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September 4, 2025

Corpus Christi cancels controversial desalination project

By: David Brown

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.

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Episodes

October 23, 2026

Gina Hinojosa makes her case for Texas governor

On the eve of the midterms, Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa is running neck and neck with incumbent Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in many polls. Hinojosa joins us on today’s show to make her case.Also, a closer look Vikki Goodwin, the Democrat giving Dan Patrick a run for his money in the lieutenant governor’s race.Plus, a […]

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October 22, 2026

Texas women bring homegrown horror to ‘Beneath the Bluebonnets’

Record voter registration numbers point to what appear to be new records set in early voting. What do they tell us about the midterms in Texas?Also, Meta blocks an Instagram account for a No Kings protest, stoking fears of online political shenanigans — or worse — from a major social media company. Omar Gallaga joins […]

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October 21, 2026

Texas Extra: The Prairieland 22 Episode 1

The Prairieland 22 is a podcast from our partners at KERA News and NTX Now. We’re sharing these episodes Wednesday nights. Episode 1: “4th of July Party!” July 4, 2025. A protest, the shooting of a police officer, and a case the government cites as an example of a growing domestic terrorism threat: “Antifa.” Over […]

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October 21, 2026

Texas autism therapy program could lose its funding

Democrat Bobby Pulido is leading a poll in Texas’ Congressional District 15 that had heavily favored Trump. The district’s Latinos may be leaning even further left.Some Texas school districts shifted toward a four-day school week during the pandemic. Now there may be legislation to discourage that.Texas is considering doing away with a program meant to […]

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October 20, 2026

‘Redemption’ explores faith and sisterhood on Texas death row

Early voting is underway. We’ll go over five things to watch for as Texans cast ballots in races that are too close to call.Is the state of Texas trying to sell a beloved beachfront state park to Elon Musk?Plus, how school cafeterias are coping amid rising costs and cuts to federal food assistance.And why out-of-state […]

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October 19, 2026

Latino horror anthology explores fears carried across generations

The border is secure, but there’s a border emergency. Why the difference between two GOP narratives? We’ll have a closer look.The first in-person votes are being cast in the Texas midterms today as early voting kicks off. The Standard’s Michael Marks joins us with a look at the race for agriculture commissioner, and how one […]

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October 16, 2026

Big Bend border wall worker camps raise concerns in West Texas

A border wall cutting through Big Bend is on hold, but something connected to the wall still has many locals unsettled.This week saw a debate between candidates hoping to represent what is geographically the biggest congressional district in Texas, and the stakes for both parties are high. Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies tells us […]

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October 15, 2026

What a Democratic governor could mean for Texas

The last time a Democrat served as Texas governor was decades ago. Is that about to change?For years, politics-watchers have all but dismissed the prospect of a Democrat being elected governor in deep-red Texas. But polls suggest the closest gubernatorial race in recent memory between incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott and challenger Gina Hinojosa. Two veteran […]

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