Hispanic Heritage Month

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.

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Is that Freddy Fender on my tortilla?

Let’s talk about folklore in Mexican cooking from apparitions of La Virgen or Freddie Fender on a tortilla, good and bad omens to ofrendas for our loved ones. Guest is Ayden Castellanos from the podcast, SUSTO.

How women’s pro basketball traces its roots to Houston

Tonight, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Democratic challenger Colin Allred face off in their one and only debate. We’ll have a preview of what to expect.
A new tool gives Texas high school students a look at universities that will accept them before they fill out an application.
In the next part of our series on the history of the Texas Farm Workers Union, a look at the group’s 1,600-mile march to Washington, D.C.
How volunteer amateur radio operators have helped during recent hurricanes.
And: Remembering the pioneering professional women’s basketball team the Houston Angels.

The untold history of the Texas Farm Workers Union

Over a span of 13 years, federal Judge Janis Jack repeatedly demanded that state officials do more to fix Texas’ troubled foster care system. Now, she’s been ordered off the case.
As Election Day nears, political polls are everywhere. Many are done by phone. But with so many people ignoring calls labeled “political survey,” who’s actually participating?
And: We’re kicking off a three-part series that dives into the history of the Texas Farm Workers Union – a group that existed only briefly but played a key role in the fight for farmworker justice. The Standard’s Raul Alonzo has the story.

Texas air pollution monitoring scaled back by TCEQ

As Hurricane Milton takes aim at Florida, a new report raises questions about Texas’ efforts to curb gases linked to climate change.
As we continue to track the category 4 hurricane bearing down on Tampa, emergency resources are already spread thin, partly due to ongoing efforts to recover from Hurricane Helene. We’ll take you into the air with troops taking part in recovery efforts in North Carolina.
Also, several cities are fighting back against a new law few Texans have heard of that allows property owners to get out from under development regulations.
And meet the “Godmother of Mariachi Education,” who brought the music to schools across Texas.

The religious backdrop surrounding debate over migrant aid

Looking for zingers in last night’s vice-presidential debate? You might come up short. What does it add up to just five weeks out from Election Day?
We’ll talk with a Texas-based political expert about what may be the last real faceoff between Republicans and Democrats before the presidential election.
A rocket attack on Israel and vows of retaliation against Iran. UT-Austin’s Jeremi Suri on a new chapter in a widening Mideast conflict.
Also, in our series on the nexus between politics and religion, how some in the Texas GOP, who often cite their own faith to push policies, have come after faith-based groups helping migrants.

What to expect as Mexico’s new president takes office

Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, is inaugurated today. What her administration means for trade, the border and more.
Dock workers from Houston and ports up and down the East Coast are now strike. How that affects the supply chain and what’s on store shelves.
A UT Austin psychology professor shares his findings on the science of motivating young people.
Ron Stallworth’s book “Black Klansman” inspired an Oscar-winning film. His new book is about his time fighting gangs in Mormon country.
And: A Hispanic Heritage Month spotlight on the legacy of Selena.

Proposed school curriculum with Bible stories nears vote

A possible government shutdown looming with an Oct. 1 deadline. With the backdrop of elections, how might this story unfold? UT-Austin political science professor Sean Theriault talks about a perennial issue of government funding and where its headed.

Bible stories in the classroom? The Texas Education Agency is getting a lot of feedback and blowback over a new curriculum.

Mando Rayo of the Tacos of Texas podcast introduces us to a James Beard award winner in the Rio Grande Valley named the best chef in Texas.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, a look at some of the artists shaping the sounds of Texas.

Also, the week in politics, Typewriter Rodeo and more.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 18, 2024

Central Texas top stories for September 18, 2024. Travis County is giving 15 million dollars to nonprofit organizations to build more housing. Hays County Commissioners have approved a new budget. Central Texas education officials say the state has not provided enough money to implement school safety legislation passed last year. An Austin police officer who was charged twice with murder will face a lesser charge. The Austin History Center is hosting conversations with the community to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The Texas Volleyball team is headed up to Waco tonight to face former Big 12 foe Baylor.

KUT Morning Newscast for September 18, 2024

Central Texas top stories for September 18, 2024. Travis County filed a federal lawsuit accusing state leaders of violating the National Voter Registration Act. Austin has seen a rise in its older population over the last decade, that’s according to a new Census survey. Travis County Commissioners postponed a vote on the budget for Central Health. Barton Springs pool will open tomorrow. The Austin History Center is hosting conversations with the community to celebrate Hispanic/Latino Heritage month.

