Promising bipartisanship, Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa talks transitions and first steps for her administration.
As she promised when she spoke with us before election day, Hinojosa is already taking steps to bring about change in Texas education. What does she plan to do, and what might limit the reach of her plans? We’ll take a closer look.
Also, a conversation with the new attorney general-elect of Texas: Nathan Johnson on how the powerful office long led by Ken Paxton will change under his leadership.
Plus, the week in Texas politics with the Texas Tribune, a ruling in a closely watched case over access to a popular fishing spot and more.
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How Texas’ Democratic sweep could change the state’s political identity
A bolt from the blue: Many Texans are still trying to absorb the implications of the midterms, but now a clearer picture is forming of what happened. It appears turnout made a big difference — not in terms of raw numbers, but where those Democratic gains happened.
The Democrat who’s promising to take the politics out of the Attorney General’s office: We’ll hear more about what to expect from incoming AG Nathan Johnson.
Also, remember the Republican midterm redistricting? It was a push that seems to have backfired.
And New York Times Houston-based bureau chief J. David Goodman joins us to talk about what this political earthquake means for the way Texans and others view Texas.
How Texas Democrats scored historic wins across the state
For more than three decades, Republicans ruled Texas politics. This morning, that era is over.
Historic gains for Texas Democrats — a political earthquake has shaken the Lone Star State, sending shockwaves across the country: a new governor, a new U.S. senator, and a dramatic shift in the balance of political power.
How did it happen? What does it mean for Texas — and for the nation? And is this the beginning of a whole new political era? A short-term reaction to an unpopular presidency? Or something else altogether?
On the day after an historic election, we’re taking stock of a Texas transformed.
Midterm Election Day arrives as Texans head to the polls
It’s Election Day and all eyes are on Texas with several races polls are showing could come down to the wire. We’ll check in with our reporters across the state.
We’ll also get some insight from one of our go-to political analysts about what to keep an eye on as results come in this evening.
Promoters claim peptides can build strength, delay aging and more. Some lawmakers want the government to endorse their use by troops and veterans.
Plus, NASA’s growing dependence on SpaceX.
And building a family library at home, thanks to Dolly Parton. How one Texas city is expanding access to the Imagination Library.
Texas hemp shops turn frustration into political action
The race for a U.S. Senate seat from Texas is the most talked-about ballot contest, but how much real-world impact can the winner actually have?
Other stories on this day before the midterms: A much less talked-about contest for the keeper of the state’s accounts is also soon to be decided. Why have schools have become a major issue in the race for state comptroller?
Anyone else getting political text messages? David Martin Davies reports on the massive pre-Election Day message push.
Political upset in Texas’ hemp industry: Why much of their anger is directed at one politician in particular.
Plus, the annual kickoff of the Austin Film Festival.
How Texas earned its place in horror movie history
On this last day of early voting, one thing is for certain: Texas will have a new attorney general. We’ll have a look at who’s in the running and why it matters so much.
Also, a closer look at the person who’s transformed that office: What brought Ken Paxton to the place he is today — as the GOP candidate for a hotly contested and closely watched U.S. Senate seat.
Also, who is keeping an eye on the state’s new billion-dollar private school voucher program — and how?
Plus, the week in politics and how Texas became a prominent place in horror films: The movies, the people who made them and more.
Remembering labor and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta
Could control of the Lone Star State come down to turnout in smaller Texas cities? A look at dueling rallies in Lubbock and what they add up to.
Other stories we’re tracking: One of the most powerful offices in Texas is up for grabs yet seemingly far from the media spotlight. What’s at stake in the contest for Texas Land Commissioner and why it matters so much.
Nearly 2 million Texas voters land on the so-called suspense list. We’ll break the suspense over what that actually means.
Also, remembering labor leader and activist Dolores Huerta and her impact here in the Lone Star State.
And the strange, unsettling worlds of filmmaker Jane Schoenbrun.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders form a union
With just a week to go before Election Day, a look at how the governor’s race will make history no matter who wins.
Also, how the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders got a raise and formed a new union.
And is there a conservative takeover of the University of Texas at Austin? A Texas Monthly article digs in.
Plus, a conversation with author E. R. Bills on the new investigative book, “Devil of Devils: Unspeakable Crimes in Southwest Texas.”
And a Japanese tearoom turns 100 in San Antonio.
Mysterious transgender mailers prompt criminal investigation in West Texas
An attempt to empower LGBTQ+ students or a bid to agitate Texas voters ahead of election day? A Republican district attorney in West Texas has opened a criminal investigation into pamphlets received by households across the state purporting to be from a transgender rights group.
