KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts

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

Greg Abbott

Cindy Walker’s musical legacy gets renewed attention

He’s cultivated relations with top political figures, but how much is known about the ties between Elon Musk and Gov. Greg Abbott?
The Texas Newsroom’s investigative reporter Lauren McGaughy on what started out as a public records request that turned into an odyssey as she tried to learn more about the relationship between Musk and the Texas governor.
Also, she’s one of the most successful Texas songwriters in history – yet many Texans don’t even know her name. The Standard’s Leah Scarpelli reports on a push to turn the spotlight back on Cindy Walker.

Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org.

Texans consider ACA enrollment options amid rising premiums

Open enrollment for insurance plans purchased through the Affordable Care Act marketplace started this month. Millions of Texans currently use a marketplace plan, and here in Austin, folks are navigating uncertainty as premiums rise and federal subsidies expire.

State officials finally released a hoard of documents and emails between Elon Musk and Gov. Greg Abbott’s office – and a majority of the information was redacted. We’ve got more about the files and the story from The Texas Newsroom.

The Paramount and State Theatres in downtown Austin are raising funds for a major restoration that will include updated seating and new spaces. We hear more about what they’ve got planned for the future.

Texas appeals as its redistricting map is temporarily blocked

A federal court has ruled that the redistricting passed by Texas Republicans – a map that was set to eliminate one of Travis County’s two Democratic-held seats – cannot be used in next year’s midterm elections. The ruling was quickly appealed by Gov. Greg Abbott. We’ll get the latest from The Texas Newsroom.

We’ll also hear from Congressman Lloyd Doggett, who plans to run for reelection following the ruling from the federal court.

And: Travis County commissioners are facing a lawsuit over a 9.12% property tax increase they approved in September amid a disaster declaration.

Camp Mystic faces lawsuits over deadly flood

A few Democrats join Republicans in an effort to end the federal shutdown. We’ll have details.
Families of girls killed in the July 4 Hill Country flood sue Camp Mystic.
Car-dominant Texas needs more public transit to meet future needs. So says a new report from TxDOT.
And on this Veteran’s Day, the Voces Oral History Center pays homage to a helicopter pilot who served in Vietnam.

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 October 22, 2025: CapMetro has a new poliece chief

Central Texas top stories for October 22, 2025. Austin wasn’t warned that state police would be clearing homeless camps on city land, mayor says. Capital Metro has a new police chief. Travis County is looking into building a commuter rail system from Austin to San Antonio. Early voting turnout has been low.

Anti-Prop Q website raises ethics questions

With early voting underway, Austin’s Prop Q is front and center for many folks – and was the subject of an ethics complaint against a resident who created a website aiming to take down the ballot item. KUT’s Andrew Weber breaks it down.

What Gov. Greg Abbott’s latest announcement of Austin cleanup efforts means for the city.

Plus: Barbara Morgan, executive director of the Austin Film Festival, previews what to expect from this year’s fest.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for October 20, 2025: Early voting has started for the Nov. 4 election

Central Texas top stories for October 20, 2025. Early voting started today and runs through October 31st. A lack of measurable rain in Austin is creating extremely dry conditions and a rising risk of wildfires. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson is looking for a way around an order from the state to remove ideological art on city streets. The Texas football team heads to Mississippi State 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.

KUT Morning Newscast for October 20, 2025: Today is the first day of early voting in the November 4th election

Central Texas top stories for October 20, 2025. Today is the first day of early voting in the November 4th election. This year, ballots in Texas will also have 17 proposed amendments to the Texas constitution. Organizers of Austin’s local “No Kings Day” event estimated that some 20 thousand people came out to protest this weekend. Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed that a UT professor was dismissed from his administrative duties due to “ideological differences.” The U-S Grand Prix will continue in Austin through at least 2034. Today could be one of the busiest days at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The Longhorns beat Kentucky 16 to 13 on Saturday.  

KUT Afternoon Newscast for October 17, 2025: Thousands of people are expected to join the No Kings Day protest in Downtown Austin this weekend

Central Texas top stories for October 17, 2025. Governor Greg Abbott is bringing in the National Guard and State Troopers to the No Kings Day protest in Downtown Austin. Capital Metro’s board of directors will take a final vote Monday on Transit Plan 2035. Seven groups have filed briefs asking the U.S. Supreme Court to take on the case of Little versus Llano County. Yesterday was Christine DeLisle’s last day as mayor of Leander. Expect lots of traffic around Circuit of the Americas this weekend.

