Texas Standard

The State Board of Education has approved a new Bible-infused curriculum that critics say overemphasizes Christianity and is a likely violation of the separation of church and state. It’s set for introduction in schools in 2025, though it’s likely to face a long legal battle.Election transparency vs ballot secrecy: How changes to state law may have inadvertently exposed ballot choices for thousands of Texans, and what lawmakers may try to do to fix things.Van Zandt County, about an hour east of Dallas, is mostly rural and quiet. But a potential energy project is causing some locals to make a lot of noise.Plus: What to know about a new question about immigration status for many seeking hospital treatment in Texas. The post State Board of Education approves Bible-infused curriculum appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A Houston-area nonprofit that helped thousands find a new life in the U.S. disappears. A new investigation reveals surprising answers about what happened to the Alliance.More international students than ever before are studying in the U.S., and among the top destinations are the University of North Texas and UT Dallas.How a much-talked-about Department of Government Efficiency could affect the hundreds of thousands of federal workers in Texas.In a surprise move, SpaceX has pulled out of a land swap deal with Texas Parks and Wildlife.And: A few months ago, 17-year-old Tobi Haastrup didn’t know what a first down was. Now, the Houston player is one of the hottest prospects in college football. The post SpaceX backs out of Boca Chica Beach land swap appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The president-elect says he might use the military to support mass deportations of migrants in the country without legal authorization. But there are considerable obstacles to such an effort, both legal and logistic.A new trade policy with an accent on tariffs. How Texas might find itself in the crosshairs.Gov. Greg Abbott is pushing to boost nuclear power in the Lone Star State.With the WNBA set to add teams in San Francisco, Portland and Toronto, there’s speculation about a 16th team. Could Austin be next?And: how to kickstart a Kickstarter campaign. The post WNBA expansion sparks hopes for Austin franchise appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants the state to lead in dementia research. Why it’s such a priority and what happens next.More people than ever get their news via social media, but with feeds looking very different for different folks, how do you bring people together? As the Standard’s Sarah Asch reports, the public library might help.A school district in the Panhandle has a unique model for providing scholarship money for students. Commentator WF Strong says it began with a gift.Plus: Rainbow trout may soon be arriving at a body of water near you. How to take advantage. The post How news organizations are partnering with public libraries  appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas leaders are among President-elect Trump’s biggest supporters. Are they being left off the list of Cabinet picks?She’s traveled and tasted dishes from across the Lone Star State: After 50 years, Texas Monthly food critic Pat Sharpe is retiring and sharing what she’s learned on the job.The details of a plan to turn an old golf course into a world-class arboretum in San Antonio.And: An update on the results of a rural summit bringing residents, local officials and state lawmakers together. The post After nearly 50 years, food critic Pat Sharpe asks for the check appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The Texas State Board of Education could soon approve a curriculum that includes Bible stories and doesn’t spend as much time on slavery.It’s been 25 years since one of the darkest moments in Texas A&M history. Reflecting on the impact of the Aggie bonfire collapse.Families in America today can look a lot different than what’s long been considered “normal.” The podcast “Refamulating“ explores why it’s important to re-think family.A Black-owned bookstore in North Texas is closing one chapter, but its owner says even after very challenging times, the story isn’t over.Plus: Why Faith Family Academy, a dominant team in girls basketball, won’t be allowed in the state playoffs. The post Reflecting on the Aggie bonfire tragedy, 25 years later appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Human brains begin to alter significantly around the age of ten — as people start to enter biological adolescence. But why are the teenage years so dreaded? And what can science tell us about how to make them less so? That’s exactly what this next interview is about. It’s an extended version of a conversation that first aired on Texas Standard in October. 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 Texas Extra: The science of motivating young people appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

As lawmakers prepare to take up a school voucher-like plan, many state public schools are struggling with more cutbacks.Gov. Greg Abbott is seeking an extension of a tuition freeze for public colleges and universities.What the tiny town of Rockdale, Texas, could teach us about the energy transition and rising demand.Mando Rayo of the Tacos of Texas podcast breaks down the state’s new Michelin-recognized restaurants.And: What the Grammy nominations tell us about the changing landscape of country music – and why it’s sounding a lot more like an increasingly diverse Texas. The post A closer look at the country music Grammy nods appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

President-elect Donald Trump has tapped a Texan for a top spot in his upcoming administration. What John Ratcliffe might do as head of the CIA.Louisiana’s legal battle over putting the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms could impact similar efforts here in Texas.Did you pick up gardening during the pandemic? Some did with the help of tech company AeroGarden – which is now going under.What can you learn about place if you spend 24 hours there? A new podcast tries to answer that question in Austin.And: The logistics of a plan to construct a long-distance trail crossing Texas from east to west. The post Could Texas get its own Appalachian-style trail? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

More than 1,500 bills were filed yesterday for the upcoming Texas legislative session. What they tell us about looming fights in the new year.What some immigrant rights groups in Texas are doing to prepare for expected changes in enforcement as President-elect Trump promises mass deportations.As high season for holiday shopping gets underway, consumer advocates warn about the growing popularity of “buy now, pay later” loans.Also: A conversation with Texas-based actor David Del Rio, who’s part of the “Matlock” reboot. The post Lawmakers start filing bills for 2025 legislative session appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.