KUT Morning Newscast for September 13, 2024

Central Texas top stories for September 13, 2024. A larger percentage of Austin renters are living in housing they can’t afford, according to new Census data. Travis County staff are making sure ballots are accurate and voting equipment is working properly for the November election, they are encouraging residents to come see the process for themselves. Hays County voters will decide on a major bond for road improvements this November. Starting in March, British Airways will fly from Austin to London Heathrow twice a day. The Austin based theater group Proyecto Teatro got selected to be part of the Encuentro 2024 festival in Los Angeles.

The long push for using public dollars to pay for private schools

What the battle over charter schools in Texas 30 years ago reveals about the fight that’s currently underway at the state Capitol over changes in education policy.

Serious questions abound about the reliability of a highly in-demand fighter jet built in Fort Worth.

The legend of La Llorona – the crying woman – no doubt arrived in Texas with the earliest Mexican settlers and has haunted our rivers, lakes and streams ever since. Commentator W.F. Strong shares one version of the story.

Plus, a political crisis in Guatemala and the implications for migration.

Dallas pastor stuck in Israel shares what he’s seen amid renewed conflict with Hamas

A third special session of the Texas Legislature gets underway and it’s not just education that’s on the agenda. Although the governor’s push for a so-called education savings accounts is getting the lion’s share of attention as the session starts, border security is rising fast as a top issue. Julián Aguilar of the Texas Newsroom joins us with more.

As Texas lawmakers offer support for Israel, some Texans are feeling the effects of war firsthand. We’ll talk with the head of a Dallas interfaith group caught in Israel at the outbreak of fighting, now trying to get himself and his colleagues back home safely.

KUT Morning Newscast for September 16, 2022

Central Texas top stories for September 16, 2022. APD license plate readers. Parkland dedication fee increase. Austin Police Oversight Act. Leander water restrictions. AISD affordable housing. Sticky “honeydew” secreted by aphids. Mexican American Cultural Center’s Diez y Seis de Septiembre celebration.

KUT Morning Newscast for September 15, 2022

Central Texas top stories for September 15, 2022. License plate readers program. Homeless housing efforts. Austin “Resilience Hubs.” Eanes ISD safety and security town hall. Latino voters. Hispanic Heritage Month. Austin FC secures spot in MLS playoffs. Austin FC fan band.

Texas Standard: October 15, 2021

A likely appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court as the 5th Circuit reaffirms a decision to let Texas’ near total abortion ban remain in effect. Other stories we are tracking: in the final days of a third special session, the Texas House green lights a bill that would force transgender Texas youth to play on public school sports teams that align with their sex assigned at birth. Also, why supply chains have become a big worry for everyday Texans. And a horror film with a message steeped in the Mexican American experience. We’ll meet the star who hails from the Rio Grande Valley. Plus the week in politics and more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: October 13, 2021

Was election day in South Texas 2020 an omen for Democrats in 2022 and beyond? A prediction and a prescription getting a lot of attention. Coming up, a warning for democrats hoping to pick up swing states, and what it could mean for Texas. Also the Biden Administration’s plans for a border reopening. Angela Kocherga has more from El Paso. And the image of the firefighter: iconic, and often male. An effort to give teenage girls hands on experience that could lead to careers fighting wildfires. Plus Texas bracing for the effects of hurricane Pamela. We’ll have the latest on that front and much more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: October 1, 2021

Redistricting in a new era: there was a time when Texas lawmakers had to clear new political maps with the federal government. We’ll look at the redistricting process in Texas without the full force of the voting rights act. Plus, concocting a crisis. We’ll learn more about how media and law enforcement shape perception and policy along the border. And Explosions in the Sky play the Big Bend so to speak. A soundtrack for far west Texas. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

Joe King Carrasco y Colectivo Chihuaha: “Carrera Larga”

If you have even cursory knowledge of the Tex-Mex genre, then you’ve likely already heard the name Joe “King” Carrasco. Born in the Texas panhandle and currently calling Southwest Mexico his home, Joe King Carrasco’s approaching a half century worth of innovative music output, with highlights like recording with Michael Jackson and appearing on Saturday Night Live.

Recently Carrasco teamed up with Colectivo Chihuaha for what’s arguably the King’s magnum opus, Beers Bars & Guitars, a quintessential-but-modern Tex-Mex platter that came in hot just a couple weeks back. We’d be joking if we said we weren’t excited for even more from Joe King in the coming years, but since today marks the First Day of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’ll just appreciate Carrasco’s remarkable long run in its present form with “Carrera Larga”!