As the nation awaits some politically charged decisions from the Supreme Court, some new opinions were handed down yesterday with profound implications for immigration. We’ll discuss the decisions concerning asylum and Temporary Protected Status.
Venezuelans in Texas hope to help people back home affected by this week’s devastating back-to-back earthquakes.
This week in Texas politics looks at new polling data in the closely watched U.S. Senate race between State Rep. James Talarico and Attorney General Ken Paxton in Texas.
Plus, a World Cup update.
Omar Gallaga
What the World Cup has revealed so far
With a U.S. Senate contest stealing the political spotlight, where do we stand in the races for the two top spots in Texas politics? A check-in on the governor’s and lieutenant governor’s races.
An unannounced feature in smart glasses could reveal the identities of people without their knowledge. Is this the future of personal networking, surveillance, or something else? Omar Gallaga tells us about it.
Also, we’ll get up to speed on the World Cup in Texas.
And what does it take to create social change in a Texas city with a conservative reputation? The new book “The Dallas Way” looks at the tactics and compromises behind a decades-long fight for LGBTQ rights.
How the Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act ruling could impact Texas
The Voting Rights Act is losing more teeth. We’ll look at what a Supreme Court ruling means for redistricting.
Also, another Supreme Court case is examining when and how police can use cell phone data. We’ll check in with our tech expert about what’s at stake.
China is making brand-new cars for cheap. It’s hard to get them in the U.S., but not impossible — just ask folks in El Paso. So, will more folks be driving them soon?
You’ve probably heard by now that FIFA World Cup games are coming to Texas. It’s expected to be huge for the sport, but how much will host cities like Dallas and Houston really benefit?
And we’re getting the dish on some taco hot takes, like is birria overrated?
Camp Mystic ruling could shape flood accountability case
The biggest city in Texas faces intense pressure from Gov. Greg Abbott over cooperation with immigration enforcement. David Goodman of the New York Times joins us with more on a threat to cut funding for Houston police unless it changes a new policy on collaboration with ICE agents.
What happens next to Camp Mystic? A hearing over what to do with damaged structures as questions remain over last July’s deadly floods.
What’s the price for memory? More than you might imagine, especially if you haven’t bought any recently. Tech expert Omar Gallaga tells us why and what it means.
And whither Artemis? What’s next for the moon.
Amid ethics probe, Rep. Tony Gonzales admits affair
South Texas lawmaker, Rep. Tony Gonzales, is facing a runoff and has now admitted to carrying out an affair with an aide who later died by suicide. Now a House committee is investigating the scandal.
How the primary election turned Tejano music star Bobby Pulido into a Democratic political contender in the general election.
The taco truck: A staple of life in Texas. Taco journalist Mando Rayo on why many working in those trucks are feeling more anxious right now.
A preview of the Texas Film Awards happening tonight.
And commentator W.F. Strong on a love of Texas authors and what may be untapped wealth on your shelf.
Talarico interview on Colbert controversy shakes up race
James Talarico’s campaign raises millions after an interview with Stephen Colbert is pulled. But was it really a backfire against President Trump? The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey with the lowdown.
A look at a hugely important hearing today for four men accused of the notorious 1991 yogurt shop murders in Austin.
Also, why are so many barbecue joints closing?
School voucher applications open across Texas
The application window opens for Texas education savings accounts, often called school vouchers. But demand may outstrip available funds. We’ll talk with two reporters for the Houston Chronicle closely following the application process, hear about the application experience of one Texas mom, and learn more about what’s included, what isn’t, and what happens if there’s not enough taxpayer money to go around.
SpaceX and xAI could be poised for the largest IPO in history. We’ll dig into what this merger means for Texas, and perhaps the future of space exploration.
And Mando Rayo, host of Tacos of Texas, on a new trend: less is more?
Protesters, DPS troopers clash outside Dilley ICE detention facility
Protesters outside the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley called for the release of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father who were taken into ICE custody in Minnesota.Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, a massive military buildup as President Trump warns Iran to abandon its nuclear program – or else. But this may be about more than just nukes.Also, what new census numbers tell us about the state of the Lone Star State.
Former Uvalde officer acquitted in first criminal trial tied to shooting
Texans prepare for a major winter storm, projected to be the most severe since the deadly winter storm of 2021. We’ll get an update on preparations by state officials in what promises to be the first real test of the power grid since Winter Storm Uri five years ago.
A Uvalde school police officer, the first law enforcement official to be charged in connection with the Robb Elementary School shooting, has been acquitted by a jury.
Also, the death of Cuban immigrant at an El Paso detention center has now been ruled a homicide.
Uvalde school shooting trial is underway
Over three years later, the first criminal trial over the police response to the Uvalde school shooting is underway. We’ll have a live report with the latest in the trial of one of the first police officers to arrive at the scene of the deadly school shooting at Robb Elementary.
With a big meeting set at the White House on Friday, we’ll review the stakes for Texas’ oil industry after the capture and arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
We’ll hear why a Texas teachers union is suing the Texas Education Agency over social media posts related to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Plus, social media’s struggles to keep a lid on AI deepfakes.
A Mexican government program is filling in US adult education gaps
You’ve heard about the ruling striking down Texas’ new congressional maps, but what does that mean as a practical matter for the upcoming primaries? The new ruling on Texas’ redistricting plan, and an expected appeal throws a lot into limbo.
Space shuttles once routinely orbited the earth many times over, but a plan to bring one to Texas is having trouble getting off the ground.
