On this episode we discuss Nicki Minaj going to the UN to speak up on behalf of Nigeria and the United States. We also discuss we seems to be a resurgence of R&B into the mainstream. Hip-Hops Facts include facts about Lil Wayne, Will Smith, Ice Cube and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is that rapper The Game’s success in California paved the way for newer west coast rappers to emerge like Kendrick or Tyler the Creator.
texas
After Prop Q fallout, Austin cuts $95 million from budget- KUT News Now
The City of Austin cut $95 million from its budget, shrinking funding to parks, homelessness services and more after voters rejected Prop Q. We’ll get into how these cuts may impact you.
With recent rain and an overnight flood watch in Travis, Williamson, and Hays counties, many residents are reminded of the July 4 floods and the ongoing efforts to rebuild.
Plus, art groups seeking affordable studio space find sanctuary in a downtown Austin church. We’ve got more on how they secured the space and what that means for the arts community.
Also, Jason Mellard shares a new story from the archive of Texas music history.
After Prop Q fallout, Austin cuts $95 million from budget
The City of Austin cut $95 million from its budget, shrinking funding to parks, homelessness services and more after voters rejected Prop Q. We’ll get into how these cuts may impact you.
With recent rain and an overnight flood watch in Travis, Williamson, and Hays counties, many residents are reminded of the July 4 floods and the ongoing efforts to rebuild.
Plus, art groups seeking affordable studio space find sanctuary in a downtown Austin church. We’ve got more on how they secured the space and what that means for the arts community.
Also, Jason Mellard shares a new story from the archive of Texas music history.
Texans consider ACA enrollment options amid rising premiums – KUT News Now
Open enrollment for insurance plans purchased through the Affordable Care Act marketplace started this month. Millions of Texans currently use a marketplace plan, and here in Austin, folks are navigating uncertainty as premiums rise and federal subsidies expire.
State officials finally released a hoard of documents and emails between Elon Musk and Gov. Greg Abbott’s office – and a majority of the information was redacted. We’ve got more about the files and the story from The Texas Newsroom.
The Paramount and State Theatres in downtown Austin are raising funds for a major restoration that will include updated seating and new spaces. We hear more about what they’ve got planned for the future.
Texans consider ACA enrollment options amid rising premiums
Open enrollment for insurance plans purchased through the Affordable Care Act marketplace started this month. Millions of Texans currently use a marketplace plan, and here in Austin, folks are navigating uncertainty as premiums rise and federal subsidies expire.
State officials finally released a hoard of documents and emails between Elon Musk and Gov. Greg Abbott’s office – and a majority of the information was redacted. We’ve got more about the files and the story from The Texas Newsroom.
The Paramount and State Theatres in downtown Austin are raising funds for a major restoration that will include updated seating and new spaces. We hear more about what they’ve got planned for the future.
George Foreman’s resilience: A two-time rags-to-riches story
Boxer, preacher, and grill super salesman George Foreman died in his longtime hometown of Houston in March.
Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong has been thinking about Foreman’s life and how he literally fought his way from rags to riches more than once.
Texas appeals as its redistricting map is temporarily blocked – KUT NEWS NOW
A federal court has ruled that the redistricting passed by Texas Republicans – a map that was set to eliminate one of Travis County’s two Democratic-held seats – cannot be used in next year’s midterm elections. The ruling was quickly appealed by Gov. Greg Abbott. We’ll get the latest from The Texas Newsroom.
Texas appeals as its redistricting map is temporarily blocked
A federal court has ruled that the redistricting passed by Texas Republicans – a map that was set to eliminate one of Travis County’s two Democratic-held seats – cannot be used in next year’s midterm elections. The ruling was quickly appealed by Gov. Greg Abbott. We’ll get the latest from The Texas Newsroom.
Federal court blocks redrawn Texas congressional map
A ruling out of West Texas has upended Republican redistricting efforts to get more seats in Congress. Where things stand now that a federal judge in El Paso has struck down Texas’ new congressional map.
We’ve reported before on how Texas school district leadership seems to have become increasingly partisan. We’ll take a closer look at the fallout in one part of the state.
El Paso’s highway system has a history and impact everyday commuters might not know. Miguel Juarez, author of “Frontera Freeways: Highway Building and Displacement in El Paso, Texas,” hopes we all can learn.
W.F. Strong shares a look back on the life of the late George Foreman and how he fought his way to the top.
And a new documentary from producer Jordan Peele hopes to bring more attention to the Black cowboy. “High Horse” director Jason Perez joins us ahead of the three-part series’ debut on Peacock.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Austin City Council works to finalize budget after Prop Q failure, KUT NEWS NOW
Austin City Council members are working to finalize a city budget – and they’ll have to find ways to trim after voters resoundingly rejected a proposed tax rate increase that would’ve generated more than $100 million.
