Why an arrangement to care for an aging millionaire is raising questions about a Texas Supreme Court Justice and state ethics rules.More and more college-age students are steering clear of campus life and turning to “microcredentials” as a path to employment.We’re talking with Nico Lang, author of “American Teenager,” a new book on growing up LGBTQ+ in modern America.Also: Why red flour beetles have taken over the town of Socorro, just southeast of El Paso, and what’s being done to deal with an unprecedented infestation. The post West Texas town dealing with insect invasion appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

It’s a state power struggle with life-and-death consequences: The latest on the Robert Roberson death penalty case.The biggest statewide race on the ballot is the U.S. Senate race between Ted Cruz and Colin Allred. Today: A profile of Allred, a Democrat who has mounted a massive effort to unseat the incumbent Republican senator.How the school voucher issue could decide some races in Texas.The science and art of predicting elections and how the practice has evolved.And: We’ll hear from voters across the state about why they turned out on the first day of early voting. The post Digging into the business of predicting elections appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

As early voting gets underway in Texas, here’s what you need to know as you prepare to cast your ballot.The biggest contest on the ballot, after the presidency, is the U.S. Senate race between Republican incumbent Ted Cruz and his Democratic challenger, U.S. Rep. Colin Allred. We’ll be profiling them both on the Standard, starting today with Cruz.A major shift in energy use in China could have major ripple effects for Texas.Supporters of school vouchers in Texas believe they give parents and students more academic choices and opportunities, while detractors say they will take money from public education and essentially subsidize private schools. We’re taking a look at an Arizona program that entitles each student to around $8,000 each school year. The post School vouchers, proposed in Texas, are mostly used by the wealthy in Arizona appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Republican state representative Brian Harrison discusses his crucial role in securing a stay of execution for Robert Roberson, a death row inmate whose conviction raises questions about flawed scientific evidence. Reporter Marianne Navarro highlights the Alamo's new Spanish-language tours, aimed at making history more accessible. Additionally, Ant Timpson and Elijah Wood share insights about their family-friendly film "Bookworm," tackling themes of adventure and familial bonds. Politics reporter James Baragon connects it all with a deep dive into Texas's ever-evolving political landscape.

The execution of Robert Roberson, scheduled for tonight, has been subject to appeal upon appeal. Now, a surprise subpoena from a House subcommittee has left his fate uncertain. Why a commissioners court race could be an indicator of future politics in Tarrant County. Persistent dry weather means wildfire risk is high – and the governor has declared a disaster declaration for nearly 150 counties across the state amid the increased threat. What you should do now to reduce risk. How AI-driven phishing scams are targeting Gmail users. And: Celebrating 50 years of the music TV program “Austin City Limits.” The post ‘Austin City Limits’ celebrates 50 years on PBS appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and his Democratic challenger, U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, sparred in their only debate last night. We’re taking a look at some of the highlights and takeaways.Our exploration of the intersection of religion and politics in Texas takes us to a Black church outside Sulphur Springs.Why part of the story in the fight for Texas farmworkers and Latino civil rights is left out of the schoolbooks and what it could mean to change that.And: Gov. Greg Abbott has touted that Texas removed over 1 million ineligible voters this election cycle, including more than 6,500 noncitizens – but an investigation found these numbers were overstated. The post Fact-checking Texas voter roll claims appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Tonight, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Democratic challenger Colin Allred face off in their one and only debate. We’ll have a preview of what to expect.A new tool gives Texas high school students a look at universities that will accept them before they fill out an application.In the next part of our series on the history of the Texas Farm Workers Union, a look at the group’s 1,600-mile march to Washington, D.C.How volunteer amateur radio operators have helped during recent hurricanes.And: Remembering the pioneering professional women’s basketball team the Houston Angels. The post How women’s pro basketball traces its roots to Houston appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Over a span of 13 years, federal Judge Janis Jack repeatedly demanded that state officials do more to fix Texas’ troubled foster care system. Now, she’s been ordered off the case.As Election Day nears, political polls are everywhere. Many are done by phone. But with so many people ignoring calls labeled “political survey,” who’s actually participating?And: We’re kicking off a three-part series that dives into the history of the Texas Farm Workers Union – a group that existed only briefly but played a key role in the fight for farmworker justice. The Standard’s Raul Alonzo has the story. The post The untold history of the Texas Farm Workers Union appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

With immigration a major issue in presidential politics, the Fifth Circuit takes up Texas’ challenge to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.North Texas car dealerships accused of racially discriminatory practices are now suing the Federal Trade Commission, saying their interference is unconstitutional.A new study finds Black and Latino consumers are twice as likely to be prone to digital scams or cyber attacks.And: The PBS special “American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos” sheds light on the evolving story of Latinos in media, academia and beyond. The post PBS special explores untold Latino history appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

What to do with the waste generated by nuclear power plants? The Supreme Court will review a plan to store it in West Texas.The latest financial reports are in for campaign fundraising throughout the state, and Republicans are focusing heavily on South Texas.Meta is doubling down on efforts to appeal to Gen-Z and recently reached out to young influencers at an event in Austin called “Facebook IRL.”The late Texas singer-songwriter Nanci Griffith is the subject of a new book. We’ll talk with author Brian T. Atkinson about her legacy and what he learned about her while writing.And: Politicians on both sides of the border are advocating for a train connecting Austin with Monterrey, Mexico. What needs to happen for the plan to move forward. The post Officials renew push for Texas-Mexico rail project appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.