Ten Commandments

Where was the acting FEMA head during the July 4 floods?

An investigative report claims as Texas flooded on the July 4 weekend, the head of FEMA couldn’t be reached. We’ll hear more about a reported slow response from acting administrator David Richardson and what it meant for Texas during the Hill Country floods.
Concerns are rising in higher ed over millions of federal dollars for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) on hold, with no end in sight.
The latest on lawsuits challenging Texas’ new law for the Ten Commandments in the classroom.
Tech expert Omar Gallaga has the latest on a deal that would keep TikTok in the U.S. and growing concerns about who might be running that operation.
Plus, taco journalist Mando Rayo weighs in on Tex-Mex.

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

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KUT Morning Newscast for August 21, 2025: The Texas House passed a new congressional map designed to give Republicans an edge in Congress

Central Texas top stories for August 21, 2025. The Texas House passed a new congressional map designed to help Republicans flip five Democratic districts in the next midterms. A federal judge has temporarily blocked Texas from requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments in some school districts, including Austin. Last time a bill to ban THC products passed at the Legislature Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed it, could it be different on a second time around? Travis County will soon stop free curbside flood debris pickup service in areas affected by the July 5th floods.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for August 20, 2025: Members of the Texas House are debating a new congressional district map ahead of a vote expected today

Central Texas top stories for August 20, 2025. The map is designed to flip five U.S. House seats from Democrat to Republican in next year’s midterm elections. A federal judge is blocking a new Texas law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom. Liberty Hill ISD plans to ask voters to approve increases to the tax rate this November to make up for a budget shortfall. The men serving as interim UT Austin president and interim UT System Chancellor are now confirmed for those positions. The Zilker Eagle is off the rails again because of a broken axle.

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 July 2, 2025: The Austin Diocese has a new bishop

Central Texas top stories for July 2, 2025. Bishop Daniel Garcia comes to Central Texas by way of California. Civil rights groups filed a federal lawsuit today challenging a new Texas law requiring every public school classroom to display the Ten Commandments. Austin did not break 100 degrees in all of June. Gas prices continue to drop ahead of the July 4th holiday weekend. CapMetro wants to make it easier to get around on July 4th.

Could Texas get its own Appalachian-style trail?

President-elect Donald Trump has tapped a Texan for a top spot in his upcoming administration. What John Ratcliffe might do as head of the CIA.
Louisiana’s legal battle over putting the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms could impact similar efforts here in Texas.
Did you pick up gardening during the pandemic? Some did with the help of tech company AeroGarden – which is now going under.
What can you learn about place if you spend 24 hours there? A new podcast tries to answer that question in Austin.
And: The logistics of a plan to construct a long-distance trail crossing Texas from east to west.