

Texas Standard
Texas Standard
Coverage of politics, lifestyle, environment, technology, innovation and money matters from a uniquely Texas perspective.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 20, 2024 • 50min
How news organizations are partnering with public libraries
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.

Nov 19, 2024 • 50min
After nearly 50 years, food critic Pat Sharpe asks for the check
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.

Nov 18, 2024 • 50min
Reflecting on the Aggie bonfire tragedy, 25 years later
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.

Nov 16, 2024 • 16min
Texas Extra: The science of motivating young people
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.

Nov 15, 2024 • 50min
A closer look at the country music Grammy nods
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.

Nov 14, 2024 • 51min
Could Texas get its own Appalachian-style trail?
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.

Nov 13, 2024 • 51min
Lawmakers start filing bills for 2025 legislative session
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.

Nov 12, 2024 • 51min
15 Texas restaurants have received a coveted Michelin star rating
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.

Nov 11, 2024 • 51min
Will Elon Musk have a role to play in the Trump administration?
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.

Nov 8, 2024 • 51min
Texas Democratic Party chair resigns after controversial comments
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.
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