Texas Standard

After years of failed attempts, a so-called “bathroom bill” becomes law in Texas. We’ll cover what the rules say and how they’ll be enforced.Thinking of getting a COVID booster and have questions? We have answers.Why the National Weather Service offices in Austin and San Antonio are not fully staffed, even after historic flooding this summer.A conversation with Christian Davenport, author of the new book, “Rocket Dreams,” all about the billionaires engaged in a new space race.And today’s Hispanic heritage moment honors four-time Grammy winner Vikki Carr. Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org The post Breaking down new guidances over COVID boosters appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Some are calling it a new chapter in the relationship between higher education and Texas politics – we’ll have a closer look at what’s happening at A&M right now and why it matters.Something is missing in a new report from the Agriculture Department: an explanation for the data. Michael Marks reports on why the missing link is raising eyebrows.There’s been a boom in indie bookstores nationwide, with Texas leading the way. How did it happen?Last November, after years of the Odessa City Council focusing on culture war issues, Odessa voters went in a different direction.Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org The post Why voters in Odessa turned against the far-right local government appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas A&M President Mark Welsh is resigning after a week of turmoil over a viral video and a clash over gender identity content in the classroom. What’s behind Texas’ redistricting push? KUT’s Mose Buchele reports on a political strategy started decades ago. The flesh-eating new world screwworm, a parasite once eradicated from Texas, has been detected within striking distance of the border. What species may be most vulnerable. The new documentary “When We Were Live” reflects on public access TV in Austin through rare archival footage and interviews with local producers. The post Texas A&M president resigns amid viral video controversy appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Remember the Democratic walkout this summer over Texas redistricting? Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit accusing Beto O’Rourke of bribery and other charges for supporting the walkout continues – but O’Rourke appears to have the upper hand. Recovery funds are finally on the way for many in Houston who suffered damage during Hurricane Beryl and last year’s derecho. But the need for assistance continues to outweigh available resources. For decades, the Texas Civil Rights Project has been a force in battles for voter rights, disability access and racial and economic justice. We’ll hear from founder Jim Harrington, who’s released a new book tracing the organization’s history. A new episode of the “Tacos of Texas” podcast delves into tequila’s deeper meaning, including personal connections and heritage. The post A history of the Texas Civil Rights Project appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Programs aimed at helping millions of low-income students earn college degrees is potentially on the chopping block. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Silas Allen joins us with a look.A series of bills aimed at preventing a repeat of the July 4th flooding tragedy in Texas’ Hill Country has passed, but some are asking if they go far enough. Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom has been looking into that question.He was known as the Sundance Kid and an icon of cinema. We’ll hear more about the late Robert Redford and his Texas connections.And a UT researcher tells us about a new discovery involving black holes – and how it could help settle questions about the structure of the universe. The post Remembering Robert Redford’s Texas ties appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Hurricane Harvey caused historic flooding in Houston. Why developers are once again building homes in flood-prone areas.Gambling is illegal in Texas, but there is a gray area when it comes to online betting on sports teams: prediction markets and daily fantasy sports.Food banks are reporting steep increases in demand as families struggle with higher costs and stagnant wagesAn interview with Matthew McConaughey about his new book, “Poems & Prayers.”And: From rancheras to country to rock and roll, we celebrate the incomparable Freddy Fender. Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org The post Matthew McConaughey returns with ‘Poems & Prayers’ appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

From the border to the rest of the state, Gov. Greg Abbott’s crackdown on immigration enters a new phase.The Trump administration’s creation of long, thin military installations along the border is affecting not just migrants but locals as well.Texas has settled another opioid lawsuit. So where’s that money going?After more than 20 years in Washington, U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul says he will not seek reelection. What’s next for the Central Texas congressman and his seat.If the idea of being too close to a stranger turns you off from a massage, a new AI-powered robotic massager is offering a different path to relaxation. Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org The post Operation Lone Star moves beyond the border appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The contours of Texas politics are changing – part of Republican’s decades-long plan? Texas Monthly’s Robert Downen joins us to talk about what he sees as an unprecedented consolidation of power aimed at ending fair elections in Texas.Also, Texas A&M launches audits of its courses statewide – this after the firing of a professor over teachings involving gender identity in a children’s literature class.And a lawsuit challenging the Texas Medical Board over who gets to call themselves a doctor.Plus, did you know breast implants were first developed in Texas six decades ago? Well, one Dallas plastic surgeon is making sure you do with a new musical.Those stories, the week in politics with the Texas Tribune, the talk of Texas and so much more. The post ‘CleaVage’ musical is a deep cut into Texas plastic surgery history appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The latest on the dismissal of a Texas A&M professor and the removal of two top administrators after political pressure over what was being taught in a children’s literature class – an incident that has led to concern about academic freedom.The impact of SpaceX launches in South Texas is felt across the border in Mexico, where some officials are even weighing legal action against the company.Tech expert Omar Gallaga on how Facebook is bringing back one of its earliest features, the “poke,” to appeal to Gen Z.The use of facial recognition technology in Juárez is raising red flags. Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org The post  Pushback in Mexico against SpaceX expansion appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Gov. Greg Abbott seems to be taking THC regulation into his own hands. What we know about what he wants to change.About 20% of Medicaid recipients lose access during the yearly renewal process because of all the red tape. How Texas researchers are trying to fix that.Texas is home to more than 100 Hispanic-Serving Institutions, but new federal cuts could eliminate funding that supports these colleges and universities.What to know about Texas House Rep. James Talarico, the newcomer shaking up the race for U.S. Senate.Solving the Atari game mystery that’s been lingering for decades – and its connections to El Paso. Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org The post The Texas ties to an infamous Atari flop appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.