KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts
KUT and KUTX news and music podcasts for Austin, Texas and beyond
A dramatic move at the Texas Capitol upends a decades-long tradition of power sharing as conservative Republicans succeed in banning Democrats from chairing legislative committees.
The end of the CBP One program for asylum-seekers following President Donald Trump’s inauguration has left many with questions about their future.
And: Growing demand and industrial expansion have left Corpus Christi facing a water emergency.
The U.S. military is sending around 1,500 active-duty troops to the country’s southern border, under orders from President Donald Trump. But what will they be doing, exactly, and what are the limits on what they can do?
Half a trillion dollars have been pledged for a new AI venture called Stargate, and the first project is a data center in Abilene.
And: Sherman, Texas, is experiencing a silicon rush, with two massive microchip factories under construction – one by Texas Instruments and another by Global Wafers.
As Texans try to keep warm, volunteers are bundling up to help a particularly vulnerable population: sea turtles facing “cold stun,” a life-threatening condition.
We’re three days into the new Trump administration and trying to keep up with a slew of executive orders. Digging into the impacts on the energy industry, as well as what it means to issue a presidential pardon.
Peer support specialists can help fill the gaps in mental health care in Texas. But there are some challenges to keeping people on the job.
And: The Sundance Film Festival gives fans a sneak peek at movies before they hit theaters. We’re keeping an eye on a few with Texas ties.
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.
Parts of Texas that seldom see snow may well see frozen precipitation blanketing beaches tomorrow. We’re keeping watch.
Seven employees of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission have been fired for improperly accessing, and in some cases, stealing, from the accounts of thousands of Texans receiving public assistance.
And: TikTok went dark for U.S. users on Saturday night, hours before a ban on the service was due to take effect. But on Sunday, the service returned, with a message crediting President-elect Trump, who said he would delay the ban. We’ll have the latest.
We’ll have the latest on a dramatic drop in thermometers statewide and what that could mean for large parts of Texas next week. Also: How some are hoping to protect people experiencing homelessness from the worst of the big freeze.
The incoming Trump administration has vowed to make immigration enforcement a top priority, possibly including mass workplace raids. What this could mean for Texas workers and businesses.
And: After suing General Motors in August over alleged illegal driver data sales, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has now filed a similar lawsuit against Allstate, accusing the insurer of tracking drivers without their knowledge.
A Texas case before the U.S. Supreme Court on verifying ages for adult content has bigger implications than just whether one free speech law can stand.
TikTok users are flocking to other Chinese-owned apps as they await a ruling on whether the U.S. can ban TikTok. But a lot could still change.
Carbon capture is a growing technology in the Houston area. How it’s also now showing up in the classroom.
Texas has huge potential for offshore wind. What do bird conservationists think about the plans?
Plus: As firefighters continue to battle blazes in California, what Texas’ wildfire experts want you know about conditions here and planning ahead.
In a session-opening battle for speaker of the House – one of the most powerful positions in state government – Rep. Dustin Burrows won the role in a blow to a rising faction in the Texas GOP, and a victory for what many call establishment Republicans.
Elon Musk, Texas’ richest resident, is turning his eyes to a vastly different venture: education. Lauren McGaughy of The Texas Newsroom has the story, plus a look at her plans to dig into how Musk’s massive wealth and business ambitions are affecting his new home.
And: As the Standard celebrates our 10th birthday in 2025, we’re kicking off a year of Top 10 lists with a beloved story from commentator W.F. Strong.
As lawmakers begin their work at the state Capitol, money is at the center of it all. Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar shares a look at the current state of the Texas economy.
After a Venezuelan woman died violently in Texas, her body was sold for scientific research without her family’s consent. An investigation into the state’s trade in body parts.
The newspaper at UT Dallas faced retaliation from administrators for reporting on protests. How those reporters are fighting for a free student press.
And: Why January 6 rioters are coming to the Hill Country.
