Central Texas top stories for September 29, 2025. The Austin Police Department is expected to release more information today in the 1991 murder case known as the “Yogurt Shop Murders” after announcing they’ve identified a suspect. The Austin firefighters union agreed to a new labor contract with the city. Several school districts in the Austin area are considering closing campuses amid budget deficits. A legal battle over a data center project in Taylor is set to go to court today. The Texas Longhorns are now number nine in the AP Top 25 College Football Poll.
Texas A&M
Why voters in Odessa turned against the far-right local government
Some are calling it a new chapter in the relationship between higher education and Texas politics – we’ll have a closer look at what’s happening at A&M right now and why it matters.
Something is missing in a new report from the Agriculture Department: an explanation for the data. Michael Marks reports on why the missing link is raising eyebrows.
There’s been a boom in indie bookstores nationwide, with Texas leading the way. How did it happen?
Last November, after years of the Odessa City Council focusing on culture war issues, Odessa voters went in a different direction.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
KUT Morning Newscast for September 19, 2025: Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh will step down after turmoil over gender identity video
Central Texas top stories for September 19, 2025. Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh will step down today. Governor Greg Abbott has signed a bill into law that allows private citizens to sue out-of-state prescribers and distributors of abortion pills. Austin officials say they’re confident they’re complying with the law after the U.S. Department of Justice launched an investigation into the city’s hiring practices. Leander ISD is considering closing some schools to save money, but some officials are frustrated over the lack of discussion of plans. Texas Longhorn football fans are gearing up for tomorrow’s game against Sam Houston State. The City of Austin’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is hosting an Emergency Preparedness Fair today.
‘CleaVage’ musical is a deep cut into Texas plastic surgery history
The contours of Texas politics are changing – part of Republican’s decades-long plan? Texas Monthly’s Robert Downen joins us to talk about what he sees as an unprecedented consolidation of power aimed at ending fair elections in Texas.
Also, Texas A&M launches audits of its courses statewide – this after the firing of a professor over teachings involving gender identity in a children’s literature class.
And a lawsuit challenging the Texas Medical Board over who gets to call themselves a doctor.
Plus, did you know breast implants were first developed in Texas six decades ago? Well, one Dallas plastic surgeon is making sure you do with a new musical.
Those stories, the week in politics with the Texas Tribune, the talk of Texas and so much more.
Pushback in Mexico against SpaceX expansion
The latest on the dismissal of a Texas A&M professor and the removal of two top administrators after political pressure over what was being taught in a children’s literature class – an incident that has led to concern about academic freedom.
The impact of SpaceX launches in South Texas is felt across the border in Mexico, where some officials are even weighing legal action against the company.
Tech expert Omar Gallaga on how Facebook is bringing back one of its earliest features, the “poke,” to appeal to Gen Z.
The use of facial recognition technology in Juárez is raising red flags.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
A forgotten history of DeWitt County comes back to life
The man who’s admitted killing 23 in a racist mass shooting in El Paso in 2019 will be given a plea deal that does not include the death penalty. What’s behind that decision.
A federal judge temporarily prevents Texas A&M from enforcing a ban on campus drag performances, setting the stage for this week’s Draggieland.
A long-lost book detailing DeWitt County’s history before 1900 has resurfaced, more than a century after it was written in German.
And: A potentially deadly bird flu spotted early in Texas jumps species in the UK, prompting a warning from health officials.
KUT Morning Newscast for March 18, 2025: A crash on I-35 that killed five people last week is now under federal investigation.
Central Texas top stories for March 18, 2025. The Texas A&M Forest Service says the Crabapple fire in Gillespie County is now 85% contained and has burned just over 9,700 acres. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the deadly crash on I-35 that killed five people in North Austin last week. After years of pushback from doctors, patients and advocacy groups, SB31 aims to clarify the medical exception to Texas’ abortion law. The median sales price of a home in Austin hit 564-thousand dollars last month, that’s up compared to the same time last year.
KUT Morning Newscast for March 14, 2025: Five people killed in 17-vehicle crash on I-35.
Central Texas top stories for March 14, 2025. Five people, including a child and an infant, were killed in a collision involving 17 vehicles on North I-35 near Parmer late last night. AISD might sell the former Rosedale Elementary School in Central Austin to cut costs and increase revenue in the face of a $110 million budget deficit. The Austin Police Department is working to fill hundreds of officer positions. A Red Flag warning will be in effect for parts of Central Texas today from noon to 9 p.m. UT men’s basketball team beat Texas A&M last in a double overtime game.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for February 21, 2025: Austin doctors are encouraging vaccination against measles as cases in Texas continue to rise.
Central Texas top stories for February 21, 2025. Freezing rain is possible tonight. A wave of measles cases is spreading in West Texas. Austin Community College is expanding a partnership with Texas A&M University. The San Antonio Spurs will play the second game of the “I-35 series” in Austin tonight.
KUT Morning Newscast for December 2, 2024
Central Texas top stories for December 2, 2024. Early voting for runoff elections in Travis County starts today. President-elect Donald Trump’s plans on how to address homelessness might affect Austin’s long-term plans to get people to housing. The only clinic in Texas that exclusively serves uninsured children needs to find a new place. Here’s how to watch out for seasonal scams. The Longhorns will play to win the SEC championship. UT- Austin will host first and second rounds of the 2024 NCAA Volleyball Championship.
