Texas Standard

More than 50 Democratic lawmakers have left the state so the Texas House would not have a quorum, trying to derail a redistricting plan that could add five more congressional seats for Republicans in the midterms. Harvest season is arriving in South Texas, but many cotton farmers are still reeling from drought, inflation, and weakened demand. Some are cautiously optimistic as new federal funding becomes available. The Standard’s Felicity Guajardo reports. And: One in four U.S. sports bettors say they’ve missed bills because of gambling losses, according to a new survey highlighting the risks of easy, app-based betting and its lack of oversight. Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org The post Texas Democrats flee state, break quorum over redistricting appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Why weren’t Hill Country communities alerted as a deadly wall of water roared down the Guadalupe on the weekend of July 4th? In their first public testimony on the floods, top emergency officials in Kerr County said they were away or asleep. Voting the old-fashioned way? A return to hand-marked ballots in Collin County is part of a change sweeping Texas and other parts of the country. Red-crowned Amazons squawk through summer nights in Brownsville – and they’ve been the city’s official bird since 1992. Plus: An update on a major scramble to defend Texas from a devastating invader, the New World Screwworm. The post Kerr County emergency officials were sleeping when flood hit July 4 appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

What we’re now learning about what happened – and what didn’t – before the Hill Country floods. Investigative reporter Lauren McGaughy has the details. Plus: Flood survivors are asking lawmakers meeting in special session right now to tap the state’s $24 billion rainy day fund to help them meet their immediate needs. Even without a pandemic, Texas food banks are facing shortages and surging need. The CEO of Feeding Texas joins us to talk about what’s driving the crisis. Funds for adult education were first put on hold, then released – but there’s a big asterisk. The Standard’s Sarah Asch on a policy change that could affect adult ed. Plus: Texas Monthly barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn dishes on his latest list of the top BBQ 50 spots in the state. The post Food banks struggle to meet rising demand appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Are Democratic lawmakers on the verge of a walkout to stop Republicans from redistricting during the special session? We’ll have the latest. We’re also tracking possible federal funding cuts to legal aid organizations that could leave thousands of Texans who can’t afford a lawyer without the help they need. Going beyond armed security guards, some Texas schools are turning to drones to increase security. The changing role of social media influencers was on display in the aftermath of the July 4 floods. And: Are Texas lawmakers quietly taking cues on governing from California? The post Why ‘Don’t California My Texas’ isn’t the whole story appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The Trump administration releases billions of dollars in education grants it previously withheld. What it means as students head back to school. How the U.S. military is responding to a new kind of warfare that uses small, inexpensive drones. The story of a Cuban man who raised a family in Texas and spent years working for a school district near Abilene – and now is locked up in an ICE detention center. A high school student’s plan to help schools coping with a shortage of mental health counselors. And: A Houston husband-and-wife team of archaeologists have discovered the tomb of the ruler of the ancient Mayan city of Caracol, now in present-day Belize. The post Houston archaeologists uncover tomb of ancient Maya ruler appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Andrew Wheat, Managing Editor of the Austin Free Press, dives deep into the challenges faced by Black farmers in East Texas due to cuts in diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. He highlights how these reductions threaten the livelihoods of farmers in a region that is historically significant for Black agriculture. Wheat also discusses systemic barriers to funding and support for these communities, emphasizing the broader economic implications and social justice issues at play.

Ben Kweller, a musician from Dripping Springs, shares his poignant journey of healing through music after the tragic loss of his son. He discusses his heartfelt album, released on what would have been his son Dorian's 19th birthday, exploring how art can help navigate grief. Nathan Bernier provides insights into the complexities of THC regulations in Texas, while Andy Euler highlights Port Arthur's economic hopes tied to its oil industry, revealing the town's rich history amidst struggles for renewal.

Keetha Adams, the head women's basketball coach for the UTEP Miners, dives into the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, advocating for true inclusivity beyond mere accessibility. She emphasizes the need for disaster preparedness that considers individuals with disabilities, stressing the importance of universal design in community spaces. The conversation also highlights the significant achievements of women in sports, showcasing both personal resilience and the broader cultural shift towards inclusion.

Margo Weiss, Executive Director of the Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute, discusses the rising struggles families face as they cut back on food and medicine to afford soaring energy bills. Jimmy Maas, host of Vamos Verde, adds insights on the local impact of these financial pressures. They explore the urgent need for energy policy reform and highlight how low-income households are disproportionately affected. The conversation also touches on the shifting dynamics of political discourse and community support for public media during these challenging times.

Recent flooding in the Texas Hill Country drastically reduced the missing persons count, but left many farmers and ranchers struggling without insurance. The complexities of post-disaster recovery are laid bare through personal stories of loss. There's a deep dive into the evolving landscape of remote work policies in the state, examining their effects on various workers. Also discussed are exciting advancements in space medicine and innovative co-leadership practices at Houston's Contemporary Arts Museum, showcasing the power of collaboration.