The race for a U.S. Senate seat from Texas is the most talked-about ballot contest, but how much real-world impact can the winner actually have?
Other stories on this day before the midterms: A much less talked-about contest for the keeper of the state’s accounts is also soon to be decided. Why have schools have become a major issue in the race for state comptroller?
Anyone else getting political text messages? David Martin Davies reports on the massive pre-Election Day message push.
Political upset in Texas’ hemp industry: Why much of their anger is directed at one politician in particular.
Plus, the annual kickoff of the Austin Film Festival.
THC
Delta-8 probable cause arrests, voter suspension list, Grocery Bag
A state rule that was reinstated July 31 bans Delta-8 in Texas. Austin police say the packaging on some products could now establish probable cause for a felony arrest. But the department says cracking down on Delta-8 isn’t a “primary objective.” We’ve got more about that.
More than a million Texans are on something called a voter “suspense” list, including about 100,000 in Central Texas. It doesn’t mean you won’t be able to vote in the midterms, but there are things to know if you find yourself on it.
And the KUTX artist of the month for September is Grocery Bag. They’ve had a busy year so far and now they’re gearing up for ACL Fest and a new project.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
What’s behind the recent surge in food recalls?
Texas youth prisons go on lockdown after assaults on correctional staff, with one official saying young detainees are “becoming more violent and more aggressive.” We’ll hear about the effects of the lockdown and what happens next.
Why are we seeing a surge in food safety concerns and outbreaks of illness in Texas and other states? We’ll dive in and share some steps on staying safe.
With heat warnings in effect across much of the state, the University Interscholastic League makes heat safety guidelines mandatory.
Delta-8 possession will soon be a state jail felony
There’s the possibility of a CapMetro strike shutting down virtually all fixed-route bus service in Austin, but how much control does the agency have over negotiations?
Texas is banning Delta-8 THC and a broad class of similar cannabis compounds starting Friday. These products have been sold for years in Texas. More about what’s set to take effect.
The latest on Austin’s cyclospora cases as the search for a contamination source continues.
Austin City Council Woman Vanessa Fuentes returned to City Hall this week after pregnancy leave and announcing a cancer diagnosis. We talk with her about her journey.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Austin elementary teacher released after nearly 300 days in ICE detention
A fifth-grade teacher in the Austin district told his students at the start of last school year that he would need to miss a day for an errand. Roberto López Falcón never made it back to those students, spending nearly 300 days in ICE detention before being released.
There’s plenty of ways to have some THC in Texas, including a surge of canned beverages, but what are the benefits to a canned high? And how much demand is there for these products?
We’re got an excerpt from the latest episode of the “Black Austin Matters” podcast.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Smokable hemp products legal again in Texas — for now
It’s legal again for Texas businesses to sell smokable forms of hemp. New state rules that went into effect in March had effectively outlawed these sales, while raising fees on the businesses who carry them. We’ll delve into the state of the Texas hemp market.
The state board of education gave preliminary approval to a mandatory list of books that all Texas public schools will teach starting in 2030. Critics of the list say it lacks diversity and emphasizes Christianity.
Plus, what’s the story behind the freaky sculpture hanging in the Barton Creek Greenbelt? That’s the exact question someone asked us for our ATXplained project.
Artemis II mission builds on lunar exploration legacy
What does it mean to born in the U.S.? It’s a question the Supreme Court is considering today. We’ll dig into what’s at stake.
Guilty verdicts in the North Texas ICE shooting case meant a victory for the Trump administration in its fight against “antifa,” but how do we even define that movement?
We’re heading back to the moon. We’ll look at the goals of the long-awaited Artemis II mission and the countdown to what could come next.
If Texas stores can no longer sell smokable forms of cannabis but it’s legal to possess it, can your order it online?
And we’ll introduce you to some pampered pets. Why you might want to consider a catio.
Texas ban on smokable cannabis products looms
Texas lawmakers did not get through a ban on THC sales this past legislative session, but new rules restricting them are about to go into effect.
There’s been some confusing back and forth from the Trump administration on what exactly a border wall might look like in Big Bend.
Another Texas university is making changes to race and gender studies programs.
New so-called “man camps” are popping up in rural Texas. We’ll delve into what they’re for.
Plus, Austin’s biggest festival, South by Southwest, is coming back to town. We’ll have a preview of films with Texas ties and a music event that doesn’t require a badge.
Proposed THC rules draw backlash from hemp businesses
The Republican race for U.S. Senate heats up with incumbent John Cornyn raising a record amount of money ahead of the primary. We’ll dive into where the race stands there, as well as between Democrats Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico.
Six months after the catastrophic Hill Country flood, where do recovery efforts stand?
Hope for the future and fear nothing will change: How Venezuelans in Texas view their country’s future now that Nicolás Maduro is gone.
What closing the hemp loophole means for farmers, and how Texas is set to ban smokable cannabis by the end of the month.
And before Hollywood, there was the Star Movie Ranch, the first movie studio in Texas.
Tejano music mourns two foundational figures
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says a Wisconsin-based electronic health records company has a monopoly over the industry. We’ll have more on the AG’s fight against Epic.
