A federal court orders the Trump administration to prevent the Supplemental Food Assistance Program (SNAP) from lapsing. What happens now?
A trial is set to begin this month against defendants for their alleged roles in the July 4 shooting at an ICE detention center in Alvarado. Why this may be a playbook for prosecutions now that Antifa has been designated a terrorist organization.
Public school districts trying to comply with new laws against DEI and sexual content in books are turning to AI with some surprising results.
Also, this week in Texas music history we remember the time post-punk legends Gang of Four made their way to the Lone Star State.
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Rap Missing On The Billboard Top 40?
On this episode we discuss the aftermath of the No Limit and Cash Money Records Verzuz in Las Vegas. We also discuss the Billboard Top 40 not having in hip-hop songs on it since 1990 and the possible fall out from that. Hip-Hop facts include Outkast, Michael Jordan, Warren G and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is that causal hip-hop fans don’t care if an artist performs over their backing vocals or not.
What difference has a Michelin star made for Texas restaurants?
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit against Tylenol could trigger a wave of government-led litigation over claims about a highly questioned link to ADHD and autism.
A year after Michelin first arrived in Texas, the coveted dining guide has released its latest list of awardees. But what does the honor actually mean for local chefs and their businesses?
Bats are heroes for Texas farmers, eating insects that threaten crops like pecans. Michael Marks takes us to an orchard near Lockhart.
A new exhibit in Dallas, “Tell Her Story,” pairs breast cancer survivors of color with local artists to share their stories through portraits and creative works.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Our Favorite Moments In Hip-Hop
On this episode we discuss some of favorite, or most important, moments in hip-hop. We also discuss a proposed Houston hip-hop Verzuz between the Screwed Up Click and Swisha House. Hip-hop facts include facts about Warren G, The Alchemist, and Eddie Murphy. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion this week is that no artist truly wants to be “anti-industry” that they claim.
Spreading kindness through a Texas-made story
If the ongoing government shutdown runs into next week, Texas families could see their SNAP food benefits cut off.
Oil prices have plummeted to a level not seen since the COVID days. Why and what it could mean for Texas consumers and oilfield workers.
Contract negotiations, the Dallas Wings search for a new coach, and more: A breakdown of what to expect for the new WNBA season as the popularity of the league soars.
And “Dude. Be Nice”… The title of a new children’s book says it all.
D’Angelo The Great
On this episode we discuss the legacy of the late musican D’Angelo who suddenly passed last week at age 51. We also discuss the upcoming Verzuz between hip-hop labels Cash Money (Lil Wayne, etc) and No Limit (Master P, Snoop, etc.) and how it would look. Hip-Hop facts this week include facts about D’Angelo, UGK, 2pac and Lil Wayne. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is about how Lil Jon might not be the biggest fan of Three 6 Mafia in the overall legacy of crunk music.
Uncertain Times: Dreamers, MAGA Latinos & Taco Politics
Let’s get a pulse of the community and how tacos play a role in identity and politics in 2025; how taquerías are being impacted by ICE raids and explore how some Latinos or people of Mexican heritage can feel deeply connected to their culture – through food, traditions, or family – while also supporting political views that might seem at odds with their identity; and ultimately ask a Maga Latino, how he feels about undocumented immigrants picking and making his food. Guests include Chef Victoria Elizondo, DACA recipient and owner of Cochinita & Co. in Houston and Daniel Estrada, a self-described MAGA Latino and Trump supporter.
If you’d like to support the Tacos of Texas podcast and other podcasts like it from KUT & KUTX in Austin, please visit supportthispodcast.org. Thank you for your support!
Austin’s rainbow crosswalks, street lettering could soon be gone
The city of Austin is facing a deadline to remove roadway art, like the rainbow crosswalk at Fourth and Colorado streets or the words “Black Artists Matter” painted atop 11th Street. Gov. Greg Abbott says failure to do so would cause the city to risk losing state and federal dollars for future road projects.
We’ll hear from KUT government accountability reporter Andrew Weber, who is following the story.
Ever wondered who makes the giant fake sandwiches that you see around town at Thundercloud Subs? ATXplained brings you the answer.
Pushing Austin City Limits w/ Geto Gala
On this episode we interview Geto Gala fresh off the stage at ACL 2025 and discuss their career accomplishments. We also discuss the lack of local rappers and singers at ACL this year compared to previous years. Hip-hop facts include facts about Vince Vaughn, Snoop Dogg, Black Eyed Peas and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is about Kool Herc not being as influential as Grandmaster Flash in the legacy of hip-hop.
