On this episode we interview Austin rap artist Lynn about her journey from Alabama, Houston and now Austin and her place in the current female rap ecosphere. Hip-Hop Facts include facts about the movie Blade, Eazy E, Twista and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion this week is that the majority of Los Angeles rap artists don’t blow up outside of California.
Election
Families ask to close schools to avoid AISD takeover, City Council District 5 race, UT vs. Florida
Volunteers have collected enough signatures to request that the state close Burnet and Webb middle schools, in an attempt to stop a state takeover of Austin Independent School District. We’ll discuss what’s next.
As election season gets underway, we’re taking a look at some key local races, including City Council District 5, where incumbent Ryan Alter is facing an uphill battle to keep his seat.
Longhorns fans are recovering after UT blew a lead over rival Oklahoma last weekend. We’ll hear about what to expect as they face the Florida Gators tomorrow.
And: We’ll go on a trip with an Austin choir that’s performing music inspired by the Johns Hopkins Psilocybin Playlist.
Taylor strikes deal on nearby data center, Austin’s changing demographics, Ensenada ATX
The city of Taylor has made a deal with developers on a proposed data center in an unincorporated part of Williamson County. Officials say the city can impose regulations on the development, but neighbors aren’t sure about what comes next.
The median age of the Austin area’s population skews young, but that is changing, and fast.
Hear about a family’s journey and mission to bring Baja-style flavors to Austin at Ensenada ATX.
The weekend is almost here, and we’ve got a roundup of interesting artsy things going on around town.
What a Democratic governor could mean for Texas
The last time a Democrat served as Texas governor was decades ago. Is that about to change?
For years, politics-watchers have all but dismissed the prospect of a Democrat being elected governor in deep-red Texas. But polls suggest the closest gubernatorial race in recent memory between incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott and challenger Gina Hinojosa. Two veteran political analysts consider the potential implications of a political earthquake.
San Antonio files suit against the feds over a planned immigration detention center.
Also: Can you bully an AI chatbot? Tech expert Omar Gallaga sheds light on an ongoing debate.
Plus, Texas Monthly barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn on the future of a Bryan smokehouse more than a century old.
ACL FEST 2026!
On this episode we hit ACL Fest 2026 and interview hometown hero DJ Cassandra and international musician superstar, Rochelle Jordan about their ACL and musical experiences. Fresh flies solo for Hip-Hop Facts which includes facts about T.I., Outkast and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion this week is about the feeling that ACL failed the hip-hop community.
Hip-Hop & The Future of Austin Radio
On this episode of we discuss Austin radio’s approach to hip-hop and what it means for the future. We also discuss selective outrage with artists depending on if you are fans of them or not. Hip-Hop Facts this week include facts about Usher, Ciara, Eddie Murphy and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion states that a good number of media personalities are industry plants.
Woodgrain Collection Vol. 2 w/ Bavu Blakes
On this episode we interview Austin rap legend, actual educator/teacher, Bavu Blakes about his upbringing from Garland to Austin, his early rap career (with a shout out to John E. Dee!) and his path to education. Hip-Hop Facts this week include facts about James Blake, En Vogue, Lil Wayne and more.
Wilber Garces Perez’s life in Austin, Light-rail agency scraps office plan
Friends and family of Wilber Garces Perez, the man shot by an ICE officer in Austin, say he’s spent his time focused on family, work and soccer since coming to the United States from Venezuela in 2024. We’ve got more from the people who know him best.
The agency building Austin’s light-rail system is scrapping a controversial plan to relocate to a high-rise overlooking Lady Bird Lake. How taxpayer dollars are being spent as efforts to build a 10-mile light-rail system ramp up.
An owlet that was saved from an abandoned nest at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center has been released back to the wild. How the owl beat the odds.
Paprika was the only Austin restaurant featured on a prestigious list of the best eats in the country. We’ll chat with the owner and chef leading the outfit.
Latest on ICE shooting, Camp Mystic investigation, AC in state prisons
A judge has set a hearing for the end of this month in the case of Wilber Garces Perez, the man who was shot by an ICE officer in Austin on Sunday. Austin police have released a pair of videos showing a before-and-after perspective of the incident.
Camp Mystic is under investigation by the Texas Rangers, who may be pursuing criminal charges against the camp after 28 people died during flooding last summer.
