

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

Oct 29, 2025 • 52min
What difference has a Michelin star made for Texas restaurants?
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit against Tylenol could trigger a wave of government-led litigation over claims about a highly questioned link to ADHD and autism.
A year after Michelin first arrived in Texas, the coveted dining guide has released its latest list of awardees. But what does the honor actually mean for local chefs and their businesses?
Bats are heroes for Texas farmers, eating insects that threaten crops like pecans. Michael Marks takes us to an orchard near Lockhart.
A new exhibit in Dallas, “Tell Her Story,” pairs breast cancer survivors of color with local artists to share their stories through portraits and creative works.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
The post What difference has a Michelin star made for Texas restaurants? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Oct 28, 2025 • 52min
Tim Duncan’s story comes home to Texas screens
As the federal government shutdown drags on, the impact grows worse. From food benefits to trade, what it means for the Lone Star State.
Texas does not have regulations for police pursuits, and some end in deadly crashes. What can we learn from Minnesota, where accountability rules offer a potential model for reform.
Immigrants with college degrees often still struggle to find work that matches their training, but adult education programs across Texas are helping these professionals reconnect with their fields. The Standard’s Sarah Asch reports.
A new documentary premiering at the Austin Film Festival spotlights the life of Spurs great Tim Duncan.
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Oct 27, 2025 • 52min
A family fight over Bonnie and Clyde’s graves
Esteban Lopez Ochoa, an urban planning professor at UT San Antonio, and Uwa Ede Osifo, a reporter for The Dallas Morning News, dive into the intriguing family feud over Bonnie Parker's remains. They explore Raylene Linder's tireless legal fight to move Bonnie next to Clyde Barrow, unraveling complexities around cemetery ownership and familial rights. Tensions run high as they discuss the emotional stakes and historical significance of this controversial burial site, offering listeners a unique glimpse into a legendary love story intertwined with modern legal battles.

Oct 24, 2025 • 52min
Meta’s billion-dollar bet on El Paso
First responders in Kerr County struggled to communicate during this summer’s deadly Independence Day floods because parts of their radio network failed to reach key areas, according to an investigation by The New York Times.Tech giant Meta is building a $1.5 billion data center in Northeast El Paso – a project that’s raising tough questions about water use, electricity demand and local incentives.The ongoing federal shutdown and Trump administration tariffs are creating headaches for businesses that rely on the Port of Houston.It’s pumpkin season – and the race is on to grow the biggest gourd.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org.
The post Meta’s billion-dollar bet on El Paso appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Oct 23, 2025 • 52min
Will beef from Argentina bring down US prices?
It’s the biggest drop in voter registration in Texas in a decade. What’s behind it and what does it mean for the future of Texas politics? Jeremy Wallace of the Houston Chronicle joins us with more.When it comes to beef, Texas is number one. But President Trump wants push costs down with a plan to buy more beef from Argentina. Would that work? And what about the stakes for Texas? Some serious questions that we’ll put to an industry expert.Car loan defaults reach levels not seen since the COVID era.Also, who’s Texas’ Sausage Sensei? Where There’s Smoke, there’s Texas Monthly barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn.
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Oct 22, 2025 • 52min
Legal fight over access to East Texas waterway continues
Texas has flagged thousands of registered voters who officials say could be noncitizens. What we know about that claim right now.For years, Texas Standard has been following the legal battle over a beloved waterway in East Texas. Now, some powerful figures are getting involved in the fight over the Cutoff.Some leadership changes at UT Austin raise questions about what it means for someone to be removed based on “ideological differences.”A new book chronicles the history of local police violence during the civil rights struggle in American cities, including Houston. Our conversation with “Police Against the Movement” author Joshua Davis.Plus, W.F. Strong cracks open the history of Shiner beer.
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Oct 21, 2025 • 52min
Spreading kindness through a Texas-made story
If the ongoing government shutdown runs into next week, Texas families could see their SNAP food benefits cut off.Oil prices have plummeted to a level not seen since the COVID days. Why and what it could mean for Texas consumers and oilfield workers.Contract negotiations, the Dallas Wings search for a new coach, and more: A breakdown of what to expect for the new WNBA season as the popularity of the league soars.And “Dude. Be Nice”… The title of a new children’s book says it all.
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Oct 20, 2025 • 52min
Early voting kicks off on 17 proposed amendments
Yes, it’s that time again: Early voting gets underway across the Lone Star State on this Monday.A statewide ballot that will decide no statewide offices? True, though the stakes in this election are huge for Texans – some 17 proposed changes to the Texas constitution hang in the balance.We’ll hear about several of the most wide-ranging ideas on the line. Plus, The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey with more on the start of early voting.And a potential final mission for the Space Shuttle Discovery, fraught with danger. A look at the difficulties of a smooth landing in Texas.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
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Oct 17, 2025 • 50min
From State Fair to stock exchange, a special broadcast from Dallas
From the oldest radio station in Texas, in Dallas’ historic Fair Park, site of the State Fair of Texas, it’s Texas Standard Time.As we continue to celebrate our 10th birthday this year, the Texas Standard tour bus has pulled into the historic home of WRR, temporary home to our partners KERA North Texas.We’ll explore the economic boom across North Texas, hear voices from the fair, learn about a new sports classic set to kick off at the Cotton Bowl and much more.It’s a special edition of the Texas Standard, live from Fair Park in Dallas.
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Oct 16, 2025 • 51min
Uneven ICE notifications raise concerns
Some local law enforcement offices in Texas get a heads-up when ICE is coming to town, but others don’t. We’ll dig into why.There’s new evidence that, no surprise, the online world isn’t always so great for today’s teens. Advice from tech expert Omar Gallaga on making it safer.Gov. Greg Abbott has a new challenger for the 2026 election. What we expect out of a campaign from Austin Democrat Gina Hinojosa.Taco journalist Mando Rayo shares what he’s learned from a few women in the culinary world.A conversation with author Bryan Washington about his new novel, “Palaver,” about a man living in Tokyo, estranged from his family in Houston.
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