Texas Standard

As Texans try to keep warm, volunteers are bundling up to help a particularly vulnerable population: sea turtles facing “cold stun,” a life-threatening condition. We’re three days into the new Trump administration and trying to keep up with a slew of executive orders. Digging into the impacts on the energy industry, as well as what it means to issue a presidential pardon. Peer support specialists can help fill the gaps in mental health care in Texas. But there are some challenges to keeping people on the job. And: The Sundance Film Festival gives fans a sneak peek at movies before they hit theaters. We’re keeping an eye on a few with Texas ties. The post What Trump’s declaration of an energy emergency could mean for Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Much of Texas is dealing with dangerously cold temperatures and conditions that make travel hazardous. How the state is coping – plus a look at the power grid. President Trump declared an emergency on the U.S.-Mexico border and issued several executive orders on immigration. We’ll delve into the details. A look at the life and legacy of Cecile Richards: The former president of Planned Parenthood, and a major force in Texas and national politics, has died of brain cancer at 67. Plus: Texas Standard intern Yoali Rodríguez reports on the designers working to make El Paso a new fashion hub. The post Trump’s first executive orders focus on immigration appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Parts of Texas that seldom see snow may well see frozen precipitation blanketing beaches tomorrow. We’re keeping watch. Seven employees of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission have been fired for improperly accessing, and in some cases, stealing, from the accounts of thousands of Texans receiving public assistance. And: TikTok went dark for U.S. users on Saturday night, hours before a ban on the service was due to take effect. But on Sunday, the service returned, with a message crediting President-elect Trump, who said he would delay the ban. We’ll have the latest. The post Health and Human Services Commission employees accused in data breach appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

We’ll have the latest on a dramatic drop in thermometers statewide and what that could mean for large parts of Texas next week. Also: How some are hoping to protect people experiencing homelessness from the worst of the big freeze. The incoming Trump administration has vowed to make immigration enforcement a top priority, possibly including mass workplace raids. What this could mean for Texas workers and businesses. And: After suing General Motors in August over alleged illegal driver data sales, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has now filed a similar lawsuit against Allstate, accusing the insurer of tracking drivers without their knowledge. The post State targets Allstate data collection practices appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A Texas case before the U.S. Supreme Court on verifying ages for adult content has bigger implications than just whether one free speech law can stand.TikTok users are flocking to other Chinese-owned apps as they await a ruling on whether the U.S. can ban TikTok. But a lot could still change.Carbon capture is a growing technology in the Houston area. How it’s also now showing up in the classroom.Texas has huge potential for offshore wind. What do bird conservationists think about the plans?Plus: As firefighters continue to battle blazes in California, what Texas’ wildfire experts want you know about conditions here and planning ahead. The post What Texas can learn from wildfire history appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

In a session-opening battle for speaker of the House – one of the most powerful positions in state government – Rep. Dustin Burrows won the role in a blow to a rising faction in the Texas GOP, and a victory for what many call establishment Republicans. Elon Musk, Texas’ richest resident, is turning his eyes to a vastly different venture: education. Lauren McGaughy of The Texas Newsroom has the story, plus a look at her plans to dig into how Musk’s massive wealth and business ambitions are affecting his new home. And: As the Standard celebrates our 10th birthday in 2025, we’re kicking off a year of Top 10 lists with a beloved story from commentator W.F. Strong. The post Dustin Burrows wins race for Texas House speaker appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

As lawmakers begin their work at the state Capitol, money is at the center of it all. Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar shares a look at the current state of the Texas economy. After a Venezuelan woman died violently in Texas, her body was sold for scientific research without her family’s consent. An investigation into the state’s trade in body parts. The newspaper at UT Dallas faced retaliation from administrators for reporting on protests. How those reporters are fighting for a free student press. And: Why January 6 rioters are coming to the Hill Country. The post UT Dallas student journalists fight for press freedom appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

It’s go-time at the Texas Capitol as the 89th legislative session opens tomorrow, running through June 2. Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom has a preview of what to expect. War on drugs? Or drug users? How a mass overdose event underscores what critics say is wrong with Texas’ anti-drug strategy. You’ve heard of a super moon, blood moon, harvest moon. But what exactly is a wolf moon? Also: an artistic linkup between San Antonio and Havana, Cuba. The post What’s a wolf moon? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

With temperatures on the rise, beware the temptation to let down your guard: a waning winter storm and what it means for drivers today. Gov. Greg Abbott is keen on an idea to pipe Houston’s surplus water to drought-stricken West Texas. With the U.S. inauguration just 10 days away, what’s in store for the relationship between Washington and Mexico City? Plus: 2025 taco hacks from taco journalist Mando Rayo. The post Could Houston send water to West Texas? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

As cold as it is in some parts of the state, politics are heating up in Austin. As the next legislative session nears, there’s intense infighting over who will hold one of the top spots.Abortion access in this country has changed, especially in states like Texas, since the effective overturn of Roe v. Wade. But pregnancy terminations are actually up across the U.S.Meta will no longer fact-check. What’s that mean for the user experience on platforms like Facebook and Instagram?And the semifinal round is here in the College Football Playoff. Texas will face Ohio State. Can the Longhorns win it all? The post It’s cold outside, but politics are heating up in Austin appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.