A federal court orders the Trump administration to prevent the Supplemental Food Assistance Program (SNAP) from lapsing. What happens now?
A trial is set to begin this month against defendants for their alleged roles in the July 4 shooting at an ICE detention center in Alvarado. Why this may be a playbook for prosecutions now that Antifa has been designated a terrorist organization.
Public school districts trying to comply with new laws against DEI and sexual content in books are turning to AI with some surprising results.
Also, this week in Texas music history we remember the time post-punk legends Gang of Four made their way to the Lone Star State.
artificial intelligence
Spreading kindness through a Texas-made story
If the ongoing government shutdown runs into next week, Texas families could see their SNAP food benefits cut off.
Oil prices have plummeted to a level not seen since the COVID days. Why and what it could mean for Texas consumers and oilfield workers.
Contract negotiations, the Dallas Wings search for a new coach, and more: A breakdown of what to expect for the new WNBA season as the popularity of the league soars.
And “Dude. Be Nice”… The title of a new children’s book says it all.
Texas school closures raise tough questions
Public schools across Texas are being put to the test. From Fort Worth to Grapevine, Austin to San Antonio, we’ll look at how communities are reacting – and in some cases, pushing back – on plans to shutter schools and shuffle the map for many students.
Also, a big fight over redistricting with huge consequences – no longer on the political stage, but instead, a rather small federal courtroom. We’ll hear from Nacar Devine, an El Pasoan keeping tabs on what’s going on amid the hearing over Texas’ new congressional map.
Those stories, the latest on H-1B visas, and so much more.
Fantastic Fest celebrates 20 years of Horror and Sci-fi in Austin
They say AI is the future and for the city of Austin, artificial intelligence could be one way to catch people committing crimes in parks.The City council was considering a proposal and that had some Austinites pretty concerned. Plus, for fans of horror, sci-fi, fantasy and offbeat films, it doesn’t get much better than Fantastic Fest. The film festival’s celebrating its twentieth anniversary this week. And what do you love to do – not because you have to, but just because you love it? Hear about the Central Texan who’s totally into sumo wrestling and even became a coach for Team USA in international competitions! Jennifer Stayton in the host chair today.
KUT Morning Newscast for September 25, 2025: Austin firefighters are set to go back to the bargaining table with city officials today for a new contract
Central Texas top stories for September 25, 2025. The City of Austin could consider using artificial intelligence to help catch people committing crimes at local parks, but some residents have concerns. Austin firefighters and the city can’t come to an agreement on a labor contract; they are set to discuss it today. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board held a public hearing this week on the end of the Texas Dream Act, but no board member attended. The City of Austin wants people’s feedback on how 6th Street will look like in the future.
Operation Lone Star moves beyond the border
From the border to the rest of the state, Gov. Greg Abbott’s crackdown on immigration enters a new phase.
The Trump administration’s creation of long, thin military installations along the border is affecting not just migrants but locals as well.
Texas has settled another opioid lawsuit. So where’s that money going?
After more than 20 years in Washington, U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul says he will not seek reelection. What’s next for the Central Texas congressman and his seat.
If the idea of being too close to a stranger turns you off from a massage, a new AI-powered robotic massager is offering a different path to relaxation.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Could a new Texas law make some types of anime illegal?
The Texas Lottery gets a second chance under new management. So what will change?
A new state law now in effect targets AI-generated child pornography. But could it also ban some anime?
Americans have been on the move since the founding of our country. But now, more people staying put rather than relocating for new jobs and other opportunities.
And: Thinking about an energy efficient upgrade for your home? A tax credit to to help you get the job done is expiring at the end of this year.
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.
Could Texarkana be a political bellwether?
The state says the West Texas measles outbreak is over. What that means for parents and children.
Are natural gas wells, pipelines and storage facilities prepared for another dangerous winter storm? Mose Buchele of KUT News examines the inspection process.
We know AI data centers need a lot of power, but they also use a lot of water in drought-stricken TX.
Austin author Louis Sachar, perhaps best known for “Holes,” is back with his first adult novel, “The Magician of Tiger Castle.”
And: Could Texarkana be the new Peoria? A new study looks at green energy investments and voting patterns in red America.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
No phones, devices in classrooms as Texas students return to school
Undocumented college students in Texas are no longer eligible for in-state tuition. As the new semester starts, many are in limbo.
As we keep an eye on the special session where Texas Democrats broke quorum, a look at another state – Oregon – where Republican lawmakers staged a walkout.
A new state law that bans cell phones, wearables and other electronic devices in Texas classrooms is raising questions from educators, parents and students about its implementation and impact.
