

Texas Standard
Texas Standard
Coverage of politics, lifestyle, environment, technology, innovation and money matters from a uniquely Texas perspective.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 9, 2026 • 51min
Walking Dallas, one mile at a time
Redistricting wars may sound like esoteric politics, but a race in Houston shows how high the stakes are for some Texas communities. We’ll look at how a lesser-known political contest in Houston’s 29th district illustrates the impact of the redistricting fight on some Texas communities.It may sound like a social media trend, but it’s a real medical condition with dangerous, potentially life-altering effects: Understanding Alpha-gal syndrome.Unwalkable cities in Texas? The Dallas man who put that to the test.Plus, the story of a gospel group founded in East Texas that earned a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
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Feb 6, 2026 • 50min
Why many Texans are getting ready for the ‘Benito Bowl’
Texas becomes the first state with a strict abortion ban to provide doctors with guidelines on exceptions. We’ll dig into what’s in those guidelines with ProPublica reporter Cassandra Jaramillo.Coming soon to the pristine spaces of the Big Bend: Construction of a border wall. We’ll look at how many locals are trying to push back.And in a state that loves football, why the Bad Bunny halftime show will be the main event in many Texas homes this Super Bowl Sunday.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
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Feb 5, 2026 • 50min
School voucher applications open across Texas
The application window opens for Texas education savings accounts, often called school vouchers. But demand may outstrip available funds. We’ll talk with two reporters for the Houston Chronicle closely following the application process, hear about the application experience of one Texas mom, and learn more about what’s included, what isn’t, and what happens if there’s not enough taxpayer money to go around.SpaceX and xAI could be poised for the largest IPO in history. We’ll dig into what this merger means for Texas, and perhaps the future of space exploration.And Mando Rayo, host of Tacos of Texas, on a new trend: less is more?
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Feb 4, 2026 • 50min
Starlink poised to expand broadband footprint in Texas
The partial government shutdown is over. Did you know we were in one? Well, now another could be on the way as negotiations over ICE’s budget persists on Capitol Hill.Texas school boards are considering a new state law that allows time to be set aside during the day for prayer and reading the Bible.Texas has split from the American Bar Association. We’ll tell you why and the impacts the move might have.Our Shelly Brisbin explains how Elon Musk’s Starlink stands to benefit from a multibillion-dollar program.And an introduction to the new NCAA sport of acrobatics and tumbling.
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Feb 3, 2026 • 52min
Analysis finds extreme heat inside Texas prisons
Art Acevedo, former police chief turned consultant, on how immigration enforcement tactics affect community trust. Lauren McGaughey, investigative reporter, on a Texas Newsroom analysis revealing extreme indoor heat in state prisons. Lance Scott Walker, historian of Houston hip-hop, on Michael “5000” Watts and Swisha House’s cultural legacy. Multiple short segments explore prison temperatures, legal stakes, mental‑health flood fallout, and musical influence.

Feb 2, 2026 • 49min
Democrat makes surprise win in solid-red Texas district
In a little-watched race, Taylor Rehmet’s surprise win for Democrats in Texas may be a potential warning shot for Republicans in a midterm election year. Is this a one-off, or is the GOP in trouble in the Lone Star State?Also, Texas environmental regulators greenlight what looks like the largest fossil-fueled power plant project in the country. We’ll dig into what it might tell us about energy and the environment in Texas going forward.
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Jan 30, 2026 • 50min
Austin’s Banana Phone turns public roasting into performance art
With national attention focused on the tactics of immigration enforcement, a concern is growing among Texas Republicans about the political fallout.We’re still months away for an important midterm election. But this weekend, voters in one part of Texas will be picking their representative to Congress. Andrew Schneider of Houston Public Media brings us the backstory of the race to replace the late Sylvester Turner.A new order from Gov. Abbott on H-1B visas has many institutions of higher education in Texas are concerned about the impact.And the comedy show where bombing is just the beginning. Those stories, the week in politics and more.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.
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Jan 29, 2026 • 50min
Protesters, DPS troopers clash outside Dilley ICE detention facility
Protesters outside the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley called for the release of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father who were taken into ICE custody in Minnesota.Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, a massive military buildup as President Trump warns Iran to abandon its nuclear program – or else. But this may be about more than just nukes.Also, what new census numbers tell us about the state of the Lone Star State.
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Jan 28, 2026 • 50min
Possible government shutdown looms after ICE shooting
The second death of a person in Minnesota at the hands of ICE agents has fueled an outcry from some for another government shutdown.Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers aren’t just in Minnesota, of course. They’re also showing up in small-town Texas. A look at their impact on Elgin.We’ll hear from journalists José Ralat and Rodrigo Bravo Jr. who believe they were targeted by officers in West Texas.A hangout in Austin that promotes doodling nights for adults.And how some dairy farmers are taking a cue from goat yoga events. Would you like to cuddle a cow?
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Jan 27, 2026 • 50min
Gun rights debate resurfaces after Minneapolis shooting
Pressure builds inside the Texas detention center in Dilley housing parents and children. What’s behind a protest that erupted there over the weekend?Second Amendment advocates speak out after licensed gun owner Alex Pretti is killed by Border Patrol agents in Minnesota.A look at how weight loss drugs are transforming obesity and diabetes care in San Antonio.Introducing the upstart jazz orchestra at Huston-Tillotson University that’s among the top in the country.And a North Texas estate sale filled with cat-themed décor and housewares.
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