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

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Austin warming shelter’s lack of nutritious food draws concern

Nighttime temperatures in Austin won’t be cold enough this week to warrant the opening of warming shelters, but last month’s prolonged freeze did highlight the lack of nutritious food being served at one refuge in town. We’ll hear from someone who’s taken shelter there and the people helping to fill the need.

Travis County District Attorney José Garza is joining a group of DA’s banding together to hold federal officers accountable to the rule of law. We’ll look at what brought them together, and the complicated process that the project is hoping to tackle.

And a new photo exhibit at the Austin Central Library celebrates Black-owned businesses in Austin, and their role in preserving the city’s cultural history.

Nonprofit starts new Austin music industry fund

There are about 43,000 people experiencing homelessness in Texas, and more than 3,000 of them are Austinites. We’ll take a look at the programs and services helping people get back on their feet here in the city. https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/esperanza-community-austin-ged-classes-adult-education-texas/

Most people have gone down a one-way street before – and downtown Austin is full of them. But it wasn’t always that way, and soon, we could be heading back to our old ways of two-way streets if a city commission recommendation moves forward. https://austincurrent.org/2026/01/26/austin-roads-traffic-downtown/

A local nonprofit supporting the Austin music industry has created a new fund. We’ll hear about why it was launched and what it means for venue staff working in the music scene. https://www.kut.org/health/2026-01-05/sims-foundation-austin-tx-dick-chalmers-music-venue-program-mental-health-fund

Plus, new Austin music that you might’ve missed in the first month of 2026. https://kutx.org/

Tamales in Texas: A holiday debate with deep roots

Millions of student loan borrowers are bracing themselves for big changes. We’ll have details on the end of the so-called SAVE program and why experts worry millions of student loan borrowers may be forced into default.

As some Texas cities cut funding for homeless services, a look at one approach from nonprofits: giving cash directly to people who need it.

With Netflix in the news this week, tech expert Omar Gallaga notes some users are already spotting a change in how they stream the service at home as mobile casting is discontinued.

Plus, the great tamale debate: Corn husk or banana leaf? Sweet or savory?

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.

Tim Duncan’s story comes home to Texas screens

As the federal government shutdown drags on, the impact grows worse. From food benefits to trade, what it means for the Lone Star State.

Texas does not have regulations for police pursuits, and some end in deadly crashes. What can we learn from Minnesota, where accountability rules offer a potential model for reform.

Immigrants with college degrees often still struggle to find work that matches their training, but adult education programs across Texas are helping these professionals reconnect with their fields. The Standard’s Sarah Asch reports.

A new documentary premiering at the Austin Film Festival spotlights the life of Spurs great Tim Duncan.

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.

Amarillo startup wants AI to go nuclear

A Texas congressional redistricting fight enters the courtroom, with both sides taking different positions from those taken earlier. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey with more on the start of what’s expected to be a nine-day federal hearing over new congressional maps.
The most polluted air in Texas? We’ll hear why a Houston community may have a tough time getting companies to take speedy action to clear the air.
Also, would you vote for an increase in property taxes if it meant helping people who are homeless find a place to live? A test of that idea on the ballot in Austin.
Plus, the Amarillo startup wanting AI to go nuclear, the week in Texas politics with the Texas Tribune, and much more.

Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support our work by becoming a sustaining member at supportthispodcast.org.

KUT Morning Newscast for September 18, 2025: A new audit finds the City of Austin is falling behind on its “zero waste” goals

Central Texas top stories for September 18, 2025. News organizations fight to unseal Texas AG Ken Paxton’s divorce case records. A new audit finds the City of Austin is falling behind on its “zero waste” goals. Austin severs ties with a nonprofit that runs two downtown homeless shelters. ACC has a new partnership to help students find affordable housing. Leander ISD is considering closing some schools amid a budget deficit. Austin FC beat Minnesota last night, they move to advance to the U.S. Open Cup Final.

KUT Morning Newscast for May 1, 2025: Whooping cough cases are rising in Texas.

Central Texas top stories for May 1, 2025. Whooping cough cases are on the rise in Texas. Texas Senators approved a bill that could shut down a church’s homeless navigation center in South Austin. Texas Governor Greg Abbott says he’ll pull state grant funding from San Marcos if the city passes a resolution related to the war in Gaza. 

Trump’s first executive orders focus on immigration

Much of Texas is dealing with dangerously cold temperatures and conditions that make travel hazardous. How the state is coping – plus a look at the power grid.

President Trump declared an emergency on the U.S.-Mexico border and issued several executive orders on immigration. We’ll delve into the details.

A look at the life and legacy of Cecile Richards: The former president of Planned Parenthood, and a major force in Texas and national politics, has died of brain cancer at 67.

Plus: Texas Standard intern Yoali Rodríguez reports on the designers working to make El Paso a new fashion hub.

KUT Morning Newscast for December 12, 2024

Central Texas top stories for December 12, 2024. A lot coming from City Council today, starting with the vote on a roadmap for keeping electricity reliable and affordable into the future. Austin City Council is set to approve funding to continue operating the Marshalling Yard homeless shelter. Austin City Council will vote on designating 1500 East on 12th street as a City of Austin Landmark. Williamson County is preparing to launch a new office of death investigators.

KUT Morning Newscast for November 22, 2024

Central Texas top stories for November 22, 2024. The City of Austin has denied a request for a recount from mayoral candidate Carmen Llanes Pulido. After the November election, the Travis County Tax Office has been calculating property owners’ 2024 tax bills. The City of Austin has adopted the new Equity-Based Preservation Plan. The City of Austin got two federal grants to bolster the Downtown Austin Community Court Mobile Court program. Williamson County is working on facilitating inmates’ access to mental health treatment. Here’s where to volunteer this Thanksgiving.  

Former Uvalde school police chief indicted over failed shooting response

A grand jury investigating the failed police response to the Robb Elementary shooting has issued indictments against two law enforcement officers on the scene, including former Uvalde school police chief Pete Arredondo.
Kathleen Dorothy Blackburn, author of the new book “Loose of Earth,” talks about her family’s search for faith healers as father died – and later, her effort to learn more about the so-called “forever chemicals” he was exposed to.
A look at the life and legacy of the incomparable Kinky Friedman, who died yesterday at his ranch outside Medina.
And: The week that was in politics includes multiple questions about the ethics of Texas lawmakers.

Coral samples in Galveston could be key to keeping the species alive

On the eve of early voting, Alexandra Samuels of Texas Monthly and Mark Jones of the Baker Institute at Rice University share a closer look at some of the big contests Texas voters will see on their primary ballots.

We’ll hear about what happened when reporters for the Houston Chronicle began mapping where tickets are being issued to people experiencing homelessness there.

Amid mounting threats from climate change, scientists at Moody Gardens in Galveston are caring for 150 coral fragments from five species to keep them alive.

Anyone up for barbecue – for breakfast? BBQ journalist Daniel Vaughn has some prime tips.

Which Texas cities take the lead in ending homelessness?

The U.S. Senate has passed a major aid bill for Ukraine and Israel – but its fate in the House is uncertain.

Despite its dominance in politics statewide, the Republican Party in Texas ain’t what it used to be. What’s changed, why, and what it means for the future.

As the numbers of people experiencing homelessness rise nationwide, some cities are making progress. A new report examines what’s working and what lessons can be learned.

In Texas oil country, two longtime rivals are expected to merge this year in a $26 billion deal. What it adds up to.

Plus, a conversation with celebrated author and poet Sandra Cisneros.

Texas frackers are going electric – but can the grid handle it?

With a push from Texas Republicans, the U.S. House moves a step closer toward a vote to impeach the head of Homeland Security.

Amid a shortage of teachers statewide, a move in Dallas to get more men of color in the classroom.

In the Texas oilfields, how a push for greener drilling has some worried about the effects on the power grid.

A browser update for the ages? Why new features in Google Chrome have one tech writer warning of the end of the human internet.

And Temu takeover? Why U.S. giants like Amazon and Walmart are rethinking their strategies as a China-based retailer turns up the heat.

Standoff between Texas and the feds continues over Rio Grande access

Tensions between Texas and the federal government intensify over Border Patrol access.

On the day after the release of the findings of a federal investigation into the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, what we’re learning and what it could mean for accountability.

With the intensification of winter weather this week, how advocates for people experiencing homelessness are trying to shelter and care for Texans left out in the cold.

A sneak peek at the Super Bowl prospects for the Houston Texans, facing a big playoff challenge this weekend.

And we’ll have the week in politics with Matthew Watkins of the Texas Tribune.

As arctic front looms, how is the electric grid looking?

As Texas braces for a true blast of wintry weather, how much should we be worried about the power grid holding up? Mose Buchele of KUT in Austin is monitoring the power grid and joins us with the latest.

Federal funding cuts for special education could hit Texas hard.

Many Texans who are eligible for Medicaid aren’t signed up. Will Bostwick shares more on his reporting for Texas Monthly.

And: Remembering a musical British invasion of Texas more than a decade after the Beatles.

What we know about the hotel explosion in Fort Worth

Investigators are still on the scene of a hotel explosion in Fort Worth as some ask if this is part of a larger trend spotted nationwide.

A special election to fill an open Texas House seat – and a race seen as a proxy for an intraparty fight within the Texas GOP.

A community like few others: Why an experiment outside Austin to provide housing for people experiencing homelessness is being seen as a potential model for other cities.

Plus: Could 3D-printed homes help with a housing shortage?

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