On this episode we interview Austin rapper Jai Bliss about her musical journey from New York City to Austin and her musical inspirations. We also discuss the long awaited murder conviction in the case of 2pac that is 30 years in the making. Hip-Hop Facts include facts about Beyonce, Travis Scott, Pimp C and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion this week is that local artists don’t have to leave Austin to gain greater heights in their career if they have unfinished business here.
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Police cracking down on e-motos, Firefly Aerospace documentary, College football preview
E-motorcycles are getting more popular — especially among teens and young adults — and Austin is stepping up enforcement.
You might have heard of big rocket companies like SpaceX or even Blue Origin who have moved to Texas over the last few years. But what about Central Texas’ own Firefly Aerospace? We’ll have more on the rocket company in our backyard.
Need some ideas for things to do over the long Labor Day weekend? We have suggestions for a few arts events around town.
It’s kickoff weekend for most Texas college football teams, including UT. Will this finally be the year for the Longhorns? We’ll talk about the season ahead.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Barcelona B
Jorge Alastuey has worked his way through the professional ranks, from Napoli’s Primavera (or under-20 squad), Poland’s second-division pro league, and finally up to Austin FC. But his football foundation was set when he entered Barcelona’s La Masia at age 13. And even though he was recruited to Austin by fellow Spaniards Rodolfo Borrell and Nico Estévez, he’s seeing many more playing opportunities now that they’re gone. He’s also getting a lot of help from experienced teammates and a fellow La Masia alum.
¡Vamos Verde! is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen by donating here.
City outsourcing adult sports leagues, Buford’s shooting recovery, Classic films for teens
After initially planning to cancel its adult indoor basketball and volleyball leagues, the city now plans to find an outside company to run them. Players worry they could be priced out.
Next week, Republicans will gather in Texas for the party’s first-ever midterm convention. What does it mean to be a Texas Republican in 2026?
How one survivor of the Buford’s shooting is recovering — and how his family and a former professor have helped him along the way.
An Austin teenager is bringing old Hollywood to a new generation and building a community of classic film lovers.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
A mysterious kidney disease is hitting Central American migrant workers in Texas
Tarrant County, a big Texas county seen by some as key in the upcoming midterms, cuts the number of polling places. We’ll have the backstory.
It’s not political convention season — or is it? What looks like an unconventional convention set for Dallas.
Also, more on a mysterious kidney disease that’s arrived in Texas hitting young men from Central America especially hard. We’ll hear what health officials are saying.
Plus, Texas Beachcomber Jace Tunnell, the Tacos of Texas and much more.
Austin ISD bus hubs, Challenges for childcare providers, Data center sustainability
High schoolers in the Austin Independent School District are navigating a new transportation system this year. And some parents say their kids are having to walk long and sometimes dangerous routes.
Travis County’s $50 million investment in childcare is expanding access for some — but providers are still struggling.
Polling suggests a majority of Texans are opposed to a data center being built in their community. How can data centers can be built more sustainably and become better neighbors?
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Texas hospitals face Medicaid funding freeze
$27 million a day. That’s how much Texas hospitals are losing because of a disagreement with the Trump administration over Medicaid funding. We’ll have the details.
Much of the talk of the November election in Texas has focused on the race for U.S. Senate. But who will be Texas’ next attorney general? We’ll share a closer look at candidates Mayes Middleton and Nathan Johnson.
As tropical winds and rain make their way through parts of Texas, some coastal homeowners worry about being able to secure insurance for future storms. We’ll go over what’s changing.
Plus, enormous electric power lines are one step closer to going up in West Texas. A look at how the state says this will help meet growing energy demand.
And “Gunsmoke,” a TV show from decades ago, is getting renewed attention on streaming. Commentator W.F. Strong tells us why he is watching.
Austin’s sister cities, New state laws, US citizen returns after deportation
New state laws take effect today. What to know and what’s changing.
An Austinite is back in the country after being deported. Why was the U.S. citizen was deported in the first place, and how often does this happen?
Do you know how many sister cities Austin has the world over — or what a sister city even is? ATXplained has the answers.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Marfa’s Palace Theater could soon see new life
Tropical Storm Edouard heads toward the Texas coast. What to expect as it makes landfall.
An update on recovery efforts in Nepal, where Texans are among the missing.
How Texas is helping mount a defense against hackers who broke into systems that control water infrastructure across the U.S.
New laws take effect as September begins. We’ll highlight some of the big ones, including one that is supposed to prevent solar panel sale fraud.
Plus: Bringing Marfa’s historic Palace Theater back to life.
Austin Do We Have A Problem?
On this episode we discuss what are favorite rappers bio movies are and our reservations about the upcoming Snoop Dogg film. We also discuss whether or not Austin is trying to ease off its support for hip-hop in comparison to years past. Hip-Hip Facts this week include facts about MC Hammer, Prince, Case and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion this week is that Austin having break out artists won’t elevate the scene like previously believed.
Energy costs & public health, GED offers a second chance, KUTX songs of August
Austin’s energy market is regulated. Other Central Texas cities’ markets aren’t. A look at the impacts on public health.