It’s go-time at the Texas Capitol as the 89th legislative session opens tomorrow, running through June 2. Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom has a preview of what to expect.
War on drugs? Or drug users? How a mass overdose event underscores what critics say is wrong with Texas’ anti-drug strategy.
You’ve heard of a super moon, blood moon, harvest moon. But what exactly is a wolf moon?
Also: an artistic linkup between San Antonio and Havana, Cuba.
With temperatures on the rise, beware the temptation to let down your guard: a waning winter storm and what it means for drivers today.
Gov. Greg Abbott is keen on an idea to pipe Houston’s surplus water to drought-stricken West Texas.
With the U.S. inauguration just 10 days away, what’s in store for the relationship between Washington and Mexico City?
Plus: 2025 taco hacks from taco journalist Mando Rayo.
As cold as it is in some parts of the state, politics are heating up in Austin. As the next legislative session nears, there’s intense infighting over who will hold one of the top spots.
Abortion access in this country has changed, especially in states like Texas, since the effective overturn of Roe v. Wade. But pregnancy terminations are actually up across the U.S.
Meta will no longer fact-check. What’s that mean for the user experience on platforms like Facebook and Instagram?
And the semifinal round is here in the College Football Playoff. Texas will face Ohio State. Can the Longhorns win it all?
Rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow are sweeping across Texas, with the Panhandle and DFW areas bracing for the worst. We’ll have the latest on this week’s forecast – and how it’s complicating life for farmers and ranchers between Dallas and Texarkana.
With the Texas Legislature set to reconvene in a few days, some lawmakers preparing to fight again for Medicaid expansion in Texas.
As the president of UT Austin announces plans to lead Southern Methodist University, a years-long fight between SMU and the United Methodist Church over a potential split is set to reach the Texas Supreme Court in just days.
Also: President-elect Trump is getting pushback from car manufacturers on his plan to roll back EV incentives and mandates.
State lawmakers want to tackle the rising cost of renting or owning a home in Texas.
Why more white-collar office workers are facing long-term unemployment.
Diane Wilson waged a legal war against the company that was polluting a stretch of Gulf Coast and won. Now the shrimper is using the settlement money to help her fishing community.
Plus: Talking with the co-authors of a new book about Bill Hobby’s life in journalism and public service.
We have the latest on what’s shaping up to be the first real winter storm of 2025 in Texas – and we’ll also turn to energy and what the winter weather adds up to for consumers and the industry.
Houston mayor John Whitmire marks one year in office. How’s it going so far?
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that in 2024, Texas gained over half a million new residents, more than any other state.
Iconic Austin venue Antone’s celebrates 50 years of Texas blues. Co-owner Will Bridges and booker Zach Ernst reflect on its legacy and what’s next.
The FBI now says it believes the suspect in the New Year’s attack in New Orleans acted alone. We’ll have an update on the latest.
Ted Cruz is poised to take over leadership of the powerful Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.
As of Jan. 1, works published in 1929 and sound recordings from 1924 have entered the public domain. The Standard’s Shelly Brisbin shares some notable highlights of what’s now freely accessible.
And: Opposition mounts against an LNG export terminal along the Texas Gulf Coast.
The FBI has identified the suspect in a deadly terrorist attack in New Orleans as Texas resident Shamsud-Din Jabbar. We’ll have the latest on the rampage that left 15 people dead.
Ahead of next week’s national day of mourning for former President Jimmy Carter, a look at his impact on the Lone Star State.
What steps should lawmakers prioritize in the upcoming legislative session to address the state’s water crisis?
And: Scientists have identified a new bee species found only in Texas and Oklahoma.
As the 89th session of the Texas Legislature looms, here’s a preview of some of the marquee issues that will likely hold the focus of lawmakers.
Ring in the new year with a countdown of our beloved commentator’s most mesmerizing tales.
Queue up some jams for your New Year’s Eve party with this roundup of some of our favorite music segments from 2024, featuring Beyoncé, the Jesus Lizard, Bayonne and more.