KUT Morning Newscast for November 29, 2024
Central Texas top stories for November 29, 2024. The City of Austin this year awarded $3,000 grants to dozens of local groups that are working to address food insecurity and climate challenges, hear from one of the organizations that is helping people by bicycle. Did you know you could get your vegetables for free at a garden close to I-35? Folks at Texas Parks and Wildlife want to make fishing more accessible in Austin. The University of Texas and Texas A&M will face each other in a very expected football match.
ArnieTex brings the flavors of South Texas to millions on YouTube
We’re taking a look at the Texans who have been picked for President-elect Trump’s new Cabinet.
How some Democratic candidates in parts of Texas won their races amid a big red wave.
There’s a demand for raw milk, despite its health risks, and more public officials are saying that folks should be able to have it if they want it.
After 13 years, UT and Texas A&M are back on the football field this holiday weekend. What to expect as the rivals meet again.
Plus: The Standard’s Kristen Cabrera goes behind the scenes with ArnieTex, a Rio Grande Valley grilling sensation with nearly a million YouTube subscribers.
KUT Morning Newscast for November 25, 2024
Central Texas top stories for November 25, 2024. A local utility agency is being sued over plans to build a pipeline on environmentally protected lands. Alex Jones is headed back to court today. The Glen Powell lookalike contest took place this Weekend in Auditorium Shores, here’s all you need to know about it. The Texas Longhorns and the Texas A&M Aggies will play football against one another this weekend after a thirteen-year hiatus.
Reflecting on the Aggie bonfire tragedy, 25 years later
The Texas State Board of Education could soon approve a curriculum that includes Bible stories and doesn’t spend as much time on slavery.
It’s been 25 years since one of the darkest moments in Texas A&M history. Reflecting on the impact of the Aggie bonfire collapse.
Families in America today can look a lot different than what’s long been considered “normal.” The podcast “Refamulating“ explores why it’s important to re-think family.
A Black-owned bookstore in North Texas is closing one chapter, but its owner says even after very challenging times, the story isn’t over.
Plus: Why Faith Family Academy, a dominant team in girls basketball, won’t be allowed in the state playoffs.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for November 11, 2024
Central Texas top stories for November 11, 2024. Austin’s former interim City Manager is accused of violating ethics rules in 2023. Impacts from a failed property tax rate increase in Liberty Hill ISD. The City of Austin has received more than 6000 applications for rent assistance. Texas lawmakers are considering ways to add further restrictions of DEI initiatives at public colleges and universities. HEB will open its new store at Oltorf and Congress in South Austin on December 4.
KUT Morning Newscast for October 31, 2024
Central Texas top stories for October 31, 2024. Tomorrow is the last day of early voting; some polling places will be open until 10 p.m. The City of Austin could expand homeownership support to more people. A small group of students held a pro-Palestinian protest on the UT campus. A team of veterinarians with Texas A&M returned home after helping with Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. Manor ISD superintendent announced new security measures after a student was fatally stabbed. It looks like we’ll have some rain today.
Meet Sugar Gay Isber, the ‘Hit Man’ jewelry designer
A new report says that a year before Hurricane Beryl, the federal government denied a request from CenterPoint Energy for $100 million to reinforce power lines in the Houston area. Could that have prevented the widespread outages of recent days?
Attorney General Ken Paxton is appealing a court decision denying his attempt to shut down an El Paso nonprofit providing temporary shelter to migrants.
Making a movie involves a lot more than actors and directors. We’re talking to Central Texas artist and jewelry maker Sugar Gay Isber, who added her shine to the latest Richard Linklater film, “Hit Man.”
And: pushback over a proposed name change for one of the oldest colleges in the state, Texas A&M Commerce.
John Sharp on why he’s retiring as Texas A&M chancellor
A conversation with John Sharp, who – as the longest-serving chancellor in Texas A&M System history – has announced he’s retiring next year.
What you need to know about a brand-new consumer privacy law now in effect in Texas.
If you’ve made a big purchase anytime lately, you’ve been paying attention to interest rates. They remain pretty high – but why? We’ll dig in.
We’ll talk to Kareem El-Ghayesh, a Texas pitmaster vying to win the newest season of Netflix’s “Barbecue Showdown.”
One of the most photographed spots in the Texas Panhandle is turning 50. How the Cadillac Ranch became such a phenomenon.
And a new analysis of the out-of-state money funding Texas politics – and to what end.
After devastating tornadoes, Sanderson residents begin to rebuild and recover
The Texas Medical Board has offered guidance to doctors on the emergency medical exception to the state’s abortion ban.
How the small town of Sanderson in West Texas is recovering after a pair of tornadoes.
Shipments of avocados and mangoes from the Mexican state of Michoacán to the U.S. are suspended after two U.S. Department of Agriculture workers in the region were detained by local protesters and later removed from the area, leaving inspections of produce on hold. What will it mean for prices?
Reading, writing and roasting: Texas A&M is hoping to school the next generation of coffee experts by offering a Coffee Processing and Quality Certificate.
And: what Texas architecture of the mid century tells us about the Lone Star State and its complicated aspirations – we’re talking to the author and photographer behind “Home, Heat, Money, God: Texas and Modern Architecture.”
KUT Afternoon Newscast for May 24, 2024
Central Texas top stories for May 24, 2024. Heat advisory. City workers feeling the heat. Capital Metro will close two downtown MetroRail stations next year until 2026. A lawsuit accuses Central Health of improperly using taxpayer money. Austin FC to play three matches in a week. The Texas Softball team opens their Super Regional Series tonight at McCombs Field against Texas A&M.