On this episode we touch on a subject, we have discussed before with male rappers, but this time we talk about, the seemingly decline in popularity of female rappers. We also discuss if having a great discography is more important than having monster singles. Hip-Hop Facts this week include facts about Earth Wind and Fire, Lil Wayne, Eminem and more. Unpopular Opinion with Fresh this week is about Los Angeles being the most important city in hip-hop history.
Election
A shunned GOP candidate could regulate Texas oil and gas
Texas Republican leaders previously shunned Bo French for his racist social media posts. Now they want him to regulate the state’s oil and gas industries.
The Austin City Council voted in May to annex a 2,600-acre site in the eastern part of the city. City leaders had planned the Dog’s Head development for months, but neighbors nearby only had a few days to make their voices heard about those plans.
What happens to the dead animals the city picks up on the roads here in Austin? In the latest from our ATXplained project, we meet some of the people handling that service with care.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Big Bend border wall plans upend vital park changes
Supreme Court cases on birthright citizenship, gun rights, transgender women and girls in sports… Where do we stand? Constitutional law professor Seth Chandler of the University of Houston Law Center joins us with what cases to watch for and where the high court appears to be leaning as the nine justices wrap up the current term.
More cases of New World screwworm in Texas discovered: How the Lone Star State is scaling up for all-out war on a parasite that could wreck the ranching industry.
And whither the pristine Big Bend amidst controversy over a border wall? A firsthand account.
Hovi Baby!
On this episode, we discuss Jay-Z’s recent performance at the Roots Picnic and the controversy that came with it. We also discuss what is more important, musical legacy or breaking records. Hip-Hop Facts this week include facts about Tom Holland, Toni Braxton, Janet Jackson and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is about a reboot of a popular show from the 90’s he’s not excited about.
Rural Texas counties say data centers are arriving faster than regulations
What control do county officials have when a data center wants to move in? A look at an investigation from the Texas Tribune.
The ballots are set for the midterm election in November, but at least one big thing is changing: Texas’ top elections leader, Secretary of State Jane Nelson, is stepping down.
What do the results from the primaries and primary runoffs tell us about how Texas Republicans are aligning with President Trump?
We’ve been digging into how Texas is reshaping the way the justice system responds to mental illness. Today, we step back and ask and even broader question: How do we view mental illness?
Plus, a beloved small-town Texas bakery just off the highway is reopening.
After two months in ICE detention, father is reunited with his family
A father who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement after a traffic stop in San Marcos has been reunited with his family. Gerardo Reyes, who spent more than two months in detention, might still face deportation.
Parents and staff from the Austin Independent School District are urging state legislators to increase funding for schools. We’ll hear from some of the folks who spoke out this week.
Lou Diamond Phillips has been acting for decades, but his breakout role as Ritchie Valens in “La Bamba” was so iconic, it’s one he’s still largely associated with. Phillips’ latest film, “Keep Quiet,” recently screened in Austin, where he was recognized with a city proclamation.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Probe says officers are tackling, pepper-spraying and tasering students in Texas schools
After Uvalde, Texas bet big on safety with police in every school, but a new report suggests an unintended and very troubling side effect.
The New York Times and the San Antonio Express-News reports thousands of incidents of officers tackling, pepper-spraying even tasering students for offenses that once would have meant a trip to the principal’s office, and no clear standards to protect against over-policing at school. We’ll talk to two of the authors of this report.
Also, Angela Kocherga with how the latest on the border wall may lead to an unusual conflict between church and state.
Plus a “Friday Night Lights” reunion conversation with actress Adrianne Palicki, the week in politics and more.
Where things stand with Big Bend border wall plans
He wants to ban Islam in Texas and now he’s the GOP pick for a seat on one of Texas’ most powerful commissions. Who is Bo French? A closer look at why, after this week, a race for a seat on the Texas railroad commission suddenly carries more weight than it might seem at first blush.
A longtime U.S. Senator from Texas forced to give up his seat — what the end of the John Cornyn era says about Texas politics today.
And where to things stand with plans for a border wall in the Big Bend region?
Also, first it was streaming that rewrote the rules for the music industry — now it’s AI. Tech expert Omar Gallaga on two very big music deals involving TikTok and Spotify and why they matter.
Ken Paxton’s Senate runoff win reshapes Texas GOP landscape
Ken Paxton handily beat longtime incumbent John Cornyn in the Republican runoff for Senate. So, what’s that mean come November?
We’re also unpacking big primary runoff races from across the state on both sides of the aisle. What do the results tell us about what Texas voters are prioritizing?
And did you vote in the primary runoffs? Congratulations, you may have added time to your life. The link between voting and living longer.
The Trump administration just changed the way people should apply for green cards. They’re now supposed to leave the U.S. to do so. We’ll unpack the impacts.