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 October 14, 2025: Austin has less than 30 days to remove its Pride crosswalk and the “Black Artists Matter” mural

Central Texas top stories for October 14, 2025. Austin has less than 30 days to get rid of rainbow crosswalks and the “Black Artists Matter” mural on 11th street to comply with an order from Gov. Greg Abbott. Students and faculty at UT Austin are concerned about some academic programs. Texas State University has once again fired a professor who was first terminated last month. Flights are expected to be on time at ABIA once more.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for October 9, 2025: Austin City Council OKs purchase of new homeless services center

Central Texas top stories for October 9, 2025. The city is buying a property in South Austin to serve as a housing navigation center. Texas Governor Greg Abbott wants cities and counties to remove any messaging or art from public roadways. Leander ISD has decided to reinstate books that had been removed from classrooms to comply with a new state law. The City of Austin is raising rates charged every month on utility bills for Austin Resource Recovery. It’s now been about a month without measurable rain at the official Austin recording sites.

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.

Breaking down new guidances over COVID boosters

After years of failed attempts, a so-called “bathroom bill” becomes law in Texas. We’ll cover what the rules say and how they’ll be enforced.
Thinking of getting a COVID booster and have questions? We have answers.
Why the National Weather Service offices in Austin and San Antonio are not fully staffed, even after historic flooding this summer.
A conversation with Christian Davenport, author of the new book, “Rocket Dreams,” all about the billionaires engaged in a new space race.
And today’s Hispanic heritage moment honors four-time Grammy winner Vikki Carr.

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 September 19, 2025: Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh will step down after turmoil over gender identity video

Central Texas top stories for September 19, 2025. Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh will step down today. Governor Greg Abbott has signed a bill into law that allows private citizens to sue out-of-state prescribers and distributors of abortion pills. Austin officials say they’re confident they’re complying with the law after the U.S. Department of Justice launched an investigation into the city’s hiring practices. Leander ISD is considering closing some schools to save money, but some officials are frustrated over the lack of discussion of plans. Texas Longhorn football fans are gearing up for tomorrow’s game against Sam Houston State. The City of Austin’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is hosting an Emergency Preparedness Fair today. 

A history of the Texas Civil Rights Project

Remember the Democratic walkout this summer over Texas redistricting? Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit accusing Beto O’Rourke of bribery and other charges for supporting the walkout continues – but O’Rourke appears to have the upper hand.

Recovery funds are finally on the way for many in Houston who suffered damage during Hurricane Beryl and last year’s derecho. But the need for assistance continues to outweigh available resources.

For decades, the Texas Civil Rights Project has been a force in battles for voter rights, disability access and racial and economic justice. We’ll hear from founder Jim Harrington, who’s released a new book tracing the organization’s history.

A new episode of the “Tacos of Texas” podcast delves into tequila’s deeper meaning, including personal connections and heritage.

The Texas ties to an infamous Atari flop

Gov. Greg Abbott seems to be taking THC regulation into his own hands. What we know about what he wants to change.
About 20% of Medicaid recipients lose access during the yearly renewal process because of all the red tape. How Texas researchers are trying to fix that.
Texas is home to more than 100 Hispanic-Serving Institutions, but new federal cuts could eliminate funding that supports these colleges and universities.
What to know about Texas House Rep. James Talarico, the newcomer shaking up the race for U.S. Senate.
Solving the Atari game mystery that’s been lingering for decades – and its connections to El Paso.

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

You can support this podcast 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 Morning Newscast for August 21, 2025: The Texas House passed a new congressional map designed to give Republicans an edge in Congress

Central Texas top stories for August 21, 2025. The Texas House passed a new congressional map designed to help Republicans flip five Democratic districts in the next midterms. A federal judge has temporarily blocked Texas from requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments in some school districts, including Austin. Last time a bill to ban THC products passed at the Legislature Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed it, could it be different on a second time around? Travis County will soon stop free curbside flood debris pickup service in areas affected by the July 5th floods. 

11 Texas school districts temporarily blocked from displaying Ten Commandments

A poll on Texas’ 2026 Senate race finds a tightening GOP battle between Ken Paxton and John Cornyn, and a Democratic preference for Beto O’Rourke – who isn’t yet in the race.
This morning, a federal judge temporarily blocked 11 Texas school districts from displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms. We’ll bring you the latest.
Texans are bracing for changes to SNAP requirements and cuts in funding to the program that were signed into law by President Trump last month.
And: Some Black men say they’re especially impacted by new facial hair requirements going into effect for military members.

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

You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org

A Texas firm tackles space junk

After national headlines and a pledge from California to offset Texas’ redistricting plans, the walkout by Texas House Democrats is over. Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom has the latest on the Dems’ return to Austin and what comes next.
Old satellites, tools, even food wrappers: Space debris is piling up. Now, a Texas company’s recycling initiative has NASA’s attention.
A new fight is emerging over the sale in Texas of kratom, an herbal supplement with opioid-like effects often found for sale at convenience stores.
And: A UT Austin-led team has discovered the oldest, most distant black hole yet – 13.3 billion years old.

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

You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org

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