Remembering a couple of major figures in the Tejano music world who we lost this past weekend: Manny Guerra and Abraham Quintanilla.
Plus, counties are getting new equipment to warn residents before flooding strikes. What is it, and will it help?
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.
The Texas ties to an infamous Atari flop
Gov. Greg Abbott seems to be taking THC regulation into his own hands. What we know about what he wants to change.
About 20% of Medicaid recipients lose access during the yearly renewal process because of all the red tape. How Texas researchers are trying to fix that.
Texas is home to more than 100 Hispanic-Serving Institutions, but new federal cuts could eliminate funding that supports these colleges and universities.
What to know about Texas House Rep. James Talarico, the newcomer shaking up the race for U.S. Senate.
Solving the Atari game mystery that’s been lingering for decades – and its connections to El Paso.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Study finds no evidence of serial killer on Austin’s Rainey Street
The Supreme Court allows ICE to round up people based on factors like appearance, at least for now.
The attorneys general of New York and Texas face off over mail-order abortion pills crossing state lines.
For years, rumors have circulated online about a serial killer targeting Rainey Street in Austin. A new study finds no such threat.
The personal toll for people with chronic conditions who don’t have insurance.
Photographer Pat Blashill captures the scene of Texas punk rock on the ’70s and ’80s in his new pictorial oral history, “Someday All the Adults Will Die!”
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 3, 2025: Austin City Council is updating the City’s comprehensive plan, “Imagine Austin”
Central Texas top stories for September 3, 2025. he Austin City Council is moving forward with updating its comprehensive plan, known as “Imagine Austin.” The clock is ticking on efforts to ban or regulate THC products in Texas. A trial where a former Williamson County sheriff and a current county employee accused of evidence tampering is being picked up. People in Williamson County have a chance today to comment on the county’s proposed new budget and tax rate.
New state law will give farmers a heads-up on pests and diseases
The fight over redistricting has shifted from the Capitol to the courthouse, but plenty of serious work is still on the table when legislators return to their offices Tuesday. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey joins with a look at what’s left on the agenda.
A new law in effect today creates a statewide alert system for pests and diseases that affect plants and wildlife. The Standard’s Michael Marks has the story.
And: The Standard continues celebrating 10 years on the air with a look back at some memorable animal stories.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Texas to ban sales of THC vapes starting Monday
State lawmakers are still debating whether to outlaw all THC products in Texas. But on September 1st, one of those products will become illegal, under a lesser-known measure that passed earlier this year.
This podcast is made at KUT Public Media Studios. You may have heard that Congress just took back the money it had allocated for public radio. Our organization stands to lose 1.2 million dollars. We’re asking our listeners now to help us make up this shortfall. If you want to help us out, you can make a donation at supportthispodcast.org.
KUT Morning Newscast for August 29, 2025: Travis County continues to collect debris from July floods. But, where does it all go?
Central Texas top stories for August 29, 2025. Travis County crews have collected more than 160-thousand cubic yards of debris from the floods of July 5th. A new law takes effect in Texas on Monday that bans the sale of vapes and e-cigs containing THC or other cannabinoids derived from hemp. The Texas House of Representatives passed a bill last night aimed at cracking down on out-of-state doctors who prescribe abortion pills. Hopes and stakes are high in tomorrow’s season-opening football game between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
KUT Morning Newscast for August 21, 2025: The Texas House passed a new congressional map designed to give Republicans an edge in Congress
Central Texas top stories for August 21, 2025. The Texas House passed a new congressional map designed to help Republicans flip five Democratic districts in the next midterms. A federal judge has temporarily blocked Texas from requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments in some school districts, including Austin. Last time a bill to ban THC products passed at the Legislature Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed it, could it be different on a second time around? Travis County will soon stop free curbside flood debris pickup service in areas affected by the July 5th floods.
Food banks struggle to meet rising demand
What we’re now learning about what happened – and what didn’t – before the Hill Country floods. Investigative reporter Lauren McGaughy has the details.
Plus: Flood survivors are asking lawmakers meeting in special session right now to tap the state’s $24 billion rainy day fund to help them meet their immediate needs.
Even without a pandemic, Texas food banks are facing shortages and surging need. The CEO of Feeding Texas joins us to talk about what’s driving the crisis.
Funds for adult education were first put on hold, then released – but there’s a big asterisk. The Standard’s Sarah Asch on a policy change that could affect adult ed.
Plus: Texas Monthly barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn dishes on his latest list of the top BBQ 50 spots in the state.
Black farmers in East Texas feel the sting of DEI cuts
A peek into the week ahead for the Texas Legislature’s special session: We’ll hear the latest on a much-talked-about possible walkout by Democrats.
A plan to relieve congestion in Austin was approved by voters years ago – but so far, there’s not much to show for it. Is Project Connect off the rails?
The rollback of USDA diversity programs is impacting East Texas, which is home to more Black farmers than anywhere else in the U.S.
Plus: A big deadline for tariffs with Mexico on the table. If a deal can’t be reached by Aug. 1, what could that mean for Texas?