We assume the hundreds of new data centers popping up across Texas use quite a bit of water, but we’ll look at why we don’t know for sure.
Texas has a program to help expand access to preschool. But why do some providers say it’s having unintended consequences?
Republican candidate for the Texas railroad commission Bo French put dozens of UT students in an unexpected spotlight with a racist social media post. We’ll delve into what the students say about the experience.
A book first published in the 1940s offered a scathing social critique of the rich and powerful of Fort Worth. It caused a scandal and was quickly suppressed. Now, “The Inheritors” is getting new life.
Plus, as Netflix prepares to remake “Lonesome Dove,” we revisit some of our favorite moments from the 1989 series with W.F. Strong.
education
Hemp flower legality, Airbnb Austin investment, mail-in ballots ruling
For years, Texans could walk into their local smoke shop and buy cannabis flower that looked and smelled exactly like marijuana. It came from the very same plant but was legally sold as hemp. Stores in Texas can no longer sell these smokeable products, but can folks still have them on their person?
And the City of Austin is getting a $6 million investment from Airbnb to help fund affordable housing.
Plus, a big decision was handed down from the Supreme Court yesterday on mail-in ballots ahead of November’s midterm Election Day.
And a sneak peek of the latest episode of the Tacos of Texas podcast.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Dallas-raised, best-selling author R.F. Kuang talks new novel ‘Taipei Story’
Texas pulled smokable hemp out of stores but it’s still available in other forms. So, what does the law say now?
A North Texas community weathered a recent wildfire but still lacks basic resources for another emergency.
And there’s a rise in dangerous ectopic pregnancies and it varies by state. We’ll delve into what’s happening in Texas.
Dallas-raised, best-selling author R.F. Kuang talks about her new novel, “Taipei Story” and explores what it means to learn a language after losing a generational tie to it.
Plus, we kick of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrating an Olympic silver-medalist.
Ridin’ Dirty Down IH-35 w/ Vontay Galaxy
On this episode we talk with Austin rap artist Vontay Galaxy about his start at Texas State and traveling up and down IH-35 spreading his music. We also talk about if there is a lack of new rap superstars being created to supplement the genres growth. Hip-Hop Facts this week include facts about Ol Dirty Bastard, Kriss Kross, Nelly and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion this week is that rap is no longer a young peoples game.
Remembering a Houston family’s loss 25 years after 9/11
25 years since 9/11, in which a series of coordinated attacks on the U.S. marked the end of one era and the start of another. We’ll share some stories of Texans whose lives were impacted.
A first-of-its-kind midterm political convention wraps up in Dallas. Did Republicans move the needle with just two months to go before midterms? Caroline Love of KERA North Texas joins us with a closer look.
What may be a major discovery in the search for dark matter: We’ll talk with a Texan who’s been involved in this search and hear more about what may be a critical new piece of evidence.
And in West, Texas, a cultural celebration turns 50.
Watson AISD ask, data centers and midterms, Levitation guide
Mayor Kirk Watson is asking some Austin ISD parents to request that their school be shut down in order to avoid a state takeover of the entire school district. Watson says the move is about empowerment. What do parents think about the proposal?
And the GOP brought a first-of-its-kind midterm convention to Texas this week as we inch closer to Election Day.
Every election is dominated by a few issues, and there’s no doubt data centers are on the minds of quite a few Texans heading to the polls. We’ll hear from some of those Texans.
Plus, Levitation is back in Austin with shows at some of the biggest venues in town. We’ve got a breakdown of the lineup and some tips on staying strong over the next four days.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
New novel ‘The Beauty of Days Gone By’ tackles the Texas frontier
How might AI-generated images affect a high-stakes political contest in Texas? Rice University political professor Mark Jones joins the Standard to talk about how Ken Paxton’s campaign is hoping to win votes with AI-generated images of his Democratic opponent, James Talarico.
Also: Some top-line takeaways from the first day of a first-of-its-kind GOP midterm convention underway in Dallas.
As opposition to Flock gathers steam, the cameras may be lingering for a while, even in more politically progressive parts of Texas.
New phone fatigue: Is it real? A test of sorts as Apple takes the wraps off new models.
And a new novel drawing comparisons to “Lonesome Dove” takes a look at Texas in the frontier era. “The Beauty of Days Gone By” author Jason Stone joins us with more.
Red River Cultural District sounds alarm amid venue closures
The potential state takeover of the Austin Independent School District is still looming. If it happens, the reverberations are likely to go well beyond the classroom. How does a school district impact the city it’s in?
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson is asking parents to request their schools be shut down. Why?
The Red River Cultural District has issued an urgent call for assistance as venues and businesses lose their space. But when the music leaves, it’s not always as simple as building another stage.
And we’ll take you on a visit to a local “strip” club — film strip club, that is, where you can scratch, you can paint and you can draw.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
High electricity costs contribute to senior heat deaths in the RGV
Costs for air conditioning are so high that some on limited incomes are trying to do without. But with temperatures also at extremes, that’s leading to some grave outcomes for seniors, in particular.
The GOP’s unconventional convention is in Texas for a reason — and part of that is the state’s fundraising power. We’ll take a closer look.
And do your feelings about AI change if it helps you save money on taxes?
Plus, an update on an effort to help monarch butterflies on their great migration.
Flock cameras in the Austin area, Texas Republican donors, Halal tacos
Flock cameras are under scrutiny for a variety of reasons, and that has police departments in the Austin area considering their use of the technology. Even so, you should still expect to see the cameras here in Central Texas. We’ll tell you why and where.
With less than two months left until Election Day, the Republican National Committee is bringing a first-of-its-kind midterm convention to the state this week. Why now? And why Texas?
In Austin, there are plenty of taco choices to explore: bougie or basic, flour or corn, with cheese or not. But when’s the last time you had a halal taco? It wasn’t even on the menu at an East Austin taco truck — until a customer asked.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
NYC to AUS w/ Jai Bliss
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.
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.
Zell Miller III
In this episode of Black Austin Matters, hosts Lisa and Rich sit down with artist, educator, father, community leader, and Austin’s Poet Laureate, Zell Miller III. Recorded live in May at the inaugural KUT Festival, Zell shares what it was like growing up in Austin and finding his voice as an artist. He also discusses his passion for educating youth, building spaces where creatives can thrive, and his latest venture, the Black Rose Theater ATX.
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.
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.
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.