Texas must install air conditioning at all of its state prisons by the end of 2029. The ruling from a federal judge caps a yearslong lawsuit over dangerous heat in the state’s prisons.
And: In case you didn’t get enough music after HAAM Day, we’ve got the songs from September that you need to know.
The latest on the ICE shooting in Austin
A shooting involving immigration enforcement is under investigation in Austin — and it’s sparked protests.
Also, a federal judge has ordered Texas to air condition every state prison by the end of 2029. We’ll look at the years-long fight over extreme heat behind bars.
Houston’s new homeless services center in East Downtown has been open for about three and a half months. We’ll hear how the facility is helping people move from the streets into housing.
And Jonathan Van Ness is bringing his “Hot & Healed” comedy tour to Texas. He joins us to talk about queer joy, comedy, and how living in Austin has shaped his work.
Austin ICE shooting updates, Hispanic community reacts, Dog’s Head lawsuit
We’re learning more about Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, who was shot by an ICE officer on Sunday in North Austin. The 28-year-old from Venezuela is in custody at an ICE processing center in South Texas. His lawyer says a federal judge has granted an emergency order to stop his deportation.
Plus: reaction from Austin’s Hispanic community in response to the shooting.
A new lawsuit seeks to void the development and financing agreements for a 2,600-acre development known as Dog’s Head. What neighbors and environmental groups are asking for.
It’s HAAM Day in Austin, with live music happening all over the city all day long. Why they do for Austin’s musicians.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Latest on Austin ICE shooting, AISD appeals failing ratings, HAAM Day Music Festival
A man was shot and injured on Sunday by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in North Austin, leading to protests through the evening. The 28-year-old is now being held in a ICE processing center. We spoke with some of the folks who were near the scene of the shooting.
The Austin Independent School District has appealed the two failing school scores that are threatening a state takeover of the entire district. It’s the latest move attempting to keep control of the district and its schools.
The Live Music Capital of the World will be jam-packed with live performances from dusk to dawn tomorrow in celebration of HAAM Day. Where to hear the music and what goes into planning a whole day of shows across the city.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Raps of Resistance w/ Earl Hopkins & Dr. Jeremy McCool
On this episode we interview authors Earl Hopkins and Dr. Jeremy McCool about their new book “Raps of Resistance: How Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole Reignited a Hip-Hop Tradition”. Hip-Hop Facts this week include facts about Mac Miller, Prince, Kendrick Lamar and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is Austin doesn’t have a definitive culture.
Delta-8 probable cause arrests, voter suspension list, Grocery Bag
A state rule that was reinstated July 31 bans Delta-8 in Texas. Austin police say the packaging on some products could now establish probable cause for a felony arrest. But the department says cracking down on Delta-8 isn’t a “primary objective.” We’ve got more about that.
More than a million Texans are on something called a voter “suspense” list, including about 100,000 in Central Texas. It doesn’t mean you won’t be able to vote in the midterms, but there are things to know if you find yourself on it.
And the KUTX artist of the month for September is Grocery Bag. They’ve had a busy year so far and now they’re gearing up for ACL Fest and a new project.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
UT cutting ethnic studies majors, Nonprofit board diversity, Vanessa Gonzalez comedy special
UT Austin is set to eliminate at least four majors, including Mexican American & Latina/o Studies and women’s & gender studies. It’s the latest move following the consolidation of seven ethnic and gender studies departments earlier this year.
A new report found that 1 in 3 leaders of color serving on Central Texas nonprofit boards experience bias or exclusion. The ways to ensure that everyone is made welcome at the table.
Plus, comedian Vanessa Gonzalez has a new streaming comedy special that was filmed here in Austin. We’ll talk about her experience coming up in the city’s comedy scene and the East Austin event she’ll be at later this month.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says he’s investigating that proposed data center in Taylor. KUT’s Kailey Hunt first reported this about the proposed data center last year and now she’s got the latest on this investigation.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Austin DeFlock movement, Hispanic Heritage Month at MACC, Central Health budget
You’ve probably heard something about the pushback against automated license plate readers. The biggest name in the game is Flock, and there’s a growing movement to “De-Flock” Austin and other cities in Central Texas. We’ll hear their reasoning.
Austin’s newly renovated Mexican American Cultural Center is gearing up to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. We’ll dive into more about the changes and upcoming events.
Plus, we’ve got a budget update for the local health district, Central Health — as well as a budget update from Hays County.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
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.