From one end of Texas to the other: Parades, celebrations and service events in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Veteran host of “In Black America,” John L. Hanson Jr., pays tribute to the civil rights leader.
We’ll also hear from the host of a new PBS documentary on the evolving legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
We’ll delve into the death of an ICE detainee at the nation’s largest detention facility in El Paso – a death that may soon be ruled a homicide.
And a projected shift in Texas weather.
flooding
Texts show officials’ confusion amid Hill Country floods
Text messages from officials in Kerr County reveal confusion amid the July 4 Hill Country floods last year. Information and misinformation spread amid the flooding that killed more than 130 people. We’ll talk about those messages.
More changes are coming to I-35 as work continues on overhauling the highway at the center of Austin. We’ll dive into what to expect on the roads and how it could impact your travels.
Plus, the Alamo Drafthouse is doing away with pen-and-paper ordering and folks have feelings about it.
And a chat about the TV shows you and everyone else will be talking about all year long.
Austin women’s skateboarding group builds space and community
A new investigation shows officials were confused about how many were missing at Camp Mystic in the hours after the deadly July 4 Hill Country flood.A disruption in the courtroom during the trial of the school police officer accused of not doing enough to intervene in the Uvalde shooting: Why the sister of one of the teachers killed said she couldn’t keep quiet. SpaceX rocket launches in South Texas have affected some commercial flights. We’ll look at a ProPublica investigation over how explosion debris could endanger nearby airplanes. The Texas Supreme Court is gearing up to hear more cases. We’ll preview what’s at stake.
Plus, a profile of a new and growing skateboarding group in Austin that’s defying stereotypes.
New CDC childhood vaccine guidance raises questions
Earlier this month, the CDC reduced the number of recommended vaccines for children. The change has flummoxed some parents and pediatricians in the Austin area. We’ll listen to some of the questions they’ve been asking.
It’s been more than six months since deadly flooding killed more than 130 people across Central Texas and the Hill Country. Recovery is still a long way down the road. We’ll have an update from some of the folks still working through that process.
Plus, the ATX Free Fridge Project has been filling in gaps in food access across the Austin area for more than half a decade, but the project itself could use a little love and help these days.
And with a new year comes new art in the public domain. We’ll find out what’s been added in 2026.
What’s next after Supreme Court restores Texas’ congressional map?
The eyes of many Texans are on the U.S. Supreme Court – with new redistricting maps hanging in the balance. The Texas Tribune’s Eleanor Klibanoff joins us with an update on a legal back and forth that could affect which maps Texas uses for the 2026 election season.
Another Texas Republican, U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls, says he won’t seek reelection to Congress. That makes him the sixth GOP lawmaker to step back from elected office as we approach a new election season. What’s behind these departures?
Also, a common refrain from Texas restaurants this holiday season: “Cash please, not credit.”
KUT Morning Newscast for October 30, 2025: Neighbors of Sandy Creek are still in need of volunteers after July floods
Central Texas top stories for October 30, 2025. The City of Austin says it’s connecting those living outside with housing and medical services. Neighbors of Sandy Creek say they are still in need of volunteers after the July floods. Prop 12 would amend the Texas constitution to grant the governor significant new powers when it comes to disciplining or dismissing elected judges. Make sure the tire pressure on your car is right during this cold front. Austin FC fell to LAFC last night.
KUT Morning Newscast for September 24, 2025: Camp Mystic is set to reopen one of its camps next year
Central Texas top stories for September 24, 2025. Camp Mystic, where 27 girls died during July 4th flooding, is set to reopen one of its camps for summer 2026. A new rule from the Trump administration could make it more difficult for businesses in Central Texas to attract skilled workers from foreign countries. One of Austin’s most popular trails will face intermittent closures due to I-35 expansion. A cold front is coming into the Austin area this week.
Matthew McConaughey returns with ‘Poems & Prayers’
Hurricane Harvey caused historic flooding in Houston. Why developers are once again building homes in flood-prone areas.
Gambling is illegal in Texas, but there is a gray area when it comes to online betting on sports teams: prediction markets and daily fantasy sports.
Food banks are reporting steep increases in demand as families struggle with higher costs and stagnant wages
An interview with Matthew McConaughey about his new book, “Poems & Prayers.”
And: From rancheras to country to rock and roll, we celebrate the incomparable Freddy Fender.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Some people feel the news are overwhelming right now. Experts say there’s a way to cope.
Tariffs, job cuts, tragic flooding, and a fatal shooting in Austin. The news cycle can be exhausting for some, how does that impact us? KUT’s Jennifer Stayton spoke with with Central Texas neuropsychotherapist Bella J. Rockman about it.
Tesla’s robotaxi plans shift into gear
Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom joins the show with a live update from the Capitol as the Legislature’s first special session ends amid a Democratic walkout.
After flooding and a historically wet July, new concerns about water levels dropping.
