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.

The Texas Supreme Court remains firmly in Republican hands after the election. What that means for cases the court will decide.For the first time, Michelin has awarded its coveted stars – along with other designations – to restaurants in the Lone Star State.Texas is in the wake of a solar panel boom. But not everyone who’s had them installed on their roof is happy about the decision.Amid soaring childcare costs, voters approved a tax rate increase to help pay for it in Central Texas.And: A new research project at the International Space Station examines the impact of microgravity on human heart tissue. The post 15 Texas restaurants have received a coveted Michelin star rating appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

With the presidency and a majority now in the U.S. Senate, Republicans are eyeing a trifecta of power by capturing the seats needed for a slim majority in the House. But several races still need to be called. What’s taking so long?Elon Musk spent a great deal of his time and money helping Donald Trump win another term this fall. Will Texas’ wealthiest man have a role to play in the Trump administration?And: More than half a million undocumented immigrants protected from deportation under the DACA program are now worried what the future holds come January. Stella Chávez of The Texas Newsroom has the story. The post Will Elon Musk have a role to play in the Trump administration? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The head of the Texas Democratic Party has resigned following controversial comments about transgender rights and the issue’s role in elections. Lauren McGaughy of the Texas Newsroom joins us with the latest.He’s Texas’ senior senator for now, but could he soon be known as Senate Majority Leader John Cornyn? We’ll hear more, as well as a who’s who list of some prominent Texans who might be going to Washington as part of the incoming Trump administration.And a new children’s picture book highlights the beauty of West Texas. The post Texas Democratic Party chair resigns after controversial comments appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The words “historic election” have been far overused, but they’re worth considering when examining results out of Starr County. A look at a political shift in South Texas.Texas’ oil and gas regulators requested an emergency influx of $100 million dollars in state money to address oil well blowouts and contamination. What’s happening in the oilfield?Even during election time, you probably don’t give a lot of thought to the office of the Justice of the Peace. Why it matters – especially right now in Harris County.Microsoft Windows users could soon face some consequences if they haven’t updated their software in a while. Our tech expert has tips on what steps to take now.Plus, there was a plan to bring an exiled Napoleon to Texas. And no, it didn’t happen. Our W.F. Strong has been looking into this strange bit of history. The post How Republicans broke a losing streak in South Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A historic election cycle ends with significant gains for the GOP statewide. What do the results add up to for the future of Texas? A closer look at the U.S. Senate race in Texas and a wider re-election victory for incumbent Ted Cruz, compared with 2018. The largest school bond proposal in Texas history was rejected in Houston, seen by many as a referendum on the state’s takeover of Houston ISD over the past year. Plus: We’ll hear about results in some key local races from our reporting partners statewide and how the results could affect the upcoming legislative session. The post Unpacking the results of the 2024 election appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

lection Day 2024 has arrived, and we’re checking in with reporters across the state as Texans cast their ballots. Plus, what to keep a close eye on tonight after the polls close. A new survey predicts Dallas-Fort Worth is poised to become the hottest real estate market in the country in 2025. What it means for the people living there. A new book, “A Natural History of Empty Lots” explores forgotten spaces. Author Christopher Brown discusses what he’s learned. And: An update on plans for a new Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth. The post What to watch on Election Day 2024 appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.