The Austin Independent School District will vote this week on shuttering campuses and reassigning some students to different schools after releasing its final version of the plan last week. We have more about what’s changed and what’s the same.
Austin City Council works to finalize budget after Prop Q failure
Austin City Council members are working to finalize a city budget – and they’ll have to find ways to trim after voters resoundingly rejected a proposed tax rate increase that would’ve generated more than $100 million.
The Austin Independent School District will vote this week on shuttering campuses and reassigning some students to different schools after releasing its final version of the plan last week. We have more about what’s changed and what’s the same.
Whooping cough cases rise in Austin
Whooping cough – particularly dangerous to infants and young children – is a growing concern, with Austin continuing to confirm cases amid a statewide surge.
Texas teens faced more barriers to getting an abortion than other age groups after the state’s six-week abortion ban went into effect in 2021. A new study looks at the impact on Texas and surrounding states.
Plus: We chat with a couple of the folks behind the new book “Austin’s Music Scene.”
Whooping cough cases rise in Austin
Whooping cough – particularly dangerous to infants and young children – is a growing concern, with Austin continuing to confirm cases amid a statewide surge.
Texas teens faced more barriers to getting an abortion than other age groups after the state’s six-week abortion ban went into effect in 2021. A new study looks at the impact on Texas and surrounding states.
Plus: We chat with a couple of the folks behind the new book “Austin’s Music Scene.”
How a ‘nurdle’ nightmare is costing Texas
For the first time in more than a decade, there is no incumbent in the race for one of the most powerful – and often contentious – posts in Texas. Incumbent Attorney General Ken Paxton is not running for reelection, and now seven people are vying for his office. Eleanor Klibanoff of the Texas Tribune joins us with a preview of the upcoming battle.
Also, a new study says more than half of Texas parents haven’t heard of education savings accounts, sometimes called school vouchers. We’ll see what that adds up to.
Plus, along the Texas Gulf Coast, the latest in a long-running battle against plastic pellets known nurdles.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Will The Grammy’s Get It Right Next Year?
On this episode we talk about our thoughts on Outkast and Salt N Pepa entering the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. We also discuss the 2026 Grammy nominations and predict who might take some awards. Hip-Hop facts include facts about Mary J. Blige, Mark Wahlberg, and many more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is that Austin doesn’t have a huge amount of culture.
Shutdown is over, but airport delays are still expected
The government shutdown may be over, but its impacts are still being felt across the country – including at Austin’s airport, which was already dealing with an air traffic controller shortage prior to the 43-day shutdown.
Foreign exchange students in Texas schools could be prohibited from participating in varsity athletics in the near future after a UIL rule change that still requires approval from the state’s education commissioner. Why, and what it would mean for students.
Plus: A popular Asian market in North Austin is shutting its doors at the end of the year. We chat with the owner of Hana World Market.
Shutdown is over, but airport delays are still expected
The government shutdown may be over, but its impacts are still being felt across the country – including at Austin’s airport, which was already dealing with an air traffic controller shortage prior to the 43-day shutdown.
Foreign exchange students in Texas schools could be prohibited from participating in varsity athletics in the near future after a UIL rule change that still requires approval from the state’s education commissioner. Why, and what it would mean for students.
Plus: A popular Asian market in North Austin is shutting its doors at the end of the year. We chat with the owner of Hana World Market.
Want to avoid traffic in Austin? Try commuting on Mondays
Looking for a smooth commute? KUT transportation reporter Nathan Bernier shares the best days to get on the road in Austin.
The Austin Studio Tour continues this weekend at galleries, studios and homes around the city. With so much to look at, wouldn’t it be helpful to be chauffeured around to take in some of Austin’s best art? We hopped on a bus with 40 of our new best friends.
Comedian John Mulaney is in Austin for a run of four shows starting tonight. We’ll hear some of his conversation with Texas Standard.
Want to avoid traffic in Austin? Try commuting on Mondays
Looking for a smooth commute? KUT transportation reporter Nathan Bernier shares the best days to get on the road in Austin.
The Austin Studio Tour continues this weekend at galleries, studios and homes around the city. With so much to look at, wouldn’t it be helpful to be chauffeured around to take in some of Austin’s best art? We hopped on a bus with 40 of our new best friends.
Comedian John Mulaney is in Austin for a run of four shows starting tonight. We’ll hear some of his conversation with Texas Standard.
Deal to end shutdown could impose THC ban
The deal to reopen the federal government included a ban on intoxicating hemp – potentially undoing measures taken by the Texas Legislature last session.
Houston’s 9th congressional district is among those most affected by redrawn political maps. We’ll take a trip there to explore the impact.
Corpus Christi is trying to shore up water supplies. What city leaders are considering.
Apple wants to keep you connected, even on a hike in a remote place. How they might accomplish that.
Plus, both Ken Paxton and Gov. Greg Abbott made their campaign bids official this week.