

Texas Standard
Texas Standard
Coverage of politics, lifestyle, environment, technology, innovation and money matters from a uniquely Texas perspective.
Episodes
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Sep 9, 2025 • 50min
Study finds no evidence of serial killer on Austin’s Rainey Street
The Supreme Court allows ICE to round up people based on factors like appearance, at least for now.The attorneys general of New York and Texas face off over mail-order abortion pills crossing state lines.For years, rumors have circulated online about a serial killer targeting Rainey Street in Austin. A new study finds no such threat.The personal toll for people with chronic conditions who don’t have insurance.Photographer Pat Blashill captures the scene of Texas punk rock on the ’70s and ’80s in his new pictorial oral history, “Someday All the Adults Will Die!”
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
The post Study finds no evidence of serial killer on Austin’s Rainey Street appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Sep 8, 2025 • 51min
What to know after black bear sightings in East Texas
As the dust settles on this year’s legislative action at the Capitol, where do the two main parties stand?If you buy beef, you may have noticed that it’s gotten more expensive lately. Michael Marks has the story, and whether there are any signs of relief.For several years, black bears have gradually spread throughout the Trans-Pecos region. But recently, bear sightings in East Texas have earned headlines, tooWhat does “BU” mean to you? The latest on a trademark battle between Boston and Baylor.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
The post What to know after black bear sightings in East Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Sep 5, 2025 • 50min
Antone’s celebrates 50 years of the blues in Austin with special box set
As Texas lawmakers return home, what are the big takeaways from six weeks of overtime at the Capitol? We’ll take a closer look at what happened – and what didn’t.Why some think Collin County could become one of the nation’s most highly contested political battlegrounds.Antone’s, known as Austin’s home of the blues, celebrates its 50th birthday with a new box set with deep Texas ties.Plus: A recap of the week in politics with The Texas Tribune.
The post Antone’s celebrates 50 years of the blues in Austin with special box set appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Sep 4, 2025 • 50min
Corpus Christi cancels controversial desalination project
The Legislature’s second overtime comes to a close with new political maps and a slew of Republican wins. But how do Texas voters come down on the big issues of the day? A new survey offers some answers.After years of planning and tens of millions spent already, Corpus Christi’s city council cancels a high-profile project to deal with growing water demands.What’s in a name? A lot if you’re talking about so-called Gulf coast shrimp. Details of a new law aimed at cracking down on the imposters.For barbecue lovers dreaming of turning their passion into a profession, help is now a phone call or click away with Nextep Q, a hotline and website offering business advice for pitmasters.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
The post Corpus Christi cancels controversial desalination project appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Sep 3, 2025 • 52min
Some Texas counties switch to paper ballots ahead of midterms
No more QR or barcodes: Why Collin, Williamson and Bastrop counties are changing the way voters will cast ballots.Housing affordability is a big issue in Texas, and three new state laws aim to address it. Will they work?Many are concerned new Texas congressional maps dilute the voting power of Texans of color. But others welcome the changes.Inside an ICE job recruitment fair in Arlington.And: the bigger meaning behind the season’s first high school football game in Kerrville.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
The post Some Texas counties switch to paper ballots ahead of midterms appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Sep 2, 2025 • 50min
Could a new Texas law make some types of anime illegal?
The Texas Lottery gets a second chance under new management. So what will change?A new state law now in effect targets AI-generated child pornography. But could it also ban some anime?Americans have been on the move since the founding of our country. But now, more people staying put rather than relocating for new jobs and other opportunities.And: Thinking about an energy efficient upgrade for your home? A tax credit to to help you get the job done is expiring at the end of this year.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
The post Could a new Texas law make some types of anime illegal? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Sep 1, 2025 • 51min
New state law will give farmers a heads-up on pests and diseases
The fight over redistricting has shifted from the Capitol to the courthouse, but plenty of serious work is still on the table when legislators return to their offices Tuesday. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey joins with a look at what’s left on the agenda.A new law in effect today creates a statewide alert system for pests and diseases that affect plants and wildlife. The Standard’s Michael Marks has the story.And: The Standard continues celebrating 10 years on the air with a look back at some memorable animal stories.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
The post New state law will give farmers a heads-up on pests and diseases appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Aug 29, 2025 • 51min
Educators face new risks under inappropriate material law
Three new measures are set to take effect aiming to “Make Texas Healthy Again.” Political sloganeering or genuine change? A closer look at the laws that prompted Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s visit to Texas.As we approach Sept. 1, more than 800 new laws are set to take effect. We continue our close-up of some of those that’ll have a major impact, including some that haven’t received much attention. Our own Sarah Asch tells us about a new obscenity law and why one provision related to exposing minors to controversial material has teachers, librarians and even doctors concerned.Tech producer and reporter Shelly Brisbin gets us up to speed on a sweeping new bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence.Plus, the week in politics and much more.
The post Educators face new risks under inappropriate material law appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Aug 28, 2025 • 50min
Elon Musk looks to build tunnels under Houston
Texas’ newly drawn congressional maps are aimed at helping Republicans in 2026, but they’re shaking up the political landscape already. We’ll hear just how today on the Texas Standard.Rice University’s Mark Jones on the musical chairs among Texas’ congressional Democrats, and whether these maps are likely to survive scrutiny as legal challenges proliferate.Over 800 new laws are set to take effect in just a couple of days. One of them is aimed at helping first responders deal with the trauma of being on the front lines of so much tragedy.And a plan to channel water away when the next Hurricane Harvey hits. How Elon Musk is angling to be a part of that massive project.
The post Elon Musk looks to build tunnels under Houston appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Aug 27, 2025 • 51min
Austin Butler, Darren Aronofsky talk Texas, filmmaking & ‘Caught Stealing’
President Trump is using the threat of legal action to push his policies forward in Texas and beyond.We continue our series about new state laws taking effect with a look at one that prevents people from certain countries from buying land in Texas.20 years after Hurricane Katrina, how the New Orleans residents who found a home in Houston reshaped the cultural landscape.Actor Austin Butler and filmmaker Darren Aronofsky on their new film, “Caught Stealing.”And the Standard’s Kristen Cabrera with part two of her report on the Rio Grande Valley’s brand new college football team, the UTRGV Vaqueros.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
The post Austin Butler, Darren Aronofsky talk Texas, filmmaking & ‘Caught Stealing’ appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.


