Time has run out for what many thought would be a game-changing endorsement in the GOP runoff for a U.S. Senate seat. President Trump has yet to weigh in on the race between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton.
On the Democratic side of the aforementioned Senate race: What may be a difficult battle ahead for James Talarico, hoping to win more support from fellow Democrats.
A federal judge orders an extension for school voucher applications.
Gov. Greg Abbott announces steps to help with a water crisis in the Coastal Bend.
The rediscovery of music recordings from a Texas prison.
And a race to the bottom that could wreck the NBA.
Hill Country
Paxton sues more out-of-state providers over abortion pills
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton files suit against a California doctor and a larger international organization for providing abortion pills to Texans. Paxton’s lawsuit is not the first time he’s gone after out-of-state providers of mifepristone — though so far, he’s had little to show for it.
After the floods in Kerrville, volunteers round what may be a post-flood turning point.
A political scandal involving South Texas Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales is gaining attention. We’ll delve into how it could shake up this election season.
And what’s behind the latest protein craze?
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.
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.
A century of redistricting fights in Texas
The high-stakes battle over redistricting continues. Why Democratic Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins took the risk and left the state.
Gov. Greg Abbott has threatened to remove Democratic lawmakers from their seats for leaving during a special session, but can he legally do that?
The history of partisan gerrymandering in the Lone Star State.
Why Texas has become a professional services hub attracting top talent and creating new jobs.
And: Remembering a Texas treasure – conjunto legend Flaco Jiménez.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Processing the range of emotions surrounding Hill Country flood tragedy
The Texas Newsroom finds that responders to the Hill Country floods called for a public alert early Friday, a warning some say came hours too late.
The upcoming special session of the Legislature, which originally looked like it would focus on regulating THC, now includes several emergency preparedness topics.
And: Gillian Rodriguez with the Texas Counseling Association in the Hill Country has been pulling together resources to help fellow Texans process the range of emotions surrounding the devastating flooding.
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 10, 2025: After deadly flooding in Central Texas, questions are raised about the region’s emergency notification systems
Central Texas top stories for July 10, 2025. As recovery efforts continue after flooding in the Texas Hill Country, officials in Kerr County have yet to answer questions about how the emergency alert system was used. The aftermath of deadly flooding in the Austin-area has raised questions about how effective the region’s notification systems are. Two of the state’s best-known brands, both born in Kerrville, are showing their support for Hill Country flood victims. Elon Musk narrowly wins fight against neighbors over Austin-area home. A program that assesses Austin’s air for biological threats will continue after federal funding uncertainty put it at risk. KUT’s Olivia Aldridge reports.
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 Afternoon Newscast for July 7, 2025: Recovery efforts are just beginning after intense flooding in the Austin area over the weekend
Central Texas top stories for July 7, 2025. The Austin area and the Hill Country are still under a Flood Watch until 7PM. Central Texans are grappling with the effects of deadly, flash flooding that hit the area over the weekend. Among one of the worst-hit communities is Sandy Creek – just outside the Leander city limits. Flooding in Burnet County hit the southern part of that area the hardest. Austin-area school districts are offering support to families following the deadly floods in Kerr and Williamson counties. The City of Austin is extending its waterways ban until noon tomorrow.
KUT Morning Newscast for March 12, 2025: Parts of Central Texas will be under a Red Flag Warning today.
Central Texas top stories for March 12, 2025. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Hill Country from noon to 9 p.m. today, in Austin it starts at 4 p.m. Travis County is applying for a grant that would go toward helping elderly residents “harden” their homes against wildfires.
KUT Morning Newscast for February 21, 2025: ACC plans to expand its partnership with Texas A&M’s engineering department.
Central Texas top stories for February 21, 2025. We’ll have below freezing temperatures tonight, Austin’s overnight shelters are set to remain open. ACC plans to expand its partnership with Texas A&M’s engineering department with a $1.5 gift from Samsung Austin semiconductor. The University of Texas head football coach is set to make more than $80million over the next seven years. The San Antonio Spurs beat the Phoenix Suns 120 to 109 at the Moody Center. The Hill Country Conservancy finalized an agreement with the John Knox Ranch to protect 255 acres of land.
