Texas News Roundup

Texas A&M alumni raise concerns over ‘politicization’ of school

Gasoline prices on the rise, a looming crisis in Corpus Christi, and more fallout from a Texas congressman’s decision to end his reelection bid.
We’ll have the latest on Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales’ abrupt decision to end his reelection efforts amid a House ethics investigation on sexual misconduct allegations.
Also, a deep-pocketed Aggie alunmus weighs in on what he calls the “politicization of his alma mater.” We’ll dig into what that could mean for Texas A&M.
In Nacogdoches, Steven F. Austin State University calls for the removal of an historic house. One local historian fears for its future.

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 happens now after Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s tariffs

A major repudiation of one of the Trump administration’s signature initiatives: The Supreme Court’s tariff decision and the Texas impact today on the Standard.
A new investigative report reveals six deaths in six weeks at immigration detention centers in Texas. Other stories we’re tracking: As the first week of early voting in the Texas primaries comes to a close, what GOP voters in one reliably red district are thinking about as they head to the polls south of Austin.
Also, why Tejano’s taking center stage at a major Texas university. All that and more today.

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.

How an AI data center is driving a housing crisis in Abilene

What really happened that led to a sudden and largely unprecedented shutdown of the airspace and the airport in El Paso? We’ll dive in on today’s Texas Standard.
With just days to go before early voting begins in the Texas primaries, Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom gets us up to speed on the Democratic race between U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico, as well as a GOP showdown featuring Sen. John Cornyn, AG Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt.
Also, Discord tells users it will begin age verification. Pushback and confusion ensue. Our go-to tech expert Omar Gallaga tells us why.
Plus, a new real estate trend in Houston that hearkens back to college dorm days: The rise of co-living deals.
Also, how a data center is driving housing affordability challenges in Abilene.
Those stories and much more today.

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

What to know as flu season ramps up in Texas

Concerns about the flu are making headlines in many places across the country. Where do we stand in Texas?
Our conversation with the state’s epidemiologist to hear how concerned Texans need to be as flu season ramps up.
Also, more and more Texas parents are crying foul over the rising cost of their kids playing in youth sports leagues. It’s not just about uniforms and equipment, either.
And Netflix: not just for the sofa anymore. How the company’s making a move to brick and mortar.

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

Fort Worth megachurch draws attention for political push

Healthcare subsidies were a central issue that led to the federal government shutdown. Now that a deal is in the works, what happens to them?
We’re still waiting to hear from courts on whether new Texas district lines will be in place for the 2026 election. We’ll dig into the potential impacts in Houston.
In Austin, voters turned down a property tax increase. What does that mean now for the city’s budget?
Plus, the challenge of envisioning a truly bikeable Dallas.
Those stories, a political push from a Fort Worth megachurch, and a sports break looking at how women’s basketball is heating up with UT, Baylor and TCU in the mix.

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

Food banks prepare to fill the gap as SNAP runs out

SNAP food assistance benefits are set to run out at midnight, and across the Lone Star State, food banks are bracing for unprecedented demand. How Texans can best help their neighbors in need.

Of the 17 constitutional amendments to be decided by Texas voters, at least four go straight to the heart of a major effort to transform Texas into a world-class business and finance hub. With Election Day fast approaching, we’ll hear what’s at stake.

Texas author Fernando Flores discusses his new novel, “Brother Brontë,” a dystopian story set in the town of Three Rivers.

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.

Where Texas birders can spot sandhill and whooping cranes this winter

After years of tightening restrictions on water use, a South Texas town issues an ominous declaration of emergency. Beeville, Texas, is fast running out of water and they’re asking for help from the state. We’ll talk to the interim city manager about what can be done.
It’s a new law requiring parental permission for public school students to get physical or mental health services at school. We’ll hear why school nurses are concerned about the side effects.
And they’re flocking back to Texas – what’s so special about the annual crane visitors to Texas? Where birders can spot sandhill and endangered whooping cranes.

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

Amarillo startup wants AI to go nuclear

A Texas congressional redistricting fight enters the courtroom, with both sides taking different positions from those taken earlier. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey with more on the start of what’s expected to be a nine-day federal hearing over new congressional maps.
The most polluted air in Texas? We’ll hear why a Houston community may have a tough time getting companies to take speedy action to clear the air.
Also, would you vote for an increase in property taxes if it meant helping people who are homeless find a place to live? A test of that idea on the ballot in Austin.
Plus, the Amarillo startup wanting AI to go nuclear, the week in Texas politics with the Texas Tribune, and much more.

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.