Texas Standard

A regular session and now two specials – what will it take to get lawmakers to agree on a property tax cut plan? A closer look at why the two approaches are at the center of a political battle.

Sentencing begins in a federal courtroom this week for the gunman who killed 23 people at an El Paso Walmart in 2019.

How some Houstonians without adequate air conditioning are trying to beat the heat as the thermometer rises.

Plus, what science is revealing about a common bird of prey and frequent defender of many a Texas garden.

The post How the Legislature’s property tax cut proposals differ appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

We don’t think of gas stations much, yet they are fixtures across Texas, and tell us a lot about who we are and where we’re going. There are more than 11,000 of them scattered across the state – along major highways and tiny backroads alike, they fuel up long haul trucks, hungry commuters and sometimes whole communities.

In some ways, the gas station is the backbone of our economy and the center of conversation and community. In other ways, they’re a blight on the landscape and, many feel, a soon-to-be anachronism. “Pumped: Food, fuel and the future of Texas” is an exploration of an often-overlooked staple of our life.

The post Pumped: Food, fuel and the future of Texas – A Texas Standard special appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas prison heat is an issue we’ve highlighted on this program for years. Why it’s not being solved quickly.

Abortion access is one of the top political issues in Texas. So how did state lawmakers manage to quietly pass a bill clarifying exceptions to the ban?

On the eve of July Fourth, we’ll give you a checklist to run through to make sure people, pets and property are all well taken care of.

And how the Supreme Court’s latest ruling on affirmative action will impact the processes at some Texas colleges and universities.

The post How to keep yourself and your pets safe this Fourth of July appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

We have the latest on two rulings today from the Supreme Court: one striking down President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan, and another in favor of a web designer who refused to do wedding work for same-sex couples.

In about 30 years the number of banks across the United States has dropped by 75%. One perspective on what that means for consumers.

It’s always mosquito season in Texas, but there’s some reason to be extra cautious right now about getting bit. How to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses.

Harder math classes may be in store for many Texas middle schoolers – why supporters of a new law say this is really good news.

And a wrap of one Texas special legislative session and the start of another. What you need to know to end your week.

The post What the Supreme Court’s ruling on student loans means for Texans appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The Supreme Court just struck down two race-based university admissions programs. What does it mean for Texas?

Even though Texas lawmakers knew federal money was on the way for expanding high-speed Internet access across the state, they decided to also implement their own program. A look at why.

A new podcast takes a deep dive into the decisions that have made Austin such an expensive place to live – and one where people of color were systematically pushed out.

And a new Texas law set to go into effect will allow public schools to have volunteer chaplains or even to hire them as part of the staff. We’ll hear the argument against the law.

The post New law will allow chaplains in Texas public schools appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Has the Texas border become like the Iowa State Fair, a mandatory stop for Republican presidential candidates?

It’s a long, hot summer for Texas lawmakers as the governor calls another special session, focusing solely on property taxes.

Rethink35, the organization questioning another expansion of the interstate highway that cuts through Austin, has given up its legal battle – at least for now. Why other cities in Texas

Also, how Muslims in Texas are celebrating a holiday often referred to as Big Eid.

The post As one special session ends, the next one begins appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Hundreds of nurses are on a one-day strike in Austin, in what’s expected to be the largest nurses’ strike in Texas history.

Texans know summer heat, but these temperatures can be dangerous. A doctor shares important information on protecting yourself and others.

Residents living in colonias on the border who lack clean, safe drinking water say they’re the target of predatory practices.

And musician Amanda Shires on her new album “Loving You,” a collaboration with the the late great Bobbie Nelson.

The post Musician Amanda Shires on her collaboration with Bobbie Nelson appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

An attempted coup in Russia is over – but what does it signify about Vladimir Putin’s grip on power?

The post Texas State’s Operation Identification works to ID migrant remains appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

For the first time since the mid 1800s, the biggest population group in Texas is not white – it’s now Hispanic.

The post Latinos now make up largest share of state’s population appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

We’re experimenting with bonus episodes here at the Texas Standard and we’d love to know what you think. You can let us know here: https://www.texasstandard.org/contact-us/

This is a director’s cut version of our interview with musician and North Texas native Jess Williamson. There was so much we loved in this conversation that we couldn’t fit on tomorrow’s show — so you’re actually getting both a preview and an extended listen, beautifully produced by director Leah Scarpelli.

Here’s our 2020 conversation with Williamson: https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/jess-williamsons-album-sorceress-is-her-most-texas-record-yet/

The post Texas Extra: An extended conversation with musician Jess Williamson about her new album appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.