KUTX

Trans advocacy texts and mailers, Housing assistance for aging musicians, October songs to know

A Travis County judge says a telecommunications company and a Wyoming LLC must reveal who sent unauthorized texts and mailers purporting to come from Texas transgender advocacy groups.

Friday is the last day to cast an early ballot in next week’s midterm elections, and it looks like rain could be another factor to consider when making your plan to vote. We’ll have the latest forecast.

Housing insecurity in Austin is a big issue, especially for musicians aging here in the Live Music Capital of the World. More about a local nonprofit that’s trying to change those outlooks.

It’s been a great month of new music here in Austin. KUTX is sharing songs to know from October.

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.

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

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 to know as Delta-8 ban goes into effect Friday

A ban on Delta-8 products takes effect tomorrow and Austin police say possessing certain products could now be a felony. We’ll explain why the law is changing, what it means for consumers and how local businesses are preparing.

One new affordable housing development in East Austin is moving forward with just one parking space. It’s possible because of the city’s Affordability Unlocked program, which allows developers to bypass certain building requirements.

Plus, KUTX Artist of the Month, Quentin, joins us to talk about her musical journey, the inspiration behind her new album “TOMGIRL,” her favorite songs and what’s next for her career.

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

Austin ISD postpones districtwide boundary changes

The Austin school district is postponing most of its school boundary realignment changes for an additional year. It’s not the first time the district has tried realigning attendance zones, and it’s not the first time the plan has been pushed back.

As we approach one year since deadly floods ravaged the Texas Hill Country, the podcast “After the Flood” is telling the stories of the people impacted most. Episode 2 explores why the Hill Country is so vulnerable to flooding.

Canada and Mexico have won their first knockout games of this year’s World Cup. Now the United States has the chance to do the same. We hear from former U.S Men’s National Team player Gyasi Zardes.

And: another tale from the Accent Unmuted storytelling event.

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

What is KUT’s relationship with UT Austin?

After the firing of KUT and KUTX General Manager Debbie Hiott by UT Austin leadership, listeners and financial supporters of the stations have wondered about the organization’s relationship with the university and whether that relationship should continue going forward.

How is the tight battle for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas affecting races down the ballot? And believe it or not, there’s at least one issue that’s bringing some unity between Texas voters: data centers.

We’re at the end of June, halfway through 2026 and celebrating with some of the best songs from the month.

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

Corpus Christi’s water fight meets cryptomining

The Strait of Hormuz is set to reopen after months of conflict between the U.S. and Iran. We’ll look at what it could mean for Texas drivers and gas prices.
As Corpus Christi faces potential water cuts, questions are mounting over a nearby crypto mine’s water consumption. Why are city officials withholding updated records?
With the FIFA World Cup underway, Houston is welcoming fans with a new way to get to the matches. A look at what it could mean for the city’s future beyond the tournament.
Plus, from giant boomboxes to Texas toast, Dallas sculptor Ken Womack has made a name for himself creating larger-than-life works of art. We’ll talk with him about his journey from advertising executive to artist.

Georgetown voters to decide on selling part of water system

Voters in Georgetown will decide this weekend whether to sell off parts of their water system. The parts up for consideration lay outside the city limits, and the election comes as Georgetown is looking to manage rising costs.

Construction at the Austin Surf Club near the airport has come to a stop, and now contractors have filed millions in liens against the developers.

Its may first, but before we leave April too far behind, we’re chatting with Ryan Wen of our sister station KUTX about his top song picks of the month for April. New Austin Music You Need To Know: April 2026

Austin actor Ben McKenzie’s new documentary, “Everyone is Lying to You for Your Money,” takes a hard look at the world of cryptocurrency. We chat about his film and his appearance this weekend at the KUT Festival.

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

Smokable hemp products legal again in Texas — for now

It’s legal again for Texas businesses to sell smokable forms of hemp. New state rules that went into effect in March had effectively outlawed these sales, while raising fees on the businesses who carry them. We’ll delve into the state of the Texas hemp market.

The state board of education gave preliminary approval to a mandatory list of books that all Texas public schools will teach starting in 2030. Critics of the list say it lacks diversity and emphasizes Christianity.

Plus, what’s the story behind the freaky sculpture hanging in the Barton Creek Greenbelt? That’s the exact question someone asked us for our ATXplained project.

Buford’s reopens a week after deadly shooting

Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden was open for business over the weekend, just days after a shooting left three people dead and more than a dozen injured. Some Austin residents felt the opening was rushed after such a tragedy. We’ll hear from others who felt showing up was the right thing to do.

The Austin Police Department has new rules for how its officers contact Immigration and Customs Enforcement. We’ll hear more about the change.

After the suspected shooter in the attack was identified, a woman from Buda is alleging she was assaulted by the suspect in a separate incident last year at the Tesla Gigafactory. We’ll dig into what we know about the incident and lawsuit.

Plus, South By Southwest starts its takeover of Austin this Thursday. Our sister station KUTX is gearing up to bring you plenty of live music — from right here in Austin and from around the world.

