The contours of Texas politics are changing – part of Republican’s decades-long plan? Texas Monthly’s Robert Downen joins us to talk about what he sees as an unprecedented consolidation of power aimed at ending fair elections in Texas.
Also, Texas A&M launches audits of its courses statewide – this after the firing of a professor over teachings involving gender identity in a children’s literature class.
And a lawsuit challenging the Texas Medical Board over who gets to call themselves a doctor.
Plus, did you know breast implants were first developed in Texas six decades ago? Well, one Dallas plastic surgeon is making sure you do with a new musical.
Those stories, the week in politics with the Texas Tribune, the talk of Texas and so much more.
Pushback in Mexico against SpaceX expansion
The latest on the dismissal of a Texas A&M professor and the removal of two top administrators after political pressure over what was being taught in a children’s literature class – an incident that has led to concern about academic freedom.
The impact of SpaceX launches in South Texas is felt across the border in Mexico, where some officials are even weighing legal action against the company.
Tech expert Omar Gallaga on how Facebook is bringing back one of its earliest features, the “poke,” to appeal to Gen Z.
The use of facial recognition technology in Juárez is raising red flags.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
What to know after black bear sightings in East Texas
As the dust settles on this year’s legislative action at the Capitol, where do the two main parties stand?
If you buy beef, you may have noticed that it’s gotten more expensive lately. Michael Marks has the story, and whether there are any signs of relief.
For several years, black bears have gradually spread throughout the Trans-Pecos region. But recently, bear sightings in East Texas have earned headlines, too
What does “BU” mean to you? The latest on a trademark battle between Boston and Baylor.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Antone’s celebrates 50 years of the blues in Austin with special box set
As Texas lawmakers return home, what are the big takeaways from six weeks of overtime at the Capitol? We’ll take a closer look at what happened – and what didn’t.
Why some think Collin County could become one of the nation’s most highly contested political battlegrounds.
Antone’s, known as Austin’s home of the blues, celebrates its 50th birthday with a new box set with deep Texas ties.
Plus: A recap of the week in politics with The Texas Tribune.
Corpus Christi cancels controversial desalination project
The Legislature’s second overtime comes to a close with new political maps and a slew of Republican wins. But how do Texas voters come down on the big issues of the day? A new survey offers some answers.
After years of planning and tens of millions spent already, Corpus Christi’s city council cancels a high-profile project to deal with growing water demands.
What’s in a name? A lot if you’re talking about so-called Gulf coast shrimp. Details of a new law aimed at cracking down on the imposters.
For barbecue lovers dreaming of turning their passion into a profession, help is now a phone call or click away with Nextep Q, a hotline and website offering business advice for pitmasters.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
New state law will give farmers a heads-up on pests and diseases
The fight over redistricting has shifted from the Capitol to the courthouse, but plenty of serious work is still on the table when legislators return to their offices Tuesday. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey joins with a look at what’s left on the agenda.
A new law in effect today creates a statewide alert system for pests and diseases that affect plants and wildlife. The Standard’s Michael Marks has the story.
And: The Standard continues celebrating 10 years on the air with a look back at some memorable animal stories.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Educators face new risks under inappropriate material law
Three new measures are set to take effect aiming to “Make Texas Healthy Again.” Political sloganeering or genuine change? A closer look at the laws that prompted Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s visit to Texas.
As we approach Sept. 1, more than 800 new laws are set to take effect. We continue our close-up of some of those that’ll have a major impact, including some that haven’t received much attention. Our own Sarah Asch tells us about a new obscenity law and why one provision related to exposing minors to controversial material has teachers, librarians and even doctors concerned.
Tech producer and reporter Shelly Brisbin gets us up to speed on a sweeping new bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence.
Plus, the week in politics and much more.
Elon Musk looks to build tunnels under Houston
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 laws are set to take effect in just a couple of days. One of them is aimed at helping first responders deal with the trauma of being on the front lines of so much tragedy.
And a plan to channel water away when the next Hurricane Harvey hits. How Elon Musk is angling to be a part of that massive project.
California weighs in on Texas redistricting fight
A much-talked-about redistricting battle starts to take a back seat to other legislative priorities at the Texas capitol.
As the battlefront over redistricting shifts to a multistate fight with Texas and California setting the pace, top California Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger has a message for his fellow Republicans in Texas. The Houston Chronicle’s Lisa Falkenberg tells us about her conversation with the Governator.
Details of new anti-DEI laws set to take effect in just a few days. How laws like SB 12 may impact Texas’ LGBTQ+ students.
Also, this week in Texas music history remembers Jimmy Garcia, beloved star of conjunto music.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Texas Extra: Asleep at the Wheel celebrates five decades with new album
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.
Noah Hawley talks ‘Alien: Earth’
At the Texas Capitol, a big shift in focus as the spotlight swings from bare-knuckle politics to long-delayed flood relief.
Food is labeling set to change in Texas as a sweeping new law takes effect aimed at, among other things, alerting shoppers to ingredients long the focus of concern in other countries.
Austin-based filmmaker Noah Hawley likes to play in the worlds of some of his favorite directors – and he’s doing it again with Ridley Scott’s “Alien.” Hawley joins the Standard to talk “Alien: Earth.”
