Texas Standard

He’s been an elected Democrat for over 50 years, but now local party officials in Houston are refusing to endorse Mayor John Whitmire. Unwinding the political drama, today on the Texas Standard.Texas’ new bathroom law effects schools and government-owned buildings, but one reporter found enforcement depends on exactly where you go.Texans Michael and Susan Dell are giving away billions to American kids. Who’s eligible and how the donation will work alongside so-called Trump Accounts.Texas drivers know monarch butterflies all too often end up on our windshields or car grills. Efforts are underway to protect their road crossings.Plus, some environmental concerns for the popular Dinosaur Valley State Park. The post Protecting monarch butterflies on Texas highways appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Lauren McGahee, an investigative reporter, and Alexandra Hart, a Texas Newsroom reporter, dive into Texas's controversial policy preventing transgender individuals from updating their gender markers on state IDs. They discuss the state's tracking of those attempting changes and the concerns surrounding privacy and legal targeting. The dangers posed by the new bathroom law and the implications of a potential registry for trans residents are also highlighted, raising critical questions about data collection and personal safety in Texas.

Houston, Fort Worth… Now three more Texas school districts are expected to be taken over by state education officials. Where, why and what comes next?The son of Texas A&M’s campus rabbi is among those critically injured in the mass shooting at Bondi Beach near Sydney, Australia.Mexican citizens who routinely cross into the U.S. at Texas’ southern border to donate plasma may be taking advantage of an immigration loophole.And our own Sarah Asch tells us why a library in a tiny Texas town may be a template for preserving adult education programs nationwide. The post Tiny Texas town’s library could be adult education template appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Austin and San Antonio have long been home to some of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. Together, they are becoming what the authors of a new book are calling a “Megaregion.” This is an extended conversation with former San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros and longtime journalists Robert Rivard. The post Texas Extra: The challenges and opportunities ahead for the Austin-San Antonio ‘Megaregion’  appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The Geminid Meteor Shower is happening, and we’ll have tips for your stargazing in a special live broadcast from the McDonald Observatory. Today we’re focused on space science, including the history of this West Texas research gem – and how it’s continuing to contribute to what we know about the universe and beyond. Dark skies are essential for observation, but there are challenges with light pollution. What they’re doing out in Fort Davis and what you can do at home. Plus: A conversation with StarDate star Billy Henry. The post A special live broadcast from the McDonald Observatory appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Millions of student loan borrowers are bracing themselves for big changes. We’ll have details on the end of the so-called SAVE program and why experts worry millions of student loan borrowers may be forced into default. As some Texas cities cut funding for homeless services, a look at one approach from nonprofits: giving cash directly to people who need it. With Netflix in the news this week, tech expert Omar Gallaga notes some users are already spotting a change in how they stream the service at home as mobile casting is discontinued. Plus, the great tamale debate: Corn husk or banana leaf? Sweet or savory? The post Tamales in Texas: A holiday debate with deep roots appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas’ top two political officials are lockstep on a new effort to make sure conservative youth organization Turning Point USA can launch at every high school in the state. We’ll take a closer look.Human plasma is vital for medical needs, but it’s also a multibillion-dollar industry on its own. We’ll explore.A Texas school district is sounding an alarm about some robotaxis, saying they’re passing school buses and may be putting kids at risk.Black bears are living in West Texas again. A look at what the humans there need to know about their very large neighbors.Plus, a history of the Christmas flower in a new children’s book and trailblazing journalist Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez, founder of the nation’s largest Latino oral history archive, prepares to call it a career. The post Voces Oral History Center founder talks legacy ahead of retirement appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

High-profile Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett launches her campaign for the U.S. Senate. We’ll look at how she’ll compete in a crowded field against primary opponent State Rep. James Talarico and prospective general election foes incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton.Last month Texas voters approved funding for a dementia prevention and research institute. Now a lawsuit means that plan is on hold.Plus, why more and more Texans are selling their blood plasma for cash. The state leads the nation in donations.And a Christmas festival in Galveston pays homage to author Charles Dickens. The post With Crockett in, Texas Democrats mull Senate race strategy appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Political musical chairs is underway in Texas on deadline day for candidates to file for the midterm elections. We’ll explore where we stand and what it means today.Mandatory course reviews and changes to policies at universities have faculty warning of dire threats to academic freedom, especially when it comes to teaching hot-button topics – like transgender identity. Kaye Knoll with that story.Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds… What about snacking on cottonseeds? The A&M researcher betting on making them edible.Also, this week in Texas music history looks at Austin’s jaded teens who get turned on to the new sounds of the ’60s as The 13th Floor Elevators take the stage. The post Trans students push back as university policies shift appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

It is a city as well known for its history as its growth in the here and now. Today we’re broadcasting from San Antonio for a special edition of the Texas Standard.As we celebrate 10 years of the Texas Standard, our yearlong tour of Texas takes us to the studios of our partners at Texas Public Radio, based in one of the most beautiful big cities in all of Texas. Though its many landmarks bring in the tourists, new residents are rushing in, too – putting pressure on resources like energy and water.We’ll explore those growing pains, but we’ll also be sampling the tastes and sounds that make San Antonio special. The post A special broadcast from San Antonio appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.