Central Texas top stories for June 5, 2025. Texas college students without legal status are no longer eligible for in-state college tuition after the DOJ sued the state of Texas. International students at UT Austin are feeling uncertain about their future. Here are the grid-related bills that passed and didn’t pass during the 2025 Texas Legislature. Texas is a step closer to winning the Women’s College World Series. FM 1826 will be closed starting tomorrow until Saturday at 5 pm.
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Fear at immigration court as ICE arrests migrants there for a hearing
The race to be San Antonio’s next mayor was narrowed from a field of 27 to two. What to know before the runoff election on Saturday.
Arrests outside of immigration court have happened in El Paso, Dallas and San Antonio. Why activists say this tactic encourages migrants to break the law.
Texas is set to become the next in a handful of states to ban lab-grown meat for human consumption.
It’s Texas vs. Texas Tech in the Women’s College World Series championship, with Game 1 tonight.
And: We’ll explore Lucas Schaefer’s “The Slip,” a new novel set in late ’90s Austin and propelled by a mysterious disappearance.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Recycling rare earth elements could power the future
Severe storms brought flash floods, hail and widespread power outages to Central Texas, killing one and hospitalizing two. More than 10,000 are still without power.
Rare earth minerals are being wasted when you toss out an old phone or TV. Research in Texas could change the disposal process.
Texas Tech just won its first-ever game in the Women’s College World Series. We’ll introduce you to star pitcher NiJaree Canady, the first softball player making $1 million a season in NIL deals.
Plus: How about a little music? We’ll start with the Huston-Tillotson Jazz Orchestra, a relatively new group with big plans. And a lot of Americans used to have a piano in their homes – how and why that’s changed.
Oil companies face new deadlines to plug orphaned wells
Elon Musk is leaving the Trump administration. Why now, and what’s next for the Texas-based billionaire.
A bill that aims to plug the state’s abandoned oil and gas wells – sometimes called “orphaned wells” – is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk.
Insurers in Texas are partnering with aerial imaging and AI companies to assess homes from the sky.
The Trump administration continues to threaten mass deportations. But dairy farms don’t seem to be losing any workers.
And: “Tacos of Texas” podcast host Mando Rayo shares his taco hot takes.
Corpus Christi’s water future looks uncertain as Tesla builds nearby refinery
The House has passed a bill mandating the Ten Commandments be displayed in all public school classrooms. If the Senate signs off, Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to make it law.
A 2023 law expanded polling place requirements – but many small counties couldn’t keep up. Now a new bill that rolls back those mandates is headed to the governor.
Water insecurity is a problem around Corpus Christi – and that’s before a new Tesla plant coming in that will require more of it. What you need to know.
Plus: The eyes of the world are on Fort Worth for its annual Van Cliburn Piano Competition.
New institute aims to immortalize the sounds of Texas music
A bill banning all products with THC is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk. Is this the end of the state’s hemp industry?
Lawmakers are also revisiting efforts to reform or replace the STAAR test.
An investigation finds that some people in Central Texas are stuck behind bars beyond the 90-day limit without being indicted – only to have their charges dropped.
From Tejano to Texas country, the sounds of the Lone Star State are getting a new home at Texas A&M-Kingsville.
Plus: We’ll go behind the scenes of the new podcast “Better Outside,” hosted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
After outages last year, CenterPoint promises a better tracker
This Memorial Day, we’ll hear the story of Florentino Cantú Jr., a Laredoan who saw military service as a ticket to a better life for his parents and 10 siblings.
Memorial Day is a day of reflection to be sure, but it is also the unofficial start of summer for many folks. We’ll be getting some tips on how Texans can make the most of it, from experiencing the great outdoors to keeping cool – plus some Texas summer songs that hit just right.
And: Hurricane season starts June 1, and CenterPoint Energy says it’s ready with a new and improved outage tracker. But after failures during Hurricane Beryl and last year’s derecho, is that enough to restore customer trust?
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 one West Texas town built its own broadband lifeline
Texas lawmakers are considering a plan that could help prevent fentanyl overdoses in the state. Why it may not become law.
A decade after the deadly biker shootout in Waco that led to nine deaths and more than 100 arrests, some civil cases against the city are still moving forward.
Some Texas law enforcement agencies are getting rid of a gun they consider too risky for their officers – by selling them to civilians.
State and federal money has been set aside to connect rural Texans to the Internet. When the remote West Texas town of Monahans couldn’t get that help, they did it themselves.
And: Texas cities once again top a list of the fastest-growing in the U.S., led by Princeton, a suburb east of Frisco.
10 years later, still no convictions in Twin Peaks biker shootout
A bipartisan bill on abortion has passed the Texas Senate and is making its way through the House. Why lawmakers agree it’s necessary.
It’s been a decade now since a deadly shootout involving rival biker gangs at a Twin Peaks in Waco. What an investigation reveals about how the case was handled.
Thousands of Brazilians live in Central Texas. How they’re feeling about those from their country being targeted for deportation.
Plus: We’ll take you to the Kentucky Club in Juárez, a beloved border bar and one of the last of its kind.