Plus, Mark Duplass and his wife Katie Aselton made a new movie about a married couple. We get a little personal in our conversation about “Magic Hour.”
Researchers find cities can change the way storms behave
When spring storms move through cities, they can intensify — creating dangerous flooding. New findings from Texas researchers may explain why.
It’s runoff Election Day in Texas. While all eyes are on the Republican Senate contest between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton, we’ll also spotlight some other key races to watch as ballots are counted.
Also, Memorial Day ushered in the summer travel season — and plenty of Texans are planning vacations and looking for trips to fit their budgets.
Plus, we’re heading into Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs. Can the Spurs repeat their strong performance and pull off another win?
A preview of key races for primary runoff Election Day
Across the Lone Star State, Memorial Day observances and events are scheduled.
Meanwhile, voters in Texas are making their lists and checking them twice with primary runoff day set for tomorrow. We’ll get you up to speed on the statewide races to watch.
Plus, we’ll hear about a new app from the folks at Texas Parks and Wildlife. We’ll also learn about the women who’ve played an oversized, but often less-acknowledged, role in conservation.
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.
Texas data centers collide with water shortages
As the school year winds down across Texas, one major school district considers declaring an emergency over money. El Paso ISD sounds an alarm after finding a $52 million shortfall, leaving officials with many questions and critical decisions to make.
A primary runoff for a seat on the railroad commission has implications that may not be obvious.
For Corpus Christi, some encouraging news as the city scrambles to avoid an all-out water emergency.
And a Texas-based air carrier issues a ban on robots. Tech expert Omar Gallaga tells us resistance is futile.
Latino community divided on renaming Cesar Chavez Street
Early voting is underway for Tuesday’s primary runoffs, and we have a look at two races on some Central Texans’ ballots: state House District 49 and Hays County judge.
Austin is working to rename Cesar Chavez Street after accusations of sexual abuse and assault. But some are struggling with those changes.
Some good news and some bad news about a ranking of Austin’s parks. We’ve got more from a new report, including who rivals the city’s parks.
And: A sneak peek at tomorrow night’s ATXplained Live!
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
I-35 construction has narrowed a passage on Lady Bird Lake
The Austin City Council is set to take up a controversial proposal this week about relying more on natural gas during times of high energy demand, and opponents worry about how it could affect climate goals.
If you venture out to Lady Bird Lake this Memorial Day weekend, you might encounter an unfamiliar sight: a construction zone on the water.
How a photography project is helping one woman reclaim her story of loss and perseverance.
Television lovers rejoice: The ATX TV Festival is returning for its 15th season.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Cycling the whooping crane migration route
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton faces criticism for a plea deal with a child sex offender.
Why the state is quicky becoming a hub for data centers with 30 projects alone in an area that stretches from Temple to San Marcos.
Texas high school students get training for oil and gas jobs with help from the industry.
A photographer and a birding expert on bikes follow the migratory path endangered whooping cranes take from Texas to Canada.
Ahead of the World Cup matches in the Lone Star State, we preview of a new podcast “When the World Comes to Texas.”
Texas Children’s settles gender care fight with unprecedented clinic deal
A Texas hospital agrees to what appears to be a first of its kind settlement over allegations of providing illegal gender transitioning to minors.
Houston based Texas children’s hospital agrees to form a first of its kind detransitioning clinic to settle charges of violating state law. A US China Summit, a stalemate with Iran and what it all adds up to for energy-rich Texas. A fresh look at disability inclusion in all things tech.
And what looks like currency, feels like currency, is issued by the government, but isn’t money? It’s called the Texas Redback and a lawsuit claims it may have crossed a redline.
Lou Diamond Phillips talks Texas roots, ‘La Bamba’ and legacy
Big and getting bigger — that’s been the story of Texas’ population growth, but recent census numbers suggest a new chapter being written. State Demographer Lloyd Potter helps us do the math.
Cancelled elections in some parts of Texas, though not for nefarious reasons. We’ll hear the why and how.
Full speed ahead on data centers? Not so fast. We’ll hear about a Texas county hitting the pause button on development.
Also, in the 40 years since “La Bamba” made him a household name, Lou Diamond Phillips reconnects with his Texas roots.
Who will replace Paxton as Texas attorney general?
It’s the final stretch before the primary runoffs in Texas, but the real test may not be the race most folks are focused on.
Next week, early voting begins in the primary runoff contest between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and challenger Ken Paxton — but win or lose, who’ll take over Paxton’s current seat as attorney general? We’ll take a closer look.
Also, a top Texas-based expert in geopolitics weighs in on the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping and what it might mean for the future of the U.S. conflict with Iran.
Harvest time in Texas? How warmer winters have triggered a seasonal shift for the Texas crawfish industry.
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