Alpha School, an AI-focused private school in Austin, puts an emphasis on parental choice. The Standard’s Zachary Suri has the story.
Plus: How the looming college football season is looking for Texas teams.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
The Texas House passes new district map designed to give Republicans an edge in Congress
President Trump claims a big win in Texas as the state House passes new congressional maps giving the GOP an edge in 2026. Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom and Andrew Schneider of Houston Public Media share what it means for the political landscape going forward.
Are Americans falling out of love with their credit cards? Not quite, but a new trend suggests a certain spending binge is over.
Texas’ top taco journalist, Mando Rayo, previews the new season of the Tacos of Texas podcast.
In the U.S., peyote – important to Indigenous religion – is only naturally grown in Texas. But the supply is drying up.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
A Texas firm tackles space junk
After national headlines and a pledge from California to offset Texas’ redistricting plans, the walkout by Texas House Democrats is over. Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom has the latest on the Dems’ return to Austin and what comes next.
Old satellites, tools, even food wrappers: Space debris is piling up. Now, a Texas company’s recycling initiative has NASA’s attention.
A new fight is emerging over the sale in Texas of kratom, an herbal supplement with opioid-like effects often found for sale at convenience stores.
And: A UT Austin-led team has discovered the oldest, most distant black hole yet – 13.3 billion years old.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Tesla’s robotaxi plans shift into gear
Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom joins the show with a live update from the Capitol as the Legislature’s first special session ends amid a Democratic walkout.
After flooding and a historically wet July, new concerns about water levels dropping.
As students return to the classroom, more and more schools are being shuttered. The Standard’s Zachary Suri examines the long-term impact in Austin.
Tesla now has a permit to offer ride-hailing in Texas through next August. The company’s been testing robotaxis in Austin since June, and Elon Musk says “open access” is coming soon.
Why police are ditching a popular gun
Redistricting seems like the entire political conversation in Texas right now, so it’s probably no surprise it’s influencing the U.S. Senate race.
Texas received millions in federal funding for adult education programs, but it was uncertain and came several weeks late.
What are the impacts of programs that give money, with no strings attached, to people and families identified with high needs? We’ll dig into a study of such a program in Texas.
A Houston police officer is suing a gun manufacturer. He’s one of many saying his Sig Sauer P320 discharged without him pulling the trigger.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Virtual public school enrollment surges
Gov. Greg Abbott threatens a concurrent second special session with a Democratic walkout still underway. Is there any end in sight?
Details from a new release of materials withheld by Uvalde County and the Uvalde school district in the wake of the 2022 Robb Elementary school shooting.
What’s behind a massive growth in virtual schooling in Texas?
W.F. Strong meditates on what welcomes Texans back home after a long time away.
And: The scene at Voz de la Paloma, a women’s mariachi competition in honor of a San Antonio ranchera icon.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Dinosaur tracks uncovered near Austin after floods
Just one more full week is left in the Texas Legislature’s special session, and with House Democrats away, what happens next?
Some of those Democrats have decamped to California, which is now mulling a possible redistricting effort to offset potential Republican gains in the midterms.
The IRS says churches can now endorse candidates, a move that could give Texas pastors more power than ever.
And: The recent flooding in Travis County revealed fossilized dinosaur tracks. UT Austin paleontologist Matthew Brown describes what was found.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Charley Crockett talks new album and recent success
Texas’ redistricting fight is has spread past state lines. New federal legislation aims to ban mid-decade congressional redistricting, and the brawl looks likely to impact upcoming elections and the 2028 presidential race.
San Antonio is planning a massive sports and entertainment district, including a new arena for the Spurs, a convention center expansion and more – with local taxpayers footing part of the bill.
San Benito native Charley Crockett went from street performer to arena headliner. He joins the show to talk about his new album “Dollar a Day” and an upcoming nationwide tour with Leon Bridges.
And: New research from UT Arlington shows that nature-focused livestreams can help people feel more connected to each other.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
State parks are getting bigger and better
While the Texas House remains stalled due to a quorum break, the Senate continues its work, advancing a key education bill that could eliminate STAAR testing statewide.
Texas is seeing a boom in data centers driven by AI and crypto – but the growth comes with major energy and water demands.
Thanks to a $1 billion voter-approved investment, Texas is acquiring new land and developing trails to expand its state park system.
And: The legacy of Claude Eatherly, a North Texas native who flew a weather support plane over Hiroshima on the day of the bombing and later became a vocal anti-nuclear activist.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Texas Democrats flee state, break quorum over redistricting
More than 50 Democratic lawmakers have left the state so the Texas House would not have a quorum, trying to derail a redistricting plan that could add five more congressional seats for Republicans in the midterms.
Harvest season is arriving in South Texas, but many cotton farmers are still reeling from drought, inflation, and weakened demand. Some are cautiously optimistic as new federal funding becomes available. The Standard’s Felicity Guajardo reports.
And: One in four U.S. sports bettors say they’ve missed bills because of gambling losses, according to a new survey highlighting the risks of easy, app-based betting and its lack of oversight.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org