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?
THC
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?
Ben Kweller on grief, music and ‘Cover the Mirrors’
As Texas lawmakers move to consider regulations on THC products, what’s legal, and what’s not? KUT News reporter Nathan Bernier joins us to break it down.
As many see the future of energy as cleaner renewables, why many in the city of Port Arthur are pinning their hopes for a comeback – on oil.
At the Austin YMCA, adults are conquering their fear of water and gaining life-saving skills through swim lessons designed just for them. Texas Standard producer Sarah Asch has the story.
Plus: Two years after the death of his teenage son, a father’s musical journey to find healing: Our conversation with Dripping Springs-based musician Ben Kweller.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for June 23, 2025: Governor Greg Abbott has vetoed Senate Bill 3, which would have banned consumable THC products in Texas
Central Texas top stories for June 23, 2025. Governor Greg Abbott vetoed 26 bills and signed more than 11 hundred into law, including the Life of the Mother Act. ACC’s District Board of Trustees plans is joining a lawsuit challenging the end of the Texas Dream Act. Homes in Austin sold for an average of just under $600,000 last month. Austin ISD has two virtual community meetings this week on the school consolidation process to save money.
Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes THC ban, breaking with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick
A closely watched bill to ban THC products gets vetoed by Gov. Greg Abbott – but that’s far from the end of the story, with the governor calling for a special legislative session aimed at regulating THC.
After U.S. airstrikes targeted against Iranian nuclear facilities, what comes next? One of Texas’ top foreign policy experts suggests this war could be ending more quickly than many fear. And Texas energy prices may be a leading indicator.
Also: a conversation with Laredo-born Adrian Quesada on his highly anticipated new album, a follow-up to “Boleros Psicodélicos.”
KUT Morning Newscast for June 23, 2025: Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes THC ban
Central Texas top stories for June 23, 2025. Texas Governor Greg Abbott vetoed a bill to ban products containing THC. Texas’s health system is ranked very low compared to other states. Musicians and music venues are at risk of losing unclaimed grants. Homes in Austin are selling for less but taking longer to sell compared to this time last year. A new pedestrian bridge is coming to East Austin. Today is the last day to give your input on Austin’s 2026 General Obligation Bond.
Marking Juneteenth where it began: Galveston celebrates freedom
President Trump considers a move that has brought together resistance from the left and the right. The stakes for U.S. involvement in a new Mideast war.
Juneteenth is a holiday marking freedom for people enslaved in Texas, a proclamation announced in Texas on this date 160 years ago, now celebrated across the U.S.. The Texas Standard’s Sean Saldana takes us to the city where that event took place.
A new audit reveals widespread failures in how complaints about local jails are overseen by the state agency in charge.
Plus: We’ll mark National Great Outdoors Month by revisiting some of our favorite stories about the outdoors, part of our 10th birthday celebration here at the Standard.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for June 18, 2025: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is demanding the city of Austin stop contracting with anti-gun companies
Central Texas top stories for June 18, 2025. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sent a letter to the city of Austin demanding they cease contracting with anti-gun companies. CapMetro’s police chief is leaving the transit agency. Governor Greg Abbott says he’s still on the fence about whether he’ll sign or veto a bill that would ban consumable products containing THC. Austin paramedic Selena Xie announced today that she’s running for a seat on the Austin City Council. Travis County residents are invited to hear updates tonight on the county’s progress building a mental health diversion center.
KUT Morning Newscast for June 3, 2025: Bills banning guaranteed income programs fail at Texas legislature
Central Texas top stories for June 3, 2025. A bill to crack down on doctors from out of state prescribing abortion pills to Texas women died at the legislature. A bill banning guaranteed income programs in the state also failed. Austin farmers ask Governor Greg Abbott to veto Senate Bill 3, which would ban consumable hemp products in Texas. The Austin Bergstrom International airport has a new expansion.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for June 2, 2025: Last week’s storms brought flooding, hail, and much needed rain to Austin
Central Texas top stories for June 2, 2025. People are still recovering after last week’s storms brought flooding, damaging winds and hail to parts of Austin. A bill that would ban consumable THC products is on the governor’s desk. Austin residents can now recycle food and beverage cartons and coated paper products. Texas Women’s Rowing took third place at this year’s NCAA Championship in New Jersey over the weekend. Texas softball is going back to the Women’s College World Series final.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for May 26, 2025: A bill that would ban THC products is headed to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk
Central Texas top stories for May 26, 2025. Hundreds of Austinites employed at local cannabis shops could lose their jobs. Austin ISD officials are recommending another $44 million worth of cuts. Barton Springs Pool will close an hour earlier every day starting June 1st. The Zilker Eagle Mini Train will be closed for at least a few days after someone drove across the train tracks.