

Texas Standard
Texas Standard
Coverage of politics, lifestyle, environment, technology, innovation and money matters from a uniquely Texas perspective.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 12, 2025 • 50min
‘CleaVage’ musical is a deep cut into Texas plastic surgery history
The contours of Texas politics are changing – part of Republican’s decades-long plan? Texas Monthly’s Robert Downen joins us to talk about what he sees as an unprecedented consolidation of power aimed at ending fair elections in Texas.Also, Texas A&M launches audits of its courses statewide – this after the firing of a professor over teachings involving gender identity in a children’s literature class.And a lawsuit challenging the Texas Medical Board over who gets to call themselves a doctor.Plus, did you know breast implants were first developed in Texas six decades ago? Well, one Dallas plastic surgeon is making sure you do with a new musical.Those stories, the week in politics with the Texas Tribune, the talk of Texas and so much more.
The post ‘CleaVage’ musical is a deep cut into Texas plastic surgery history appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Sep 11, 2025 • 50min
Pushback in Mexico against SpaceX expansion
The latest on the dismissal of a Texas A&M professor and the removal of two top administrators after political pressure over what was being taught in a children’s literature class – an incident that has led to concern about academic freedom.The impact of SpaceX launches in South Texas is felt across the border in Mexico, where some officials are even weighing legal action against the company.Tech expert Omar Gallaga on how Facebook is bringing back one of its earliest features, the “poke,” to appeal to Gen Z.The use of facial recognition technology in Juárez is raising red flags.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
The post Pushback in Mexico against SpaceX expansion appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Sep 10, 2025 • 50min
The Texas ties to an infamous Atari flop
Gov. Greg Abbott seems to be taking THC regulation into his own hands. What we know about what he wants to change.About 20% of Medicaid recipients lose access during the yearly renewal process because of all the red tape. How Texas researchers are trying to fix that.Texas is home to more than 100 Hispanic-Serving Institutions, but new federal cuts could eliminate funding that supports these colleges and universities.What to know about Texas House Rep. James Talarico, the newcomer shaking up the race for U.S. Senate.Solving the Atari game mystery that’s been lingering for decades – and its connections to El Paso.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
The post The Texas ties to an infamous Atari flop appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Sep 9, 2025 • 50min
Study finds no evidence of serial killer on Austin’s Rainey Street
The Supreme Court allows ICE to round up people based on factors like appearance, at least for now.The attorneys general of New York and Texas face off over mail-order abortion pills crossing state lines.For years, rumors have circulated online about a serial killer targeting Rainey Street in Austin. A new study finds no such threat.The personal toll for people with chronic conditions who don’t have insurance.Photographer Pat Blashill captures the scene of Texas punk rock on the ’70s and ’80s in his new pictorial oral history, “Someday All the Adults Will Die!”
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
The post Study finds no evidence of serial killer on Austin’s Rainey Street appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Sep 8, 2025 • 51min
What to know after black bear sightings in East Texas
As the dust settles on this year’s legislative action at the Capitol, where do the two main parties stand?If you buy beef, you may have noticed that it’s gotten more expensive lately. Michael Marks has the story, and whether there are any signs of relief.For several years, black bears have gradually spread throughout the Trans-Pecos region. But recently, bear sightings in East Texas have earned headlines, tooWhat does “BU” mean to you? The latest on a trademark battle between Boston and Baylor.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
The post What to know after black bear sightings in East Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Sep 5, 2025 • 50min
Antone’s celebrates 50 years of the blues in Austin with special box set
As Texas lawmakers return home, what are the big takeaways from six weeks of overtime at the Capitol? We’ll take a closer look at what happened – and what didn’t.Why some think Collin County could become one of the nation’s most highly contested political battlegrounds.Antone’s, known as Austin’s home of the blues, celebrates its 50th birthday with a new box set with deep Texas ties.Plus: A recap of the week in politics with The Texas Tribune.
The post Antone’s celebrates 50 years of the blues in Austin with special box set appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Sep 4, 2025 • 50min
Corpus Christi cancels controversial desalination project
The Legislature’s second overtime comes to a close with new political maps and a slew of Republican wins. But how do Texas voters come down on the big issues of the day? A new survey offers some answers.After years of planning and tens of millions spent already, Corpus Christi’s city council cancels a high-profile project to deal with growing water demands.What’s in a name? A lot if you’re talking about so-called Gulf coast shrimp. Details of a new law aimed at cracking down on the imposters.For barbecue lovers dreaming of turning their passion into a profession, help is now a phone call or click away with Nextep Q, a hotline and website offering business advice for pitmasters.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
The post Corpus Christi cancels controversial desalination project appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Sep 3, 2025 • 52min
Some Texas counties switch to paper ballots ahead of midterms
No more QR or barcodes: Why Collin, Williamson and Bastrop counties are changing the way voters will cast ballots.Housing affordability is a big issue in Texas, and three new state laws aim to address it. Will they work?Many are concerned new Texas congressional maps dilute the voting power of Texans of color. But others welcome the changes.Inside an ICE job recruitment fair in Arlington.And: the bigger meaning behind the season’s first high school football game in Kerrville.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
The post Some Texas counties switch to paper ballots ahead of midterms appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Sep 2, 2025 • 50min
Could a new Texas law make some types of anime illegal?
The Texas Lottery gets a second chance under new management. So what will change?A new state law now in effect targets AI-generated child pornography. But could it also ban some anime?Americans have been on the move since the founding of our country. But now, more people staying put rather than relocating for new jobs and other opportunities.And: Thinking about an energy efficient upgrade for your home? A tax credit to to help you get the job done is expiring at the end of this year.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
The post Could a new Texas law make some types of anime illegal? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Sep 1, 2025 • 51min
New state law will give farmers a heads-up on pests and diseases
The fight over redistricting has shifted from the Capitol to the courthouse, but plenty of serious work is still on the table when legislators return to their offices Tuesday. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey joins with a look at what’s left on the agenda.A new law in effect today creates a statewide alert system for pests and diseases that affect plants and wildlife. The Standard’s Michael Marks has the story.And: The Standard continues celebrating 10 years on the air with a look back at some memorable animal stories.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
The post New state law will give farmers a heads-up on pests and diseases appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.