Struggling school districts say extra funding approved by state lawmakers was too little and too late. We’ll delve into what the districts told lawmakers and what solutions may be on the table. Independent testing finds toxic metals in the black wastewater released by a Tesla refinery near Corpus Christi. A new book by a Texas doctor, “The Preventioneers: Diseases, Disasters, and the Discoveries that Changed Our World,” looks at the origins of public health practices many take for granted today....
Jun 02, 2026•49 min
After Uvalde, Texas bet big on safety with police in every school, but a new report suggests an unintended and very troubling side effect. The New York Times and the San Antonio Express-News reports thousands of incidents of officers tackling, pepper-spraying even tasering students for offenses that once would have meant a trip to the principal’s office, and no clear standards to protect against over-policing at school. We’ll talk to two of the authors of this report. Also, Angela Kocherga with ...
May 29, 2026•49 min
He wants to ban Islam in Texas and now he’s the GOP pick for a seat on one of Texas’ most powerful commissions. Who is Bo French? A closer look at why, after this week, a race for a seat on the Texas railroad commission suddenly carries more weight than it might seem at first blush. A longtime U.S. Senator from Texas forced to give up his seat — what the end of the John Cornyn era says about Texas politics today. And where to things stand with plans for a border wall in the Big Bend region? Also...
May 28, 2026•50 min
Ken Paxton handily beat longtime incumbent John Cornyn in the Republican runoff for Senate. So, what’s that mean come November? We’re also unpacking big primary runoff races from across the state on both sides of the aisle. What do the results tell us about what Texas voters are prioritizing? And did you vote in the primary runoffs? Congratulations, you may have added time to your life. The link between voting and living longer. The Trump administration just changed the way people should apply f...
May 27, 2026•50 min
When the World Comes Comes to Texas is a podcast from our partners at KERA in North Texas exploring what it means to bring the World cup to the Lone Star State. We’re sharing these episodes with very Tuesday night through June 16th. Episode 2: Raising Pro Players Did you know that one of the world’s most premier soccer clubs happens to be in North Texas? The FC Dallas Youth Academy was founded in 2005 by the Hunt Family, and it has gone on to produce some of the world’s most elite soccer players...
May 26, 2026•20 min
When spring storms move through cities, they can intensify — creating dangerous flooding. New findings from Texas researchers may explain why. It’s runoff Election Day in Texas. While all eyes are on the Republican Senate contest between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton, we’ll also spotlight some other key races to watch as ballots are counted. Also, Memorial Day ushered in the summer travel season — and plenty of Texans are planning vacations and looking for trips to fit their budgets. Plus, we’re he...
May 26, 2026•50 min
Across the Lone Star State, Memorial Day observances and events are scheduled. Meanwhile, voters in Texas are making their lists and checking them twice with primary runoff day set for tomorrow. We’ll get you up to speed on the statewide races to watch. Plus, we’ll hear about a new app from the folks at Texas Parks and Wildlife. We’ll also learn about the women who’ve played an oversized, but often less-acknowledged, role in conservation. The post A preview of key races for primary runoff Electi...
May 25, 2026•47 min
Texas-based oil-drillers are looking for a competitive advantage — and they’re turning to AI. What are the implications? Turns out regulators don’t really know. We’ll hear more. As the nation turns to honor members of the military who gave their all while serving, what of those service members who died years later after exposure to chemicals while in uniform? Plus, the week in politics and a rising star in Dallas — our conversation with the frontman of Cure for Paranoia. The post Dallas hip-hop ...
May 22, 2026•50 min
As the school year winds down across Texas, one major school district considers declaring an emergency over money. El Paso ISD sounds an alarm after finding a $52 million shortfall, leaving officials with many questions and critical decisions to make. A primary runoff for a seat on the railroad commission has implications that may not be obvious. For Corpus Christi, some encouraging news as the city scrambles to avoid an all-out water emergency. And a Texas-based air carrier issues a ban on robo...
May 21, 2026•50 min
The big endorsement is in. So, what does it mean for Texas’s U.S. Senate race that President Trump chose to back Attorney General Ken Paxton? You may have heard El Niño is coming — and not just a regular, but a super version. What does that mean for Texas weather and hurricane risks? Texas has updated its program for drivers with communication differences, like those with autism or who are hard of hearing. We’ll cover what you need to know about the changes. Plus, we’ll profile an animal shelter...
