At stake? Prices for consumers, billions in business activity, and the scope of presidential power. A Texas perspective as the U.S. Supreme Court takes up the case against President Trump’s tariffs.
The Wall Street Journal says “Amazonification” has come for Texas-based Whole Foods. A look at what that means.
Look! Up in the sky! Is that thing still legal? Texas drone pilots are closely watching talk of new restrictions. Tech expert Omar Gallaga tells us what’s up.
And Texas director Richard Linklater’s new film “Nouvelle Vague” is a loving ode to French New Wave cinema.
Water
What Texas voters should know before Election Day
With 17 constitutional amendments on the ballot next week, state officials are reminding Texans what to expect at the polls. We’ll talk with the Texas Secretary of State’s Office about dos and don’ts while voting.
Both Austin and Houston are facing financial strain, but their solutions couldn’t be more different: One wants to raise taxes, while the other wants to hold the line.
Austin DJ Laurie Gallardo, host of the podcast “SPF 1000: Vampire Sunscreen,” discusses Latinx goth culture, its roots in border life and the darker side of music and identity.
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
A family fight over Bonnie and Clyde’s graves
Texas voters are deciding on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution – including one to dedicate a portion of state tax revenues to funding water projects. We’ll take a closer look at Proposition 4.
There are growing concerns among military families as the federal shutdown continues, with no clear end in sight.
East Texas is seeing a surge in mineral mining as companies explore new lithium deposits.
And: How Bonnie Parker’s niece has spent decades trying to have her aunt buried alongside Clyde Barrow in Dallas.
KUT Morning Newscast for September 15, 2025: New nonstop flights coming to Austin airport in the months ahead
Central Texas top stories for September 15, 2025. Republican Representative Michael McCaul announced on Sunday he won’t seek reelection to congress. The Texas Legislature formed new House and Senate committees focused on freedom of speech on Texas college campuses. Texas saw the largest increase in the rate of uninsured children in the country between 2022 and 2024. New nonstop flights are coming to Austin airport this fall. The Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District has declared Stage 3 Exceptional Drought. The Longhorns beat UT El Paso over the weekend.
KUT Morning Newscast for September 11, 2025: Austin’s proposed short-term rental rules aim to crack down on unlicensed operators
Central Texas top stories for September 11, 2025. People operating short-term rentals in Austin without a license could risk being removed from online rental sites. Austin Police say they’re looking into their text-based alert system after confusion yesterday during the search for a man who shot two people, including an APD officer. Georgetown is making big investments in increasing its water supply and improving local infrastructure. Local first responders are honoring those who died at the World Trade Center in New York 24 years ago today. The second-ranked Texas volleyball beat number four Louisville last night.
Corpus Christi cancels controversial desalination project
The Legislature’s second overtime comes to a close with new political maps and a slew of Republican wins. But how do Texas voters come down on the big issues of the day? A new survey offers some answers.
After years of planning and tens of millions spent already, Corpus Christi’s city council cancels a high-profile project to deal with growing water demands.
What’s in a name? A lot if you’re talking about so-called Gulf coast shrimp. Details of a new law aimed at cracking down on the imposters.
For barbecue lovers dreaming of turning their passion into a profession, help is now a phone call or click away with Nextep Q, a hotline and website offering business advice for pitmasters.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Some Texas counties switch to paper ballots ahead of midterms
No more QR or barcodes: Why Collin, Williamson and Bastrop counties are changing the way voters will cast ballots.
Housing affordability is a big issue in Texas, and three new state laws aim to address it. Will they work?
Many are concerned new Texas congressional maps dilute the voting power of Texans of color. But others welcome the changes.
Inside an ICE job recruitment fair in Arlington.
And: the bigger meaning behind the season’s first high school football game in Kerrville.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Could Texarkana be a political bellwether?
The state says the West Texas measles outbreak is over. What that means for parents and children.
Are natural gas wells, pipelines and storage facilities prepared for another dangerous winter storm? Mose Buchele of KUT News examines the inspection process.
We know AI data centers need a lot of power, but they also use a lot of water in drought-stricken TX.
Austin author Louis Sachar, perhaps best known for “Holes,” is back with his first adult novel, “The Magician of Tiger Castle.”
And: Could Texarkana be the new Peoria? A new study looks at green energy investments and voting patterns in red America.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Tesla’s robotaxi plans shift into gear
Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom joins the show with a live update from the Capitol as the Legislature’s first special session ends amid a Democratic walkout.
After flooding and a historically wet July, new concerns about water levels dropping.
As students return to the classroom, more and more schools are being shuttered. The Standard’s Zachary Suri examines the long-term impact in Austin.
