Texas Standard

As the clock ticks down on the legislative session, how close is Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to completing his wish list?Weekend balloting across Texas brings some big local changes. We’ll hear from reporters statewide.Texans dominate at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson golf tournament in McKinney.The documentary “The Stones Are Speaking” tells the story of Michael Collins, the man who helped open the Gault site to researchers.And: Who’ll be the next mayor of San Antonio? Voters have narrowed a field of 27 candidates down to two. Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org The post Documentary tells story of landmark Texas archaeological site appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

This week, Willie Nelson celebrated his 92nd birthday. Last weekend, the latest film he served as executive producer on had its debut. It screened at the Dallas International Film Festival and it was co-directed by his daughter, Amy. This is an extended interview with her about the film, “King of the Roadies.” It’s about the world’s first roadie, Ben Dorcy III, who long worked with Willie Nelson and other well-known musicians. The full transcript of this episode of Texas Standard is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps.The post Texas Extra: Amy Lee Nelson on her new film, Texas music, and her dad appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A South Texas ruling prevents the deportation of some detainees. What it means for the Trump administration’s strategy.Houston’s large Afghan population is closely watching efforts to unwind programs providing them legal status in the U.S. Why many say they can’t return to their home country.Some Texans will be headed to the polls tomorrow for local elections. A preview of some of the biggest races and initiatives, including one that would create a new company town.Efforts to change what people can buy with food stamps, or SNAP assistance, are underway on a couple of levels.A remembrance as this week marks 50 years since the fall of Saigon.And: A new way to enjoy Texas Monthly – with a new series on PBS. The post Judge rules Trump’s use of Alien Enemies Act was unlawful appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

An $8 billion funding bill for public schools has passed the Texas House. But is it enough? Where lawmakers stand on education spending.After a string of weather disasters, a bill could bring financial relief to impacted farmers.A new book, “Rethinking Medications: Truth, Power, and the Drugs You Take,” examines a shift in trust over federal guidance. Author Dr. Jerry Avorn joins with more.In the not-too-distant future, iPhones may not be made in China. Omar Gallaga has the latest on talk of a shift in production.Also: Taco podcaster Mando Rayo shares cookbook picks that put an accent on Tex-Mex flavors. The post Farmers in Texas face mounting losses as lawmakers propose relief appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texans weigh in on everything from artificial intelligence to the economic outlook. What a new poll tells us about the state of the state.We’ll also dig into consumer spending, and what the latest information from credit card companies does and doesn’t tell us about consumer confidence.Creeks and watering holes are a beloved aspect of Central Texas, but there’s a challenge in keeping them clean as the population booms.A new book explores the dark undercurrent of early 1970s Houston. We interview the investigative journalist behind the publication.Plus, the final week of classes looked a little different at UT on Monday. The message students wanted to send with their “Day of Drag.” 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 UT System bans drag shows, but students push back appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

We’ve been here before, but this time feels different. President Donald Trump has rounded out 100 days in office, but getting a grasp of this moment in our country’s history is a challenge. Whether what’s unfolding is good or bad depends on where you look, and who you ask. This hour, we’re getting a snapshot of Trump’s second term by exploring what it’s like in California and Texas. The country’s two largest states, in population and economies, but living different versions of the same America. This is a special collaboration between the Texas Standard and the California Newsroom, “100 Days, Two Americas.” The post 100 Days, Two Americas: A Texas Standard / California Newsroom Special appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Though a voucher-like plan has passed in Texas, lawmakers are far from done with education-related changes. What’s still on the legislative docket? Just about a month left before scheduled sine die at the Texas capitol, Andrew Schneider of Houston Public Media shares some of the less well-known school-related measures lawmakers are considering.In other news, a death at a Dallas County jail raises questions about how such deaths are investigated and reported. Marina Trahan Martinez of KERA North Texas drills down on what happened and what’s at stake.Also, after federal cutbacks, long lines at Social Security offices and why they may get longer. The post Questions remain after death of man in Dallas County jail appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A measure long sought by Texas Republicans is now on its way to the governor’s desk: A voucher-like plan to use public dollars to pay for private education. We’ll get details from Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom. A massive plan was once proposed to keep Texas from running out of water in the late 1960’s… Voters said no. How the debate has resurfaced decades later. And a big win for opponents of local marijuana decriminalization moves in Texas. The post After yearslong fight, school voucher bill clears Legislature appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

After lawsuits and a long delay, the Texas Education Agency releases rankings for schools in the Lone Star State. The school rankings are more than just an indicator of how well students are doing, they can have ripple effects on the schools themselves, as well as on housing prices and more. KERA’s Bill Zeeble joins us with what the report cards tell us.After record levels of deaths connected to police car chases, what, if anything, do Texas lawmakers plan to do?A historic theatre, once a hub for Mexican American entertainment, is coming back to life in San Antonio.Plus, Texas breweries rebrand themselves as public spaces. The post How Texas schools fared in long-awaited TEA accountability grades appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Healthcare providers and people on both sides of Texas’ abortion ban are working together – kind of – on an effort to clarify the law.The VA is trying to trim its budget without affecting patients. A closer look at the plans and their potential holes.The number of nurses in Houston public schools has dropped by 50% in the past year. Now there’s an effort at the Texas Capitol to set requirements for having nurses on campuses.What you need to know as the federal government restarts collections on federal student loan borrowers in default.And: We’ll introduce you to Porfirio Salinas, the Texas painter who captured the Hill Country in a way that inspired Lady Bird Johnson.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 Houston ISD has half the nurses it did last year appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.