Also, a reporter uses Friday night lights to try and get a glimpse into potential changes in Texas politics.
From radio announcer to one of the most powerful figures in Texas politics: The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey looks at the trajectory of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
And UT’s Michael Mosser on a conspicuous Texas link to the war in Ukraine.
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
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
Austin firefighters remember 9/11, second local measles case, weekend art events
It’s the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the United States. In Austin, many are taking time to remember an event that is unforgettable to those who were alive to see it. We’ll hear how the Austin Fire Department marked the occasion today.
Austin Public Health officials confirmed the year’s second local case of measles. We’ll share how you can protect yourself and your family.
There’s a pretty big football game in town this weekend. But if that’s not your speed, no problem: We’ve got the art happenings to know about this weekend.
Which is your favorite Austin burger? There’s plenty to choose from, but would you be willing to pay $40 for a fancy one?
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
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
UT curriculum changes, Cesar Chavez Street input, Restaurant inspection scores
UT Austin wants to change the assigned classes required of future undergraduates. It’s the first such change in more than two decades.
The city of Austin is gathering feedback about the possibility of renaming Cesar Chavez Street after the labor leader was accused of sexual assault. How you can make your voice heard.
Have you ever wondered how clean your favorite Austin restaurant really is? KUT has a new map where you can search for food inspection scores.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Summer rains replenished Jacob’s Well — for a few weeks
UT Austin is implementing some new rules for getting around on campus ahead of the new school year, but the changes aren’t impacting every set of wheels.
An update on the ongoing negotiations affecting CapMetro bus drivers and transit workers.
The Austin school district is facing the looming threat of a state takeover because of unsatisfactory accountability ratings at a few campuses. How might that play out, and when will we know?
Jacob’s Well in Wimberley was flowing rapidly for a short time after July’s heavy rainfall. But it would take a lot of change for the iconic watering hole to reopen to swimming.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
How to get the best view of the Perseid meteor shower in Austin this week
Austin ISD classes start next week, and after announcing a change in how students will be shuffled to and from campuses, the district has backtracked on bus hubs for middle schoolers.
The proposed development of Dog’s Head in Southeast Austin continues to move forward, despite what some feel is a lack of public input. That’s not stopping neighbors from speaking out.
You’ve got a decent chance to catch some meteors in the Austin sky this week. Where to get the best view of the Perseid meteor shower.
Plus: Waterloo Records has been hosting in-store performances for almost half a century.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
How Austin became obsessed with being weird
Gov. Greg Abbott is pitching the idea of eliminating what he calls “city monopolies” on providing electricity, a plan focused in part on Austin Energy. He claims a move like this could lower customer rates, but how has deregulation played out in other parts of the state?
“Austinhenge” this weekend is a darn good chance to catch a stellar sunset photo here in town. We’ve got some tips to help you make that perfect shot.
Plus, the question has been asked before and will likely be asked forever more: Is Austin still weird? Plenty of folks say not really, or that is hasn’t been for some time now — but there’s always a bit of weird for those who go searching.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
UT Austin officials say new mobility plan is coming as cyclists worry about potential bike ban
Changes are coming to where people can and cannot ride electric bikes and scooters on the UT Austin campus.
An invasive aquatic plant is expressing itself in some local waterways after it was essentially eradicated close to a decade ago.
An annual movie festival all about the intersection of film and music is, for the first time, being produced entirely here in Austin. Their story and what to see at Sound Unseen.
Plus: Summer break is almost over, but the heat isn’t going away, so we’ve got some frosty recommendations to help you cool off.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Competing interests for the Dog’s Head development
We’ve been learning a lot about the Dog’s Head development over the past months, including the future plans a developer would like to see there; how little neighbors knew about the idea as it picked up steam; and the competing interests curious about the project. How those sides sought support from the city.
What are the necessary supplies to power data centers? A lot of water and plenty of electricity. We’ll tell you how much and how that impacts all of us.
Plus, a look ahead at a few art happenings this week in our area.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Austin’s Bikeshare program set to return
CapMetro’s system of electric-assisted bicycles will soon be back on Austin’s roadways — but it will be returning in phases, starting small. We’ll have the latest on Austin’s Bikeshare and the fire that hindered service.
We’re a couple weeks removed from the World Cup, but FIFA, the organization behind the tournament, has remained in the headlines. The reason? A proposal to sell shares of the quadrennial event. We’ve got more context and the latest on Austin’s soccer team.
And deaf children and families will have more options for accessible TV programming after one platform announced plans for more American Sign Language interpretations. We’ll catch up with a local performer participating in the project.