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Texas Standard: December 7, 2021

The U.S. Justice Department files suit against the State of Texas alleging that the new redistricting maps violate the Voting Rights Act. We’ll have details. Other stories we’re tracking the first case of the newly named Omicron COVID-19 variant discovered in Texas. We’ll look at what we know and what we don’t. Also after years of talking about a massive infrastructure project to defend the Texas coast from hurricanes and flooding, bipartisan momentum finally building in Washington. We’ll hear the latest. Plus turning a spotlight on a highly respected Black artist from Texas, who’s avoided the spotlight for years. Those stories and much more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: December 2, 2021

Reading between the lines of questioning in one of the most potentially consequential abortion cases since Roe vs. Wade. We’ll have the latest. Other stories we’re tracking: how the Texas Capitol city appears to be on track to become the least affordable city in the country after California. We’ll talk with the New York Times reporter who wrote about those findings. Also small Texas towns, big problems with cybersecurity. Omar Gallaga on what they’re doing to try to manage the threat. And the fruitcake fraud of Corsicana, now the subject of a documentary film, we’ll talk with the director and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:

Trailer: Black Austin Matters

Black Austin Matters is a podcast that highlights the Black community and Black culture in Central Texas. Each month, hosts Richard J. Reddick and Lisa B. Thompson talk with other Black Austinites about their perspectives on what’s happening in their city. We’ll hear from the well-known and the not-so-well-known in Austin’s Black community to find out what matters to them. New episodes each first Wednesday of the month.

Why Taméca Jones, Austin’s Queen of Soul, is leaving for LA

Austin singer and songwriter Taméca Jones is leaving Austin for LA at the end of the year.  In the latest episode, you’ll hear the reasons why the Austin Music scene isn’t working for her.  Plus you’ll learn more about our music ecosystem.

You’ll also hear from and Peter Schwarz  about the reality of music businesses in Austin’s music ecosystem. And Nikki Rowling explains how so many businesses operating independently can lead to burnout.

Take our Season 3 Survey

Texas Standard: October 27, 2021

The new congressional maps for Texas, not the final word on redistricting as they face a fresh legal challenge with considerable muscle. We’ll have the latest. Other stories we are tracking: the FDA green lights COVID-19 vaccinations for kids 5 to 11. Any questions? Lots of them. A Texas pediatrician and virus expert takes them on. Also investigators trying to tackle acts of anti-semitism in Austin and San Antonio. And an experimental approach to long term poverty alleviation in Fort Worth. Plus the magic of radio turned up a few notches: the psychics who once haunted the airwaves along the Texas border. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: August 18, 2021

As the Governor announces he has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, his ban on mask mandates remains in place. We’ll have the latest. Also, as one school system in west Texas hits the pause button on classes as the Delta variant spreads, what about others confined to smaller spaces for hours at a time potentially exposed to the delta variant? We’ll hear about growing concerns for nursing homes and long term care facilities for older Texans. Plus as the longest war draws to an end in Afghanistan, for many Afghans, a new life may be just beginning in Texas. Resettlement plans, the challenges ahead and much more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: August 11, 2021

ICU bed capacity is slim to none in most parts of the state. What that means on a practical level and why adding more beds isn’t really the solution. And as COVID-19 cases continue to surge across the state, the messages about the protection of getting vaccinated and wearing masks continue. But do we need to change what we’re saying or how we’re saying it? And how safe is it to go to a concert right now? Musicians and venues weigh the risks. Plus we’ll take a closer look the infrastructure bill in Washington and how much money could come to Texas. And we’ll examine national identity and sports as we talk with a Texan who competed at the Olympics under the Puerto Rican flag. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

What’s Changed for Music Venues?

We talked to three club owners about what’s changed for music venues since things have opened back up, plus we  explore the saga behind the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant.

