Texas Standard

Texas Standard
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Oct 24, 2025 • 52min

Meta’s billion-dollar bet on El Paso

First responders in Kerr County struggled to communicate during this summer’s deadly Independence Day floods because parts of their radio network failed to reach key areas, according to an investigation by The New York Times.Tech giant Meta is building a $1.5 billion data center in Northeast El Paso – a project that’s raising tough questions about water use, electricity demand and local incentives.The ongoing federal shutdown and Trump administration tariffs are creating headaches for businesses that rely on the Port of Houston.It’s pumpkin season – and the race is on to grow the biggest gourd. 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 Meta’s billion-dollar bet on El Paso appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
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Oct 23, 2025 • 52min

Will beef from Argentina bring down US prices?

It’s the biggest drop in voter registration in Texas in a decade. What’s behind it and what does it mean for the future of Texas politics? Jeremy Wallace of the Houston Chronicle joins us with more.When it comes to beef, Texas is number one. But President Trump wants push costs down with a plan to buy more beef from Argentina. Would that work? And what about the stakes for Texas? Some serious questions that we’ll put to an industry expert.Car loan defaults reach levels not seen since the COVID era.Also, who’s Texas’ Sausage Sensei? Where There’s Smoke, there’s Texas Monthly barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn. The post Will beef from Argentina bring down US prices? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
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Oct 22, 2025 • 52min

Legal fight over access to East Texas waterway continues

Texas has flagged thousands of registered voters who officials say could be noncitizens. What we know about that claim right now.For years, Texas Standard has been following the legal battle over a beloved waterway in East Texas. Now, some powerful figures are getting involved in the fight over the Cutoff.Some leadership changes at UT Austin raise questions about what it means for someone to be removed based on “ideological differences.”A new book chronicles the history of local police violence during the civil rights struggle in American cities, including Houston. Our conversation with “Police Against the Movement” author Joshua Davis.Plus, W.F. Strong cracks open the history of Shiner beer. The post Legal fight over access to East Texas waterway continues appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
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Oct 21, 2025 • 52min

Spreading kindness through a Texas-made story

If the ongoing government shutdown runs into next week, Texas families could see their SNAP food benefits cut off.Oil prices have plummeted to a level not seen since the COVID days. Why and what it could mean for Texas consumers and oilfield workers.Contract negotiations, the Dallas Wings search for a new coach, and more: A breakdown of what to expect for the new WNBA season as the popularity of the league soars.And “Dude. Be Nice”… The title of a new children’s book says it all. The post Spreading kindness through a Texas-made story appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
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Oct 20, 2025 • 52min

Early voting kicks off on 17 proposed amendments

Yes, it’s that time again: Early voting gets underway across the Lone Star State on this Monday.A statewide ballot that will decide no statewide offices? True, though the stakes in this election are huge for Texans – some 17 proposed changes to the Texas constitution hang in the balance.We’ll hear about several of the most wide-ranging ideas on the line. Plus, The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey with more on the start of early voting.And a potential final mission for the Space Shuttle Discovery, fraught with danger. A look at the difficulties of a smooth landing in Texas. Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org The post Early voting kicks off on 17 proposed amendments appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
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Oct 17, 2025 • 50min

From State Fair to stock exchange, a special broadcast from Dallas

From the oldest radio station in Texas, in Dallas’ historic Fair Park, site of the State Fair of Texas, it’s Texas Standard Time.As we continue to celebrate our 10th birthday this year, the Texas Standard tour bus has pulled into the historic home of WRR, temporary home to our partners KERA North Texas.We’ll explore the economic boom across North Texas, hear voices from the fair, learn about a new sports classic set to kick off at the Cotton Bowl and much more.It’s a special edition of the Texas Standard, live from Fair Park in Dallas. The post From State Fair to stock exchange, a special broadcast from Dallas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
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Oct 16, 2025 • 51min

Uneven ICE notifications raise concerns

Some local law enforcement offices in Texas get a heads-up when ICE is coming to town, but others don’t. We’ll dig into why.There’s new evidence that, no surprise, the online world isn’t always so great for today’s teens. Advice from tech expert Omar Gallaga on making it safer.Gov. Greg Abbott has a new challenger for the 2026 election. What we expect out of a campaign from Austin Democrat Gina Hinojosa.Taco journalist Mando Rayo shares what he’s learned from a few women in the culinary world.A conversation with author Bryan Washington about his new novel, “Palaver,” about a man living in Tokyo, estranged from his family in Houston. The post Uneven ICE notifications raise concerns appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
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Oct 15, 2025 • 52min

Where Texas birders can spot sandhill and whooping cranes this winter

After years of tightening restrictions on water use, a South Texas town issues an ominous declaration of emergency. Beeville, Texas, is fast running out of water and they’re asking for help from the state. We’ll talk to the interim city manager about what can be done.It’s a new law requiring parental permission for public school students to get physical or mental health services at school. We’ll hear why school nurses are concerned about the side effects.And they’re flocking back to Texas – what’s so special about the annual crane visitors to Texas? Where birders can spot sandhill and endangered whooping cranes. 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 Where Texas birders can spot sandhill and whooping cranes this winter appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
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Oct 14, 2025 • 52min

What layoffs at special education office could mean for Texas schools

The Trump administration has reportedly slashed jobs at a federal office responsible for overseeing special education. What might that mean here in Texas?A new school in Uvalde offers a place for learning apart from the building desecrated by a mass shooting – but remembrance is built into the design.The craft brewing bubble has burst. A look at the continued challenges facing those still open.There’s a rare jellyfish being spotted in the Texas Gulf. What you need to know about the pink meanie.Plus, a collection of essays from Stephen Harrigan. Our conversation with the author on his new book, “An Anchor in the Sea of Time.” 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 layoffs at special education office could mean for Texas schools appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
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Oct 13, 2025 • 52min

Why a Texas appeals court halted Robert Roberson’s execution

The leading Democratic candidate for Texas’ U.S. Senate seat isn’t even in the race yet – and it might not be who you think. Plus, where things stand on the Republican side as U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt joins the field against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton.Another delay in the Robert Roberson case. We’ll dig into the court’s ruling and what comes next.There’s a new movement in Texas barbecue that has its roots in the Middle East and Africa. We’ll give you a taste of the rise in halal barbecue.Austin City Limites, one the state’s biggest music festivals, aims to become more eco-friendly.And what we can learn from one of the capital city’s most recognizable installments of commercial art. Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org The post Why a Texas appeals court halted Robert Roberson’s execution appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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