On request from Florida, Texas sends teams of emergency officials to support local authorities as they brace for the arrival of Hurricane Milton.A geyser erupted in West Texas last Wednesday, shooting salty, oily water 100 feet into the air – an unexpected event that continued through the weekend.At the heart of San Antonio’s historic Spanish Colonial Missions are their iconic bells, which have been ringing for centuries to mark major community events.Plus: There’s a growing age gap between Texans and their elected representatives – and emerging leaders are working to reshape the political landscape. The post A geyser of oily water erupts in West Texas desert appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

As Hurricane Milton takes aim at Florida, a new report raises questions about Texas’ efforts to curb gases linked to climate change.As we continue to track the category 4 hurricane bearing down on Tampa, emergency resources are already spread thin, partly due to ongoing efforts to recover from Hurricane Helene. We’ll take you into the air with troops taking part in recovery efforts in North Carolina.Also, several cities are fighting back against a new law few Texans have heard of that allows property owners to get out from under development regulations.And meet the “Godmother of Mariachi Education,” who brought the music to schools across Texas. The post Texas air pollution monitoring scaled back by TCEQ appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A new term begins for the U.S. Supreme Court, with growing political pressure on the court. We’ll have a preview of what’s ahead and what it could mean for Texans.As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates, the U.S. State Department is urging American citizens in Lebanon to stay informed about available assistance.The one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in Israel falls between two of Judaism’s holiest days. As fighting intensifies between Israelis, Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran with growing numbers of civilians killed, a rabbi in Austin is trying to manage concerns and divides he’s encountered. The post Supreme Court kicks off new term with high-profile cases appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Christopher Connelly, a KERA North Texas reporter focused on homelessness, joins Lee Wells, director of the impactful documentary "We're Here," and James Baragon from The Texas Tribune, who covers politics. They discuss Presidio County's quest for control of an international bridge, shedding light on local engagement in politics. Lee shares poignant stories from wildfire survivors, while Connelly highlights Dallas's decreasing homelessness and the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, Baragon paints a picture of Texas's evolving political landscape amidst these pressing issues.

Lauren McGaughy, a journalist specializing in voting rights and criminal justice in Texas, sheds light on the surprising fact that some incarcerated individuals, including those on death row, can vote. She discusses the misinformation surrounding this issue and the lack of awareness among eligible felons. The conversation also touches on the ongoing debate around the Marvin Nichols Reservoir and highlights Texas's evolving political landscape as seen in recent electoral strategies. Plus, discover the rich resurgence of regional Mexican music in the state!

Jeremi Suri, a political expert based in Texas, dives into the complexities of the upcoming presidential election and its pivotal vice-presidential debate. He discusses the Texas GOP's contradiction of faith when confronting faith-based organizations aiding migrants, illustrating the intersection of religion and politics. Suri also analyzes escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, exploring the potential ramifications of recent conflicts. His insights reveal the intricate relationship between domestic political sentiments and international affairs.

Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, discusses her inauguration and what it means for U.S.-Mexico relations, trade, and immigration. Ron Stallworth, author of 'Black Klansman,' shares insights from his new book on fighting gangs in Mormon country. Together, they explore the implications of Sheinbaum's leadership amid current labor strikes affecting the supply chain. There's also a spotlight on the legacy of Tejano icon Selena Quintanilla and her enduring influence in music and culture.

Kris Kristofferson, a renowned singer-songwriter and actor, reflects on his rich legacy as an outlaw country legend. He shares insights about his Rhodes Scholar education and how it influenced his impactful songwriting. The discussion delves into his unique blend of poetic artistry and relatable themes that transformed country music. Listeners are treated to memorable stories of his collaborations, including his work with the Highwaymen, highlighting his commitment to social justice and the emotional weight of his contributions to the arts.

H.W. Brands, a distinguished historian from UT-Austin, dives into his latest book exploring the clash between Franklin Roosevelt and Charles Lindbergh during a pivotal time in American history. The conversation highlights Roosevelt's gradual shift to embrace global responsibilities amid rising isolationist sentiments. Brands also unpacks Lindbergh's complex legacy, revealing his achievements alongside troubling views, particularly on anti-Semitism. The discussion draws parallels between historical foreign policy debates and today's political landscape, making it both relevant and provocative.

Karl Chiao, executive director of the Dallas Historical Society, shares the fascinating history of the State Fair of Texas, tracing back to 1886. Karissa Condoianis discusses the future of this beloved event, while Rusty Fitzgerald reveals that Big Tex originally started as a Santa Claus figure. Bryan Berg, a world-renowned card stacker with four Guinness World Records, hints at his spectacular performance ahead. From the nostalgia of bumper cars to the joy of youth livestock competitions, the fair continues to celebrate Texan culture and community.