Tesla now has a permit to offer ride-hailing in Texas through next August. The company’s been testing robotaxis in Austin since June, and Elon Musk says “open access” is coming soon.
Why ‘Don’t California My Texas’ isn’t the whole story
Are Democratic lawmakers on the verge of a walkout to stop Republicans from redistricting during the special session? We’ll have the latest.
We’re also tracking possible federal funding cuts to legal aid organizations that could leave thousands of Texans who can’t afford a lawyer without the help they need.
Going beyond armed security guards, some Texas schools are turning to drones to increase security.
The changing role of social media influencers was on display in the aftermath of the July 4 floods.
And: Are Texas lawmakers quietly taking cues on governing from California?
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?
KUT Morning Newscast for July 18, 2025: Study finds Austin police response times continue to lag
Central Texas top stories for July 18, 2025. Austin police response times continue to lag, according to a new study out this week. The recovery process for the Sandy Creek neighborhood after the floods will take some time. The LCRA is asking people to be careful when visiting the Highland Lakes. Federal funding cuts are forcing Austin area school districts to make tough decisions ahead of the school year.
Trucking industry faces new border bottleneck
More rain pummels the waterlogged Hill Country, putting a pause on search efforts and bringing a new wave of weather warnings to the region. We’ll talk with James Hartley of KERA, who’s been in Kerrville this weekend.
Stuffed animals are strewn across flood-ravaged Texas. People are trying to get them to their owners.
The Trump administration is enforcing an English-language requirement for commercial drivers, and some Mexican truckers are losing their licenses.
Plus: Why is it so tough to get disaster alerts right? Wall Street Journal reporter Drew FitzGerald has been digging into the systemic failures.
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 June 19, 2025: Austin’s Alex Jones is facing another lawsuit related to the families of the Sandy Hook school shooting
Central Texas top stories for June 19, 2025. Every year Austin’s water utility loses around 7 billion gallons of treated water because of leaks in the system. Alex Jones is facing another lawsuit related to his defamation of victims of the Sandy Hook school shooting. Expect some closures around the city because of Juneteenth celebrations.
A special broadcast from El Paso
Today we’re broadcasting live from El Paso for a special edition of the Texas Standard.
We hear from some prominent El Pasoans – former Congressman Beto O’Rourke and former El Paso Mayor Dee Margo – on the city’s dynamic politics.
El Paso has become a leader in innovative water management. How the city is securing its future in the desert.
KTEP’s Aaron Montes visits a local academy training the future stars of lucha libre.
And: How bighorn sheep have returned to El Paso’s mountains after a century away.
KUT Morning Newscast for April 28, 2025: Updates on a second measles case in Travis County are expected today.
Central Texas top stories for April 28, 2025. Austin Public Health will give an update today on a second case of measles in Travis County. Tomorrow’s the last day of Early Voting in the May third election. A bill in the Texas legislature would attempt to introduce penalties for prescribers and manufacturers of abortion pills, even if they operate from a state where abortion is legal. A bill recently passed by the Texas House aims to protect homeowners who choose to conserve water during periods of drought. Twelve Texas Longhorns had their names called during this year’s NFL’s draft.
After yearslong fight, school voucher bill clears Legislature
A measure long sought by Texas Republicans is now on its way to the governor’s desk: A voucher-like plan to use public dollars to pay for private education. We’ll get details from Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom.
A massive plan was once proposed to keep Texas from running out of water in the late 1960’s… Voters said no. How the debate has resurfaced decades later.
And a big win for opponents of local marijuana decriminalization moves in Texas.
Remembering the ‘People’s Pope’
The Supreme Court halts deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. We’ll have the latest on the case involving migrants held in Texas.
He was called a “monster” by one of the survivors of the El Paso Walmart mass shooting. We hear from victims and relatives of those killed as the gunman is sentenced.
Pope Francis once made a high-profile visit to the Texas-Mexico border where he celebrated Mass on the banks of the Rio Grande. Residents on both sides of the river remember the People’s Pope.
How the tariff war with China could affect Texas.
And we talk to the South Texas author of the new novel “Futbolista”
Texas House gives initial approval to school voucher bill
For the first time ever, the Texas House votes to approve the use of taxpayer money for private school education. Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom shares what comes next.
Many farmers in South Texas say a water treaty with Mexico is costing them dearly. Now the Trump administration appears ready to get involved.
Thousands of acres of Hill Country land have been set aside to create a new state natural area, and Texas Public Radio’s Jack Morgan got a preview.
And: Politics and water take center stage in the new documentary “Thirst for Power,” based on a book by Michael Webber. He joins the show with more.