Plus, the Standard’s Sarah Asch looks at how the Mexican government is filling in the gaps for some adult education programs in the U.S.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Texas director Richard Linklater talks latest film ‘Nouvelle Vague’
At stake? Prices for consumers, billions in business activity, and the scope of presidential power. A Texas perspective as the U.S. Supreme Court takes up the case against President Trump’s tariffs.
The Wall Street Journal says “Amazonification” has come for Texas-based Whole Foods. A look at what that means.
Look! Up in the sky! Is that thing still legal? Texas drone pilots are closely watching talk of new restrictions. Tech expert Omar Gallaga tells us what’s up.
And Texas director Richard Linklater’s new film “Nouvelle Vague” is a loving ode to French New Wave cinema.
Uneven ICE notifications raise concerns
Some local law enforcement offices in Texas get a heads-up when ICE is coming to town, but others don’t. We’ll dig into why.
There’s new evidence that, no surprise, the online world isn’t always so great for today’s teens. Advice from tech expert Omar Gallaga on making it safer.
Gov. Greg Abbott has a new challenger for the 2026 election. What we expect out of a campaign from Austin Democrat Gina Hinojosa.
Taco journalist Mando Rayo shares what he’s learned from a few women in the culinary world.
A conversation with author Bryan Washington about his new novel, “Palaver,” about a man living in Tokyo, estranged from his family in Houston.
Talarico leads early in Democratic primary fundraising
The U.S. invasion of Grenada. The U.S. invasion of Panama. As the U.S. builds up a major military presence in the Caribbean, Katrin Bennhold of the New York Times talks about Venezuela and what she sees as the growing specter of regime change.
The latest on the federal government shutdown and what it means for vital ports along the Texas gulf coast.
Fundraising numbers show state Rep. James Talarico leading the pack for Democrats in the U.S. Senate race. What do the numbers tell us about how the race may be shaping up?
Plus, Daniel Vaughn, barbecue editor of Texas Monthly, has a bone to pick over a new list of top barbecue joints.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Pushback in Mexico against SpaceX expansion
The latest on the dismissal of a Texas A&M professor and the removal of two top administrators after political pressure over what was being taught in a children’s literature class – an incident that has led to concern about academic freedom.
The impact of SpaceX launches in South Texas is felt across the border in Mexico, where some officials are even weighing legal action against the company.
Tech expert Omar Gallaga on how Facebook is bringing back one of its earliest features, the “poke,” to appeal to Gen Z.
The use of facial recognition technology in Juárez is raising red flags.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Corpus Christi cancels controversial desalination project
The Legislature’s second overtime comes to a close with new political maps and a slew of Republican wins. But how do Texas voters come down on the big issues of the day? A new survey offers some answers.
After years of planning and tens of millions spent already, Corpus Christi’s city council cancels a high-profile project to deal with growing water demands.
What’s in a name? A lot if you’re talking about so-called Gulf coast shrimp. Details of a new law aimed at cracking down on the imposters.
For barbecue lovers dreaming of turning their passion into a profession, help is now a phone call or click away with Nextep Q, a hotline and website offering business advice for pitmasters.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
State parks are getting bigger and better
While the Texas House remains stalled due to a quorum break, the Senate continues its work, advancing a key education bill that could eliminate STAAR testing statewide.
Texas is seeing a boom in data centers driven by AI and crypto – but the growth comes with major energy and water demands.
Thanks to a $1 billion voter-approved investment, Texas is acquiring new land and developing trails to expand its state park system.
And: The legacy of Claude Eatherly, a North Texas native who flew a weather support plane over Hiroshima on the day of the bombing and later became a vocal anti-nuclear activist.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
The ADA turns 35: What true inclusion looks like
Texas lawmakers hear 12 hours of testimony as they take up what happened before during and after the devastating Hill Country floods.
Repeated plans to improve flood warning systems were repeatedly scuttled in the years leading up to the July 4th weekend. Neena Satija of the Houston Chronicle with what she’s learning about why.
As the Americans with Disabilities Act marks 35 years, advocates say we need to go beyond “accessibility” to build truly inclusive spaces – especially in disaster planning.
Will you soon be watching AI content on Netflix? Why it may not be a question of whether – but when?
You can support our work by becoming a sustaining member at supportthispodcast.org.
Sugar Land acquires historic district tied to city’s roots in the sugar industry
A new Texas law requires posting the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. We’ll look at the looming legal battle.
Where do Texans stand on how well state legislators are doing their jobs? What about how well the president is doing his job? A new poll by the Texas Politics Project offers a look.
The Mexican flag, long flown at restaurants and at cultural events, is more recently making a prominent appearance in protests. We’ll talk about perspectives on symbolism and cultural expression.
And: Once a company town built around sugar production, Sugar Land is now seeking to preserve its complex history with the city’s acquisition of the Imperial Historic District.
A special Texas Standard for kids, live from Abilene
Texans under the age of 18 make up almost a quarter of the state’s population, so we’ve put together a show with them in mind. We’re joining you today from Abilene and the Children’s Art and Literacy Festival.
We begin with a conversation about politics: We’ll hear from some Texas teens who make their voices heard, even though they can’t yet vote.
Checking in with our go-to tech expert about kids and technology – some tips for engaging them while avoiding some of the pitfalls.
Other familiar voices on the show will be insect expert Wizzie Brown, who is answering kids’ questions about bugs, and commentator W.F. Strong, who shares a conversation about growing up in Texas with his 10-year-old daughter.