The University of Texas at Austin has set up guidelines for using AI responsibly to promote learning.
And: El Paso pecan farmers innovate to cope with persistent drought.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Muleshoe Refuge expansion plan scrapped
Texas Democrats are facing legal threats and potential action from the FBI for fleeing the state during the special session.
Concerns about artificial intelligence are coming to a head with the most recent round of college graduates. How it’s disrupting the job market.
A proposed expansion for the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge in the Panhandle had been in the works for years, but now the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is backing away.
The 1991 Yogurt Shop murders in Austin remain officially unsolved. Our conversation with Margaret Brown, the director of a new HBO docuseries revisiting the tragedy.
Plus: It’s been a month now since deadly flooding ravaged the Texas Hill Country. We’ll check in on the recovery.
You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org.
Adult education programs feel the squeeze as federal funds remain on hold
Federal education funding is put on hold, leaving administrators scrambling to evaluate what programs may be affected and what comes next – not just for young students, but Texans in adult education programs as well.
What could rural schools teach the rest of us about how to better get along? New research by the George W. Bush Institute offers insights.
And just in time for July 4th: the Brazilian BBQ smoker many Texas pitmasters are calling the bomb.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Elon Musk’s lobbying machine finds wins in Texas
Elon Musk may be on the outs in D.C., but closer to home, his political influence appears to be on the rise: The state’s richest billionaire scored some quiet but rather significant victories in the last legislative session.
Legislative support for wind and solar may be on the wane, but Texas lawmakers appear to be warming up to geothermal energy.
Don’t like tariffs? Commentator W.F. Strong tells us how some earlier generations of Texans didn’t, either – and what they did to fight them.
And: Remembering Cass Wheeler, who helped transform the American Heart Association into a national force during his 30 years at the helm.
You can support our work by becoming a sustaining member at supportthispodcast.org.
Hays County residents aren’t happy about a new neighbor moving in: a data center
CloudBurst Data Centers is planning to build a facility south of San Marcos that could be leased to an AI firm or other tech company. KUT’s Maya Fawaz reports residents are concerned about the potential environmental impacts.
KUT Morning Newscast for May 19, 2025: A bill currently before Congress would cut over 600 billion dollars in federal Medicaid spending
Central Texas top stories for May 19, 2025. How the potential cuts to Medicaid spending could affect Texas. A new Artificial Intelligence data center is planned for the San Marcos area. Today is the last day for Travis County residents and park visitors to give feedback on the 2026 Travis County Parks Comprehensive Plan. Scottie Scheffler has solidified his position as the world’s top ranked golfer.
KUT Morning Newscast for January 14, 2025
Central Texas top stories for January 14, 2025. Hotter and drier weather puts Austin at risk of wildfires. UT Austin will use artificial intelligence to help diagnose and treat disease.
Trade schools thrive as electric vehicle demand grows
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued two giants of the chemical business, 3M and DuPont, over so-called forever chemicals contained in household objects.
A new kind of car needs a new kind of mechanic. The Standard’s Kristen Cabrera goes inside a school for hybrid and electric vehicle repairs.
The old art form of tintype photography is being revived in Waco.
And: EA recently made 23 of its accessibility patents freely available to help developers create more inclusive games.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for December 05, 2024
Central Texas top stories for December 5, 2024. The Marshalling Yard will stay open until a more permanent location can be identified. Homeowners in Travis County can expect an increase in their property taxes this year. Austin Public Health launched its “Opioid Resource Hub” today. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick wants a statewide ban on sales of all consumable THC products. Can artificial intelligence translate the sounds of a country road or a bustling city into accurate images of those places? There’s postseason volleyball tonight at Gregory Gym.
‘Austin City Limits’ celebrates 50 years on PBS
The execution of Robert Roberson, scheduled for tonight, has been subject to appeal upon appeal. Now, a surprise subpoena from a House subcommittee has left his fate uncertain.
Why a commissioners court race could be an indicator of future politics in Tarrant County.
Persistent dry weather means wildfire risk is high – and the governor has declared a disaster declaration for nearly 150 counties across the state amid the increased threat. What you should do now to reduce risk.
How AI-driven phishing scams are targeting Gmail users.
And: Celebrating 50 years of the music TV program “Austin City Limits.”
KUT Morning Newscast for October 11, 2024
Central Texas top stories for October 11, 2024. Five new parks will be added to parts of Austin with less access to green space. The city department that oversees new construction in Austin will begin using artificial intelligence. Austin’s 32nd annual Art from the Streets event returns this weekend. ACL’s second weekend kicks off today.