Texas Standard

A looming budget deadline and threats of a government shutdown: what that could mean for Texans.The Texas Democratic Party has launched an expansion plan that includes relocating its headquarters to Dallas. The decision has roiled quite a few within the party, even prompting an exodus of top staff.In Texas, there are around 11,000 students who are blind or visually impaired, and many of them spend time in school learning how to get around safely. The Texas Standard’s Sean Saldana takes us inside the process of orientation and mobility training.For years, birdwatching in Texas has been a tale of two jays: blue in the east, and green further south. Recently though, researchers have found a rare new species that lies somewhere in between – the Grue Jay.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 How thousands of blind and visually impaired Texans learn to get around safely appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

An investigative report claims as Texas flooded on the July 4 weekend, the head of FEMA couldn’t be reached. We’ll hear more about a reported slow response from acting administrator David Richardson and what it meant for Texas during the Hill Country floods.Concerns are rising in higher ed over millions of federal dollars for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) on hold, with no end in sight.The latest on lawsuits challenging Texas’ new law for the Ten Commandments in the classroom.Tech expert Omar Gallaga has the latest on a deal that would keep TikTok in the U.S. and growing concerns about who might be running that operation.Plus, taco journalist Mando Rayo weighs in on Tex-Mex. Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org The post Where was the acting FEMA head during the July 4 floods? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A deadly shooting this morning at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Dallas. We’ll share the latest details.Workplaces across the state trying to calculate the implications of a new $100,000 fee for H-1B applications. We’ll hear more on the questions raised by the new policy and the possible fallout.How college football in Texas and beyond is being reshaped by new NIL rules allowing for direct athlete pay by advertisers and sponsors.And the return of Rodney Crowell: Music and conversation with a Texas songwriting legend. Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org The post Rodney Crowell talks new album, career appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

After years of failed attempts, a so-called “bathroom bill” becomes law in Texas. We’ll cover what the rules say and how they’ll be enforced.Thinking of getting a COVID booster and have questions? We have answers.Why the National Weather Service offices in Austin and San Antonio are not fully staffed, even after historic flooding this summer.A conversation with Christian Davenport, author of the new book, “Rocket Dreams,” all about the billionaires engaged in a new space race.And today’s Hispanic heritage moment honors four-time Grammy winner Vikki Carr. Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org The post Breaking down new guidances over COVID boosters appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Some are calling it a new chapter in the relationship between higher education and Texas politics – we’ll have a closer look at what’s happening at A&M right now and why it matters.Something is missing in a new report from the Agriculture Department: an explanation for the data. Michael Marks reports on why the missing link is raising eyebrows.There’s been a boom in indie bookstores nationwide, with Texas leading the way. How did it happen?Last November, after years of the Odessa City Council focusing on culture war issues, Odessa voters went in a different direction.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 voters in Odessa turned against the far-right local government appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas A&M President Mark Welsh is resigning after a week of turmoil over a viral video and a clash over gender identity content in the classroom. What’s behind Texas’ redistricting push? KUT’s Mose Buchele reports on a political strategy started decades ago. The flesh-eating new world screwworm, a parasite once eradicated from Texas, has been detected within striking distance of the border. What species may be most vulnerable. The new documentary “When We Were Live” reflects on public access TV in Austin through rare archival footage and interviews with local producers. The post Texas A&M president resigns amid viral video controversy appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Remember the Democratic walkout this summer over Texas redistricting? Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit accusing Beto O’Rourke of bribery and other charges for supporting the walkout continues – but O’Rourke appears to have the upper hand. Recovery funds are finally on the way for many in Houston who suffered damage during Hurricane Beryl and last year’s derecho. But the need for assistance continues to outweigh available resources. For decades, the Texas Civil Rights Project has been a force in battles for voter rights, disability access and racial and economic justice. We’ll hear from founder Jim Harrington, who’s released a new book tracing the organization’s history. A new episode of the “Tacos of Texas” podcast delves into tequila’s deeper meaning, including personal connections and heritage. The post A history of the Texas Civil Rights Project appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Programs aimed at helping millions of low-income students earn college degrees is potentially on the chopping block. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Silas Allen joins us with a look.A series of bills aimed at preventing a repeat of the July 4th flooding tragedy in Texas’ Hill Country has passed, but some are asking if they go far enough. Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom has been looking into that question.He was known as the Sundance Kid and an icon of cinema. We’ll hear more about the late Robert Redford and his Texas connections.And a UT researcher tells us about a new discovery involving black holes – and how it could help settle questions about the structure of the universe. The post Remembering Robert Redford’s Texas ties appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Hurricane Harvey caused historic flooding in Houston. Why developers are once again building homes in flood-prone areas.Gambling is illegal in Texas, but there is a gray area when it comes to online betting on sports teams: prediction markets and daily fantasy sports.Food banks are reporting steep increases in demand as families struggle with higher costs and stagnant wagesAn interview with Matthew McConaughey about his new book, “Poems & Prayers.”And: From rancheras to country to rock and roll, we celebrate the incomparable Freddy Fender. Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org The post Matthew McConaughey returns with ‘Poems & Prayers’ appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

From the border to the rest of the state, Gov. Greg Abbott’s crackdown on immigration enters a new phase.The Trump administration’s creation of long, thin military installations along the border is affecting not just migrants but locals as well.Texas has settled another opioid lawsuit. So where’s that money going?After more than 20 years in Washington, U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul says he will not seek reelection. What’s next for the Central Texas congressman and his seat.If the idea of being too close to a stranger turns you off from a massage, a new AI-powered robotic massager is offering a different path to relaxation. Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org The post Operation Lone Star moves beyond the border appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.