Texas Standard

It took a while, but the Texas House now ready to take action on some closely watched legislation. Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom gets us up to speed on the week ahead under the pink dome.A new study assesses the severity of water access problems in colonias, unincorporated communities with long-standing infrastructure issues.What happens after an ICE raid? Cactus, Texas, still feels the impact.In 2023, Texas lawmakers touted a business-friendly paid parental leave insurance program – but two years later, few businesses are offering it, and most new parents still can’t afford to take time off.And: Lights, camera, Texas? How some big stars are teaming up to bring in more movie production. The post Why Texas’ paid parental leave plan isn’t working appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Joining the discussion is Paige Foshee, a seasoned oil and gas landman with four decades of experience and deep East Texas roots. She dives into the dramatic history of the Texas oil industry, spotlighting a conman who duped farmers during the East Texas oil boom. The conversation also explores the transformative Daisy Bradford No. 3 well and its role in shaping local communities and state regulations. Foshee highlights the ongoing debate over natural gas versus renewables in Texas's energy future.

Caroline Leonard, a technology reporter at the Austin American-Statesman, dives into the implications of the New York Stock Exchange moving operations to Dallas, signaling North Texas's rise as a financial hub. She shares insights on the competition with a new Texas Stock Exchange and the potential for economic growth. Additionally, Leonard discusses the excitement surrounding an upcoming eSports event—the Blast Counter-Strike Major Championships—expected to draw over 40,000 attendees, showcasing Austin's thriving tech scene.

A recent survey reveals shifting political views among Texans, particularly among Latino voters. Tech giants are rebranding the Gulf of Mexico on maps following a controversial executive order, raising questions about cultural influence. Meanwhile, researchers are cracking the code on the mysterious 'lost years' of young sea turtles, aiming to track their critical development stages. Elon Musk’s expansion in Texas is stirring local debates over economic benefits versus environmental concerns, highlighting the intertwined nature of business and politics.

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.

Andrew Natsios, a Texas A&M professor and former USAID administrator, shares insights on recent staffing cuts at USAID and critiques the claims of inefficiency that have sparked concern among foreign aid supporters. He delves into the agency's historical significance and its role in global humanitarian efforts. Additionally, Kay Betts discusses the legacy of the Rockport Fulton Art Colony, highlighting artist Simon Michael's impact on the local culture and the art community's evolution in Texas.

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.