Every corner of Texas holds a certain kind of unique magic. We’re hitting the road, exploring hidden history and checking out plans for some new trails.
politics
Diving into Texas history
Through the years, countless Texans have made history, though some are far less remembered or memorialized. We’re bringing some of those stories to light today, from the far reaches of space exploration to the farmworkers who fought for change with the Texas Farm Workers Union.
Some of our favorite stories of the year
We asked our team of journalists at the Standard to reflect on some of their favorite stories of the past 12 months. Today we remember efforts to save animals during the big Panhandle fire, a Texas runner heading to his final marathon, prospects for a WNBA franchise in a city that’s long gone without a pro team, and much more.
Tour the Texas Museum Map
This year we kicked off the Texas Museum Map, exploring and highlighting museums big and small, traditional and weird.
Today we’ll take a tour of the state, with stops at the Museum of South Texas History in Edinburg, the Rangerette Showcase & Museum in East Texas, and Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo, among others.
The best of The Texas Newsroom
We’re taking a look back at some of our favorite stories of the year from our public radio reporting partners across the state, including:
A Dallas ISD program that’s getting more Black and Latino men into classrooms.
Mobile health clinics rolling out to provide vital medical services as the state loses rural hospitals.
And: A visit to the traditional Mexican rodeo in San Antonio.
Inside the Conjunto Music Hall of Fame & Museum
At least five bills have been filed in the Texas Legislature so far to require Texas voters to show proof of citizenship. A look at the implications.
How education could take center stage in the upcoming 89th Texas legislative session.
Attorney General Ken Paxton files a motion to prevent testimony at the Capitol from death row inmate Robert Roberson.
And: Kristen Cabrera visits the Conjunto Music Hall of Fame & Museum for the Texas Museum Map project.
Remembering Melinda Wickman Swearingen, ‘the Annie Leibovitz of outlaw country’
It’s Republicans vs. Republicans to decide the speaker’s race in the Texas House of Representatives.
Photographer Melinda Wickman Swearingen, who died earlier this year, captured evocative images of outlaw country musicians. Her work will soon be on display at the Wittliff Collections at Texas State University.
And: What’s the deal with these mysterious drones? Should we be worried? Omar Gallaga has answers.
After its buyout, has Whataburger lost its spice?
There’s a fight to lead the Texas House of Representatives, and two names top the list. Yesterday we heard about Justin Burrows; today we’re taking a closer look at his challenger, David Cook, who the support of the House GOP caucus.
How one Central Texas school district is trying to do something about chronic absenteeism.
And: Whataburger has long been celebrated as a Texas fast food icon, but after its sale to a Chicago-based company, many claim it just isn’t what it used to be. Omar Gallaga explains.
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.
YouTube cleaning sensation AuriKatariina heads to Texas
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit claiming a New York doctor illegally prescribed abortion pills to a Texas resident.
A state plan to provide incentives for affordable housing: A Houston Chronicle investigation finds little affordable housing being built – and taxpayers holding the bag.
Two Texas families take legal action against an AI chatbot, alleging it served up sexual and self-harming content to kids.
Finnish cleaning star AuriKatariina, with 3.4 million YouTube subscribers and billions of views, is on the hunt for Texas’ dirtiest house to clean.
And: The New York Times sparks a controversy over the use of “y’all.” Texas Monthly would like a word.
A special broadcast from Abilene
Today we come to you from one of Texas’ once great railroad towns – and though the trains aren’t so much a central part of life here anymore, something else has happened that’s been bringing people, prosperity and a sense of renewal back to Abilene.
An AI-focused facility could transform the Big Country region.
Ahead of the 2025, legislative session, Stamford Mayor James Decker shares insights on what’s needed for small-town Texas.
And: Wylie ISD is enacting a strict no-phone policy to reduce distractions.
House Speaker Dade Phelan bows out of leadership reelection bid
Facing a challenge from fellow Republicans, Dade Phelan says he’s dropping his bid for re-election as Texas House speaker.
Texas has some of the most expensive insurance in the nation, forcing homeowners to pay more for less coverage.
Desert bighorn sheep return to the Franklin Mountains of El Paso, a major milestone in restoring the species.
While the area around the UT Austin Tower buzzes with activity, a quieter sanctuary to the north – the Turtle Pond – offers a break from the hustle. The Texas Standard’s Laura Rice takes us to this peaceful pocket and explores how it’s evolving amid campus changes.
SpaceX backs out of Boca Chica Beach land swap
A Houston-area nonprofit that helped thousands find a new life in the U.S. disappears. A new investigation reveals surprising answers about what happened to the Alliance.
More international students than ever before are studying in the U.S., and among the top destinations are the University of North Texas and UT Dallas.
How a much-talked-about Department of Government Efficiency could affect the hundreds of thousands of federal workers in Texas.
In a surprise move, SpaceX has pulled out of a land swap deal with Texas Parks and Wildlife.
And: A few months ago, 17-year-old Tobi Haastrup didn’t know what a first down was. Now, the Houston player is one of the hottest prospects in college football.
A closer look at the country music Grammy nods
As lawmakers prepare to take up a school voucher-like plan, many state public schools are struggling with more cutbacks.
Gov. Greg Abbott is seeking an extension of a tuition freeze for public colleges and universities.
What the tiny town of Rockdale, Texas, could teach us about the energy transition and rising demand.
Mando Rayo of the Tacos of Texas podcast breaks down the state’s new Michelin-recognized restaurants.
And: What the Grammy nominations tell us about the changing landscape of country music – and why it’s sounding a lot more like an increasingly diverse Texas.
Texas Democratic Party chair resigns after controversial comments
The head of the Texas Democratic Party has resigned following controversial comments about transgender rights and the issue’s role in elections. Lauren McGaughy of the Texas Newsroom joins us with the latest.
He’s Texas’ senior senator for now, but could he soon be known as Senate Majority Leader John Cornyn? We’ll hear more, as well as a who’s who list of some prominent Texans who might be going to Washington as part of the incoming Trump administration.
And a new children’s picture book highlights the beauty of West Texas.
Unpacking the results of the 2024 election
A historic election cycle ends with significant gains for the GOP statewide. What do the results add up to for the future of Texas?
A closer look at the U.S. Senate race in Texas and a wider re-election victory for incumbent Ted Cruz, compared with 2018.
The largest school bond proposal in Texas history was rejected in Houston, seen by many as a referendum on the state’s takeover of Houston ISD over the past year.
Plus: We’ll hear about results in some key local races from our reporting partners statewide and how the results could affect the upcoming legislative session.
What to watch on Election Day 2024
lection Day 2024 has arrived, and we’re checking in with reporters across the state as Texans cast their ballots. Plus, what to keep a close eye on tonight after the polls close.
A new survey predicts Dallas-Fort Worth is poised to become the hottest real estate market in the country in 2025. What it means for the people living there.
A new book, “A Natural History of Empty Lots” explores forgotten spaces. Author Christopher Brown discusses what he’s learned.
And: An update on plans for a new Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth.
KUT Morning Newscast for November 5, 2024
Central Texas top stories for November 5, 2024. It’s election day! Thousands of people are expected to head to the polls today across Central Texas. The biggest statewide race this Election Day in Texas is the U.S. Senate race. A group of Texas OBGYNs are speaking out against the state’s abortion ban following the deaths of two women. Crews remained on site overnight to patrol the wildfire in Bastrop.
Why Texans can’t put abortion – or other citizen-led initiatives – on the ballot
We’ll have the latest details the 400-acre Hudson Fire in Bastrop County, which has prompted the voluntary evacuation of about 65 homes.
On this day before elections, what we’re hearing about early turnout numbers.
Twenty-six states, including California, have citizen-led ballot initiatives – but Texas doesn’t. The Standard’s Sarah Asch brings us the history of a political tug-of-war.
Also: What comes next for death row inmate Robert Roberson and how his case may be affecting attitudes in Texas toward the death penalty.
San Antonio’s Institute of Texan Cultures eyed for demolition
It’s possible the most closely watched statewide race in Texas this election cycle could also be the closest once the ballots are counted. How Ted Cruz and Colin Allred are making a final push in the days before Nov. 5.
In San Antonio, plans to demolish a building once part of a World’s Fair might be put on hold because of its history. Jack Morgan of Texas Public Radio tells us more.
And: The new book “The Fall of Roe” explores the decade before the Dobbs decision and the political apparatus that made it possible.