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August 13, 2026

Two Austin schools receive fifth failing ratings, opening door to state takeover

By: Austin Signal

Two struggling Austin middle schools have received a fifth consecutive failing accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency, opening the door to a state takeover of all the schools in the district. Houston ISD, the biggest school district in Texas, has been under state mandate for a few years. How it’s going so far.

The Austin City Council has adopted a budget of more than $6.5 billion. There were plenty of cuts, but a few late additions, too.

Plus, a preview of the new season of the Tacos of Texas podcast.

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Episodes

November 12, 2026

How Texas Democrats want to regulate data centers, Easy Compadre at the Austin Studio Tour

The future of data center development in Texas has been driving conversation and grassroots activism all year long. How will a change in state leadership affect the future of these projects? There’s plenty to see throughout the city during this first weekend of the Austin Studio Tour. Austin band Easy Compadre is using the opportunity […]

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November 11, 2026

Maternal health in blue Texas, AISD ceases cooperation with probe, Austin Book Festival preview

Lots of things in Texas could be changing with Democrats soon controlling the House and Governor’s Office. That could include legislation focused on the state’s strict abortion ban. We’ll go over the resistance it might meet in the Capitol. The Austin Independent School District is ceasing cooperation with a state investigation focused on its spending. We’ll have an […]

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November 10, 2026

ICE and local police, Austin’s relationship with state of Texas, Shane James sentenced

Austin is changing the way police officers interact with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. It’s not the only city preparing to change cooperation tactics. Shane James has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after a 2023 shooting spree that left six people dead in Austin and San Antonio. Republican state […]

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November 9, 2026

Bill filing begins for 2027 Legislature, Firefighter mental health, Donn’s Depot’s iconic restroom

It’s the first day for bills to be filed in anticipation of the 90th Texas legislative session. Democrats will soon control the Texas House and the governor’s office, but it doesn’t mean an easy path toward sweeping legislative changes. What one expert is keeping his eyes on. Firefighters are one group of first responders that […]

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November 6, 2026

Meet Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa, Higher education under Hinojosa, How to get your song on the radio

Austin state Rep. Gina Hinojosa is set to become the first Latina governor of Texas at the start of next year. She’s cut her political teeth in the state’s capital city, but her upbringing in the Rio Grande Valley has shaped the approach she employed during her campaign for the governorship. One facet of Hinojosa’s […]

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November 5, 2026

Texas Democrats’ power, City budget cuts affecting seniors, The Uncle Jay Show

Texas Democrats made historic wins for statewide office, including governor and lieutenant governor, and will soon have a majority in the Texas House of Representatives. But Republicans will still control the state Senate when the Legislature convenes in January. So what’s actually going to be possible in the next session? Groups providing social services to […]

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November 4, 2026

Democrats break Texas losing streak, city council results, Austin ISD board outcomes

Democrats broke a decades-long losing streak in Texas during this year’s midterm elections.Austin-area State Reps. Gina Hinojosa and James Talarico were victorious in their bids to become Texas governor and U.S. senator, respectively. And they weren’t the only Austin-area legislators to emerge victorious in major statewide races. Final votes are still being tallied across the state, but it’s clear it […]

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November 3, 2026

Results start to roll in during Election Night in Austin

Austin Signal is covering the November midterm elections as results roll in. We’ll hear from reporters at election watch parties for U.S. Senate hopefuls James Talarico and Ken Paxton, as well as watch parties for the governor race as state Rep. Gina Hinojosa looks to keep Gov. Greg Abbott from a fourth term. Plus, the […]

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