May 20, 2026•52 min
When the World Comes Comes to Texas is a podcast from our partners at KERA in North Texas exploring what it means to bring the World cup to the Lone Star State. We’re sharing these episodes with very Tuesday night through June 16th. Episode 1: Creating a new American Pastime This isn’t the first time the U.S. has hosted the biggest sporting event in the world. The World Cup came to the country in 1994, and it was then and there that Michael Hitchcock discovered a love for the sport of soccer. No...
May 19, 2026•20 min
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton faces criticism for a plea deal with a child sex offender. Why the state is quicky becoming a hub for data centers with 30 projects alone in an area that stretches from Temple to San Marcos. Texas high school students get training for oil and gas jobs with help from the industry. A photographer and a birding expert on bikes follow the migratory path endangered whooping cranes take from Texas to Canada. Ahead of the World Cup matches in the Lone Star State, we pr...
May 19, 2026•50 min
A Texas hospital agrees to what appears to be a first of its kind settlement over allegations of providing illegal gender transitioning to minors. Houston based Texas children’s hospital agrees to form a first of its kind detransitioning clinic to settle charges of violating state law. A US China Summit, a stalemate with Iran and what it all adds up to for energy-rich Texas. A fresh look at disability inclusion in all things tech. And what looks like currency, feels like currency, is issued by t...
May 18, 2026•49 min
Texas Monthly senior editor Aaron Parsley wrote a heartbreaking story about his family’s experiences in the July 4th flooding of the Guadalupe River. His candid conversation with our David Brown included more than we were able to showcase on our broadcast — so we bring more of it to you here. A note that this might be a tough listen. 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 o...
May 17, 2026•16 min
Big and getting bigger — that’s been the story of Texas’ population growth, but recent census numbers suggest a new chapter being written. State Demographer Lloyd Potter helps us do the math. Cancelled elections in some parts of Texas, though not for nefarious reasons. We’ll hear the why and how. Full speed ahead on data centers? Not so fast. We’ll hear about a Texas county hitting the pause button on development. Also, in the 40 years since “La Bamba” made him a household name, Lou Diamond Phil...
May 15, 2026•50 min
It’s the final stretch before the primary runoffs in Texas, but the real test may not be the race most folks are focused on. Next week, early voting begins in the primary runoff contest between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and challenger Ken Paxton — but win or lose, who’ll take over Paxton’s current seat as attorney general? We’ll take a closer look. Also, a top Texas-based expert in geopolitics weighs in on the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping and what ...
May 14, 2026•51 min
Former President Barack Obama made a surprise stop in Texas. We’ll dig more into what his appearance might mean for Democrats heading into the midterms. The number of students in Texas public schools dropped by tens of thousands at the beginning of this school year. We’ll look into why. Plus, another Texas-based company is also now making Texas its legal home. What we can make of this growing trend. Texas Monthly Senior Editor Aaron Parsley’s young nephew was killed in the devastating July 4th f...
May 13, 2026•50 min
A bipartisan bill aims to fix the country’s broken immigration system. Does it stand a chance in Congress? We’ll look at how adult education can help increase income for families coping with rising costs. Plus, free burgers for college students at UT Austin — how “churgers” are providing relief amid rising grocery prices. And the NBA playoffs now shift to San Antonio. Spurs star Victor Wembanyama returns to the floor after his controversial Game 4 ejection. The post How ‘churgers’ are providing ...
May 12, 2026•50 min
The state’s biggest school district, already under state control, now faces a civil rights investigation by the federal government. The probe into Houston Independent School District focuses on plans to change how special education services are delivered — what some believe may amount to illegal segregation. A massive liquefied natural gas export terminal is rising near the Laguna Madre, bringing promises of economic growth to the Rio Grande Valley — but not everyone is on board. Democrat James ...
May 11, 2026•48 min
After three deaths on a cruise ship, fears over hantavirus are going viral online. A top Texas epidemiologist shares what science says. The race for a U.S. Senate seat from Texas is getting a lot of attention as current Attorney General Ken Paxton tries to take the seat of a fellow Republican. But what about the seat he’s vacating? How much do you know about who’s in the running? Wind power: One of the biggest stories of Texas energy in recent years. But now, wind is set to take second place to ...
