Texas Standard

With the presidency and a majority now in the U.S. Senate, Republicans are eyeing a trifecta of power by capturing the seats needed for a slim majority in the House. But several races still need to be called. What’s taking so long?
Elon Musk spent a great deal of his time and money helping Donald Trump win another term this fall. Will Texas’ wealthiest man have a role to play in the Trump administration?
And: More than half a million undocumented immigrants protected from deportation under the DACA program are now worried what the future holds come January. Stella Chávez of The Texas Newsroom has the story.

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The head of the Texas Democratic Party has resigned following controversial comments about transgender rights and the issue’s role in elections. Lauren McGaughy of the Texas Newsroom joins us with the latest.
He’s Texas’ senior senator for now, but could he soon be known as Senate Majority Leader John Cornyn? We’ll hear more, as well as a who’s who list of some prominent Texans who might be going to Washington as part of the incoming Trump administration.
And a new children’s picture book highlights the beauty of West Texas.

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The words “historic election” have been far overused, but they’re worth considering when examining results out of Starr County. A look at a political shift in South Texas.
Texas’ oil and gas regulators requested an emergency influx of $100 million dollars in state money to address oil well blowouts and contamination. What’s happening in the oilfield?
Even during election time, you probably don’t give a lot of thought to the office of the Justice of the Peace. Why it matters – especially right now in Harris County.
Microsoft Windows users could soon face some consequences if they haven’t updated their software in a while. Our tech expert has tips on what steps to take now.
Plus, there was a plan to bring an exiled Napoleon to Texas. And no, it didn’t happen. Our W.F. Strong has been looking into this strange bit of history.

The post How Republicans broke a losing streak in South Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A historic election cycle ends with significant gains for the GOP statewide. What do the results add up to for the future of Texas?

A closer look at the U.S. Senate race in Texas and a wider re-election victory for incumbent Ted Cruz, compared with 2018.

The largest school bond proposal in Texas history was rejected in Houston, seen by many as a referendum on the state’s takeover of Houston ISD over the past year.

Plus: We’ll hear about results in some key local races from our reporting partners statewide and how the results could affect the upcoming legislative session.

The post Unpacking the results of the 2024 election appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

lection Day 2024 has arrived, and we’re checking in with reporters across the state as Texans cast their ballots. Plus, what to keep a close eye on tonight after the polls close.

A new survey predicts Dallas-Fort Worth is poised to become the hottest real estate market in the country in 2025. What it means for the people living there.

A new book, “A Natural History of Empty Lots” explores forgotten spaces. Author Christopher Brown discusses what he’s learned.

And: An update on plans for a new Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth.

The post What to watch on Election Day 2024 appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

We’ll have the latest details the 400-acre Hudson Fire in Bastrop County, which has prompted the voluntary evacuation of about 65 homes.
On this day before elections, what we’re hearing about early turnout numbers.
Twenty-six states, including California, have citizen-led ballot initiatives – but Texas doesn’t. The Standard’s Sarah Asch brings us the history of a political tug-of-war.
Also: What comes next for death row inmate Robert Roberson and how his case may be affecting attitudes in Texas toward the death penalty.

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Hanif Abdurraqib’s latest book centers the sport, but from there spins meditations on mortality and “making it.”

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.

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It’s possible the most closely watched statewide race in Texas this election cycle could also be the closest once the ballots are counted. How Ted Cruz and Colin Allred are making a final push in the days before Nov. 5.
In San Antonio, plans to demolish a building once part of a World’s Fair might be put on hold because of its history. Jack Morgan of Texas Public Radio tells us more.
And: The new book “The Fall of Roe” explores the decade before the Dobbs decision and the political apparatus that made it possible.

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Reporters have now identified a Texas woman experts say died because of the state’s restrictive abortion ban.
As early voting continues across Texas, we’ll check in with some LGBTQ+ voters about what’s on their minds as they head to the polls.
Also, some of the people removed in Gov. Greg Abbott’s voter roll purges were eligible voters.
Apple’s latest product announcement wasn’t one big event, but a whole series of smaller launches. How consumers and markets are reacting.
And it’s Halloween! We’ve got both tricks and treats in store, plus a story from our insect expert that isn’t for the queasy – but also a sweet one out of East Texas.

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A new public TV documentary titled “Our Texas, Our Vote” delves into the diversity of Latino voters’ perspectives and priorities.
For over 18 months, the nuns of an Arlington monastery have clashed with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth. Now, a Vatican-appointed overseer has dismissed the sisters from their duties.
A Houston ISD basketball coach has been labeled the “kingpin” behind a $1 million scheme that allegedly led to hundreds of unqualified teachers obtaining certification.
Also: The Jesus Lizard returns with its first album in 26 years and tour dates in Texas this week.

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