SCOTUS

What’s next after World Cup knockouts for host countries US, Mexico and Canada

The U.S. Supreme Court declines to block Texas from verifying the age of app-users. We’ll dig into what it means for parents, kids and others.

We continue to remember lives lost in the Hill Country flood a year ago, including beloved Houston artist Tim Walker, whose work lives on in the Bayou City.

Plus, a memorial in the Sandy Creek neighborhood honors victims of the July 4, 2025 flood in Travis County.

Also, her goal was to swim in 50 bodies of water as she approached the age of 50. “Midstream” author Kate Washington on finding new meaning in middle age.
And after the U.S. team’s crushing loss, what’s next for FIFA World Cup fans?

What is KUT’s relationship with UT Austin?

After the firing of KUT and KUTX General Manager Debbie Hiott by UT Austin leadership, listeners and financial supporters of the stations have wondered about the organization’s relationship with the university and whether that relationship should continue going forward.

How is the tight battle for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas affecting races down the ballot? And believe it or not, there’s at least one issue that’s bringing some unity between Texas voters: data centers.

We’re at the end of June, halfway through 2026 and celebrating with some of the best songs from the month.

Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org

US Supreme Court issues ruling on birthright citizenship

It’s the last official day of the U.S. Supreme Court’s term. Among the decisions — whether to end birthright citizenship.
Dust from the Saharan Desert traveled thousands of miles to Texas, creating hazy skies and air quality concerns.
Smaller herds mean higher beef prices. Our Michael Marks has the all the details.
The largest virtual school in Texas is closing. What happened to the Lone Star Online Academy?
And the author of “The Chismosas Only Book Club” on friends bonding over books.

All that and more just ahead on the Texas Standard.

Texas approves adding Bible passages to public school curriculum

A much-awaited decision from the U.S. Supreme Court expands the range of presidential power over regulators with a caveat.
Bernie Sanders keynotes as Texas Democrats convene in Corpus Christi to prepare for the midterms. We’ll look at the signals they’re sending in the run-up to November.
The state Board of Education made national headlines with a vote to add Bible passages to the public school curriculum. We’ll dig into what this means for classroom instruction and the likelihood of a legal battle.
Also, a red-letter day looms for folks with student loans. Changes are coming July 1. We’ll share what borrowers need to know.
Plus, renewed attention turning to Julian Onderdonk, the man some claim to be the Father of Texas Art.

What to make of new Supreme Court decisions on immigration and status

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.

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.

Big Bend border wall plans upend vital park changes

Supreme Court cases on birthright citizenship, gun rights, transgender women and girls in sports… Where do we stand? Constitutional law professor Seth Chandler of the University of Houston Law Center joins us with what cases to watch for and where the high court appears to be leaning as the nine justices wrap up the current term.
More cases of New World screwworm in Texas discovered: How the Lone Star State is scaling up for all-out war on a parasite that could wreck the ranching industry.
And whither the pristine Big Bend amidst controversy over a border wall? A firsthand account.

Supreme Court order keeps abortion pill access in flux

The Supreme Court intervenes in the battle over the medication mifepristone that is used for abortions mailed across the country.
An ICE agent shot and killed Ruben Ray Martinez, a U.S. citizen, on South Padre Island in 2025 — but his family in San Antonio didn’t find out how he died for nearly a year. What happened?
Plus, Houston ISD proposes major changes for special education.
Also, a look at the history of the Voting Rights Act and how it reshaped Texas.
And a large, unusual animal was spotted in south Austin. What is it and why is it roaming the area?

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?

Corpus Christi official says the city will never run out of water

Despite warnings of a water crisis, Corpus Christi’s top official overseeing water says “we will never run out.” Gov. Greg Abbott has warned of a state takeover if the city can’t deal with a water crisis. The city manager tells Texas Standard why he’s so reluctant to declare a water emergency.

The maker of a popular weed killer blamed for cancer deaths is facing more than 100 thousand lawsuits is now asking the U.S. Supreme Court to limit their liability. Michael Marks unpacks that case. Plus, the week in politics and much more.

Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org

Artemis II mission builds on lunar exploration legacy

What does it mean to born in the U.S.? It’s a question the Supreme Court is considering today. We’ll dig into what’s at stake.
Guilty verdicts in the North Texas ICE shooting case meant a victory for the Trump administration in its fight against “antifa,” but how do we even define that movement?
We’re heading back to the moon. We’ll look at the goals of the long-awaited Artemis II mission and the countdown to what could come next.
If Texas stores can no longer sell smokable forms of cannabis but it’s legal to possess it, can your order it online?
And we’ll introduce you to some pampered pets. Why you might want to consider a catio.

Encore presentation: A special broadcast from San Antonio

As we celebrated 10 years of the Texas Standard in 2025, our yearlong tour of the state recently took us to our partners at Texas Public Radio, based in San Antonio.

Though its many landmarks bring in the tourists, new residents are rushing in, too – putting pressure on resources like energy and water.

We explored those growing pains but also sampled the tastes and sounds that make San Antonio special.

A special broadcast from San Antonio

It is a city as well known for its history as its growth in the here and now. Today we’re broadcasting from San Antonio for a special edition of the Texas Standard.
As we celebrate 10 years of the Texas Standard, our yearlong tour of Texas takes us to the studios of our partners at Texas Public Radio, based in one of the most beautiful big cities in all of Texas. Though its many landmarks bring in the tourists, new residents are rushing in, too – putting pressure on resources like energy and water.
We’ll explore those growing pains, but we’ll also be sampling the tastes and sounds that make San Antonio special.

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.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for October 17, 2025: Thousands of people are expected to join the No Kings Day protest in Downtown Austin this weekend

Central Texas top stories for October 17, 2025. Governor Greg Abbott is bringing in the National Guard and State Troopers to the No Kings Day protest in Downtown Austin. Capital Metro’s board of directors will take a final vote Monday on Transit Plan 2035. Seven groups have filed briefs asking the U.S. Supreme Court to take on the case of Little versus Llano County. Yesterday was Christine DeLisle’s last day as mayor of Leander. Expect lots of traffic around Circuit of the Americas this weekend.

This podcast is made at KUT Public Media Studios. 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 October 14, 2025: Cheer Up Charlies sold to investment firm buying up LGBTQ+ bars and nightclubs

Central Texas top stories for October 14, 2025. Cheer Up Charlies has been sold to a global investment firm called Pride Holdings that focuses on entertainment properties in the LGBTQ+ community. The U.S. Supreme Court has tossed out a plea from Austin-based conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. Austin ISD will receive feedback on a plan to close 13 campuses. People in Williamson County affected by the July storms have until the end of the month to ask officials to help them remove debris from their properties.

How the government shutdown impacts Texas

The federal government is officially shut down. What does it mean for Texas, and what happens next in Washington?
Also, the Supreme Court opens a new term and major rulings are ahead. What can we expect from the nation’s highest court over the next few months?
And wildfire risk is climbing as the state swelters through record heat and one of the driest Septembers on record. We’ll get the seasonal forecast from Matt Lanza of Space City Weather.
Plus, is Buc-ee’s just a convenience store, or a full-blown cult? A look at Texas brand loyalty and the roadside beaver that built an empire.

Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.

You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org

Study finds no evidence of serial killer on Austin’s Rainey Street

The Supreme Court allows ICE to round up people based on factors like appearance, at least for now.
The attorneys general of New York and Texas face off over mail-order abortion pills crossing state lines.
For years, rumors have circulated online about a serial killer targeting Rainey Street in Austin. A new study finds no such threat.
The personal toll for people with chronic conditions who don’t have insurance.
Photographer Pat Blashill captures the scene of Texas punk rock on the ’70s and ’80s in his new pictorial oral history, “Someday All the Adults Will Die!”

Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.

You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org

SCOTUS rules against nationwide injunctions

In a 6-3 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court rules against nationwide injunctions, likely to be read as a major victory for the Trump administration. UT constitutional law professor Tara Grove helps us parse out today’s big news from the high court.
Texas underwater? After boom times in real estate, many Texas homeowners are upside down on their mortgages. What cities have been hardest hit by the rapid drop in home values?
Singer-songwriter Joshua Ray Walker, after a cancer diagnosis, makes a studio comeback with a much sunnier vibe.
Plus, the week in politics with the Texas Tribune and poetry from the Typewriter Rodeo.

Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.

You can support this podcast 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.