Texas Standard

A bipartisan bill on abortion has passed the Texas Senate and is making its way through the House. Why lawmakers agree it’s necessary. It’s been a decade now since a deadly shootout involving rival biker gangs at a Twin Peaks in Waco. What an investigation reveals about how the case was handled. Thousands of Brazilians live in Central Texas. How they’re feeling about those from their country being targeted for deportation. Plus: We’ll take you to the Kentucky Club in Juárez, a beloved border bar and one of the last of its kind. The post 10 years later, still no convictions in Twin Peaks biker shootout appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

As the school year winds down, Texas lawmakers cramming for their final days at their desks are focused on education – and what some had hoped would be an increase in state spending per student may be shifted to teacher pay raises.Consumer Reports investigates a tip that sale prices at Kroger aren’t showing up at the checkout, with consumers taking the hit.Texas Parks and Wildlife has rolled out motorized track wheelchairs to improve access at state parks.Plus: A 15-minute film from Waco, “The Heart of Texas,” has already made a mark at festivals and is now headed to Cannes. Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org The post State parks are expanding efforts to improve accessibility appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A bill would make it possible for criminal offenders as young as 15 to be sent to state prisons for adults.Why hopes for a big increase in per-student funding for Texas public schools may have slipped away for this legislative session.Also at the Capitol: The loud bang of a wooden mallet is supposed to keep lawmakers in check. But it’s a symbol of power, too. What’s the story behind the use of the gavel?For decades, a quiet but growing movement has supported artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Standard’s Sean Saldana visits a progressive East Austin studio helping redefine what inclusion in the art world can look like.Plus: Texas musician Carrie Rodriguez joins us to talk about her new collaboration with Calexico. Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org The post Central Texas art studio centers artists with disabilities appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas gets a lot of flack for its culture wars – but some note a change at the Capitol this legislative session.More than a year after the state took over Shelby Park in Eagle Pass during the peak of illegal border crossings, it has now reopened to the public – and residents have bittersweet feelings.After a big push from the Trump administration, Mexico promises to make good on water treaty deliveries to Texas. But farmers fear it’ll only be a drop in the bucket.And: “Finnegans Wake” by James Joyce is so dense and experimental, one reading group in Austin has been working on it for more than a decade – and they’re still not even close to done.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 An Austin book club has been reading the same novel for more than a decade appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A record-breaking heat wave will blanket big sections of the state. Is this a preview of summer?The U.S. has suspended imports of cattle from Mexico as a devastating pest, the New World Screwworm, makes its way north, threatening livestock.The Houston City Council kicks off budget hearings this week, weighing steep cuts.The new book “Freedom Season” by Texas author Peniel Joseph explores how the year 1963 transformed civil rights in America.And: Planning a pit stop at Buc-ee’s? Some of you can now enjoy bathroom art galleries. The post Potentially historic heatwave settling in over much of Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Abortion pills, denial of bail, and a ban on land purchases for some people: What’s happening in the final weeks of the Texas Legislature?After jackpot controversies, multiple resignations and a ban on online lotto ticket sales, the state’s lottery system is now under investigation.Cities on the rise across Texas are quite literally sinking, with Houston faring the worst out of any major U.S. metropolis.The latest projections on a fast-approaching hurricane season.And: Checking in with Catholics across the state on the first Sunday with a new pope. The post Houston is the fastest-sinking city in the US, study finds appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas Catholics, now almost a third of the state population, are celebrating the selection of Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from America.Gov. Gregg Abbott has just signed into law a school voucher plan, but some Texans are continuing to push back.A judge orders the sale of the Texas Renaissance Festival, following a civil court trial over a purchase deal that fell through in 2023.Fans can get an early look at this summer’s “King of the Hill” reboot at the ATX TV Festival.And: the week in politics with the Texas Tribune. The post Texas Renaissance Festival ordered to sell land, assets following lengthy legal battle appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Several current and former Frio County officials have been indicted for alleged vote harvesting, part of a years-long investigation led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. One critic calls it voter suppression 101. What’s behind the charges?In the conversation over cash bail reform, what’s missing? An new investigation points to a lack of focus on the bail bond industry.The new world screwworm, a livestock pest, may be making a comeback in the U.S., and experts say Mexico hasn’t been cooperating to stop it. The Standard’s Michael Marks dives into why it’s considered so dangerous to Texas.And: It’s prom and quinceañera season – milestone celebrations that often come with big dresses, big parties and of course, big meals. Mando Rayo, host of the Tacos of Texas podcast, digs in. The post Ranchers plead for help to fight a devastating pest on its way back to Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

According to a new poll, Texans have predictable opinions along party lines about Donald Trump’s immigration policies – but it’s more complicated on the economy.Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is taking legal action against Austin ISD, accusing it of teaching critical race theory. It’s not the first time a Texas district has faced such charges.Shrimp fraud is driving that sector of Gulf Coast agriculture to the brink. What you need to know about it.The National Trust for Historic Preservation has released its annual list of the 11 most endangered historic places, including the San Juan Hotel in the Rio Grande Valley.And: A land acquisition in the Big Bend preserves access to river recreation. Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support our work by becoming a sustaining member at supportthispodcast.org. The post How shrimp fraud is affecting coastal fishers appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

State lawmakers from the House and Senate reach a deal lowering property taxes. Will it pass?It’s the ultimate company town: How Space X’s launch site in South Texas became a city.Generic and house brands are taking off as people look to save on grocery bills. But that’s not the only reason shoppers prefer them.What’s next for Gregg Popovich in his new role with the Spurs.And: Author Rachel Cockerell on her new family memoir about an effort in the early 1900s to create a Jewish homeland in Texas. The post What’s next as Gregg Popovich steps away from the Spurs? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.