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?

The post Why ‘Don’t California My Texas’ isn’t the whole story appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

This week on The Metallica Report…

Steff and Renée cede microphones to Bob Rock and Dan Nykolayko. In this first installment of a two-part discussion, we hear about Bob’s creative journey with Metallica, his recollections of the Load era, and a few studio stories.

The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source.

New episode every Wednesday.

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

OverLoad in The Metallica Black Box: metallica.com/museum

Upcoming Tour Dates: metallica.com/tour

Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: metallica.com/podcast

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

The Trump administration releases billions of dollars in education grants it previously withheld. What it means as students head back to school.

How the U.S. military is responding to a new kind of warfare that uses small, inexpensive drones.

The story of a Cuban man who raised a family in Texas and spent years working for a school district near Abilene – and now is locked up in an ICE detention center.

A high school student’s plan to help schools coping with a shortage of mental health counselors.

And: A Houston husband-and-wife team of archaeologists have discovered the tomb of the ruler of the ancient Mayan city of Caracol, now in present-day Belize.

The post Houston archaeologists uncover tomb of ancient Maya ruler appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

As podcasting becomes more competitive, a dedicated website isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a vital tool. In today’s episode of Podcast Insider, Mike Dell and Todd Cochrane revisit why having a podcast website can help you grow your audience, strengthen your brand, and create monetization opportunities.

In 2024 and beyond, a well-designed, functional website can set your show apart — but we’ll also cover reasons why you might not want one, depending on your goals and bandwidth.

Your Show’s Central Hub – Your Moonbase Alpha

It’s the best place to send your listeners.

If your show disappears from podcast apps, fans still know where to find you.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Helps your show get discovered when people search for your topics or guests.

Lets you create more detailed, searchable show notes.

Branding

Total control over the look, feel, and voice of your brand.

Audience Engagement

Include a forum, contact form, or email signup to build community and keep in touch.

Monetization

Promote sponsors, sell merch or services, and even run ads like AdSense.

Bonus Content & Resources

Add blogs, video content, transcripts, and links to additional resources.

Web Analytics

Use tools like Google Analytics to understand your audience’s behavior.

A Place for Everything

Podcast players

Episode archive or playlist

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?

The post Black farmers in East Texas feel the sting of DEI cuts appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

[Editor’s note: this segment was taped before news broke of the FCC approval of the Paramount-Skydance merger.]

New details from the ongoing Paramount-Skydance merger reveal a $20 million agreement to deliver public service announcements for the Trump administration. And following from the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, CBS News braces for potential changes in leadership. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dive into what’s unfolding behind the scenes.

Plus, an encore of Eric Deggans’ conversation with Lauren LeFranc about her Emmy nominated HBO mini series, The Penguin. The writer discusses the challenges of adapting a well known comic book villain into a complex, three dimensional character and she shares why her perspective as a woman writing a show about a middle-aged crime boss makes for interesting storytelling. And of course, she talks about the joys of working with Colin Farrell, who is both the star of the show and an involved executive producer.

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.

The post Ben Kweller on grief, music and ‘Cover the Mirrors’ appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas lawmakers hear 12 hours of testimony as they take up what happened before during and after the devastating Hill Country floods.
Repeated plans to improve flood warning systems were repeatedly scuttled in the years leading up to the July 4th weekend. Neena Satija of the Houston Chronicle with what she’s learning about why.
As the Americans with Disabilities Act marks 35 years, advocates say we need to go beyond “accessibility” to build truly inclusive spaces – especially in disaster planning.
Will you soon be watching AI content on Netflix? Why it may not be a question of whether – but when?

You can support our work by becoming a sustaining member at supportthispodcast.org.

The post The ADA turns 35: What true inclusion looks like appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The Epstein controversy has federal lawmakers taking an early recess, putting off important business.
Summer heat means some Texans have to choose between paying for air conditioning or basic necessities.
Is a violent protest at an ICE facility in North Texas the new normal as the country copes with a rise in extremism?
What’s happening in Harris County jails, where a dozen people have died so far this year.
And: A preview of Major League Soccer’s All-Star Game, happening tonight in Austin.

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

You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org

The post Families are cutting back on food and medicine to pay the power bill appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

This week on The Metallica Report…

Steff and Renée hear from Jason Newsted, who brings his trademark honesty and enthusiasm to a chat about Metallica’s Load era. Enjoy his unique perspective on the band’s adventures in Tuktoyaktuk, the Sausalito recording sessions, and preparing for the rigors of Poor Touring Me.

The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source.

New episode every Wednesday.

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

OverLoad in The Metallica Black Box: metallica.com/museum

Upcoming Tour Dates: metallica.com/tour

Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: metallica.com/podcast

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