ATXplained

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July 24, 2025

Who is the oldest World War II veteran in the Austin area?

By: Matt Largey

Kathryn Stacer had a question about her grandfather. We try to find an answer, but also consider whether the answer even matters.


If you like what we do on ATXplained, we need your financial support right now. Go to supportthispodcast.org and mention ATXplained in the comments. We’ll shout you out in a later episode!


Episodes

July 31, 2025

Why do sidewalks in Austin sometimes just end? (archive episode)

In this story, originally from our Sept. 2022 ATXplained Live show, KUT’s Audrey McGlinchy investigates why Austin sidewalks sometimes just kinda stop. In the middle of a block. And she does battle with Shel Silverstein. If you like what you hear on this podcast, consider becoming a member and supporting us with a few bucks. […]

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July 24, 2025

Who is the oldest World War II veteran in the Austin area?

Kathryn Stacer had a question about her grandfather. We try to find an answer, but also consider whether the answer even matters. If you like what we do on ATXplained, we need your financial support right now. Go to supportthispodcast.org and mention ATXplained in the comments. We’ll shout you out in a later episode!

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July 17, 2025

Why was Austin once called ‘Waterloo’?

Talk about “Old Austin” — this was Austin before it was Austin. So why was it named after a city in Belgium? We try to find out.

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June 26, 2025

What’s the deal with Austin’s “Rain Dome”?

Inconsistent rain forecasts have led to conspiracies about a rain-blocking dome that covers the city. The truth lies in an age-old fault.

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June 19, 2025

What happened to Austin’s lesbian bars?

Only San Francisco and Portland, Oregon have more gay people per capita than Austin. So why don’t we have any lesbian bars?

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June 5, 2025

Who was Austin’s first female lifeguard?

Laurel Seymour’s grandmother, Binnie Ruth Seymour, says she was the first woman to become a city lifeguard in Austin. Audrey McGlinchy looks at the record to see if Grandma Binnie is telling the truth.

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June 2, 2025

Who is the 94 year-old Texan who calls every state lawmaker?

94 year-old Reta Ward has been calling all the Texas state lawmakers for decades to weigh in on everything from water policy to school vouchers. One Capitol staffer wanted to know more about her.

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May 22, 2025

What’s the history of segregation at Barton Springs Pool?

Austin’s crown jewel has bought people together from all walks of life to enjoy a day in the sun. But before 1962, that wasn’t the case.

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