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KUT and KUTX news and music podcasts for Austin, Texas and beyond

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Study finds no evidence of serial killer on Austin’s Rainey Street

The Supreme Court allows ICE to round up people based on factors like appearance, at least for now.
The attorneys general of New York and Texas face off over mail-order abortion pills crossing state lines.
For years, rumors have circulated online about a serial killer targeting Rainey Street in Austin. A new study finds no such threat.
The personal toll for people with chronic conditions who don’t have insurance.
Photographer Pat Blashill captures the scene of Texas punk rock on the ’70s and ’80s in his new pictorial oral history, “Someday All the Adults Will Die!”

Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.

You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org

BONUS — The city has millions of dollars to support the Austin music scene. But who gets the money? (rerun)

In preparation for our upcoming update episode about the Live Music Fund, we revisit this episode from 2022, which tells the story of how the framework for the first Live Music Fund was developed.

Find out more about the Live Music Fund on the City of Austin’s website.

Pause/Play is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. 

You can support our work by donating at supportthispodcast.org.

KUT Morning Newscast for September 8, 2025: Twelve AISD schools have to make major changes to avoid closure or a state takeover of the district 

Central Texas top stories for September 8, 2025. Twelve schools in the Austin Independent School District have to make major changes to avoid closure or a state takeover of the entire district. Georgetown is expected to adopt a new budget and a lower property tax rate at tomorrow’s city council meeting. Texas Longhorn football fans are still celebrating Saturday’s home opener win over San José State. Austin FC beat Sporting Kansas City last night.  

Can Drake Get Back On Top?

On this episode we discuss what artists get a pass to “genre bend” and what artists don’t. We also discuss what can Drake do to regain his number one spot in hip-hop. Hip-hop facts include Will Ferrell, Jay-Z, Allen Iverson and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is that rappers don’t have to do traditional hip-hop media platforms.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 5, 2025: Austin is spending $1 million on a new logo meant to evoke city’s hills, ‘violet crown skies’

Central Texas top stories for September 5, 2025. Austin’s rebrand comes at a cost that’s been raising some eyebrows. A Hays high school student is accused of having a firearm on campus. A bill that would let private citizens sue out-of-state abortion pill providers received final passage in the Texas Senate this week. This is the last day for people in Georgetown to give their feedback on the city’s proposed budget. Texas Longhorn football returns to the Forty Acres tomorrow.

This podcast is made at KUT Public Media Studios. You may have heard that Congress just took back the money it had allocated for public radio. Our organization stands to lose 1.2 million dollars. We’re asking our listeners now to help us make up this shortfall. If you want to help us out, you can make a donation at supportthispodcast.org.

KUT Morning Newscast for September 5, 2025: An Austin nursing home faces criminal charges for a resident’s death during the 2021 freeze

Central Texas top stories for September 5, 2025. An assisted living provider is facing criminal charges after an Austin woman’s death during the 2021 freeze. Nonprofits that help Texans seeking abortion care out of state are considering the impact of a bill passed by the state legislature this week. A Hays high school student was detained for having a firearm on campus. Texas Longhorn football fans are gearing up for tomorrow’s home opener against San José State. 200 have drowned in Austin’s Lady Bird Lake since 2004. A serial killer isn’t to blame, study says. 

KUT Morning Newscast for September 4, 2025: About one in five people across Central Texas are food insecure

Central Texas top stories for September 4, 2025. A report from the Central Texas Food Bank reveals food insecurity in the region has risen significantly over the past two years. Williamson County has adopted a higher property tax rate. Today is the last day to apply for help from FEMA after the July floods. The Immigration Services Network of Austin is holding an event to help raise awareness on how immigration law enforcement is impacting children and families in the Austin area. 

KUT Morning Newscast for September 2, 2025: A new law intended to speed up residential solar panel installation is now in effect

Central Texas top stories for September 2, 2025. Travis County Commissioners are making final adjustments to a $2.2 billion budget, here’s what the county wants to pay for. The Central Health Board of Managers is hearing community feedback on the fiscal year 2026 budget and tax rate. A new law intended to speed up residential solar panel installation is now in effect. The FDA approved updated COVID-19 vaccines, but a lot of people in the U.S. might have a tough time accessing them.  

Remembering Hurricane Katrina

On this episode we discuss the legacy, and impact, of Hurricane Katrina 20 years later. We also discuss if fans truly care about their favorite artist legal troubles. Hip-hop facts include facts about Nelson Mandela, The Notorious B.I.G., and Missy Elliott. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is the argument that Bust A Move by Young MC is the greatest rap song of all time.

KUT Morning Newscast for August 29, 2025: Travis County continues to collect debris from July floods. But, where does it all go? 

Central Texas top stories for August 29, 2025. Travis County crews have collected more than 160-thousand cubic yards of debris from the floods of July 5th. A new law takes effect in Texas on Monday that bans the sale of vapes and e-cigs containing THC or other cannabinoids derived from hemp. The Texas House of Representatives passed a bill last night aimed at cracking down on out-of-state doctors who prescribe abortion pills. Hopes and stakes are high in tomorrow’s season-opening football game between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes. 

Immigrant families struggle to pay tuition at UT Austin after Texas Dream Act is repealed

The Texas Dream Act has helped about 25 thousand students afford college, something that can change the lives of an immigrant family. But a recent federal lawsuit blocked the law, dramatically raising the cost of school.

This podcast is made at KUT Public Media Studios. You may have heard that Congress just took back the money it had allocated for public radio. Our organization stands to lose 1.2 million dollars. We’re asking our listeners now to help us make up this shortfall. If you want to help us out, you can make a donation at supportthispodcast.org.

KUT Morning Newscast for August 28, 2025: A cold weather front is coming to the Austin area this weekend

Central Texas top stories for August 28, 2025. The City of Austin won’t use glue traps to catch mice and rats in city buildings anymore. The City Council may hold off on approving a contract for the Zilker Cafe, the concession stand outside Barton Springs Pool. Travis County’s Disaster Assistance Center for people affected by the July 5th floods is updating its hours. Get ready for cooler weather over this long weekend. 

College football arrives in the Rio Grande Valley

President Trump signs an executive order ending cashless bail. We’ll dive into what that means for cities like Houston.
We’re also tracking new state laws set to take effect Sept. 1, including one that aims to attract more film and television productions. Another increases the penalty for assaulting a utility worker.
Plus, could the San Antonio Spurs get a new venue as part of the Project Marvel effort to create a new downtown entertainment district?
And the Standard’s Kristin Cabrera reports on the Rio Grande Valley’s first college football team. The UTRGV Vaqueros are ready for kickoff.

KUT Morning Newscast for August 26, 2025: The Texas Longhorns football team starts the new season this week

Central Texas top stories for August 26, 2025. The Austin City Council resumes its regular workload this week after passing a new budget. The deadline to apply for financial aid from the Travis County Cares Fund after July floods has been extended. The Texas Longhorns football team starts the new season this week. Delta Airlines is adding three non-stop flights out of Austin. A boil water notice is in effect for parts of eastern Hays County. 

To Create Content Or Not?

On this episode we talk about how important being a content creator and musician in this new industry. We also discuss who is to blame for the perceived “negative” music being released and promoted. Hip-hop facts includes facts about Ghostface Killah of Wu-Tang, Mariah Carey, 2pac and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is that being able to sing and rap well doesn’t matter anymore.

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