KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts

KUT and KUTX news and music podcasts for Austin, Texas and beyond

economy

Once-supporters now suing to stop Project Connect

It’s been nearly six years since a majority of Austinites voted in favor of creating 20 miles of state-of-the-art light rail transit across the city. But since that vote, the total length of the future rail system has been chopped in half. Despite that, the price tag for the project has continued climbing. Some folks who voted in favor are now suing to stop it from happening. An update on Project Connect.

Data from a Travis County mental health diversion pilot is showing some promising early results. The program offers people accused of low-level offenses an alternative. We’ll tell you more.

Which friendship in Austin has lasted the longest? A listener wanted to know. Our ATXplained project found the answer.

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

Dallas hip-hop group Cure for Paranoia talks breakout Tiny Desk win

Texas-based oil-drillers are looking for a competitive advantage — and they’re turning to AI. What are the implications? Turns out regulators don’t really know. We’ll hear more.
As the nation turns to honor members of the military who gave their all while serving, what of those service members who died years later after exposure to chemicals while in uniform?
Plus, the week in politics and a rising star in Dallas — our conversation with the frontman of Cure for Paranoia.

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

What to know about hantavirus

After three deaths on a cruise ship, fears over hantavirus are going viral online. A top Texas epidemiologist shares what science says.
The race for a U.S. Senate seat from Texas is getting a lot of attention as current Attorney General Ken Paxton tries to take the seat of a fellow Republican. But what about the seat he’s vacating? How much do you know about who’s in the running?
Wind power: One of the biggest stories of Texas energy in recent years. But now, wind is set to take second place to something else.
Plus, the week in politics with the Texas Tribune and poetry from the Typewriter Rodeo.

How the Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act ruling could impact Texas

The Voting Rights Act is losing more teeth. We’ll look at what a Supreme Court ruling means for redistricting.
Also, another Supreme Court case is examining when and how police can use cell phone data. We’ll check in with our tech expert about what’s at stake.
China is making brand-new cars for cheap. It’s hard to get them in the U.S., but not impossible — just ask folks in El Paso. So, will more folks be driving them soon?
You’ve probably heard by now that FIFA World Cup games are coming to Texas. It’s expected to be huge for the sport, but how much will host cities like Dallas and Houston really benefit?
And we’re getting the dish on some taco hot takes, like is birria overrated?

Artemis II mission builds on lunar exploration legacy

What does it mean to born in the U.S.? It’s a question the Supreme Court is considering today. We’ll dig into what’s at stake.
Guilty verdicts in the North Texas ICE shooting case meant a victory for the Trump administration in its fight against “antifa,” but how do we even define that movement?
We’re heading back to the moon. We’ll look at the goals of the long-awaited Artemis II mission and the countdown to what could come next.
If Texas stores can no longer sell smokable forms of cannabis but it’s legal to possess it, can your order it online?
And we’ll introduce you to some pampered pets. Why you might want to consider a catio.

Talarico interview on Colbert controversy shakes up race

James Talarico’s campaign raises millions after an interview with Stephen Colbert is pulled. But was it really a backfire against President Trump? The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey with the lowdown.
A look at a hugely important hearing today for four men accused of the notorious 1991 yogurt shop murders in Austin.
Also, why are so many barbecue joints closing?

Encore presentation: A special broadcast from San Antonio 

As we celebrated 10 years of the Texas Standard in 2025, our yearlong tour of the state recently took us to our partners at Texas Public Radio, based in San Antonio. 

Though its many landmarks bring in the tourists, new residents are rushing in, too – putting pressure on resources like energy and water. 

We explored those growing pains but also sampled the tastes and sounds that make San Antonio special. 

