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Yes, it’s that time again: Early voting gets underway across the Lone Star State on this Monday.
A statewide ballot that will decide no statewide offices? True, though the stakes in this election are huge for Texans – some 17 proposed changes to the Texas constitution hang in the balance.
We’ll hear about several of the most wide-ranging ideas on the line. Plus, The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey with more on the start of early voting.
And a potential final mission for the Space Shuttle Discovery, fraught with danger. A look at the difficulties of a smooth landing in Texas.

The post Early voting kicks off on 17 proposed amendments appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

From the oldest radio station in Texas, in Dallas’ historic Fair Park, site of the State Fair of Texas, it’s Texas Standard Time.
As we continue to celebrate our 10th birthday this year, the Texas Standard tour bus has pulled into the historic home of WRR, temporary home to our partners KERA North Texas.
We’ll explore the economic boom across North Texas, hear voices from the fair, learn about a new sports classic set to kick off at the Cotton Bowl and much more.
It’s a special edition of the Texas Standard, live from Fair Park in Dallas.

The post From State Fair to stock exchange, a special broadcast from Dallas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

This week, Kim Masters talks to Aziz Ansari about his directorial debut, Good Fortune. After his 2022 project Being Mortal was shut down following a misconduct complaint involving star Bill Murray, Ansari regrouped. He gathered cast members Seth Rogen and Keke Palmer for a new film and added Keanu Reeves to the mix. He’s filling us in on how he overcame production delays and Reeves’ on-set injury. Plus, he addresses his controversial appearance at the Riyadh Comedy Festival.

Meanwhile, and also on the topic of accepting Saudi money, producer Erik Feig has raised roughly $1 billion for his new venture, SNK Studios — funded in part by Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. The move marks the latest bet on Hollywood by the kingdom and raises questions about the industry’s willingness to overlook human rights concerns in pursuit of capital. Partners in banter Kim Masters and Matt Belloni examine the ethics of doing business with regimes accused of human rights abuses. 

Some local law enforcement offices in Texas get a heads-up when ICE is coming to town, but others don’t. We’ll dig into why.
There’s new evidence that, no surprise, the online world isn’t always so great for today’s teens. Advice from tech expert Omar Gallaga on making it safer.
Gov. Greg Abbott has a new challenger for the 2026 election. What we expect out of a campaign from Austin Democrat Gina Hinojosa.
Taco journalist Mando Rayo shares what he’s learned from a few women in the culinary world.
A conversation with author Bryan Washington about his new novel, “Palaver,” about a man living in Tokyo, estranged from his family in Houston.

The post Uneven ICE notifications raise concerns appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

After years of tightening restrictions on water use, a South Texas town issues an ominous declaration of emergency. Beeville, Texas, is fast running out of water and they’re asking for help from the state. We’ll talk to the interim city manager about what can be done.
It’s a new law requiring parental permission for public school students to get physical or mental health services at school. We’ll hear why school nurses are concerned about the side effects.
And they’re flocking back to Texas – what’s so special about the annual crane visitors to Texas? Where birders can spot sandhill and endangered whooping cranes.

Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org.

The post Where Texas birders can spot sandhill and whooping cranes this winter appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

This week on The Metallica Report…

We wrap up our final 2025 visit to Iveniem, home to the real-life Metallica Black Box. Dan Nykolayko (Metallica’s in-house curator) and Ally Bace (Inveniem archivist) join Steffan to sift through boxes, bags, and tapes to uncover more rich Metalli-gold. The excitement during this last mad rummage is palpable as the trio uncovers vintage Polaroids, ancient demos, and two hidden gems that left Dan’s gloved hands scrambling to pick his jaw up off the floor.

The Metallica Black Box: metallica.com/museum 

Music from The Metallica Report: metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music  

Upcoming Tour Dates: metallica.com/tour

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration has reportedly slashed jobs at a federal office responsible for overseeing special education. What might that mean here in Texas?
A new school in Uvalde offers a place for learning apart from the building desecrated by a mass shooting – but remembrance is built into the design.
The craft brewing bubble has burst. A look at the continued challenges facing those still open.
There’s a rare jellyfish being spotted in the Texas Gulf. What you need to know about the pink meanie.
Plus, a collection of essays from Stephen Harrigan. Our conversation with the author on his new book, “An Anchor in the Sea of Time.”

Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.

You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org

The post What layoffs at special education office could mean for Texas schools appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The leading Democratic candidate for Texas’ U.S. Senate seat isn’t even in the race yet – and it might not be who you think. Plus, where things stand on the Republican side as U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt joins the field against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Another delay in the Robert Roberson case. We’ll dig into the court’s ruling and what comes next.
There’s a new movement in Texas barbecue that has its roots in the Middle East and Africa. We’ll give you a taste of the rise in halal barbecue.
Austin City Limites, one the state’s biggest music festivals, aims to become more eco-friendly.
And what we can learn from one of the capital city’s most recognizable installments of commercial art.

Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.

You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org

The post Why a Texas appeals court halted Robert Roberson’s execution appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A new report from the Wall Street Journal raises questions about how a prominent Texas Republican got rich as a politician. The report puts the personal finances of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the spotlight, though his supporters are calling it a hit piece. We’ll talk with one of the reporters behind the story.
A football rivalry like few others, only this year the stakes seem especially high for the Texas Longhorns as they take on Oklahoma.
What is the “Selena Effect”? A new exhibit at Texas State’s Wittliff Collections explores what is behind the enduring impact of a Tejano superstar.
Also, the week in Texas politics with the Texas Tribune and poetry from the Typewriter Rodeo.

The post New exhibit captures the meaning of ‘The Selena Effect’ appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

This week, Kim Masters speaks with The Road Between Us director Barry Avrich and retired Israeli General Noam Tibon, the latter of whom drove straight into the October 7 massacre to rescue his family. Despite the third-rail nature of anything involving Israel and Gaza, the pair hopes that the documentary can be viewed as a story about family. But politics were inescapable — the film was pulled from the Toronto Film Festival, reinstated after protests, and then greeted with protests from the other side before going on to win the festival’s People’s Choice documentary prize.

Plus, as predicted on recent episodes of The Business, Paramount has acquired The Free Press and hired founder Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief of CBS News. Partners in banter Kim Masters and Matt Belloni break down the potential impact on news coverage at the network.