This month, 1.5 million Texas high schoolers went back to the classrooms, and a harsh reality is not all of them will graduate. The GED plays an important role in offering people a second chance and economic mobility.
College football is back in full swing this weekend, and if you’re planning a tailgate or a party, you’re gonna need the music to bring the energy. We’ve got the best songs of August from our buddies over at KUTX.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
What NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope could teach us about the universe
Liftoff for a mission set to answer cosmic mysteries. We’ll go over the main objectives and the West Texas connection for NASA’s new Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.
This summer, thousands of enlisted troops were forced out of a major Texas base over dangerous living conditions — the tip of the iceberg when it comes to barracks in disrepair.
Also, why some activists say a Lubbock library is breaking state law, and what Lt. Governor Dan Patrick is threatening to do.
Texas’ electricity free market helped boost renewables, but did it really make electricity cheaper as promised?
Plus, the Austinites hoping to bring back a love of Shakespeare.
Also, a trip out to Texas’ Goat Island.
The 8% Guarantee: Why Waiting on Social Security Pays Off
Carl takes caller and text questions on the importance of consolidating when it comes to retirement accounts, social security benefits, and how to put away money for the futures of your children.
Austin writing data center rules, Great Austin Shake Off, Dolly Parton tributes
The Austin City Council has kicked off a long process focused on creating new rules and requirements for large-scale data centers. Some council members say it’s imperative to get a leg up, before any future construction takes hold.
The Austin Independent School District Board of Trustees is at risk of being taken over by state-selected appointees. So why would anyone be interested in running for a board seat? There are a few reasons.
When’s the last time you actually read work by William Shakespeare? A local group is working to bring the Bard’s word back to the masses with a competition called the Great Austin Shake Off.
Plus: The details on some some Dolly Parton tribute shows this weekend.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Texas-Minnesota extradition fight tests limits of federalism
Texas frees immigration officer Christian Castro, who is wanted for a shooting in Minnesota, raising critical legal and practical questions about federalism.
An attempt by the Trump administration to lower beef prices has many Texas ranchers upset.
Also, a look at what appears to be a groundbreaking new treatment in Texas for people with Parkinsons using ultrasound to stop tremors.
And as polls show Democrat James Talarico pulling ahead of his Republican rival, President Trump comes to Texas to boost support for Ken Paxton.
Plus, the week in politics with the Texas Tribune and much more.
Evictions at Community First Village, KUTX artist of the month, Future Front Fest
Over the last five years, the Community First Village — which has drawn national attention as a new model to get people off the streets — has drastically increased the number of evictions filed against residents.
Paige Plaisance, KUTX’s Artist of the Month for August, melds a killer voice with the sounds of swampytonkin’.
The Future Front Festival is marking a decade of creating the the kind of diverse programming it wanted to see in the world.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Meta agrees to massive settlements over teen social media harms
Ottawa and Washington may seem distant to many Texans, but increasing rhetoric between the two has Texas in the crosshairs. We’ll examine how a trade war between allies could wind up costing Texas billions.
Other stories we’re tracking: A historic multibillion dollar settlement from Meta has been reached over the use of social media by young people. What changes, what doesn’t and what it may mean longer-term.
As smart glasses get smarter, tech expert Omar Gallaga focuses on the privacy concerns inspiring new apps.
Remember the Alamo? What about Gonzales? Filmmaker John Franklin Rinehart is making sure folks don’t forget.
Whereabouts: “Flashback”
Whereabouts, an Austin-based alternative indie-rock band that debuted earlier this year, is back with “Flashback,” one of their three single releases from their upcoming EP. This upbeat, energetic single touches on nostalgia and regret – a difficult balance for many artists, but Whereabouts brings them together like desert sun and sand. Lyrically, “Flashback” speaks of moving forward from the past, but the heady, energetic guitars, punchy percussion, and perfectly placed harmonies will make you excited to look to Whereabouts’ future.
Austin considers data center regulations, Dolly Parton’s guitar, New UIL heat rules
The Austin City Council is considering some regulations around data centers. That includes defining where they might be built, and how they’re categorized by size and demand on resources.
There are new rules for students participating in outdoor UIL competitions designed to protect kids from the brutal Texas heat. We’ll tell you what’s changing.
Some big names are on the way out of Austin FC. Who’s on the move and who’s available for tonight’s Leagues Cup match.
Dolly Parton gifted a rhinestoned guitar to Austin drag queen Brigitte Bandit. She can’t play it, but she can pretend — and she’s got a story for a lifetime.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
A Texas remembrance of Dolly Parton
Tens of thousands of acres are burning in West Texas. We’ll check in on containment efforts and the ongoing wildfire risk.
Republicans from all over the country will be gathering in Texas soon to drum up support for the November election. We’ll have a look at how the Texas GOP has evolved.
Chinese biotech firms have become a major force in the global pharmaceutical market. We’ll look at what Americans should know about where new medicine may be coming from.
Houston Police have been collaborating with ICE. We’ll share how the collaboration has impacted one man’s life.
And Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80. We went looking for a Texan who could help us remember this icon of country music and beyond — and found a longtime collaborator and friend in Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson.