austin

Austin nurses hold vigil for Alex Pretti

Local nurses led a peaceful vigil last night in Austin for Alex Pretti, the Minnesota ICU nurse shot and killed over the weekend by U.S. immigration officers. We’ll hear about the latest instance of local folks protesting ongoing customs and border patrol activities in Minneapolis.

Three Austin ISD middle schools could get a fifth failing accountability rating, which means the state might step in to run them. We’ll learn about an alternative to that, and whether or not it worked at another AISD middle school.

Plus, we’ll introduce you to folks who took in some canine companions during the recent winter storm.

And, an Austin comedy show where the comedians get heckled on purpose.

Protesters, DPS troopers clash outside Dilley ICE detention facility

Protesters outside the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley called for the release of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father who were taken into ICE custody in Minnesota.Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, a massive military buildup as President Trump warns Iran to abandon its nuclear program – or else. But this may be about more than just nukes.Also, what new census numbers tell us about the state of the Lone Star State.

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.

Possible government shutdown looms after ICE shooting

The second death of a person in Minnesota at the hands of ICE agents has fueled an outcry from some for another government shutdown.Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers aren’t just in Minnesota, of course. They’re also showing up in small-town Texas. A look at their impact on Elgin.We’ll hear from journalists José Ralat and Rodrigo Bravo Jr. who believe they were targeted by officers in West Texas.A hangout in Austin that promotes doodling nights for adults.And how some dairy farmers are taking a cue from goat yoga events. Would you like to cuddle a cow?

City of Austin paid out $143 million in overtime in 2025

Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minnesota have caught the attention of the nation and the world in recent weeks. Meanwhile, such operations in Texas have been taking place at the same time. We’ll check in with folks from Elgin, just outside of Austin, to hear how it’s impacting them.

The City of Austin paid out more than $143 million dollars to its employees in 2025. Five city departments regularly account for the bulk of overtime spending. We’ll go over which departments they are.

Plus, a spot in East Austin is building community beyond its menu by bringing folks together with Chess and Doodle Nights. We hear more about the community garden that’s growing.

How the Austin area fared amid arctic front

An arctic cold front brought freezing precipitation to the Austin area over the weekend. Classes were cancelled today at UT Austin and most school districts in Central Texas. Still, the area made out much better this time than in ice storms of years past. We’ll have more about the situation locally and this week’s forecast.

The most high-profile candidates for the Texas Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate race in November – U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and State Rep. James Talarico – debated each other in Georgetown over the weekend. We’ll recap the cases they made and the status of the race ahead of the March primary.

Plus, Annabelle Chairlegs is the KUTX Artist of the Month for January. Their new record “Waking Up” is out this Friday. We’ll chat with group lead Lindsey Mackin and hear from the band’s Studio 1A performance.

Austin police cooperation with ICE faces renewed scrutiny

An update on this weekend’s winter storm – the lingering aftereffects, and when to expect things to get back to “normal.”Though the worst may be over, many extreme cold advisories have been issued statewide today, and frozen precipitation is making many secondary roads treacherous. We’ll have an update, plus a look at the storm’s impact on the power grid.Despite hazardous driving conditions, an important political debate went on as scheduled Saturday: A showdown between the top two Democrats running for a U.S. senate seat from Texas. We’ll have a recap of the Georgetown debate between U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and State Rep. James Talarico. Also, questions about local law enforcement cooperation with ICE in Austin.

Trap Or Die

On this episode we discuss the recent conversation from some rappers about the “F The Streets” movement and if we think it’s legit or a marketing ploy. We also discuss our favorite albums from the sub-genre of hip-hop titled “trap rap” and agree that one album reins supreme. Hip-hop facts include facts about Will Smith, Christopher Nolan, The Gorillaz and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is that your favorite rapper (Jay-Z, 50 Cent, etc.) might be an elitist.

The latest on the freeze heading towards Austin

The forecast continues to evolve as an arctic cold front heads towards the Austin area this weekend. Temperatures are forecast to remain below freezing starting Saturday night in Central Texas and could stay that way through Monday. We’ll have the latest forecasts and updates from city officials.

Austin Community College’s free tuition pilot program ballooned to nearly 10,000 students this academic year. We’ll look at the students who are being impacted and the things they’re learning about.

Huston-Tillotson University’s Jazz Orchestra is among the top bands in the country. We’ll hear about their competition last weekend in New York.

Plus, photojournalism collides with original songwriting in the new project “Witness.” We share a special sneak listen.

Arctic front bears down on Austin, Central Texas

An arctic cold front is approaching Austin and Central Texas. The National Weather Service has already issued an Extreme Cold Watch and a Winter Storm Warning for the weekend. We’ll have more about the latest forecasts and the ways for you to be prepared.

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement operations have continued in Central Texas. KUT News has obtained video of one such incident in Kyle. As these operations increase, so does the concern for public safety amid reports of slack hiring practices and training regulations for ICE officers. Speaking with Austin Signal is Alain Stephens, investigative reporter for the Intercept covering gun violence, arms trafficking, and federal law enforcement.

Plus, it’s Hi, How Are You Day in Austin. We’ll share how you can celebrate.

Why bats in Austin may be living rent-free in your apartment

Early voting for the upcoming primaries in Texas begins next month. Up in Williamson County, things are going to be a little different this election cycle. Voters there will no longer be able to vote at any polling site on Election Day. We’ll talk about why that is, and the impacts it could have.

Protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement have continued in the Austin area this week. Demonstrators gathered outside Austin City Hall on Tuesday. We’ll hear more from those who took part.

Plus, bats have long found a cozy home here in Austin, but they’re not just nestling up under the South Congress bridge.

And living, dying and grief is the subject of a short film premiering this weekend in Austin.

Alleged outside ties shut some area schools out of voucher program

Hundreds of private schools in Texas are being shut out of the state’s new school voucher program because of alleged ties to some organizations or foreign governments, and that includes dozens of schools in the Austin area. We’ll have more about the voucher program and its continuing rollout.

Plus, hobbies can lead to rewarding experiences, but carving out the time to invest in one can be tough. We’ll hear the story of a group of skaters in Austin that prioritizes community and fun – despite their busy schedules.

And the executive director for Texas Performing Arts stepped into the role just months before the pandemic forced shows to stop and theatres to close. We’ll hear what he learned about the job and the future of arts and performances going forward.

ICE operations in Hays County lead to detainment, injury

A person was detained last week by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Kyle. The man had to be transported to the hospital, according to local police, and the KUT Newsroom is working to get more details on the story.

An attorney for the student who was deported while flying back to Austin for a holiday says the federal government admitted it violated a court order when it deported her to Honduras. Any López Belloza, an Austin-raised student at Babson College outside of Boston, was detained after trying to fly home to Austin before Thanksgiving. We’ll have more about her story and her status.

It’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and we’ll hear from him through archival audio in a reflection from the podcast In Black America.

Is Austin Hip-Hop Getting In Its Own Way?

On this episode of The Breaks we discuss if Austin hip-hop artists are hindering their careers in any way. We also discuss if J. Cole’s upcoming album The Fall Off is the most important one of his career. Hip-hop facts include facts about Nas, Sade, Justin Timberlake and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion this week is about New York not allowing hip-hop to grow by staying within its city limits.

New program aims to address complaints against Austin Police

Complaints against Austin Police could be worked out through a new city program focused on mediation. We’ll hear more about what these types of guided conversations to address community concerns could look and sound like.

There is a downtown fixture close to Rainey Street that has somehow avoided becoming yet another Austin skyrise – the IHOP on Cesar Chavez, of course. We’ll hear about the real estate drama behind its longevity and what the future could hold for the building and the land it’s built on.

This week in Texas music history we hear about how the Karnes City country singer, Goldie Hill, struck gold in Nashville and set a precedent for women in country music.

Plus, a conversation with the director of a new documentary on podcasting. The “Age of Audio,” premieres at Austin Film Society this weekend.

APD changes ICE cooperation policy

The Austin Police Department is changing its rules over how officers report people to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The change comes after the detention and apparent deportation last week of a Honduran mother and her 5-year-old daughter.
We’ll go over the changes and the reaction from Austin City Council members.
And Austin voters could once again be faced with deciding whether to raise property taxes to help the city tackle expenses like park improvements and public safety. KUT’s city council reporter will have more on that.
Austin Poet Laureate Zell Miller talks about his new theatre program. It’s first production? A hip-hop rendition of Aesop’s fables.
Plus, KUTX hip-hop show “The Breaks” is up for a Best Radio Show award in the Austin Music Awards Poll. We hear about how they’d like to continue growing their show.

Texts show officials’ confusion amid Hill Country floods

Text messages from officials in Kerr County reveal confusion amid the July 4 Hill Country floods last year. Information and misinformation spread amid the flooding that killed more than 130 people. We’ll talk about those messages.
More changes are coming to I-35 as work continues on overhauling the highway at the center of Austin. We’ll dive into what to expect on the roads and how it could impact your travels.
Plus, the Alamo Drafthouse is doing away with pen-and-paper ordering and folks have feelings about it.
And a chat about the TV shows you and everyone else will be talking about all year long.

New CDC childhood vaccine guidance raises questions

Earlier this month, the CDC reduced the number of recommended vaccines for children. The change has flummoxed some parents and pediatricians in the Austin area. We’ll listen to some of the questions they’ve been asking.

It’s been more than six months since deadly flooding killed more than 130 people across Central Texas and the Hill Country. Recovery is still a long way down the road. We’ll have an update from some of the folks still working through that process.

Plus, the ATX Free Fridge Project has been filling in gaps in food access across the Austin area for more than half a decade, but the project itself could use a little love and help these days.

And with a new year comes new art in the public domain. We’ll find out what’s been added in 2026.

Demonstrations against ICE continue in Austin

Demonstrations against ICE continued in Austin this weekend after an officer fatally shot Renee Nicole Good last week in Minnesota. We’ll hear about the activity around town and its aftermath.

We’ll also hear about an Austin mother and her five-year-old daughter who were taken into ICE custody last week after police responded to a disturbance call at their home.

Plus, smokable hemp could be outlawed in Texas by the end of this month. The state’s health agency has proposed new rules that could upend the hemp market in Texas. We’ll delve into the new proposals and how Texans are feeling about the future.

We also take a look at news from our collaborators at Austin Current.

Podcasts Killed The Hip-Hop Star

On this episode we discuss if podcasts helped destroy the mystique of some hip-hop artists who have them. We also discuss if this is a show and prove year for the new class of women hip-hop stars. Hip-Hop Facts include facts about Jay-Z, Jack Nicholson, 2pac and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is that Milli Vanilli deserve to be forgiven for their past in the music industry.