They called her ‘Babe’
Did you know a Texan actually co-founded the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA)? But before that, she showed prowess in several other sports.
Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong explains that she was so good at baseball, she was nicknamed after one of the greatest players of all time. Here is the story of Mildred “Babe” Ella Didrikson.
Sertified In Australia!
On this episode, we talk with Austin legend Sertified about his upcoming shows in Australia for SXSW. We also discuss if the song “Still Tippin” is a hip-hop classic or not. Hip-hop facts include facts about Bryson Tiller, Prince, Mobb Deep, and 2pac. Fresh and Unpopular Opinion is that rapper Nas is the biggest fan of the culture of hip-hop.
Houston megachurch faces legal revolt
A University of Texas professor says Congress has gotten so good at frequent government shutdowns, finding the political will to get back on track could be an obstacle in itself. We’ll take a closer look.
Nearly two weeks after the deadly shooting at a Dallas ICE facility, investigators say the motive may be more about notoriety than ideology.
Second Baptist Church in Houston is locked in a legal battle with its own members over leadership and finances, and the dispute is being heard in the city’s new business court.
Texas leads the nation in energy consumption, driven by population growth and the rise of AI data centers. What does it bode for the state’s grid and energy mix?
Talarico leads early in Democratic primary fundraising
The U.S. invasion of Grenada. The U.S. invasion of Panama. As the U.S. builds up a major military presence in the Caribbean, Katrin Bennhold of the New York Times talks about Venezuela and what she sees as the growing specter of regime change.
The latest on the federal government shutdown and what it means for vital ports along the Texas gulf coast.
Fundraising numbers show state Rep. James Talarico leading the pack for Democrats in the U.S. Senate race. What do the numbers tell us about how the race may be shaping up?
Plus, Daniel Vaughn, barbecue editor of Texas Monthly, has a bone to pick over a new list of top barbecue joints.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Austin Hip-Hop Heads To Australia!
On this episode we interview the College of Hip-Hop Knowledge before their trip to Sydney, Australia for SXSW. We also discuss the Federal Trade Commission FINALLY going after Live Nation and Ticketmaster. Hip-hop facts include facts about 2pac, Faith Evans, Beyonce and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is that Chief Keef is the most influential child rapper since Lil Bow Wow.
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.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Belle and Lea
Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong has met a lot of Texans throughout the years. Some have shared bits of history from the Lone Star State. Some have recalled old family traditions or news of certain oddities.
But others have imparted on him some unique problem-solving skills. This story tells of two old friends and their quick thinking.
Did Cardi B Raise the Bar? Or Lower It?
On this episode we discuss if Cardi B helped raise the bar for female rappers to succeed or did she lower it? We also talk about Jay-Z’s capitalist approaches to business and if it helps his brand and legacy. Hip-hop facts this week include Mobb Deep, Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is about how he is tired of emo rap being so popular.
Texas A&M president resigns amid viral video controversy
Texas A&M President Mark Welsh is resigning after a week of turmoil over a viral video and a clash over gender identity content in the classroom.
What’s behind Texas’ redistricting push? KUT’s Mose Buchele reports on a political strategy started decades ago.
The flesh-eating new world screwworm, a parasite once eradicated from Texas, has been detected within striking distance of the border. What species may be most vulnerable.
The new documentary “When We Were Live” reflects on public access TV in Austin through rare archival footage and interviews with local producers.
A history of the Texas Civil Rights Project
Remember the Democratic walkout this summer over Texas redistricting? Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit accusing Beto O’Rourke of bribery and other charges for supporting the walkout continues – but O’Rourke appears to have the upper hand.
Recovery funds are finally on the way for many in Houston who suffered damage during Hurricane Beryl and last year’s derecho. But the need for assistance continues to outweigh available resources.
For decades, the Texas Civil Rights Project has been a force in battles for voter rights, disability access and racial and economic justice. We’ll hear from founder Jim Harrington, who’s released a new book tracing the organization’s history.
A new episode of the “Tacos of Texas” podcast delves into tequila’s deeper meaning, including personal connections and heritage.
Remembering Robert Redford’s Texas ties
Programs aimed at helping millions of low-income students earn college degrees is potentially on the chopping block. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Silas Allen joins us with a look.
A series of bills aimed at preventing a repeat of the July 4th flooding tragedy in Texas’ Hill Country has passed, but some are asking if they go far enough. Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom has been looking into that question.
He was known as the Sundance Kid and an icon of cinema. We’ll hear more about the late Robert Redford and his Texas connections.
And a UT researcher tells us about a new discovery involving black holes – and how it could help settle questions about the structure of the universe.