KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts

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

school

Indigenous chefs take center stage at Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion

Almost a year after the Uvalde school shooting, a new investigation by the Texas Tribune reveals it was the type of weapon used, an AR-15, that prompted officers to back off from the room where the shooter was holed up. Reporter Zach Despart joins us to explain.

A closer look at bills in the Legislature focused on hot-button social issues, including what’s being taught in public schools.

And at Willie Nelson’s annual food fun and music shindig in Luck, Texas, there’s something extra special on the menu: The Standard’s Kristen Cabrera has more on the Indigenous food on the table.

How to testify at the Texas Legislature

After the Texas Education Agency’s announcement that it will take over the Houston Independent School district, we’re taking a look at what previous state takeovers could signal for this one.

“Stand up and be heard” – that’s what we’re often told to do when the Legislature’s in session. But how does one do that, exactly? We’ll hear a step-by-step primer.

Our go-to tech expert Omar Gallaga shares some key takeaways from the tech side of South by Southwest.

Plus, the creators of “The Lady Bird Diaries” join us to talk about the new film.

What happened during the Southwest Airlines meltdown?

What are the top priorities of Texas’ top officials? Gov. Greg Abbott delivers his State of the State address this week, and in the next few days we’re likely to hear which bills are set to take up priority slots for the Senate and possibly House. Sergio Martínez-Beltrán of the Texas Newsroom shares details.

A projected decline in Texas public school enrollment, and what that means for funding existing schools.

U.S.-China tensions are sky-high. How could it hit the home front for Texas?

And remembering Jeff Blackburn, a champion for the wrongfully convicted in Texas.

How are Texas ranchers dealing with a hay shortage?

Two prominent scholars weigh in on what Texans should be listening for in tonight’s State of the Union address.

School vouchers or something quite similar promise to play a big role in the Texas legislative session now underway.

After a drought and ice storms, many Texas ranchers are facing a hay shortage and are fighting rising prices and scrambling for alternatives.

And a case from Texas 20 years ago that had ripple effects nationwide: our conversation with Wesley Phelps, the author of “Before Lawrence v. Texas: The Making of a Queer Social Movement.”

Marfa art exhibit honors the railroad’s Chinese laborers

Nearly 400,000 homes and businesses are still without power in Texas, but the worst of the freezing rain may be behind us. Mose Buchele of the Disconnect podcast and KUT Austin joins us with more on the power situation.

A new poll suggests a disconnect between the headlines and what Texans really think of the state’s public schools.

Our focus on the push to cut property taxes in the Texas Legislature turns to how schools are funded in Texas.

And an effort to turn attention to a largely forgotten story of how Chinese labor helped to build West Texas.

What Texas’ school safety inspections found

A test of Texas public schools against potential intruders shows a 95% pass rate. But what about that other 5%? Megan Mangrum of the Dallas Morning News with more on the findings from inspections ordered by the governor after the mass shooting at Robb Elementary.

LBJ, Robert Caro, and a new documentary on the challenges of writing an epic biography of a larger than life Texas figure.

Also an effort by juvenile services to help students manage their emotions with the aid of a golden retriever.

How a ban on TikTok at UT-Austin affects journalists and other students

The Texas House and Senate release their spending roadmaps for the session, leaving tens of billions on the table unspent. It may be an understatement to say the state is awash in cash. Both chambers are now proposing unprecedented outlays. Bob Garret of the Dallas Morning News joins us to help with the numbers. Also pressure on Texas lawmakers to take more action on gun safety in the wake of the school shooting in Uvalde. Also what health experts are learning about Long Covid and chronic fatigue. And Omar Gallaga discovers a de facto treasure trove for PC gamers. And time runs out for TikTok on many Texas campuses. Those stories and much more today on the Texas Standard:

These bills have little chance of being passed. Why do lawmakers file them?

How much confidence do you have in state government? The first post-election survey is out with a message for Texas lawmakers. We’ll have details. Other stories we’re tracking: In North Texas, reaction to the manslaughter conviction of a former Fort Worth Police officer charged with murder in the killing of Atatiana Jefferson. And why did the Texas Attorney General request gender change data from Texas drivers license records? Plus they are the champions Texas sweeps Louisville to take the NCAA Volleyball title. Also the legislative bills that seem to be going nowhere fast: why file them in the first place? Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

The fight to save a historic hotel along the Texas Gulf Coast

With the impending end of Title 42 restrictions there’s a growing humanitarian crisis at the border. The director of Homeland Security joins us as record a record number of migrants arrive on the border. We’ll hear from the director of a network of regional shelters. Other stories we’re tracking: how the military is trying to deal with a rise in suicide deaths among service members. Also: an effort to save an historic gulf coast landmark hotel from the wrecking ball. Plus a just-announced breakthrough in nuclear fusion and what it could mean for Texas. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: November 15, 2022