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

What’s driving Central Texas early voters to the polls

Early voting in the March 3 primary wraps up Friday. Turnout is trending upward across Central Texas, with more voters casting ballots in Travis, Hays and Williamson counties compared to previous primaries. We’ll taking a closer look at who’s showing up and what patterns are beginning to emerge at polling locations locally and across the state.

Questions about how ballots should be counted continue to spark debate. We’ll tell you about Republicans in one Texas county who are planning to hand count election day ballots.

We’ll also hear the story of the Texas musician known as the “Jimi Hendrix of the accordion.”

Plus, KUTX’s Ryan Wen stops by with the Austin music you need to know about.

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

Four accused in yogurt shop murders now exonerated

The four men wrongly accused in Austin’s yogurt shop murders were exonerated today in a Travis County courthouse. More than three decades on their records have been cleared. We’ll hear from family members who attended today’s hearing.

The University of Texas Board of Regents has approved a policy limiting from classrooms “controversial topics.” What the new policy says and the plan for putting it into effect.

And, music news with KUTX’s Maile Carballo.

Plus, Spurs basketball is back at the Moody Center tonight and it’s a much different version of the team that’s visited Austin the past few years. The reason for the change and the possibility of a championship this season coming up.

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

New Jersey

Songwriter Lindsey Mackin, frontwoman of Austin band Annabelle Chairlegs talks with Jimmy Maas and Juan Diego Garcia about the group’s new album, her roots in “Soccer Town USA” (Kearny, NJ), and the power of the cowbell. Also, we talk what’s new for Austin FC with team president Andy Loughnane. The kickoff episode of the 2026 season for Austin FC and ¡Vamos Verde!

¡Vamos Verde! is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org.

How the Austin area fared amid arctic front

An arctic cold front brought freezing precipitation to the Austin area over the weekend. Classes were cancelled today at UT Austin and most school districts in Central Texas. Still, the area made out much better this time than in ice storms of years past. We’ll have more about the situation locally and this week’s forecast.

The most high-profile candidates for the Texas Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate race in November – U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and State Rep. James Talarico – debated each other in Georgetown over the weekend. We’ll recap the cases they made and the status of the race ahead of the March primary.

Plus, Annabelle Chairlegs is the KUTX Artist of the Month for January. Their new record “Waking Up” is out this Friday. We’ll chat with group lead Lindsey Mackin and hear from the band’s Studio 1A performance.

APD changes ICE cooperation policy

The Austin Police Department is changing its rules over how officers report people to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The change comes after the detention and apparent deportation last week of a Honduran mother and her 5-year-old daughter.
We’ll go over the changes and the reaction from Austin City Council members.
And Austin voters could once again be faced with deciding whether to raise property taxes to help the city tackle expenses like park improvements and public safety. KUT’s city council reporter will have more on that.
Austin Poet Laureate Zell Miller talks about his new theatre program. It’s first production? A hip-hop rendition of Aesop’s fables.
Plus, KUTX hip-hop show “The Breaks” is up for a Best Radio Show award in the Austin Music Awards Poll. We hear about how they’d like to continue growing their show.

Podcasts Killed The Hip-Hop Star

On this episode we discuss if podcasts helped destroy the mystique of some hip-hop artists who have them. We also discuss if this is a show and prove year for the new class of women hip-hop stars. Hip-Hop Facts include facts about Jay-Z, Jack Nicholson, 2pac and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is that Milli Vanilli deserve to be forgiven for their past in the music industry.

How Austin is preparing to keep outages minimal this winter

The National Weather Service is forecasting warmer and drier-than-normal conditions for the Austin area this winter — but high-impact storms are still possible. What city officials and Austin Energy are doing to keep potential winter storm outages to minimum.

Austin music legend Joe Ely has died at 78. Jeff McCord, KUT and KUTX’s former music director, reflects on the life of Texas-born singer-songwriter.

We’ll also hear from another KUTX-er Marnie Castor gives us her favortie song coming out of Austin for 2025.

If you’ve lived in Austin long enough, you’ve seen the words “violet crown” around town — but what does it mean, and why are there so many? ATXplained digs in.

A look at the public health landscape in Austin

Austin Public Health has experienced some federal and city budget cuts this year, and the failure of Proposition Q means some of those holes won’t be filled. We look at the public health landscape in Austin.

The old Faulk Central Library in downtown Austin became the Austin History Center, and has been redone after a renovation that was eight years in the making. What’s new in a place that showcases what’s old.

Plus: We hear from the Black Austin Matters podcast and their guest, Pastor Gaylon Clark of Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

Austin’s light-rail poised to clear major hurdle

The light-rail transit line long promised to Austinites could soon clear a major hurdle – and that could give new momentum to a project that’s been dragged down through legal and political resistance. The latest on where the project is headed.

Months after a Texas A&M professor was fired for discussing gender identity in a literature class, transgender college students in Texas are working out how to make their voices heard. Some are finding solace through expression in their community.

Plus, on the music side: Some Austin music history and more from KUTX’s favorite local songs of 2025.