May 08, 2026•50 min
Texas lawmakers have long known about flood dangers along the Guadalupe. So why were calls for life-saving protections not heeded? Amid lawsuits, two top state leaders say they want to make it easier for summer camps along the Guadalupe to reopen this summer, less than a year after the deadly July 4 floods. Plans to open a data center at U.S. military base Fort Bliss is getting serious pushback from nearby El Paso residents. Also, what’s behind a huge increase in drug overdose deaths at Texas pr...
May 07, 2026•50 min
Some of Ken Paxton’s usual big backers have not pitched in yet for his U.S. Senate race. What does that tell us about the runoff election? Houston ISD is trying something new next school year, launching so-called AI-focused schools. What’s that mean exactly? The business of craft brewing was growing for years, but now they’re shutting down faster than they’re opening. A look at the shift. We’ll also look at how Texas is working towards getting mental health patients out of the criminal justice c...
May 06, 2026•50 min
The Supreme Court intervenes in the battle over the medication mifepristone that is used for abortions mailed across the country. An ICE agent shot and killed Ruben Ray Martinez, a U.S. citizen, on South Padre Island in 2025 — but his family in San Antonio didn’t find out how he died for nearly a year. What happened? Plus, Houston ISD proposes major changes for special education. Also, a look at the history of the Voting Rights Act and how it reshaped Texas. And a large, unusual animal was spott...
May 05, 2026•50 min
A cloud of confusion over rulings involving THC and smokable hemp in Texas: What’s legal, what’s not, and why now? In this midterm election year, a test of efforts to expand legal protections and access to voting for Texans with visual impairments. We’ll hear why researchers say barriers are still common. Thousands nationwide are exonerated as laws banning “junk science” take hold. But in Texas, the state’s top criminal court has blocked defendants from using the state’s junk science law to get ...
May 04, 2026•51 min
Camp Mystic withdrew its application to operate this summer, but dozens of other Texas camps are still trying to get state approval to open. Corpus Christi’s water crisis could soon mean people have to make big cuts in water usage — but there’s concern leadership isn’t prepared for the mounting emergency. A Texan in the Trump administration is facing an ethics complaint. Why Agriculture Commissioner Brooke Rollins is on the defense. Abilene is trying to increase access to emergency care to a spr...
May 01, 2026•50 min
The Voting Rights Act is losing more teeth. We’ll look at what a Supreme Court ruling means for redistricting. Also, another Supreme Court case is examining when and how police can use cell phone data. We’ll check in with our tech expert about what’s at stake. China is making brand-new cars for cheap. It’s hard to get them in the U.S., but not impossible — just ask folks in El Paso. So, will more folks be driving them soon? You’ve probably heard by now that FIFA World Cup games are coming to Tex...
Apr 30, 2026•52 min
Corpus Christi has been careening towards a water emergency, but it’s not the only city along the Gulf with water woes. Another court battle over hemp, this time what stores can sell during a longer legal tie-up is at stake. The United Arab Emirates is leaving the world’s most powerful oil cartel. We’ll look at what that may mean for OPEC and the prices we pay. New rules for autonomous vehicles are now in effect in Texas, but some experts want to see more. And commentator W.F. Strong has a story...
Apr 29, 2026•50 min
The Trump administration prepares to target elected officials in Mexico with suspected ties to cartels. That, plus the effort to build more border walls in Texas includes bonuses for some landowners in the Rio Grande Valley to speed up the process. Teachers who work as tutors could earn extra money under the new voucher plan. Sound good? Critics say otherwise. Also, a group of marine biologists in Texas discover a new jellyfish species. And we’ll have a report from the Texas Parasport Games in S...
Apr 28, 2026•50 min
Texas lawmakers hold the first public hearings on last July’s deadly flooding at Camp Mystic. Sticker shock at the supermarket: How some Texans are bypassing the meat counter and going straight to the ranch. The Texas Standard’s Michael Marks with more. How Greg Abbott has reshaped the state’s top executive office. Texas is hosting 16 World Cup Matches as officials warn of an increase in sex trafficking. What does the data have to say about the connection to major sports events? And this week in...
Apr 27, 2026•51 min
Writer/director/editor/producer David Lowery talks more about the creative relationship that inspired “Mother Mary” and his need to be so hands on with his work in this extended interview. He also opened up more about making movies in Dallas again and on what he thinks is the best Texas film. 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:...
Apr 25, 2026•20 min
