Austin Signal

Gov. Abbott targets new H-1B visa applications at state universities, agencies

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement operations have been happening in Austin and Central Texas in recent week. During the past weekend’s weather event, local officials had to dispel rumors fueled by the operation. The lack of information and communication around these operations is causing panic and anxiety that can boil beyond social media.

Gov. Greg Abbott is freezing new H-1B visa applications until 2027, with some exceptions. The move is the latest in the administration’s scrutiny of foreign workers employed at taxpayer-funded institutions.

We’re less than a month away from the start of the new Austin FC season. We’ll take a look at some of the team’s offseason moves.

Austin-Bergstrom bringing big changes in the new year

Austinites aren’t the only ones who are bringing some change to the new year. The airport in Austin will be undergoing some modifications in 2026. More gates, more flights – and more construction.
We’ll take a closer look at the changes happening at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Plus, a major milestone has been reached in the construction of a new water delivery system underneath Lake Travis. Once it’s finished, the system is expected to increase the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority’s water supply to 145 million gallons per day and reduce its vulnerability to drought.

Maybe you’ve decided to cut back on alcohol to start the year. That doesn’t mean a relaxing drink should be a boring one. We’ve got some Dry January recipes that’ll jazz up your 2026.

Austin doctor spins vinyl to bring music therapy to patients

An Austin doctor is using vinyl records to help patients cope with serious illnesses and difficult treatments. KUT’s Olivia Aldridge has a look at how music is helping in the healing process.

Texans have access to some of the best bird-watching opportunities in the country. We’ll go behind the scenes of an annual census of the area’s bird population.

You may have spotted him stopping for photos with fans outside the Paramount Theatre or the Continental Club: Austin’s Santa on horseback, Samuel Grey Horse, is back in the saddle after a difficult year. KUT’s Greta Díaz González Vázquez brings us his story.

KUT Morning Newscast for November 7, 2025: ABIA is not on the FAA’s list of airports that will reduce flights, but the effects will spread to Austin

Central Texas top stories for November 7, 2025. In less than two weeks the Austin Independent School District board will vote on a plan to close ten schools. ABIA is not on the FAA’s list of forty airports that will reduce flights, but the effects will spread to Austin. Record high temperatures are expected today and tomorrow, then a cold front is coming. The Central Texas Community Foundation started distributing funds to people impacted by the July floods in Travis and Williamson counties.

Introducing: Austin Signal

Austin Signal keeps the community in-the-know on the latest news and stories from the Central Texas area. Hosted by KUT’s Jerry Quijano, listeners can tune in every weekday to hear stories and topics important to them.