Texas Standard

It’s been four years since the deadly days-long blackout in Texas – and “The Disconnect” podcast is back for a third season, exploring what’s changed and what hasn’t.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has been told by the new Trump administration to stop work. How a long-term closure might affect you.
An investigation into the death of a foster care child has led to the closure of one facility and some bigger questions.
And: The women on Texas death row have a special relationship with a group of nuns. The details might surprise you.

The post A sisterhood of nuns is quietly emerging on Texas death row appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

How President Trump’s new tariffs on steel and aluminum will impact a wide range of companies across the state.
Slashing federal grants that fund overhead for research labs will save some money but also hinder life-saving research.
Texans know the price of feeding your dog or cat has been rising. A state lawmaker wants to provide some relief by eliminating the sales tax on pet food.
Are electric cars inevitable? In his new book, Wall Street Journal reporter Mike Colias says yes.
And: 30 year’s after Selena’s death a new children’s books series pays tribute to the Tejano star’s life.

The post ‘Petflation’ is real, and a Texas lawmaker wants to help appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Concerns are growing about a measles outbreak in West Texas as some legislators push to rollback vaccination requirements.
It appears the threat of cutbacks from the federal government may already be having an effect on health services for veterans.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted targeted enforcement actions in Austin last month, and Hispanic business owners say the impact has been immediate.
And: Nearly one year ago, downed power lines sparked wildfires that ultimately burned more than 1 million acres in the Texas Panhandle. The recovery effort is ongoing today.

The post A year after the Smokehouse Creek Fire, recovery is still underway appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott spoke in front of a crowd of lawmakers and supporters to deliver his State of the State Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025 from Arnold Oil’s corporate headquarters in East Austin. He named his list of emergency items, which are the only issues lawmakers can pass bills on in the first 60 days of the session. This is a recording of a live presentation of the address from the Texas Standard and The Texas Newsroom.

The full transcript of this episode of Texas Standard is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps.

The post ICYMI: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s 2025 State of the State Address appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Reports of massive staffing cuts at USAID are rattling the federal bureaucracy and supporters of foreign aid. Andrew Natsios, a Texas A&M professor and a Republican who once served as a USAID administrator, joins the show with his take on the claims of waste and inefficiency at his former agency.
A new historical marker stands outside Rockport building that was once the art studio of Simon Michael – a painter who founded the Fulton School of Painting and played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s artistic community.
Plus: The Standard celebrates our 10th year on the air with a look back at our top 10 film & TV interviews.

The post Former leader of USAID speaks out against agency cuts appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A bill to let families use taxpayer dollars to cover private school tuition was approved by the Texas Senate, but the debate over the bill’s not done. Next stop: the Texas House.
El Paso has still not recovered from government vacancies dating back to the height of COVID, with growing concerns about how that’s affecting basic services in one of Texas’ biggest cities.
The WNBA season may be months away, but teams are making big moves – signing free agents, making trades and shaking up coaching staffs ahead of 2025.
Spring gardening season is around the corner, but experts say now is not the time to trim your oak trees. February marks the start of oak wilt season, a deadly disease that can devastate trees across Texas.

The post Texas Senate passes bill creating school voucher-like program appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced his priorities over the weekend, and it looks like lawmakers in his party are getting right to work.
The Arlington City Council unanimously approved a drilling site that would put 10 new gas wells within a few thousand feet of homes, a daycare and elementary schools. A closer look at the debate.
The impact of bird flu goes far beyond the price of eggs. The latest on how it’s affecting Texas farms and people.
As we’ve well heard, Elon Musk is taking a big role, attempting to re-shape the U.S. government. The young engineers helping him do it.
Plus: It’s feeling a bit like spring already in Texas, but there’s still winter ahead. What the Farmer’s Almanac predicts for the coming months.

The post What does the Farmer’s Almanac say about Texas’ winter? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The Trump administration’s tariffs on China have taken effect, while tariffs on Canada and Mexico are on hold for now – but the threat looms, along with uncertainly. We’ll break down what it means for the state.
Pete Hegseth, the new secretary of defense, visits the Texas/Mexico border. What he says about sending more troops.
When is a school district too big? Plans to split Keller ISD in two have led to an outcry.
And: Most state lawmakers won’t approve recreational marijuana or gambling, but what do Texans want? Details from a new survey.

The post Why does Keller ISD want to split in two? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

With a de facto North American trade war set to begin tomorrow, Presidents Donald Trump and Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico announce a one-month delay on tariffs in exchange for added troops at the border.

What we learned in Gov. Greg Abbott’s State of the State address, where he announced some unexpected priorities.

And: A surprise deal by the Dallas Mavericks to trade away star Luka Doncic is sending waves of disbelief among Dallas fans and pro basketball nationwide.

The post Why did the Mavericks trade Luka Doncic? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

What to expect from this weekend’s State of the State address, where Gov. Greg Abbott will reveal his emergency items for the current legislative session.

Have you noticed the flu is going around? There’s actually more than one virus making folks sick at the moment. We’ll check in with a doctor.

One of the many ways public media organizations raise funds is through vehicle donations. But how exactly does a donated car translate into a revenue stream? Texas Standard’s Sean Saldana followed one donation from driveway to dollars.

And: The 67th annual Grammy Awards take place Sunday, and once again, Texas is well-represented among the nominees. We’ll have a preview.

The post Flu surge shuts down schools in North Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.