Did We Give Hip-Hip Away?
On this episode we discuss if the culture of Hip-Hop was too easily given away to streaming services without a fight. We also discuss the pros and cons of using A.I. in hip-hop. Hip-Hop facts this week include Aaliyah, Whitney Houston and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Unpopular Opinion is about about having too much access to celebrities.
State parks are expanding efforts to improve accessibility
As the school year winds down, Texas lawmakers cramming for their final days at their desks are focused on education – and what some had hoped would be an increase in state spending per student may be shifted to teacher pay raises.
Consumer Reports investigates a tip that sale prices at Kroger aren’t showing up at the checkout, with consumers taking the hit.
Texas Parks and Wildlife has rolled out motorized track wheelchairs to improve access at state parks.
Plus: A 15-minute film from Waco, “The Heart of Texas,” has already made a mark at festivals and is now headed to Cannes.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Bring out those fancy dresses, quinceañera season is upon us
Tacos of Texas podcast host Mando Rayo talks about what to expect at one of these celebrations – and, of course, what might be on the menu.
This episode of the Tacos of Texas podcast was originally aired live on the Texas Standard on May 8, 2025.
It’s the time of year for fancy dresses, limo rides, and all the photos. Yes, it’s prom season, but in Texas, that also coincides with another tradition: quinceañera season.
These celebrations of young women are prominent across all parts of Texas and typically include a big party and, of course, lots of food.
Houston is the fastest-sinking city in the US, study finds
Abortion pills, denial of bail, and a ban on land purchases for some people: What’s happening in the final weeks of the Texas Legislature?
After jackpot controversies, multiple resignations and a ban on online lotto ticket sales, the state’s lottery system is now under investigation.
Cities on the rise across Texas are quite literally sinking, with Houston faring the worst out of any major U.S. metropolis.
The latest projections on a fast-approaching hurricane season.
And: Checking in with Catholics across the state on the first Sunday with a new pope.
ACL 2025?!
On this week’s episode we discuss the 2025 ACL line up and why Austin needs a great R&B nightclub/venue. Hip-hop facts about Jay-Z and Jermaine Dupri, Sisqo and more. Unpopular opinion from Fresh takes aim at DJs in Austin possibly doing more.
Texas Renaissance Festival ordered to sell land, assets following lengthy legal battle
Texas Catholics, now almost a third of the state population, are celebrating the selection of Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from America.
Gov. Gregg Abbott has just signed into law a school voucher plan, but some Texans are continuing to push back.
A judge orders the sale of the Texas Renaissance Festival, following a civil court trial over a purchase deal that fell through in 2023.
Fans can get an early look at this summer’s “King of the Hill” reboot at the ATX TV Festival.
And: the week in politics with the Texas Tribune.
Ranchers plead for help to fight a devastating pest on its way back to Texas
Several current and former Frio County officials have been indicted for alleged vote harvesting, part of a years-long investigation led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. One critic calls it voter suppression 101. What’s behind the charges?
In the conversation over cash bail reform, what’s missing? An new investigation points to a lack of focus on the bail bond industry.
The new world screwworm, a livestock pest, may be making a comeback in the U.S., and experts say Mexico hasn’t been cooperating to stop it. The Standard’s Michael Marks dives into why it’s considered so dangerous to Texas.
And: It’s prom and quinceañera season – milestone celebrations that often come with big dresses, big parties and of course, big meals. Mando Rayo, host of the Tacos of Texas podcast, digs in.
KUT Morning Newscast for May 6, 2025: Austin firefighters are struggling to meet their goal for response times.
Central Texas top stories for May 6, 2025. Travis County us suing Nate Paul, an Austin developer tied to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, for over millions of dollars. Austin firefighters are struggling to meet their goal for response times. May tends to be the rainiest month of the year in the Austin area, but we still need more rain to recover from the drought.
Documentary tells story of landmark Texas archaeological site
As the clock ticks down on the legislative session, how close is Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to completing his wish list?
Weekend balloting across Texas brings some big local changes. We’ll hear from reporters statewide.
Texans dominate at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson golf tournament in McKinney.
The documentary “The Stones Are Speaking” tells the story of Michael Collins, the man who helped open the Gault site to researchers.
And: Who’ll be the next mayor of San Antonio? Voters have narrowed a field of 27 candidates down to two.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Texas Extra: Amy Lee Nelson on her new film, Texas music, and her dad
This week, Willie Nelson celebrated his 92nd birthday. Last weekend, the latest film he served as executive producer on had its debut. It screened at the Dallas International Film Festival and it was co-directed by his daughter, Amy.
This is an extended interview with her about the film, “King of the Roadies.” It’s about the world’s first roadie, Ben Dorcy III, who long worked with Willie Nelson and other well-known musicians.
Interview: Voting is not the only way to be civically engaged
Tomorrow is Election Day for many local races in Texas. But voting is not the only way to be civically engaged. KUT’s Jennifer Stayton talked with Mark Strama, director of the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life at UT-Austin. They discussed what is civic engagement and how to be civically engaged.