KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts

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

Ken Paxton

How a ‘nurdle’ nightmare is costing Texas

For the first time in more than a decade, there is no incumbent in the race for one of the most powerful – and often contentious – posts in Texas. Incumbent Attorney General Ken Paxton is not running for reelection, and now seven people are vying for his office. Eleanor Klibanoff of the Texas Tribune joins us with a preview of the upcoming battle.
Also, a new study says more than half of Texas parents haven’t heard of education savings accounts, sometimes called school vouchers. We’ll see what that adds up to.
Plus, along the Texas Gulf Coast, the latest in a long-running battle against plastic pellets known nurdles.

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

You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org

KUT Afternoon Newscast for November 6, 2025: Austin-Bergstrom won’t have to reduce flights to make up for a shortage of air traffic controllers

Central Texas top stories for November 6, 2025. The FAA says forty airports will have to trim flights, but ABIA isn’t one of them. Police have charged five juveniles with engaging in organized criminal activity. A small-town official in Texas is using allegations of mortgage fraud to go after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Get ready for some weather extremes in the Austin area over the next several days. Not much change on the drought map released today. Prices at the gas pumps have continued their climb.

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.

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Data reveals intensity of ICE crackdown in Texas under Trump

1 in 4 immigration arrests are happening in Texas under the Trump administration. We’ll take a look at the statewide crackdown.
It’s Election Day. One constitutional amendment that funds a new Dementia Prevention and Research Institute for the state’s aging population is on the ballot.
A look back at our top 10 author interviews as the Standard continues celebrating a decade on the air.
Plus, a new cookbook from Chef Adán Medrano focuses on the plant-based recipes that have deep roots in Mexican cooking on both sides of the border.

What difference has a Michelin star made for Texas restaurants?

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit against Tylenol could trigger a wave of government-led litigation over claims about a highly questioned link to ADHD and autism.

A year after Michelin first arrived in Texas, the coveted dining guide has released its latest list of awardees. But what does the honor actually mean for local chefs and their businesses?

Bats are heroes for Texas farmers, eating insects that threaten crops like pecans. Michael Marks takes us to an orchard near Lockhart.

A new exhibit in Dallas, “Tell Her Story,” pairs breast cancer survivors of color with local artists to share their stories through portraits and creative works.

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

You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org

KUT Afternoon Newscast for October 24, 2025: 3.5 million Texans could lose SNAP benefits if government shutdown continues

Central Texas top stories for October 24, 2025. Texans who rely on SNAP benefits for food may not get them next month if the federal government shutdown continues past Monday. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating nonprofit Foundation Communities and Love Austin Political Action Committee. The southbound main lanes of I-35 are set to be closed tonight and tomorrow night in South Austin. The National Weather Service has the area under a Flood Watch starting tonight at 7:00.

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.

Why a Texas appeals court halted Robert Roberson’s execution

The leading Democratic candidate for Texas’ U.S. Senate seat isn’t even in the race yet – and it might not be who you think. Plus, where things stand on the Republican side as U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt joins the field against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Another delay in the Robert Roberson case. We’ll dig into the court’s ruling and what comes next.
There’s a new movement in Texas barbecue that has its roots in the Middle East and Africa. We’ll give you a taste of the rise in halal barbecue.
Austin City Limites, one the state’s biggest music festivals, aims to become more eco-friendly.
And what we can learn from one of the capital city’s most recognizable installments of commercial art.

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

You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org

New exhibit captures the meaning of ‘The Selena Effect’

A new report from the Wall Street Journal raises questions about how a prominent Texas Republican got rich as a politician. The report puts the personal finances of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the spotlight, though his supporters are calling it a hit piece. We’ll talk with one of the reporters behind the story.
A football rivalry like few others, only this year the stakes seem especially high for the Texas Longhorns as they take on Oklahoma.
What is the “Selena Effect”? A new exhibit at Texas State’s Wittliff Collections explores what is behind the enduring impact of a Tejano superstar.
Also, the week in Texas politics with the Texas Tribune and poetry from the Typewriter Rodeo.

KUT Morning Newscast for October 6, 2025: A lawsuit against a homeless service provider in South Austin is heading to court today

Central Texas top stories for October 6, 2025. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says the Sunrise Community Church is a danger to neighbors and nearby Joslin Elementary School. Today is the last day for Texans to register to vote in the election this fall. The Longhorns fell to the Florida Gators this weekend. The southbound main lanes of I-35 at State Highway 29 in Georgetown will continue to be closed at night through Thursday.   

KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 25, 2025: Fantastic Fest – Austin’s weirdest, wildest film festival – goes medieval

Central Texas top stories for September 25, 2025. The Texas Attorney General’s office has responded to a lawsuit brought by UT students. The City of Austin is now holding off on the idea of installing cameras that use artificial intelligence around parks and other green spaces. The U.S. Department of Education’s decision not to distribute already-appropriated funds to Hispanic-Serving Institutions is costing Texas colleges and universities nearly 60 million dollars. Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver signs a contract extension. Drought is spreading in the Austin area. Fantastic Fest is celebrating its twentieth anniversary 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.

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.

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 Afternoon Newscast for September 16, 2025: Travis County signs off on Central Health’s new budget — with a tax rate increase

Central Texas top stories for September 16, 2025. Travis County commissioners approved a new budget today for the local public hospital district Central Health. Travis County property taxes are going up to help cover the costs of the July 5th flooding and prepare for future climate disasters. Austin ISD and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton have reached an agreement over a lawsuit. The City of Austin is ending its contract with nonprofit Urban Alchemy, which operates two of the city’s homeless shelters. Remembering Hollywood legend Robert Redford, who spent his childhood at Austin’s Barton Springs Pool. The deadline for people affected by the July flooding to apply for FEMA assistance is less than two weeks away.

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 Afternoon Newscast for September 8, 2025: A battle between differing state abortion laws is mounting

Central Texas top stories for September 8, 2025. New York’s attorney general said she would intervene in a case brought by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. State Rep. James Talarico is expected to announce tomorrow that he’s running for the U.S. Senate. The Texas Longhorns remain at seventh in the AP rankings after their win against San José State. Gas prices have been trending downward. Temperatures will warm up this week after a cool 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 Afternoon Newscast for August 21, 2025: The Texas House passed a new district map designed to give Republicans an edge in Congress

Central Texas top stories for August 21, 2025. A new congressional map aimed at helping Republicans win five seats currently held by Democrats is now in the hands of the Texas Senate. The exact size of Austin’s airport expansion is starting to lock into place. Congressman Chip Roy announced today that he’s running for the Republican nomination for Texas Attorney General. The City of Austin is trying to bring back overnight vet care services at the Austin Animal Center. Assistant City Manager Eddie Garcia is leaving Austin to become Fort Worth police chief.

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.

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

Why police are ditching a popular gun

Redistricting seems like the entire political conversation in Texas right now, so it’s probably no surprise it’s influencing the U.S. Senate race.
Texas received millions in federal funding for adult education programs, but it was uncertain and came several weeks late.
What are the impacts of programs that give money, with no strings attached, to people and families identified with high needs? We’ll dig into a study of such a program in Texas.
A Houston police officer is suing a gun manufacturer. He’s one of many saying his Sig Sauer P320 discharged without him pulling the trigger.

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 6, 2025: Nearly 200 homes in northwestern Travis County were damaged during the July 5th floods

Central Texas top stories for August 6, 2025. A new report says nearly 200 homes in northwestern Travis County were damaged during the July 5th floods. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says he’ll go to court to have Democratic lawmakers who’ve left the state thrown out of office. The absence of Democratic lawmakers could delay key legislation and possibly trigger another special session down the road. Georgetown Independent School District officials say the district’s poised to begin this school year with a budget surplus thanks to newly appropriated state funds.

KUT News Now is made at KUT Public Media Studios. You may have heard that Congress just took back the money it had allocated for public media. 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 July 29, 2025: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton files a legal petition in an ongoing battle over conflicting state abortion laws

Central Texas top stories for July 29, 2025. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a legal petition against a New York county clerk in an ongoing battle over conflicting state abortion laws. The Texas Senate’s Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting on Monday held the third of four scheduled meetings. The Austin area is returning to hot, dry weather this week after an unusually wet start to the month.

KUT News Now is made at KUT Public Media Studios. You may have heard that Congress just took back the money it had allocated for public media. 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 Afternoon Newscast for June 18, 2025: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is demanding the city of Austin stop contracting with anti-gun companies

Central Texas top stories for June 18, 2025. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sent a letter to the city of Austin demanding they cease contracting with anti-gun companies. CapMetro’s police chief is leaving the transit agency. Governor Greg Abbott says he’s still on the fence about whether he’ll sign or veto a bill that would ban consumable products containing THC. Austin paramedic Selena Xie announced today that she’s running for a seat on the Austin City Council. Travis County residents are invited to hear updates tonight on the county’s progress building a mental health diversion center.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for May 28, 2025: Barton Springs remains open for night swim

Central Texas top stories for May 28, 2025. The City of Austin had planned to close Barton Springs Pool an hour earlier than normal starting later this week. The Williamson County DA is joining other counties in the state in suing the Texas attorney general over new oversight rules. After some welcome rounds of rain, our chances for more are starting to drop off. Early voting is underway in the runoff election for Bastrop mayor.

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