A special broadcast from San Antonio

It is a city as well known for its history as its growth in the here and now. Today we’re broadcasting from San Antonio for a special edition of the Texas Standard.
As we celebrate 10 years of the Texas Standard, our yearlong tour of Texas takes us to the studios of our partners at Texas Public Radio, based in one of the most beautiful big cities in all of Texas. Though its many landmarks bring in the tourists, new residents are rushing in, too – putting pressure on resources like energy and water.
We’ll explore those growing pains, but we’ll also be sampling the tastes and sounds that make San Antonio special.

Texas voters approve all 17 proposed constitutional amendments

Texans said yes to all 17 proposed state constitutional amendments. What’s that mean now?
We’ll also dig into some select local results from across the state, including an update in the race to fill the U.S. House seat of the late Sylvester Turner.
The Trump administration recently announced a new cap on the number of refugees that the U.S. will accept in the upcoming year. What’s that mean for the big picture?
Plus, an El Paso woman concerned about her neighbors who rely on government food assistance starts a program she hopes others will replicate.

What Texas voters should know before Election Day

With 17 constitutional amendments on the ballot next week, state officials are reminding Texans what to expect at the polls. We’ll talk with the Texas Secretary of State’s Office about dos and don’ts while voting.

Both Austin and Houston are facing financial strain, but their solutions couldn’t be more different: One wants to raise taxes, while the other wants to hold the line.

Austin DJ Laurie Gallardo, host of the podcast “SPF 1000: Vampire Sunscreen,” discusses Latinx goth culture, its roots in border life and the darker side of music and identity.

From State Fair to stock exchange, a special broadcast from Dallas

From the oldest radio station in Texas, in Dallas’ historic Fair Park, site of the State Fair of Texas, it’s Texas Standard Time.
As we continue to celebrate our 10th birthday this year, the Texas Standard tour bus has pulled into the historic home of WRR, temporary home to our partners KERA North Texas.
We’ll explore the economic boom across North Texas, hear voices from the fair, learn about a new sports classic set to kick off at the Cotton Bowl and much more.
It’s a special edition of the Texas Standard, live from Fair Park in Dallas.

Austin ISD proposes 13 school closures to curb $20 million budget deficit

Howdy out there, Austin! This episode is the first live radio broadcast for Austin Signal.

We’re discussing the proposed campus closures announced by the Austin Independent School District. More than a dozen schools would be shut down ahead of next school year as AISD works against a budget shortfall. We’ll dive into those details with KUT’s Katy McAfee.

Speaking of budget: If buying meat is in yours, you’ve probably noticed the price is on the rise. Will it fall anytime soon? Texas Standard’s Michael Marks joins us to talk more.

And KUT’s Jimmy Maas talks college football with UT’s loss to Florida and more in today’s sports wrap.

Houston megachurch faces legal revolt

A University of Texas professor says Congress has gotten so good at frequent government shutdowns, finding the political will to get back on track could be an obstacle in itself. We’ll take a closer look.

Nearly two weeks after the deadly shooting at a Dallas ICE facility, investigators say the motive may be more about notoriety than ideology.

Second Baptist Church in Houston is locked in a legal battle with its own members over leadership and finances, and the dispute is being heard in the city’s new business court.

Texas leads the nation in energy consumption, driven by population growth and the rise of AI data centers. What does it bode for the state’s grid and energy mix?

Texas starts taxing seller fees on sites like eBay, Etsy

Buying new? In this economy? Shopping secondhand is the go-to for many these days. But things are about to change for sellers using online retail platforms in Texas.
KUT’s Nathan Bernier joins the show to tell us why the next thrifted gem you purchase may cost you more than it used to. Plus, we prepare for the October festival season in Austin with tips from Nathan and KUTX’s Maile Carballo ahead of the first weekend of the Austin City Limits music festival.

And longtime Austinites have legends about folks who once lived in the hills west of Austin, known as “cedar choppers.” Many of those stories aren’t exactly positive ones. KUT’s Maya Fawaz looked into their history for our ATXplained podcast series. Syeda Carrillo guest hosts on today’s Austin Signal.

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