer Lloyd Potter helps us do the math.
Cancelled elections in some parts of Texas, though not for nefarious reasons. We’ll hear the why and how.
Full speed ahead on data centers? Not so fast. We’ll hear about a Texas county hitting the pause button on development.
Also, in the 40 years since “La Bamba” made him a household name, Lou Diamond Phillips reconnects with his Texas roots.
Who will replace Paxton as Texas attorney general?
It’s the final stretch before the primary runoffs in Texas, but the real test may not be the race most folks are focused on.
Next week, early voting begins in the primary runoff contest between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and challenger Ken Paxton — but win or lose, who’ll take over Paxton’s current seat as attorney general? We’ll take a closer look.
Also, a top Texas-based expert in geopolitics weighs in on the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping and what it might mean for the future of the U.S. conflict with Iran.
Harvest time in Texas? How warmer winters have triggered a seasonal shift for the Texas crawfish industry.
South Texas LNG boom promises jobs — but at what cost?
The state’s biggest school district, already under state control, now faces a civil rights investigation by the federal government. The probe into Houston Independent School District focuses on plans to change how special education services are delivered — what some believe may amount to illegal segregation.
A massive liquefied natural gas export terminal is rising near the Laguna Madre, bringing promises of economic growth to the Rio Grande Valley — but not everyone is on board.
Democrat James Talarico is making big gains in the U.S. Senate race, railing against billionaires. But a new investigation finds some billionaires backing his campaign. We’ll have a closer look.
Also, remembering the leader of a distinctly hot dance orchestra back in the 1950’s. These days, he’s often called the father of Tejano music.
What to know about hantavirus
After three deaths on a cruise ship, fears over hantavirus are going viral online. A top Texas epidemiologist shares what science says.
The race for a U.S. Senate seat from Texas is getting a lot of attention as current Attorney General Ken Paxton tries to take the seat of a fellow Republican. But what about the seat he’s vacating? How much do you know about who’s in the running?
Wind power: One of the biggest stories of Texas energy in recent years. But now, wind is set to take second place to something else.
Plus, the week in politics with the Texas Tribune and poetry from the Typewriter Rodeo.
Valley Fever cases are rising in West Texas
Texas lawmakers have long known about flood dangers along the Guadalupe. So why were calls for life-saving protections not heeded?
Amid lawsuits, two top state leaders say they want to make it easier for summer camps along the Guadalupe to reopen this summer, less than a year after the deadly July 4 floods.
Plans to open a data center at U.S. military base Fort Bliss is getting serious pushback from nearby El Paso residents.
Also, what’s behind a huge increase in drug overdose deaths at Texas prisons?
Plus, why officials are raising red flags over a rise in cases of what’s called Valley Fever.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org.
Hemp rulings reshape what’s legal in Texas
A cloud of confusion over rulings involving THC and smokable hemp in Texas: What’s legal, what’s not, and why now?
In this midterm election year, a test of efforts to expand legal protections and access to voting for Texans with visual impairments. We’ll hear why researchers say barriers are still common.
Thousands nationwide are exonerated as laws banning “junk science” take hold. But in Texas, the state’s top criminal court has blocked defendants from using the state’s junk science law to get a new trial.
And new developments in the Strait of Hormuz. Any signs of relief for Texans feeling the pinch at the pumps?