In this episode you’ll hear from:

Angela Tharp from the Flamingo Cantina
Will Bridges from Antone’s
Independent music business manager  Peter Schwarz
James Moody from Mohawk

AUSTIN, TX. May 27, 2021. Mohawk reopens with a sold out performance of Heartless Bastards with The Tender Things. Michael Minasi/KUTX

Texas Standard: July 5, 2021

We know a special legislative session starts this week. What we don’t know is what’s on the agenda. This week we’ll talk to Republican and Democratic strategists about the special session. Up first- the Democrats. Also, one in every four COVID-19 infections are from the aggressive delta variant. We asked health experts for their recommendations. And Texas based Exxon-Mobil is in the hot seat after revelations from a secret recording, we’ll tell you more. And how the student athletes of today will be able to do what students athletes of the past could never do – profit from their name and likeness. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

Confucius vs Verzuz

This week on The Breaks:

  •  Fresh is still out so Confucius talks about the recent Verzuz between Souja Boy and Bow Wow, both of whom have been accused of physically assaulting women and asks whether the organizers of Verzuz should be more accountable when it comes to the artists they showcase.
  • Confucius talks about the recent article in the Austin Chronicle that he was interviewed for called “21 Austin Rappers to Know in 21.”  He applauds the spotlight on Austin’s hip-hop scene and encourages artists who may not have made it on the list not to worry and to keep on doing the work they love.
  • you’ll learn interesting things about Cardi B, Young Thug, The Weeknd, T-Pain, Kanye & more in this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts.
  • Confucius talks about Tyler the Creator after the release of his new mixtape “Call Me if You Get Lost.”
  • In his Confucius Says segment, Confucius encourages listeners to lean into loyalty.

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

 

Texas Standard: May 24, 2021

Hurricane Harvey devastated Houston. We’ll look at why it’s not getting any federal money for flood mitigation managed by the Texas General Land Office. Also, Texas uses gas taxes to help to maintain and build new roads. So how does it make up the loss in revenue from more people driving electric vehicles? Some say the potential answer sends the wrong message. Plus, PTAs in wealthy parts of one Texas school district have actually been paying staff salaries. Why the practice is ending and what could replace it. And there’s been a lot of back and forth about how the capital city makes room for people experiencing homelessness. Austin voters said one thing, now state lawmakers may add another. Where things stand now. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

Mobley (Ep. 22, 2021)

On this week’s In Black America program, producer and host John L. Hanson speaks with Austin-based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mobley, aka Anthony Watkins II, about his recent release, Young and Dying in the Occident Supreme.

Texas Standard: April 20, 2021

A bill to allow permitless carry of handguns in Texas has passed the House. A done deal in the Texas Senate too? Not so fast. Although republicans have control of the senate, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick says he does not now have the votes to pass permitless carry. We’ll hear the latest. Also, it was a rare act of bipartisanship to save music and theatre venues hard hit by the pandemic. Now months later, none of the money has been allocated. What’s the holdup and will Texas stages survive? Plus the push to address homelessness in the capitol city amid political controversy over public camping. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

KUT Weekend – April 16, 2021

New challenges in the rush to get people vaccinated: unfilled appointments! Plus, renters still stuck in limbo after their homes were damaged by the February winter storm. And how librarians are using the outdoors to get kids reading together again. Those stories and more in this edition of KUT Weekend!

Survey at survey.kut.org

Texas Standard: April 5, 2021

2 trillion for infrastructure. The big push from the Biden administration. But what might those big plans mean for the Lone Star State? We’ll have details. Plus, going to a concert? Baseball game? Getting on a plane? You may need a passport for that. The push for and the controversy over so-called vaccination passports. Also Dr.Fred Campbell of UT Health San Antonio takes on more of your COVID-19 questions. And new lockdowns in other parts of the world and the ripple effects on Texas and the energy business. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

KUT Weekend – April 2, 2021

COVID numbers continue to flatten in the Austin-area. Plus, why it’s so hard to find out what Austin Energy circuit your home is on. And how an out-of-work musician’s latest album was inspired by having to spend hours on hold with the unemployment office. Those stories and more in this edition of KUT Weekend!

Subscribe at https://weekend.kut.org

KUT Weekend – March 26, 2021

Texas expands coronavirus eligibility to everyone over 16 in Texas starting Monday. Plus, the legacy of Austin civil rights leader Bertha Sadler Means. And the story behind Herman the singing plumber. Those stories and more in this edition of KUT Weekend!

Subscribe at https://weekend.kut.org