Dark Skies

Probe raises concerns over pregnant migrant girls held in Texas

The FAA reopened airspace around El Paso as abruptly as it shut it down. We’ll dig into what we know about the strange and unprecedented actions.
A months-long investigation from The Texas Newsroom and The California Newsroom finds pregnant migrant girls are being held at a South Texas shelter that’s been flagged as medically inadequate. Why even some within the Trump Administration are concerned.
Have you noticed more political ads touting concerns about Islamic terrorism? An analysis about what could be behind the change in GOP rhetoric.
We’re approaching the five-year anniversary of the deadly winter storm that almost led to the failure of the grid that powers most of Texas. “Dark Texas,” a new novel from author Charles J. Petrie Jr., explores what could have happened if the grid did fail.
Plus, West Texas Democrats have new hope for wins after Taylor Rehmet’s unexpected victory in Tarrant County.

Encore presentation: A special broadcast from the McDonald Observatory 

Texas Standard had the best seat in the state for the recent Geminid meteor shower. We’re revisiting our special broadcast from the McDonald Observatory earlier this month. 

We’re focused on space science, including the history of this West Texas research gem – and how it’s continuing to contribute to what we know about the universe and beyond. 

Dark skies are essential for observation, but there are challenges with light pollution. What they’re doing out in Fort Davis and what you can do at home. 

Plus: A conversation with StarDate star Billy Henry. 

A special live broadcast from the McDonald Observatory

The Geminid Meteor Shower is happening, and we’ll have tips for your stargazing in a special live broadcast from the McDonald Observatory.

Today we’re focused on space science, including the history of this West Texas research gem – and how it’s continuing to contribute to what we know about the universe and beyond.

Dark skies are essential for observation, but there are challenges with light pollution. What they’re doing out in Fort Davis and what you can do at home.

Plus: A conversation with StarDate star Billy Henry.

Adrian Quesada: The Spectrum and the Stars

Grammy-nominated musician and composer Adrian Quesada reflects on the spectrum of darkness, and the meaningful experience of connecting music with memories.

(SPF 1000) Vampire Sunscreen is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.

You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org.

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

The McDonald Observatory

(AKA the stars at night)

This Typewriter Rodeo poems celebrates one of Texas’ most beloved scientific treasures.

KUT Morning Newscast for July 19, 2022

Central Texas top stories for July 19, 2022. Record high temps today for Central Texas. Austin ends partnership with Front Steps, the nonprofit that manages the downtown shelter for people experiencing homelessness. Teacher vacancies are up across the state. Solar roofing company building a facility in Georgetown. Addressing light pollution in Texas.