Central Texas top stories for October 2, 2025. UT Austin is one of nine universities the Trump administration is asking to sign a ten-point contract in exchange of giving the schools priority in accessing federal funds. Travis County and local public health provider Central Health have announced a new program to offer virtual medical care to Travis County jail inmates. If you’re traveling this month, know that ABIA is expected to be very busy. Austin FC lost their chance to win their first major trophy.
DEI
KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 2, 2025: A Texas law banning discussion of topics labeled “DEI” is being challenged in federal court
Central Texas top stories for September 2, 2025. A new state law bans certain discussions and activities related to race, gender and sexual orientation. Five people are suspected to have overdosed on narcotics early this morning at a downtown Austin bar. Texas fell from first to seventh in the AP Top 25 College Football Poll. After a couple days with highs below normal, the National Weather Service forecast shows temperatures going back above normal for most of this week.
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.
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
KUT Afternoon Newscast for July 31, 2025: Newly-drawn congressional district maps released this week by Texas Republicans would set up a showdown for the remaining Democratic seat in the Austin area
Central Texas top stories for July 31, 2025. The newly-drawn congressional district maps released this week by Texas Republicans would have big implications for voters in Travis County. The organizers of Austin’s annual LGBTQ Pride festival say they’re facing a funding shortfall. The Austin City Council is signaling its willingness to ask voters for that approval in November. Renting an electric bike from Capital Metro will cost more starting tomorrow. We have entered the hottest part of the summer in Austin.
This podcast is made at KUT and KUTX, which are public radio stations in Austin, Texas. 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.
Black farmers in East Texas feel the sting of DEI cuts
A peek into the week ahead for the Texas Legislature’s special session: We’ll hear the latest on a much-talked-about possible walkout by Democrats.
A plan to relieve congestion in Austin was approved by voters years ago – but so far, there’s not much to show for it. Is Project Connect off the rails?
The rollback of USDA diversity programs is impacting East Texas, which is home to more Black farmers than anywhere else in the U.S.
Plus: A big deadline for tariffs with Mexico on the table. If a deal can’t be reached by Aug. 1, what could that mean for Texas?
KUT Morning Newscast for May 13, 2025: An unusual heat wave will bring triple digits to the Austin area this week.
Central Texas top stories for May 13, 2025. The Austin area is under a Heat Advisory, it’s unusually early for this kind of heat. It’s an Ozone Action Day, here’s what you need to know. Texas lawmakers are considering a bill that could outlaw diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in state and local governments. Local groups are working to help residents beat the heat by distributing donated fans.
KUT Morning Newscast for April 7, 2025: A second child in Texas died from measles.
Central Texas top stories for April 7, 2025. A bill that could shut down Austin’s Equity Office is one step closer to the Texas governor’s desk. The Trump administration’s cuts to funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture are affecting food banks across the country, including here in Austin. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. traveled to Texas Sunday after a second child there died from measles. Austin Public Health is holding multiple free screenings and events this week. The NCAA women’s basketball championship game was played yesterday afternoon, without the Texas Longhorns who fell to South Carolina Friday Night.
Deadly floods swamp South Texas, shatter records
Torrential rain in South Texas leads to dangerous flooding, trapping people in their homes. How the Rio Grande Valley is recovering.
A new DEI directive led the Pentagon to purge certain historical figures from web pages. Why that decision has now been reversed.
Some churches are looking to re-purpose buildings and land to help residents who need affordable housing.
As measles cases surge in West Texas, some parents are giving children dangerous amounts of vitamin A, wrongly believing it can cure or prevent the disease.
Plus: What are the best ways to protect the state’s dwindling water supply? From recycling to desalination.
KUT Morning Newscast for March 7, 2025: Thousands of visitors flock to Austin for South by Southwest.
Central Texas top stories for March 7, 2025. South by Southwest 2025 officially kicks off this morning. State lawmakers want to further restrict equity-minded programs across Texas.
What does the Farmer’s Almanac say about Texas’ winter?
Gov. Greg Abbott announced his priorities over the weekend, and it looks like lawmakers in his party are getting right to work.
The Arlington City Council unanimously approved a drilling site that would put 10 new gas wells within a few thousand feet of homes, a daycare and elementary schools. A closer look at the debate.
The impact of bird flu goes far beyond the price of eggs. The latest on how it’s affecting Texas farms and people.