Citing what he calls widespread problems, Governor Abbott calls for an investigation into the midterm vote in Harris County. The Texas governor says allegations of improprieties on election day in Harris county include claims of insufficient paper ballots in Republican precincts. Taylor Goldenstein of the Houston Chronicle joins us with details. Also a Dallas Morning News investigation into an app designed to alert authorities to suspicious behavior and curb school shootings. Is it working? We’ll take a closer look. And after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, more refugees settled in Texas than any other state. How those refugees are trying to help thousands left behind. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: November 7, 2022

The midterms now just hours away. In Texas: 5 things to watch for as the returns come in Tuesday night. Although the battle for governor is at the top of the ballot, some say it’s the number two position that wields the most power at the Texas Capitol. We’ll take a close up on the Lt. Governor’s race. Also a focus on a contest for a congressional seat in North Texas held for decades by the same Democratic congresswoman. And families from Uvalde making a final pre-election day push. And how some schools will be closing on election day out of concerns over safety. Those stories and much more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: November 2, 2022

What exactly happened during law enforcement’s response to the school shooting in Uvalde? We’ll look at what newly obtained recordings reveal. More than 5 months after the Uvalde school shooting, the Texas Tribune and Propublica obtain 911 calls and communications between police and dispatchers showing the scale of miscommunication in law enforcement’s response. Also with just 6 days til midterms, how Harris county has become ground zero over concerns about election monitors. And in a state that is mostly wet when it comes to alcohol, booze back on the ballot in some parts. The how, the why and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: November 1, 2022

With accusations of war profiteering, President Biden threatens a windfall tax on oil companies, we’ll have details. Plus after Uvalde, how much is the issue of gun safety moving Texas voters as we approach election day? We’ll take a closer look. Also, local propositions that could have major ripple effects: a focus on efforts to spend more on housing for teachers. And from Corpus Christi, a civil rights lawsuit over plans for a desalination plant. Plus more on a traditional Mexican celebration that’s a big part of the fabric of life in Texas…marking Dia de los Muertos and much more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: October 28, 2022

In the aftermath of the Uvalde shooting, calls grow louder for the resignation of the head of the Department of Public Safety, we’ll have the latest. Also one of the biggest county judges races in Texas takes an ugly turn with charges of racism. Plus a closer look at disinformation and the role of inflammatory language. And after a deadly coral disease decimates reefs in Florida and the Caribbean, fears grow over a protected marine reserve off the coast of Galveston. And the off ramp on the road that goes forever… Texas music legend Robert Earl Keen on his decision to retire from the stage. Our conversation and much more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: October 21, 2022

One more snapshot of Texas voter sentiment before Texas voters begin casting early ballots in the midterms. Jim Henson of the Texas Politics Project with what the latest survey says about how voters are leaning as we enter the height of election season. Also rumbling among some Republicans exploring whether there should be exceptions added to Texas’ abortion ban. And Oil company plans for a major carbon capture complex in Texas. Plus an investigation by Texas Monthly reveals an organized effort to establish a school voucher program through a small Texas public school district. Those stories and more and much more today on the Texas Standard:

Overburdened Teachers

The school year is now well underway. Routines are set. If things seem to be moving smoothly, we have teachers to thank. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.

Texas Standard: October 11, 2022

As protests have grown over the school boards’ handling of the aftermath of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary, the Uvalde school superintendent announces his retirement. We’ll have more on Monday night’s school board session. Also: are national democrats conceding republican gains in south Texas come November? The cancellation of campaign ads in the Rio Grande Valley raising questions. And the annual college rankings: a go to for students and parents. But how useful a tool in the real world? Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: September 06, 2022

A democrat running for a top statewide office gets a big endorsement from a prominent Republican. Could it shake up the midterms in Texas? Other stories we’re tracking: what’s happening with home prices in Texas? Why price trends are pointing toward a return to a buyers market…with some big caveats. Plus, a study that could lead to reclaiming toxic wastewater from oil and gas production. And Peniel Joseph, author and scholar, on the Third Reconstruction. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

Uvalde: What’s Next? – A Texas Standard Special (Rebroadcast)

Texans are still reeling from the stories of Uvalde. But are schools any safer now? Today we’ll hear from Texans: students, educators, experts in crime and mental health. But also victims and survivors. We’ll sort through going back to class in the wake of the state’s deadliest school shooting. Uvalde: What’s Next? A special rebroadcast on today’s Texas Standard:

×