Oil and Gas

Oil companies face new deadlines to plug orphaned wells

Elon Musk is leaving the Trump administration. Why now, and what’s next for the Texas-based billionaire.

A bill that aims to plug the state’s abandoned oil and gas wells – sometimes called “orphaned wells” – is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk.

Insurers in Texas are partnering with aerial imaging and AI companies to assess homes from the sky.

The Trump administration continues to threaten mass deportations. But dairy farms don’t seem to be losing any workers.

And: “Tacos of Texas” podcast host Mando Rayo shares his taco hot takes.

Living near oil and gas wells linked to childhood leukemia

Cases continue to rise in Texas’ ongoing measles outbreak. Experts say they know how to stop the spread. What’s preventing that?
One priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick this legislative session is clawing back the state’s legalization of hemp-based products. Where that effort stands.
You’ll need a REAL ID to travel by air starting May 7. How to make sure you do.
New research out of Colorado finds that kids who live near oil and gas drilling sites face a higher risk of leukemia.
New to streaming: “Time Passages,” a personal documentary about memory and loss that manages to also be hopeful.
And: Texas euphemisms from commentator W.F. Strong.

Why Texas is so vulnerable to tariff impacts

Texas is in the crosshairs as tariffs against Mexico and Canada take hold. Why, what it means, and could short-term pain add up to long-term gain?

At the state capitol, a bill aimed at raising wages for workers who care for people with disabilities. Why some fear it won’t be enough to stem a critical shortage of such workers in Texas.

“Office Space” may have been a funny movie filmed in Texas, but there’s nothing funny about what a glut of unused office space is doing to the state’s metros. How one city’s trying to deal with the repercussions.

Speaking of movies, oh the horror! Why so few of the scary variety get critical acclaim, despite a growing public appetite.

The Bull of the Brazos

As the Texas Railroad Commission falls from global oil dominance, the energy crisis of the 1970s strikes and one gas company cuts power to millions. What comes next brings plenty of political intrigue, and sets up a divided system of energy regulation in Texas unlike anywhere else in the country. We talk about what that means for everyday people and energy reliability right up to today.

Written, reported, produced and co-hosted by Mose Buchele
Co-hosted and produced by Audrey McGlinchy
Produced and edited by Matt Largey
Production help from Rene Chavez and Jake Perlman

The Disconnect: Power, Politics and the Texas Blackout 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.

Texas Extra: Billy Bob Thornton and ‘Landman’

Texas Standard had good reason to talk to Billy Bob. Though he’s from Arkansas, he’s lived in Texas on a couple of occasions – and he’s played some classic Texas roles: from Coach Gary Gaines in the film “Friday Night Lights” to Davy Crockett himself in the film “The Alamo.” Billy Bob Thornton has been an honorary Texan for decades. Now, he’s secured his 7th Golden Globe nomination with another soon-to-be-iconic Texas character: Tommy Norris in Taylor Sheridan’s new series “Landman.” This is an extended interview.

A&M’s next giant leap is the Texas Space Institute

It’s still election season in the Texas Legislature, where there’s a race for speaker of the House of Representatives. We’re taking a close look at the top two contenders this week, starting today with Rep. Dustin Burrows.

Billy Bob Thornton, who’s long been an honorary Texan, has earned his eighth Golden Globe nomination for his role as Tommy Norris in Taylor Sheridan’s new series, “Landman.” He joins the show today.

Plus: Last month, the Texas A&M Space Institute broke ground near NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Director Nancy Currie-Gregg shares the details.

A North Texas city has paused all new development

Princeton, a Dallas suburb, has quadrupled in population since 2010. Recently, city leaders paused all new residential development to let infrastructure catch up.

The latest in our series on the intersection of religion and politics: students from two schools in Abilene with a diversity of perspectives and a strong desire to bridge the political divide.

A standoff is brewing between Southwest Airlines and the San Antonio International Airport over terminal expansion plans.

Also: exploring Houston’s role in the renewable energy transition – the focus of a new podcast premiering today.

KUT Morning Newscast for April 3, 2023

Central Texas top stories for April 3, 2023. Texas Education Agency taking over Austin ISD Special Education. Lifeguard hiring audit. Travis County Expunction Expo. Fitzhugh concert venue pushback. Texas oil and gas report. Nursing workforce bill.