KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts
KUT and KUTX news and music podcasts for Austin, Texas and beyond
(Episode 8) Thousands of people died under the convict lease system in Texas, and its effects can still be seen and felt today. Their descendants hope the truth leads to healing and understanding.
The full transcript and a collection of materials, letters and reports are available on our Sugar Land podcast website.
(Episode 7) How did the remains of 95 people in unmarked graves end up in Sugar Land to begin with? How one man’s remarkable life and tragic death revealed the truth about convict leasing in Texas.
The full transcript and a collection of materials, letters and reports are available on our Sugar Land podcast website.
(Episode 6) Four years after the cemetery was discovered, the Sugar Land 95 still haven’t been identified. The group in charge of researching their remains has made little progress, but refuses to cede control. Is it conspiracy or negligence?
The full transcript and a collection of materials, letters and reports are available on our Sugar Land podcast website.
(Episode 5) Fort Bend ISD says it’s not going to fund any more research on the Sugar Land 95, so a familiar group takes control. But is that group the best for the job? Plus, we start our own genealogical journey.
The full transcript and a collection of materials, letters and reports are available on our Sugar Land podcast website.
(Episode 4) The fight over how to memorialize the Sugar Land 95 has taken its toll on activist Reginald Moore. As his health declines, momentum slows. Research on the cemetery is finally made public, and the findings aren’t just surprising — they’re unbelievable.
The full transcript and a collection of materials, letters and reports are available on our Sugar Land podcast website.
(Episode 3) The fight of the century is unfolding in Sugar Land. Should the bodies be moved so construction could continue, or should they be reburied where they were found? Alliances are made and broken, Reginald Moore leads a coup, and in the end, one side claims a clear victory.
The full transcript and a collection of materials, letters and reports are available on our Sugar Land podcast website.
(Episode 2) As archeologists uncover more graves, a new person is added to the team. Catrina Banks Whitley specializes in studying human remains. And after a few months, she thinks she knows who these people might be.
The full transcript and a collection of materials, letters and reports are available on our Sugar Land podcast website.
(Episode 1) The Fort Bend Independent School District is set to start building a new school in the sweet city of Sugar Land, Texas. After years of planning, contractors finally break ground on the site. But the very next day, someone shows up with a warning: Be on the lookout for bodies.
Archival audio in this episode is courtesy of Sugar Land Heritage Foundation and provided by Texas Archive of the Moving Image.
The full transcript and a collection of materials, letters and reports are available on our Sugar Land podcast website.
The state’s largest school district has plans to start the year online and could extend that a little more. Houston ISD’s interim superintendent joins us to talk about the weight of planning this school year. We’ll also hear from teachers who are frankly afraid for themselves and their families, but also love being in the classroom. And a Texas law expert joins us to parse out exactly what’s going on with federal agents arresting people in Portland. Plus a harrowing story about COVID-19 and Texas ICE detention centers. That and more today on the Texas Standard:
Facing pushback from educators, parents and health officials the Texas Education Agency rolls back its initial orders for in person classes in the fall. Also, how parents in Texas’ largest metro area are trying to juggle mixed messages over a back to school plans in the fall. And new research in Texas showing promise for those suffering from COVID-19. Also, a new study on the connection between natural gas flaring and premature births. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
For many school districts: competing mandates from state leaders and local health officials leaving teachers parents and kids in limbo. Our conversation with superintendent of EL Paso ISD on the practical challenges of reopening public schools. Also, more on a newly unveiled proposal to cut 130 million dollars from state health services as the Coronavirus fight continues. And 5 years after the death of Sandra Bland, the mark she left at her alma mater, and on a movement. Plus the week in politics with the Texas Tribune and much more today on the Texas Standard:
New York City: once considered the national epicenter in the fight against COVID-19, now health experts fear a Texas city has taken its place. Hospitals in Houston struggling to deal with the pandemic on a scale similar to that of New York City in late spring. Our conversation with New York Times reporter Dr.Sherri Fink. Also, a warning from climatologists about a coming drought that could reshape Texas for the long term. And getting schooled by Selena: a Texas University launches a first of its kind course. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Day one, round 2: as democrats in the race for the White House duke it out in Detroit, what should Texans be looking for? We’ll explore. Plus, bad blood between some Houston police officials and the Harris county district attorney’s office. Some top cops complaining prosecutors are too soft on crime. Also, a new drug testing policy for some students near Amarillo casting a very broad net, and raising eyebrows nationwide. We’ll take a look. And a crisis at the border fueling a crisis for some church congregations? Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
A culture of cover up? Claims of abuse against juvenile offenders are swept under the carpet according to a whistleblower, we’ll have the latest. Also, after Harvey, many homeowners and businesses wondered how the flooding could have happened, given the flood maps. A new study says that’s the problem: the maps are wrong. And a symbol of Texas honky tonk music packing bags for Memphis. What the move means for the live music capitol. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
When he arrived in Texas 3 years ago, many cheered the return of the american held captive. But a new chapter in that story begins. What’s next for Bowe Bergdahl now that he’s pleaded guilty to charges in connection with his own disappearance, we’ll explore. Also: officials in Houston taking a hard second look at defending against another Harvey, we’ll have details. And the remittance marketplace with Mexico: multibillion dollar business. Could an app shake it up the way Uber has with taxis? Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
The repeal of Obamacare, promised by republicans for 7 years, appears dead for now in the senate. We’ll explore the grand gesture that led to this moment. Also, as investigators try to get to the bottom of the deaths of 10 immigrants packed into a sweltering tractor trailer. What about the company that owns the trailer? An AP investigation finds a long trail of violations and complaints from drivers, we’ll hear more. And an electronic mix-up causes the Texas Department of Transportation to stop sending out bills for the use of tollroads, we’ll hear why. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
A high school tradition, just boys being boys? Police say it was sexual assault and now the Texas Rangers are asking questions. We’ll explore the details. Also in the movies, when Mr. Smith went to Washington he used a Senate rule and it made him hero. As real-life Senators prepare to revoke the filibuster, what’s the real history? And baggage fees, extra charges for window seats, but you’ll never guess what’s really padding airlines bottom lines these days. Here’s a hint: it may be padding your wallet too. Also as umpires shout play ball across the country, a reminder of a league of our own. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
The so called bathroom bill purports to head off potential predators, but a new report suggests a more clear and present danger. The story today. Plus a nasty battle over so called sanctuary policies shows more than one way to raise public money…we’ll hear how protesters are trying to take matters into their own hands. Also New York, Chicago, LA, san Antonio—whats the most dangerous city to walk, and why might that change? Plus bucking the bust: not all unemployed oil hands left Midland when things hit bottom. And now, for those who stuck it out, things are looking up. We’ll hear what’s happened. And do you have a bad connection? For a lot of rural Texans the fix is jumping on the bus. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Your child is cured! A blistering report shows how Texas kids needing special education are getting turned away by state policies. Plus, what’s it gonna be Texas, Clinton or Trump? As polls across Texas open for early voting, what you need to be carrying…and what you need to leave back home. Also why is Texas a so-called red state, anyway? We’ll explore. And when it comes to the polls, there is a silent majority in Texas…one that can be proven by doing the math. When it comes to flexing their political muscle, what’s holding them back? All those stories and we’re just getting started, no matter where you are, it’s Texas Standard time:
A bonafide job engine, lifting the rest of the nation from recession, boosters have dubbed it the Texas miracle. But now miracle whiplash? A long running case that’s come to symbolize the strength of Texas ethics laws, or the lack thereof, could well reach a climax today. We’ll have the backstory. Also why a Texas superintendent says his students have been denied 5 years of education and why he’s blaming state education officials. Plus- taking note of the warnings? Samsung may have given up on their combustible phone, but its hardest core fans appear willing to down with the chip. We’ll hear why. Those stories and lots more today on the Texas Standard: