KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts

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

San Marcos

The town where Texas declared its independence

Who’s up, who’s down, and who’s in trouble  — a final poll before primary day in the Lone Star State. We’ll go over what the numbers are telling us.
President Trump is in Corpus Christi today, hitting the hustings on this last day of in-person early voting before crucial primaries in Texas. James Henson of the Texas Politics Project joins us with results of a new survey.
Also, echoes of politics of the past as Texas prepares to mark 190 years since its own declaration of independence. Michael Adkison of Houston Public Media on a critical convention of 1836 and why it matters today.
And the fight over data centers takes a new turn.

Texas Standard 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.

What to look for on your ballot as early voting starts next week

Early voting starts Monday for the Nov. 4 election, and the discussion in Austin is centered around Proposition Q, a proposed tax rate increase. The city of Austin wants to use those dollars for more services in the city, but not everyone is convinced. KUT City Hall reporter Luz Moreno-Lozano explains.

Texans’ ballots will also include 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey talk us through a few of them.

Plus: How George Strait got his start in San Marcos.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for August 6, 2025: Governor Greg Abbott has asked the Texas Supreme Court to remove from office the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus

Central Texas top stories for August 6, 2025. Governor Greg Abbott has asked the Texas Supreme Court to remove from office the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus in response to the party’s quorum break putting the Legislature on hold. Williamson County is trying to set aside enough funds to establish a new district court to keep up with a growing caseload. Hays County is losing its animal shelter in San Marcos next year. People who need cash to rebuild or repair their homes after last month’s flooding can apply for aid through the Central Texas Community Foundation.

This podcast is made at KUT and KUTX, which are public radio stations in Austin, Texas. 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 July 3, 2025: Hays County officials demand answers from law enforcement about raid near Dripping Springs

Central Texas top stories for July 3, 2025. It’s been three months since the arrests of more than 40 people authorities said were connected to a Venezuelan gang. It’s a busy day at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The Travis County Fire Marshal wants people to go to a professional fireworks show instead of lighting their own. Leander Police have unveiled a new “microchip scanning station” for lost pets. Starting tomorrow, parking at Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park will be limited through the holiday weekend.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for June 26, 2025: Floating the San Marcos river will get a little pricier for out-of-towners

Central Texas top stories for June 26, 2025. Some changes are coming to San Marcos parks for those looking to cool off in the river this summer. State Senator Joan Huffman has entered the race for Texas attorney general. Animal shelters across the Austin area are holding a “name your price” event this weekend. The Austin Parks and Recreation board has at long last chosen a vendor to operate the Zilker Cafe next to Barton Springs Pool.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for May 19, 2025: APD’s automated license plate readers are helping police crack down on crime, but there’s room for improvement

Central Texas top stories for May 19, 2025. It’s been just over a year since APD started an automated license plate reader program to help find people with outstanding arrest warrants. The City of Kyle wants to improve its emergency services for its more vulnerable residents. A new AI data center is planned for a location just south of San Marcos. Texas softball will play this week for a chance to compete in the women’s College World Series.

KUT Morning Newscast for May 19, 2025: A bill currently before Congress would cut over 600 billion dollars in federal Medicaid spending

Central Texas top stories for May 19, 2025. How the potential cuts to Medicaid spending could affect Texas. A new Artificial Intelligence data center is planned for the San Marcos area. Today is the last day for Travis County residents and park visitors to give feedback on the 2026 Travis County Parks Comprehensive Plan. Scottie Scheffler has solidified his position as the world’s top ranked golfer.

KUT Morning Newscast for May 13, 2025: An unusual heat wave will bring triple digits to the Austin area this week.

Central Texas top stories for May 13, 2025. The Austin area is under a Heat Advisory, it’s unusually early for this kind of heat. It’s an Ozone Action Day, here’s what you need to know. Texas lawmakers are considering a bill that could outlaw diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in state and local governments. Local groups are working to help residents beat the heat by distributing donated fans.  

KUT Morning Newscast for May 1, 2025: Whooping cough cases are rising in Texas.

Central Texas top stories for May 1, 2025. Whooping cough cases are on the rise in Texas. Texas Senators approved a bill that could shut down a church’s homeless navigation center in South Austin. Texas Governor Greg Abbott says he’ll pull state grant funding from San Marcos if the city passes a resolution related to the war in Gaza. 

KUT Afternoon Newscast for April 17, 2025: Man arrested after homemade explosives were detonated by bomb squad in South Austin house

Central Texas top stories for April 17, 2025. APD arrested a man today after finding explosives at a home in South Austin. The marijuana decriminalization ordinance in San Marcos is on thin ice. Williamson County is working to identify areas at risk of flooding. The Texas House has approved a bill to create Education Savings Accounts, also referred to as school vouchers. Austin Public Health has confirmed a case of whooping cough at Del Valle High School.

KUT Morning Newscast for April 15, 2025: Ten international students in the Texas State University System had their visas revoked.

Central Texas top stories for April 15, 2025. Families, students and staff came together to weigh in on the future of Dobie Middle School. Ten international students in the Texas State University System had their visas revoked, that includes two at Texas State University. House Bill 4283 would allow the Texas Attorney General to investigate and fine cities and counties if the AG thinks their policies violate state law. El Buen Samaritano is offering free vaccines today.  

KUT Afternoon Newscast for March 10, 2025: The end may be near for Daylight Saving Time.

Central Texas top stories for March 10, 2025. The days are getting longer. Catholic Charities of Central Texas has announced it’s suspending its refugee resettlement program. The City of San Marcos is cracking down on repeat parking violators. Athena the great horned owl has returned to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for the 13th straight year.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for February 28, 2025: Austin has its first known measles case since 2019.

Central Texas top stories for February 28, 2025. The measles case in Austin appears to be unrelated to the outbreak in West Texas. The Austin ISD School Board voted last night to approve leasing office space to The Greater Austin YMCA. Firefly Aerospace is preparing for its lunar lander to land on the moon this weekend. Volunteers are needed for tomorrow’s annual Great Texas River Cleanup in San Marcos.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for February 26, 2025: Austin’s police oversight measures are being targeted by Texas lawmakers.

Central Texas top stories for February 26, 2025. A new text scam asks people to pay overdue toll bills. The Texas Senate Committee on Health and Human Services wants to “Make Texas Healthy Again” with a slate of bills in the Texas Legislature. San Marcos wants feedback on downtown parking options. The early spring weather rolls on this weekend after a brief cold front tomorrow.

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