A University of Texas professor says Congress has gotten so good at frequent government shutdowns, finding the political will to get back on track could be an obstacle in itself. We’ll take a closer look. Nearly two weeks after the deadly shooting at a Dallas ICE facility, investigators say the motive may be more about notoriety than ideology. Second Baptist Church in Houston is locked in a legal battle with its own members over leadership and finances, and the dispute is being heard in the city...
Oct 06, 2025•51 min
A Texas congressional redistricting fight enters the courtroom, with both sides taking different positions from those taken earlier. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey with more on the start of what’s expected to be a nine-day federal hearing over new congressional maps. The most polluted air in Texas? We’ll hear why a Houston community may have a tough time getting companies to take speedy action to clear the air. Also, would you vote for an increase in property taxes if it meant helping people...
Oct 03, 2025•50 min
The U.S. invasion of Grenada. The U.S. invasion of Panama. As the U.S. builds up a major military presence in the Caribbean, Katrin Bennhold of the New York Times talks about Venezuela and what she sees as the growing specter of regime change. The latest on the federal government shutdown and what it means for vital ports along the Texas gulf coast. Fundraising numbers show state Rep. James Talarico leading the pack for Democrats in the U.S. Senate race. What do the numbers tell us about how the...
Oct 02, 2025•50 min
The federal government is officially shut down. What does it mean for Texas, and what happens next in Washington? Also, the Supreme Court opens a new term and major rulings are ahead. What can we expect from the nation’s highest court over the next few months? And wildfire risk is climbing as the state swelters through record heat and one of the driest Septembers on record. We’ll get the seasonal forecast from Matt Lanza of Space City Weather. Plus, is Buc-ee’s just a convenience store, or a ful...
Oct 01, 2025•50 min
A court battle is set to begin over the newly drawn congressional maps. At stake is whether they go into effect for the 2026 midterm elections. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey joins us to talk about the recent rise in political violence. Have you heard of 7-OH? It’s the latest drug cropping up at convenience stores. Now there’s a fight to stop the sale of what’s known as “gas station heroin.” A new book by former CDC Director Tom Frieden offers a formula for better health – potentially saving...
Sep 30, 2025•50 min
A breakthrough in a murder case unsolved for more than three decades: Police say they know who was behind Austin’s yogurt shop murders. Tony Plohetski of the Austin American-Statesman and KVUE on what has led police to declare the Austin yogurt shop murders “solved” after 34 years. Many questions swirling around a highly unusual meeting of U.S. military top brass being brought in from around the world for a rare joint in person meeting. We’ll take a look. Plus, a legacy of the Cold War: Nuclear ...
Sep 29, 2025•52 min
A looming budget deadline and threats of a government shutdown: what that could mean for Texans. The Texas Democratic Party has launched an expansion plan that includes relocating its headquarters to Dallas. The decision has roiled quite a few within the party, even prompting an exodus of top staff. In Texas, there are around 11,000 students who are blind or visually impaired, and many of them spend time in school learning how to get around safely. The Texas Standard’s Sean Saldana takes us insi...
Sep 26, 2025•50 min
An investigative report claims as Texas flooded on the July 4 weekend, the head of FEMA couldn’t be reached. We’ll hear more about a reported slow response from acting administrator David Richardson and what it meant for Texas during the Hill Country floods. Concerns are rising in higher ed over millions of federal dollars for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) on hold, with no end in sight. The latest on lawsuits challenging Texas’ new law for the Ten Commandments in the classroom. Tech expert...
Sep 25, 2025•50 min
A deadly shooting this morning at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Dallas. We’ll share the latest details. Workplaces across the state trying to calculate the implications of a new $100,000 fee for H-1B applications. We’ll hear more on the questions raised by the new policy and the possible fallout. How college football in Texas and beyond is being reshaped by new NIL rules allowing for direct athlete pay by advertisers and sponsors. And the return of Rodney Crowell: Music an...
Sep 24, 2025•50 min
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 His...
Sep 23, 2025•50 min
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 Cou...
Sep 22, 2025•52 min
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...
Sep 19, 2025•51 min
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 forc...
Sep 18, 2025•51 min
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 ...
Sep 17, 2025•51 min
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 wages An interview with Matthew McConaughey about his new book, “Poems & Prayers.” And: From rancheras to country to rock a...
Sep 16, 2025•51 min
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 to...
Sep 15, 2025•52 min
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 doct...
Sep 12, 2025•50 min
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,”...
Sep 11, 2025•50 min
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 t...
Sep 10, 2025•50 min
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 ’80...
Sep 09, 2025•50 min
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, too What does “BU” mean to you? The latest on a trademark battle between Boston and Baylo...
Sep 08, 2025•51 min
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 blue...
Sep 05, 2025•50 min
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. ...
Sep 04, 2025•50 min
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 ...
Sep 03, 2025•52 min
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 St...
Sep 02, 2025•50 min
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 so...
Sep 01, 2025•51 min
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 ...
Aug 29, 2025•51 min
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...
Aug 28, 2025•50 min
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 w...
Aug 27, 2025•51 min
President Trump signs an executive order ending cashless bail. We’ll dive into what that means for cities like Houston. We’re also tracking new state laws set to take effect Sept. 1, including one that aims to attract more film and television productions. Another increases the penalty for assaulting a utility worker. Plus, could the San Antonio Spurs get a new venue as part of the Project Marvel effort to create a new downtown entertainment district? And the Standard’s Kristin Cabrera reports on...
Aug 26, 2025•50 min