As students return to the classroom, more and more schools are being shuttered. The Standard’s Zachary Suri examines the long-term impact in Austin.
Tesla now has a permit to offer ride-hailing in Texas through next August. The company’s been testing robotaxis in Austin since June, and Elon Musk says “open access” is coming soon.
Ag commissioner outlines rural flood aid
Over the weekend, the number of missing in the Texas Hill Country dropped drastically. What happened?
Checking in with those whose livelihood is at stake after the flood, including farmers and ranchers in the region.
Why so many Texans don’t have flood insurance.
The governor ordered an end to remote work for state employees, but now he’s backtracking. What happened? We’ll break down the research on remote work.
Could your medicine one day be made in space?
And we’ve all heard two heads are better than one… How about two leaders? A Houston museum says yes.
The rise of Maren Morris
As lawmakers return to Austin for a special session, who got the most accomplished in the regular? Why the numbers don’t tell the whole story.
With state legislators set to take up flood relief and related matters, we’ll hear how the region’s fairing two weeks after those deadly flash floods, and we’ll hear about efforts concentrated on the Spanish-speaking community in one of the hardest-hit counties.
A longstanding effort to provide healthcare services at the border, shut down over cutbacks.
Plus, Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Maren Morris is bucking industry expectations with a new album.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
KUT Morning Newscast for July 16, 2025: Williamson County issues vouchers to assist with the cleanup after floods
Central Texas top stories for July 16, 2025. Williamson County officials say they have shifted to clean-up and recovery mode after deadly flooding swept through the area on July 5th. Austin’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is hosting an Emergency Preparedness Pop-up event today where people can learn what to do before and after a disaster. In a state where natural disasters are common, emergency alerts are meant to break through the noise but often get buried under other notifications. Rent prices in the Austin area fell 8 percent in June. The Austin area HIV Planning Council is hearing feedback tonight from people living with HIV or AIDS.
In wake of Hill Country floods, how to talk to kids about tragedy
A week after the Hill Country floods, the president and first lady will visit Kerr County as the search for the missing continues and storms are in the forecast for the weekend.
Talking to kids about tragedy: A Dallas-based pediatric psychologist on how to deal with their questions and their anxieties.
Gov. Greg Abbott has added flood response to the call for the upcoming special session of the Legislature, along with another new item – mid-decade redistricting.
Plus: The week in Texas politics with The Texas Tribune.
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 9, 2025: The City of Austin is providing staff and resources to help communities in need in the wake of the deadly flooding
Central Texas top stories for July 9, 2025. Burnet County authorities released the identities of four people lost to the flooding. The number of dead in the Hill Country has climbed to 95 on day six of search and recovery efforts, with more than 160 still missing. Austin firefighters are deciding this week if they support the leadership of Fire Chief Joel Baker after controversy surrounding firefighters’ deployment during last week’s historic flooding. TxDOT’s invoking emergency powers to replace a bridge that got washed out by the floods in northwest Travis County.
KUT Morning Newscast for June 26, 2025: Lionel Messi will play in Austin for the first time
Central Texas top stories for June 26, 2025. State agencies can now develop their own telework plans, after Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill into law late last week. Austin area nonprofits are trying to re-home pets ahead of the 4th of July holiday. Lionel Messi will play in the Major League Soccer All-Star Game that is set to take place at Q2 Stadium in Austin. The City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department wants people’s input on its Strategic Plan to Protect Austin’s Creeks and Communities.
KUT Morning Newscast for May 30, 2025: Austin has paid out $27 million to people injured by police during 2020 racial justice protests.
Central Texas top stories for May 30, 2025. After Wednesday’s storms and floodings, officials are asking residents not to drive through low water crossings. Wednesday’s storms brought rain, hail and wind speeds up to 85 mph, but only to some parts of town, here’s why. Power outages continue in Austin after storms. Five years after protests following George Floyd’s murder, Austin has finally settled nearly 30 lawsuits over police conduct.
KUT Morning Newscast for April 16, 2025: A new report says APD is struggling to recruit officers.
Central Texas top stories for April 16, 2025. A new city audit finds APD is struggling to recruit new officers. Travis County officials are encouraging residents to be prepared for potential severe weather. The Texas Supreme Court ruled the City of Dripping Springs can move forward with the expansion of its South Regional Wastewater System. A project to build a tollway along Ronald Regan Boulevard has received mixed support from residents.
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.
Tips for insurance and tree care as Texas recovers from Beryl
More than 1 million Texans are still without power in the wake of Hurricane Beryl’s sweep across Southeast and East Texas. Brent Taylor of the Houston Office of Emergency Management joins with the latest on damage assessments, ongoing outages and the growing concerns about heat.
What do Texans need to keep in mind as they repair and rebuild? More on insurance considerations for those affected, plus guidance on caring for trees after a major storm.
Also: In recent years, Texas has lost more rural hospitals than any other state. Now mobile clinics are rolling out to provide vital medical services where they’re needed most.