KUT Morning Newscast for November 14, 2024
Central Texas top stories for November 14, 2024. Some people living in the Hill Country are protesting a proposed development that they say would deplete the area of water. Texas employers are teaming up to urge the state Legislature to make childcare more affordable and accessible to meet state workforce demands. Two Texas grandmothers are challenging a state law that prevents people with assault convictions from becoming licensed social workers.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 5, 2024
Central Texas top stories for September 5, 2024. Firefighters in Leander are looking to negotiate benefits, pay and other working conditions within the city’s fire department. Some state lawmakers, local leaders and activists are calling out what they’re calling voter intimidation after millions of people were removed from Texas voter rolls. A federal court has approved a settlement between Austin ISD and Disability Rights Texas. Texas lawmakers say they aim to expand on plans from the last legislative session to boost funding for mental health hospitals. A mosquito trap in Georgetown has tested positive for the West Nile Virus. Recent rain has helped the drought picture in the Hill Country. The top-ranked Texas Volleyball team has their home opener tonight at Gregory Gym.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for July 22, 2024
Central Texas top stories for July 22, 2024. Austin is close to getting a new police chief. Williamson County will continue to provide emergency financial support to its veterans and their families thanks to a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission. The federal government is sending $48 million to the Austin area to get people out of their cars. Austin FC will begin competing in the Leagues Cup this week. Rain has been falling in the Hill Country.
KUT Morning Newscast for May 2, 2024
Central Texas top stories for May 2, 2024. A demonstrator explains the buckets with rocks found at a pro-Palestinian demonstration this week. Lots of rain in the Hill Country last night. People in six areas on the edge of Austin could vote Saturday to remove themselves from the city. Jacob’s Well in Wimberley won’t be open for swimming for the third year in a row. The gathering of the Kyles in Kyle is later this month.
Will third time be the charm for SpaceX’s Starship launch from Boca Chica?
The University of Texas at Austin is among other colleges in the country that are bringing back a standardized test requirement for applicants.
A city report has exonerated the Uvalde Police Department for its response to the Robb Elementary School shooting. Despite the report, Police Chief Daniel Rodriguez announced his resignation.
SpaceX plans a new try at launching its Starship super heavy rocket on Thursday from its Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas.
And the discovery of an artifact that one SMU professor believes could be a link to Coronado’s fabled expedition.
The Other Hill Country
Over the next couple of months, many will set off for the Texas Hill Country to enjoy the splendor of the wildflowers celebrating spring. Many of the tourists are flatlanders, who not only love the kaleidoscope of colors but also driving the hilly roads that snake through billions of blossoms. Texas Standard Commentator WF Strong suggests a route he calls the *other hill country — that is far less traveled than its cousin to the west.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for March 7, 2024
Central Texas top stories for March 7, 2024. Garza gets votes from all over Austin. Austin City Council passed another climate change resolution. Only two republican incumbents won their primary race. Prosecutors and defense attorneys made their closing arguments this afternoon in a trial of two former Williamson County Sheriff’s deputies. Austin Police have announced an extended DWI no-refusal enforcement period. Stormy weather inbound.
Why El Paso Mexican food hits different
There’s a six-way race in Houston for the Democratic bid to represent part of the city in the Texas Senate. We’ll look at how it’s shaping up.
A case involving a Navy SEAL is testing a Pentagon policy designed to keep extremists out of the military.
Change is coming to a corridor in the Texas Hill Country known for its wineries. Why it could just be the beginning of more development.
Megan Thee Stallion’s new single, “Hiss,” is her first solo track to debut at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s also being received as a “diss” track.
And: El Paso, with its proximity to New Mexico, does Mexican food a bit different. We’ll hear about some of the people contributing to its unique flavors.
Why the U.S. Senate’s immigration bill may be ‘dead on arrival’
Supporters say it’s the most significant bill on immigration in a generation, while opponents call it dead on arrival. Liz Goodwin of the Washington Post breaks down the provisions of the Senate’s $118 billion immigration and foreign aid bill: what’s in it and why the prognosis for passage isn’t good.
New insight on how Texas Republicans are leaning and the effect of endorsements as Texans prepare to cast primary ballots.
Houston halts commercial and residential development in a part of the city designated as a cancer cluster.
Also, a new facet in the hunt for Texas blue topaz, and rockhounds aren’t happy.