austin

Austin’s Pease Park troll burns down

A high school senior in Austin has been released from ICE custody and reunited with his family after a judge’s order — in time to walk in his graduation ceremony next month.
The city of Austin has faced another blow in its efforts to keep painted street murals and crosswalks.
Also, the popular Pease Park troll, Malin, has burned down. We’ll share what we know.
The end of this school year will feel very different at the 10 schools in the Austin Independent School District that are permanently closing. Becker Elementary’s Green Classroom is gearing up for their community garden’s final harvest.
And the Austin bird everyone loves to hate: The grackle.

Texas data centers collide with water shortages

As the school year winds down across Texas, one major school district considers declaring an emergency over money. El Paso ISD sounds an alarm after finding a $52 million shortfall, leaving officials with many questions and critical decisions to make.
A primary runoff for a seat on the railroad commission has implications that may not be obvious.
For Corpus Christi, some encouraging news as the city scrambles to avoid an all-out water emergency.
 And a Texas-based air carrier issues a ban on robots. Tech expert Omar Gallaga tells us resistance is futile.

Latino community divided on renaming Cesar Chavez Street

Early voting is underway for Tuesday’s primary runoffs, and we have a look at two races on some Central Texans’ ballots: state House District 49 and Hays County judge.

Austin is working to rename Cesar Chavez Street after accusations of sexual abuse and assault. But some are struggling with those changes.

Some good news and some bad news about a ranking of Austin’s parks. We’ve got more from a new report, including who rivals the city’s parks.

And: A sneak peek at tomorrow night’s ATXplained Live!

Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org

What now after Trump backs Paxton in Senate race?

The big endorsement is in. So, what does it mean for Texas’s U.S. Senate race that President Trump chose to back Attorney General Ken Paxton?
You may have heard El Niño is coming — and not just a regular, but a super version. What does that mean for Texas weather and hurricane risks?
Texas has updated its program for drivers with communication differences, like those with autism or who are hard of hearing. We’ll cover what you need to know about the changes.
Plus, we’ll profile an animal shelter program with an outsized impact on the trainers working to help dogs ease their way into forever homes.

I-35 construction has narrowed a passage on Lady Bird Lake

The Austin City Council is set to take up a controversial proposal this week about relying more on natural gas during times of high energy demand, and opponents worry about how it could affect climate goals.

If you venture out to Lady Bird Lake this Memorial Day weekend, you might encounter an unfamiliar sight: a construction zone on the water.

How a photography project is helping one woman reclaim her story of loss and perseverance.

Television lovers rejoice: The ATX TV Festival is returning for its 15th season.

Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org

Cycling the whooping crane migration route

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton faces criticism for a plea deal with a child sex offender.
Why the state is quicky becoming a hub for data centers with 30 projects alone in an area that stretches from Temple to San Marcos.
Texas high school students get training for oil and gas jobs with help from the industry.
A photographer and a birding expert on bikes follow the migratory path endangered whooping cranes take from Texas to Canada.
Ahead of the World Cup matches in the Lone Star State, we preview of a new podcast “When the World Comes to Texas.”

Church gives out free burgers weekly near UT to combat food insecurity

Three people are in custody following a weekend crime spree and manhunt in Austin that made national headlines. Police say the suspects, all juveniles, are tied to multiple shootings and stolen vehicles across the city.

As grocery costs rise, a church near the University of Texas campus gives out hundreds of free burgers weekly to combat food insecurity.

Texas Democrat James Talarico’s taco order is going viral after a stop at Taco Joint. More on the order heard around the country.

Austin FC has fired its sporting director and head coach. The co-host of the Vamos Verde podcast shares what this means for the team.

Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org

Texas Children’s settles gender care fight with unprecedented clinic deal

A Texas hospital agrees to what appears to be a first of its kind settlement over allegations of providing illegal gender transitioning to minors.

Houston based Texas children’s hospital agrees to form a first of its kind detransitioning clinic to settle charges of violating state law. A US China Summit, a stalemate with Iran and what it all adds up to for energy-rich Texas. A fresh look at disability inclusion in all things tech.

And what looks like currency, feels like currency, is issued by the government, but isn’t money? It’s called the Texas Redback and a lawsuit claims it may have crossed a redline.

Immigration in Central Texas — an Austin Signal special broadcast

Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations have been on the rise during the second Trump administration.

And while enforcement in some parts of the U.S. has been messy and public, operations here in Texas are being carried out with a quieter, systematic approach. Today we’re taking a closer look at the situation here in Austin and Central Texas.

We’re bringing you a one-hour special sharing the experience of a UT student who was detained by ICE; talking about the potential health effects felt by targeted communities; and the story of a family’s fight to free their father from detention.

Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org

A look at the Texas attorney general race, with runoffs around the corner

A hearing this week that would’ve allowed for the review of evidence and testimony in lawsuits against Camp Mystic never came to be, and lawyers for the Hill Country girls camp where children and counselors died in last summer’s flooding were absent from the courtroom.

Texas will soon have a new attorney general, with a pair of Democrats and Republicans vying to represent their party in November, but the issues they’re talking up in the runoffs might not be the ones that matter most at the ballot box.

And the Black Austin Matters podcast is back with a new season. We’ll chat with the show’s hosts about what they’ve learned and how they’re continuing to amplify the voices on their show.

Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org

Mama Duke Show

Mama Duke is a rapper-singer-multi-hyphenate-artist who’s performed around Austin for more than a decade. In 2025 she charmed her way into the hearts of the audience and the judges on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, making her way to finals. Mama Duke collaborates often with Austin FC, recording a hype song and video, and hosting the All-Star Game and U.S. Open Cup pregame festivites in the stadium. She talks with Jimmy Maas and Juan Diego Garcia about her journey on the show with Scary Spice (Mel B.) and Simon Cowell, her relationship with the Verde and Black, and fulfillment as a performer in spaces that aren’t always welcoming.

¡Vamos Verde! is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org.

Who will replace Paxton as Texas attorney general?

It’s the final stretch before the primary runoffs in Texas, but the real test may not be the race most folks are focused on.
Next week, early voting begins in the primary runoff contest between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and challenger Ken Paxton — but win or lose, who’ll take over Paxton’s current seat as attorney general? We’ll take a closer look.
Also, a top Texas-based expert in geopolitics weighs in on the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping and what it might mean for the future of the U.S. conflict with Iran.
Harvest time in Texas? How warmer winters have triggered a seasonal shift for the Texas crawfish industry.

Austin birders compete in the Great Texas Birding Classic

A housing program for chronically homeless Austinites could be facing cuts because of budget deficits and clean-ups of local encampments. The potential loss of funding is raising questions about where unhoused Austinites will go if the program is gone for good. Sam Stark from the Austin Current joins us to talk more about this.

With the cost of living on the rise, adult education programs are offering another path to earning more money. We’ll make a visit out to Austin Community College’s Eastview Campus.

Birding is growing in popularity for folks looking to add some color and sound to their recreation. The Great Texas Birding Classic is a fantastic way to dive into all the fun.

Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org

Pulitzer-winning writer reflects on loss and survival in the Central Texas floods

Former President Barack Obama made a surprise stop in Texas. We’ll dig more into what his appearance might mean for Democrats heading into the midterms.
The number of students in Texas public schools dropped by tens of thousands at the beginning of this school year. We’ll look into why.
Plus, another Texas-based company is also now making Texas its legal home. What we can make of this growing trend.
Texas Monthly Senior Editor Aaron Parsley’s young nephew was killed in the devastating July 4th flooding. His essay about his family’s experiences just won a Pulitzer Prize. We’ll speak with him.
And getting ready for the World Cup in Houston means taking really good care of some grass.

Happy Mother’s Day!

This episode is more special than most because we get to interview our own mothers! We discuss their musical upbringing and learn more about ourselves as well. Hip-Hop Facts include facts about The Jacksons, 2pac, Pokemon and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion will definitely spark a conversation with music lovers.

Austin high school senior detained by ICE draws community support

An Austin ISD high school senior’s detention has shaken his classmates, church members and family awaiting his graduation. He’s being held in a South Texas immigration processing center. We’ll hear more about his story and the people awaiting his return.

You’ve probably interacted with the Austin’s Art in Public Places program without even realizing it. The city of Austin and the public arts community are clashing over millions in funding for the program. Austin Current’s Andrea Ball will tell us why.

Bobby Pudrido is a local drag performer whose musical namesake has become a candidate for Congress. We’ll talk about increased recognition in an already hyper-analyzed performance space.

Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org

How ‘churgers’ are providing relief to college students in Austin

A bipartisan bill aims to fix the country’s broken immigration system. Does it stand a chance in Congress?
We’ll look at how adult education can help increase income for families coping with rising costs.
Plus, free burgers for college students at UT Austin — how “churgers” are providing relief amid rising grocery prices.
And the NBA playoffs now shift to San Antonio. Spurs star Victor Wembanyama returns to the floor after his controversial Game 4 ejection.

Shorter waits for affordable childcare in Austin area

The cost of childcare across the country is on the rise, outpacing the price of in-state college tuition in many states. While many local governments are working to figure out a solution, Travis County is ahead of the game.

The pool at Barton Springs was first built around a century ago. But the springs that feed it have been around since long before humans ever arrived in Austin. More from our ATXplained series.

Many Austin Energy customers were left without power after strong winds and heavy rains dropped hail and tree limbs across Central Texas. We’ll have an update and a look ahead at the forecast.

Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org

South Texas LNG boom promises jobs — but at what cost?

The state’s biggest school district, already under state control, now faces a civil rights investigation by the federal government. The probe into Houston Independent School District focuses on plans to change how special education services are delivered — what some believe may amount to illegal segregation.
A massive liquefied natural gas export terminal is rising near the Laguna Madre, bringing promises of economic growth to the Rio Grande Valley — but not everyone is on board.
Democrat James Talarico is making big gains in the U.S. Senate race, railing against billionaires. But a new investigation finds some billionaires backing his campaign. We’ll have a closer look.
Also, remembering the leader of a distinctly hot dance orchestra back in the 1950’s. These days, he’s often called the father of Tejano music.

Facing deficit, Austin ISD to cut educator salaries

The Austin Independent School District is set to cut more than 200 educator salaries as they work to address a multimillion-dollar budget deficit. District officials have also identified other ways to reduce the deficit, including cuts to the central office and projected revenue from real estate sales.

The City of Austin has given the green light to almost a million dollars in taxpayer money toward a lawsuit alleging city and state police raided the wrong home in South Austin. We’ll hear more about the lawyers they’re using in this case and others.

Three young brothers in TX who play mariachi music were detained by ICE back in February as a part of President Trump’s immigration crack down. The brothers got out 2 weeks later, and country music super star Kasey Musgraves heard their story and invited the boys on the Texas leg of her new tour. We’ll hear more about their story.

Austin Psych Fest kicks off today and there are plenty of local acts to catch over the weekend. We’ve got the names you’ll want to keep your eyes and ears on.

Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org