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.

Democratic congressman Henry Cuellar from Texas faced charges of conspiracy, bribery and money laundering. Why did the president just pardon him? We’ll dive in today.Texas becomes the first state to buy bitcoin. Why, and what it adds up to in a larger context.Imagine distilling your entire year into a snapshot – like a top 10 list. Spotify may have popularized the year-end personal recap craze, but they’re not the only game in town. Holiday wrapping and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard. The post Why a Texas Democrat was pardoned by Trump appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Some new Texas laws are going into effect this week, including a modified bathroom bill. Other new laws include yet another one affecting abortion access, and one changing the tests kids take in Texas schools.Texas flagged hundreds of voters as potential noncitizens earlier this year, but county officials have already determined many were mis-flagged.The latest AP Top 25 college football rankings are out, but the handwringing continues over which teams will make the playoffs.And we’ll talk with Terese Svoboda, author of the book “Hitler & My Mother-in-Law.” The post Voters flagged as noncitizens may have been eligible all along appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Questions about the Trump administration’s military operations in the Caribbean against Venezuela are growing. We’ll delve into the details.We’re also following the special election in Houston’s 18th Congressional District amid uncertainty over which congressional map Texas will use.Fort Worth and Tarrant County cut back on some public meetings, leading to an outcry.Is Texas becoming a dumping ground for oil waste from another state?And we get a tour of San Antonio’s new Museo del Westside. The post Is Texas being used as an oil waste dumping ground? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The eyes of many Texans are on the U.S. Supreme Court – with new redistricting maps hanging in the balance. The Texas Tribune’s Eleanor Klibanoff joins us with an update on a legal back and forth that could affect which maps Texas uses for the 2026 election season.Another Texas Republican, U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls, says he won’t seek reelection to Congress. That makes him the sixth GOP lawmaker to step back from elected office as we approach a new election season. What’s behind these departures?Also, a common refrain from Texas restaurants this holiday season: “Cash please, not credit.” The post What’s next after Supreme Court restores Texas’ congressional map? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

We’re bringing you a special rebroadcast from the studios of our partners at Houston Public Media, the November destination in our yearlong waltz across Texas marking 10 years on the air.Today, we’ll explore Houston’s rise to become the nation’s newest global city.Also, a mission to tell the true story of the first female astronauts, the Houston Chronicle with a new list of the top Houston restaurants, a take on Texas zydeco, and a whole lot more.Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org The post Encore presentation: Houston’s rise to become a global city appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texans under the age of 18 make up almost a quarter of the state’s population, so we put together a show with them in mind, from Abilene and the Children’s Art and Literacy Festival In June.We begin with a conversation about politics: We’ll hear from some Texas teens who make their voices heard, even though they can’t yet vote.Checking in with our go-to tech expert about kids and technology – some tips for engaging them while avoiding some of the pitfalls.Other familiar voices on the show will be insect expert Wizzie Brown, who is answering kids’ questions about bugs, and commentator W.F. Strong, who shares a conversation about growing up in Texas with his 10-year-old daughter. The post Encore presentation: A special Texas Standard for kids, from Abilene appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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 in October 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 Encore presentation: From State Fair to stock exchange, a special broadcast from Dallas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

As we continue our yearlong 10th birthday celebration, we’re sharing a special rebroadcast of our July show before a live studio audience at a place that’s been called the “Athens of Texas” – Waco, itself celebrating 25 years of public radio from our partners at KWBU.We’ll be sampling some of the sights, sounds and tastes of this historic Central Texas city.After all, when you’re the birthplace of Dr Pepper, home to a national monument marking an epic concentration of mammoths, and with a growing population and national profile, there’s a whole lotta Waco to explore. The post Encore presentation: Dr Pepper, mammoths and more – all about Waco appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Today we’re bringing you a special rebroadcast of Texas Standard’s May show from El Paso.We hear from some prominent El Pasoans – former Congressman Beto O’Rourke and former El Paso Mayor Dee Margo – on the city’s dynamic politics.El Paso has become a leader in innovative water management. How the city is securing its future in the desert.KTEP’s Aaron Montes visits a local academy training the future stars of lucha libre.And: How bighorn sheep have returned to El Paso’s mountains after a century away. The post Encore presentation: The politics, food and culture of El Paso appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

He’s cultivated relations with top political figures, but how much is known about the ties between Elon Musk and Gov. Greg Abbott?The Texas Newsroom’s investigative reporter Lauren McGaughy on what started out as a public records request that turned into an odyssey as she tried to learn more about the relationship between Musk and the Texas governor.Also, she’s one of the most successful Texas songwriters in history – yet many Texans don’t even know her name. The Standard’s Leah Scarpelli reports on a push to turn the spotlight back on Cindy Walker. 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 Cindy Walker’s musical legacy gets renewed attention appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

You’ve heard about the ruling striking down Texas’ new congressional maps, but what does that mean as a practical matter for the upcoming primaries? The new ruling on Texas’ redistricting plan, and an expected appeal throws a lot into limbo.Space shuttles once routinely orbited the earth many times over, but a plan to bring one to Texas is having trouble getting off the ground.Plus, the Standard’s Sarah Asch looks at how the Mexican government is filling in the gaps for some adult education programs in the U.S. Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org The post A Mexican government program is filling in US adult education gaps appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A ruling out of West Texas has upended Republican redistricting efforts to get more seats in Congress. Where things stand now that a federal judge in El Paso has struck down Texas’ new congressional map.We’ve reported before on how Texas school district leadership seems to have become increasingly partisan. We’ll take a closer look at the fallout in one part of the state.El Paso’s highway system has a history and impact everyday commuters might not know. Miguel Juarez, author of “Frontera Freeways: Highway Building and Displacement in El Paso, Texas,” hopes we all can learn.W.F. Strong shares a look back on the life of the late George Foreman and how he fought his way to the top.And a new documentary from producer Jordan Peele hopes to bring more attention to the Black cowboy. “High Horse” director Jason Perez joins us ahead of the three-part series’ debut on Peacock. Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org The post Federal court blocks redrawn Texas congressional map appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas A&M bans professors from discussing race or gender ideology. Will other universities follow?They were supposed to be protected from deportation, but now ICE is going after some DACA recipients, too. How some Dreamers are ending up in detention ce...