As we’ve well heard, Elon Musk is taking a big role, attempting to re-shape the U.S. government. The young engineers helping him do it.
Plus: It’s feeling a bit like spring already in Texas, but there’s still winter ahead. What the Farmer’s Almanac predicts for the coming months.
KUT Morning Newscast for November 12, 2024
Central Texas top stories for November 12, 2024. The public health crisis Travis County officials declared for accidental overdoses in 2022 is set to expire today. Austin-area college students are pushing back on efforts to further limit DEI initiatives in higher education. The Michelin Guide has announced its first-ever Texas restaurant list.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for November 11, 2024
Central Texas top stories for November 11, 2024. Austin’s former interim City Manager is accused of violating ethics rules in 2023. Impacts from a failed property tax rate increase in Liberty Hill ISD. The City of Austin has received more than 6000 applications for rent assistance. Texas lawmakers are considering ways to add further restrictions of DEI initiatives at public colleges and universities. HEB will open its new store at Oltorf and Congress in South Austin on December 4.
KUT Morning Newscast for November 11, 2024
Central Texas top stories for November 11, 2024. The Austin Mayor race outcome will come down to provisional ballots. Republicans will soon make up nearly 75 percent of intermediate appellate court justices in Texas. Texas lawmakers are looking at ways to further dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives within higher education at the request of the Republican lieutenant governor. Here’s how Round Rock is protecting its residents from package theft. The University of Texas soccer team has won its first SEC Championship.
KUT Morning Newscast for November 8, 2024
Central Texas top stories for November 8, 2024. Austin’s City Council approved spending $100,000 to support people seeking out-of-state abortions. Austin Pets Alive is asking the community to foster or adopt animals that were rescued from Bastrop this week after a wildfire. Leander ISD needs more bilingual teachers. State lawmakers consider additional measures to target DEI in higher education.
Marcus Myers
Lisa and Rich talk with Marcus Myers, former UT football player, Austin native and Diversity & Inclusion advocate in technology. He discusses his time on UT’s 2005 Championship football team, his collegiate recruitment experience, and how much college football has changed. Marcus also shares why he proudly identifies as a self-proclaimed nerd/jock, his tech journey, and some of his favorite memories growing up in Austin.
A rare strawberry moon lights the Texas sky this week
It’s been a year since the state took over the Houston Independent School District. How has that affected student scores on the STAAR test?
How the state’s rules on diversity, equity and inclusion may put an end to some university scholarships.
Why more hedge fund managers are making their home in Texas, rather than New York.
A new book examines a family’s long-buried history and pivotal role in shaping the state.
And: How Texans can take in a rare strawberry moon as summer begins.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for May 14, 2024
Central Texas top stories for May 14, 2024. DEI law compliance hearing. Travis County leaders took a big step today toward having a tax-rate increase election this year. The city says 40 to 50 Austin police officers assisted in making arrests at last month’s protests on the UT campus. The Leander School District has named Lucretia Rogers as its executive director of safety and security. The number of days in the Austin area with air quality considered unhealthy for sensitive groups increased to 21 last year.
KUT Morning Newscast for May 14, 2024
Central Texas top stories for May 14, 2024. An attempt to freeze funding for the I-35 expansion was defeated in a heated vote yesterday. Disruptions to various systems and services at Ascension-owned hospitals continue. Texas state Senators are getting an update on the steps university leaders have taken to comply with the DEI state law that took effect in January. Austin’s State of Our Environment Report for 2023. Austin Public Health is using two-million dollars in federal funding to address opioid overdoses. UT Austin will open a new center in Taylor.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for April 16, 2024
Central Texas top stories for April 16, 2024. Austin is facing a budget shortfall. San Marcos water restrictions may be changing soon. UT Austin President Jay Hartzell on staff layoffs to comply with a new state law banning DEI initiatives at public universities. “Bike lane bounty” initiative hits a snag. All Things Wild takes in a duck with a missing bill. Changes to Zilker Park’s weekend parking fee.
KUT Morning Newscast for April 4, 2024
Central Texas top stories for April 4, 2024. Today is the last day to register to vote in May’s local elections. Professors are raising concerns about the University of Texas laying off dozens of staffers in an effort to comply with a new state law. Hutto ISD is trying to prevent construction of a wastewater treatment plant near two of its schools. The City of Austin is collecting eclipse glasses to recycle them after the event.