Texas Standard

Texas leads the nation in deaths of kids left in hot cars. Research explains why it happens and how to prevent it.A heat dome hovers over parts of Texas, baking the state. What can we expect as summer starts?Regulators will decide if the sport of slap fighting – in which two people stand across a table and slap each other in the face as hard as they can – should come to the Lone Star State.Are plans for an oil export terminal 30 miles off the Texas Gulf Coast too ecologically dangerous?And: A tour of a cavern first discovered in Central Texas the 1960s, known as Hidden Wonders, is unlike any other the state. The post Slap fights could be coming to Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas Democrats reconvene for their annual convention, plotting an election year comeback. What’s the plan? The Texas Newsroom’s Julián Aguilar tells us more about the Texas Democratic convention that just wrapped up in El Paso.A change in the state’s Medicaid rules would eliminate several major nonprofit health plans from the program.UT’s flagship campus taking disciplinary action against recent pro-Palestinian protesters.The case of the stolen smokers – Daniel Vaughn shares the tale.And the Mavericks, down but not out as the NBA playoffs shift to Dallas for Game 3. The post Texas Democrats plot election year strategy at convention appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Finance titans BlackRock and Citadel Securities are teaming with investors to raise $120 million to open the Texas Stock Exchange. The group still has some regulatory hurdles to clear before opening but plans to start listing stocks for sale as early as 2026.On its fourth try, SpaceX achieved a breakthrough for its Starship rocket with a successful return to earth. But not all those gathered to witness the event from Boca Chica got what they were hoping for. The Standard’s Kristen Cabrera reports.As more tourists flock to the remote West Texas town of Terlingua, bringing money and development, some locals are concerned the town’s running dry.And: In the Big Bend-area town of Alpine, recovery efforts are underway after a fire destroyed a historic building in a central part of town. The post Why is Texas launching its own stock exchange? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

As heat replaces rain as the top weather concern, East Texas is still weathering the remnants of our stormy spring.You’ve heard about a shortage of mental health facilities and doctors, but for those who do get treatment, what comes the day after discharge? How little-known clubs are filling the gap.In a year that started with excitement for the San Antonio Spurs, it’s now the Dallas Mavericks with a shot at the title. Looking ahead to the NBA Finals, which start tonight.And: Why are so many finding that “breaking up is hard to do” when it comes to tech providers? Omar Gallaga breaks it down. The post How East Texas is recovering after massive storms appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Some top politicos are sensing that, for the first time in decades, this could be the year Texas sends a Democrat to the U.S. Senate.Texas lawmakers are lining up to clamp down on hemp-based products like Delta 8 and Delta 9 being sold statewide.Last fall, Edinburg City Council Member David White won re-election by just 10 votes. His challenger contested the results – and this past week, White’s win was overturned when a judge ruled that several votes were placed illegally.A new book explores some lesser-known stories of courage from the D-Day invasion of 80 years ago.And: Vigilante groups are repelling migrants at the southern border. What does law enforcement think about that? The post Hidalgo County election overturned after being decided by handful of votes appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Mayors from South Texas are in DC today to join President Joe Biden as he announces a plan that would limit the number of people who could request asylum at the southern border. Is it more political, or practical?It’s getting hot out there – and if you haven’t noticed, your pets certainly have. We’ll hear from an expert about how to keep them cool this summer.And: Simone Biles’ sweep at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships brings her career U.S. medal count to 41, including 32 golds. The post Simone Biles sets new records at Olympic qualifier appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

We’re bringing you the latest on Mexico’s historic presidential election in today’s edition of the Standard, hosted by Angela Kocherga from Mexico City. How will Claudia Sheinbaum, the country’s first female president, approach governing and U.S.-Mexico relations?Is Attorney General Ken Paxton using consumer laws to promote his political agenda? Investigative reporters looked into the issue.What another mega-merger of two Houston-based oil industry heavy hitters means. This is just the latest in a series of acquisitions across the U.S. oil patch.And: A new grocery store offers culinary variety and sustainability in San Antonio. The post How Mexico’s new president could affect U.S. relations appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The Trump verdict is in, and Texas political leaders are responding as expected along party lines. A snapshot of the fallout in the Lone Star State.The Texas Supreme Court has ruled against 20 women who said they were denied medically necessary abortions.Mexico voters head to the polls this weekend, poised to elect the country’s first female president. The issues top of mind will sound familiar.A prehistoric site in East Texas is back open after years of reconstruction following a devastating tornado. The Standard’s Sean Saldana takes us to the Caddo Mounds.Why vets are leading local movements to erect memorials to those who served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The post The Caddo Mounds are rebuilt and ready for visitors appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

You check in with your ID, find an empty booth and cast your ballot in secret. But have Texas voter transparency laws challenged that privacy?Depending on where you live in Texas you might pay taxes to a local hospital system. Understanding how that works.Storm chasers have enormous followings on social media, many copycats and, increasingly, even people riding along. It’s a growing industry of sorts, but is it a good idea?A new docuseries coming to HBO, “Ren Faire,” follows what happens when the man who has presided over the Texas Renaissance Festival for 50 years retires.And: A push for classical studies in Texas classrooms could also include more conversations about the Bible. The post Students could soon be taught Bible stories in public schools appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

In the most expensive primary runoff in Texas House history, Speaker Dade Phelan hangs on to his seat, but many GOP incumbents lose after opposition from the far right. What do the primary results tell us about the state of the Texas GOP?The latest on storms moving across the state and what to expect today.A Texas college is stepping up its efforts to help with a nursing shortage.And in a place long considered a major agricultural force, is the Lone Star State running low on farmland? New rankings on the best and worst places for farmers. The post House Speaker Dade Phelan narrowly wins primary runoff election appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.