The Strait of Hormuz is set to reopen after months of conflict between the U.S. and Iran. We’ll look at what it could mean for Texas drivers and gas prices. As Corpus Christi faces potential water cuts, questions are mounting over a nearby crypto mine’s water consumption. Why are city officials withholding updated records? With the FIFA World Cup underway, Houston is welcoming fans with a new way to get to the matches. A look at what it could mean for the city’s future beyond the tournament. Plu...
Jun 16, 2026•52 min
Texas regulators are moving closer to allowing treated wastewater from oil and gas drilling operations to be reused on farmland and other sites outside the energy industry. Some fear the proposal is getting ahead of the science. Texas Republicans signaled their priorities at their convention in Houston, with Gov. Greg Abbott outlining his vision for another term. The Spurs’ hopes for a championship came to an end with a Game 5 loss to the New York Knicks — but it’s still a big win for San Antoni...
Jun 15, 2026•49 min
They say it’s only a game, but Texas sports fans know better. This time, however, some see an existential threat to college sports. A scandal involving Texas Tech football quarterback Brendan Sorsby is now in the national spotlight. We’ll hear why and what’s at stake. Meanwhile in Houston, evidence that there’s nothing like a challenging race to focus political will. After years of infighting, Texas Republicans putting up a united front at their party convention. In El Paso, an effort to open up...
Jun 12, 2026•50 min
Sunset for the days of Texas as the wild west of AI? A closer look at the Gov. Greg Abbott’s new plan for greater oversight of the rapidly expanding landscape of data centers statewide. Day one of the World Cup — do the numbers add up? A closer look at projections about the economic impact here in Texas. Also, the great dot cake debate goes viral online. What is a dot cake you ask? We ask Tacos of Texas host Mando Rayo, who has some choice words about a dessert that’s divided the internet. The p...
Jun 11, 2026•50 min
New World screwworm is affecting a part of South Texas currently vacant a member of Congress. Some say that should spur a quick special election. UT researchers believe they’ve figured out who has been scrambling GPS signals across huge swaths of Europe in recent years. We’ll find out about their discovery and what it might mean. The World Cup means lots of fans descending upon Texas cities. Environmental scientists will be studying their impact in real-time. A new film invites all Texans to par...
Jun 10, 2026•50 min
Can Mike Miles, the man appointed to lead Houston ISD and help that struggling district, provide a roadmap for others in the state? We’ll have the details. Also, a look at the federal government’s plan to stop the New World screwworm from spreading as more cases appear in South Texas. Plus, fire safety concerns about the batteries powering e-bikes. And Texas is likely to become the world’s largest hub for data centers — that’s led to growing concerns across the state, including in suburban areas...
Jun 09, 2026•48 min
Supreme Court cases on birthright citizenship, gun rights, transgender women and girls in sports… Where do we stand? Constitutional law professor Seth Chandler of the University of Houston Law Center joins us with what cases to watch for and where the high court appears to be leaning as the nine justices wrap up the current term. More cases of New World screwworm in Texas discovered: How the Lone Star State is scaling up for all-out war on a parasite that could wreck the ranching industry. And w...
Jun 08, 2026•49 min
130 Texas towns and cities put on notice that they won’t be able to raise property tax rates. One city official calls it a catch-22. The national Democratic Party sets its sights on flipping 12 seats in the Texas House — one sign that their candidate for senate, James Talarico may have serious coattails. We’ll hear more in the week in Texas politics with the Texas Tribune. A Texas opera company gives Bizet’s greatest hit gets the World Cup treatment, hoping to score points with a new audience. A...
Jun 05, 2026•51 min
It’s considered by many to be the marquee race of the midterms: Paxton versus Talarico. But if you think that’s all there is to it, think again. Shades of Ross Perot? Why a third-party candidate could upset the calculus in this year’s big Senate race in Texas. And they’re back: For the first time in 60 years, a New World screwworm has been detected in Texas livestock. Now, an emergency quarantine in parts of South Texas. We’ll have details. Also, a last-minute surge puts the Knicks over the Spur...
Jun 04, 2026•50 min
What control do county officials have when a data center wants to move in? A look at an investigation from the Texas Tribune. The ballots are set for the midterm election in November, but at least one big thing is changing: Texas’ top elections leader, Secretary of State Jane Nelson, is stepping down. What do the results from the primaries and primary runoffs tell us about how Texas Republicans are aligning with President Trump? We’ve been digging into how Texas is reshaping the way the justice ...
Jun 03, 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 3: Gooooooooaaaaaaaaaal! Sports commentary can be one of the most essential parts of the experience of a game, whether you’re watching it on television or listening to the play-by-play on the radio. But what does that experience feel like when you’re blind? E...
Jun 02, 2026•19 min
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
