1 in 4 immigration arrests are happening in Texas under the Trump administration. We’ll take a look at the statewide crackdown.
It’s Election Day. One constitutional amendment that funds a new Dementia Prevention and Research Institute for the state’s aging population is on the ballot.
A look back at our top 10 author interviews as the Standard continues celebrating a decade on the air.
Plus, a new cookbook from Chef Adán Medrano focuses on the plant-based recipes that have deep roots in Mexican cooking on both sides of the border.
music
What is Latin music? Carrie Rodriguez explores with ‘Laboratorio’ series
Texans are voting on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution – and one of them involves voting itself. Joshua Blank from the Texas Politics Project joins us for a chat on Proposition 16, which clarifies citizenship as a requirement to cast a ballot.
KUTX’s Maile Carballo talks the Beach Boys coming to Longhorn City Limits after this weekend’s UT-Vanderbilt game.
Texas Standard has been exploring horror movies with Texas ties – today it’s “Grindhouse,” filmed in Austin.
What is Latin music? Austin musician Carrie Rodriguez is still exploring that question through her “Laboratorio” concert series and shares more about the old-timey radio show she’s planning.
What Texas voters should know before Election Day
With 17 constitutional amendments on the ballot next week, state officials are reminding Texans what to expect at the polls. We’ll talk with the Texas Secretary of State’s Office about dos and don’ts while voting.
Both Austin and Houston are facing financial strain, but their solutions couldn’t be more different: One wants to raise taxes, while the other wants to hold the line.
Austin DJ Laurie Gallardo, host of the podcast “SPF 1000: Vampire Sunscreen,” discusses Latinx goth culture, its roots in border life and the darker side of music and identity.
Williamson County voters to weigh in on proposed tax rate increases
Austinites aren’t the only Texans weighing proposed tax rate increases at the ballot box this year. In Williamson County, the Taylor and Liberty Hills school districts are asking voters for more dollars. KUT’s Kailey Hunt has a breakdown.
We’re one week out from KUT’s ATXplained Live show at the Bass Concert Hall. We’ll talk with Project Manager Matt Largey on this community-powered live storytelling event.
And Texas Standard teams up with magazine “Fangoria” to highlight a horror film shot in Central Texas’ waterways: 1978’s “Piranha.”
From State Fair to stock exchange, a special broadcast from Dallas
From the oldest radio station in Texas, in Dallas’ historic Fair Park, site of the State Fair of Texas, it’s Texas Standard Time.
As we continue to celebrate our 10th birthday this year, the Texas Standard tour bus has pulled into the historic home of WRR, temporary home to our partners KERA North Texas.
We’ll explore the economic boom across North Texas, hear voices from the fair, learn about a new sports classic set to kick off at the Cotton Bowl and much more.
It’s a special edition of the Texas Standard, live from Fair Park in Dallas.
What to look for on your ballot as early voting starts next week
Early voting starts Monday for the Nov. 4 election, and the discussion in Austin is centered around Proposition Q, a proposed tax rate increase. The city of Austin wants to use those dollars for more services in the city, but not everyone is convinced. KUT City Hall reporter Luz Moreno-Lozano explains.
Texans’ ballots will also include 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey talk us through a few of them.
Plus: How George Strait got his start in San Marcos.
ICE lets certain jurisdictions know about their raids, but Austin isn’t one of them
Austin and Travis County law enforcement are left in the dark when ICE conducts raids in the area – and though Austin officials say that’s not unusual, other places like Harris County are given a heads up. Why the different practices? KUT’s Mose Buchele looks into this.
As a once-disruptor of the music industry looks to be winding down, KUTX’s Maile Carballo talks about where the future could be headed.
What does the darkness mean to you? KUTX’s maven of darkness herself, Laurie Gallardo, on that very question and the live taping of (SP1000) Vampire Sunscreen happening Thursday Oct. 16.
Live from ACL Fest a special Austin Signal broadcast
It’s Weekend 2 of the Austin City Limits Music Festival, and Austin Signal is capping off our first week on the air by broadcasting a special hour from Zilker Park.
We’re talking with local trio Next of Kin, who are playing the festival this year. And KUTX’s Deidre Gott joins with a retrospective on how ACL has changed over the years – and she would know, because she’s never missed a festival.
Plus: What happens to Zilker’s grass after two weekends of packed crowds? KUT’s Luz Moreno-Lozano has the details.
Austin musicians play Palestinian songs to raise money for aid in Gaza
Viva Palestina Orchestra hopes to inspire compassion for Palestinian people and culture through their Austin shows. Last year, the musicians helped raise $115,000 for Palestinian families and aid groups. KUT’s Chelsey Zhu went to one of their recent shows.
Houston megachurch faces legal revolt
A University of Texas professor says Congress has gotten so good at frequent government shutdowns, finding the political will to get back on track could be an obstacle in itself. We’ll take a closer look.
Nearly two weeks after the deadly shooting at a Dallas ICE facility, investigators say the motive may be more about notoriety than ideology.
Second Baptist Church in Houston is locked in a legal battle with its own members over leadership and finances, and the dispute is being heard in the city’s new business court.
Texas leads the nation in energy consumption, driven by population growth and the rise of AI data centers. What does it bode for the state’s grid and energy mix?
Bastrop asks Elon Musk for tunnels to connect city trails
ACL Fest is just one day away, but if you’re looking to take in EVEN MORE live music this weekend, KUTX Program Director Matt Reilly will stop by to talk with us about the shows happening tonight and outside of the festival gates.
Also, we’re talking tunnels! Bastrop is looking to have Elon Musk’s Boring Company build a pedestrian tunnel connecting the area’s trail system. The Texas Newsroom’s Lauren McGaughy will dig into it and give us the lowdown about what’s happening in Bastrop.
Plus, we’ll have an update on an Austin veteran and activist who is believed to be in the custody of Israeli forces after attempting to deliver aid to Gaza by flotilla.
Texas starts taxing seller fees on sites like eBay, Etsy
Buying new? In this economy? Shopping secondhand is the go-to for many these days. But things are about to change for sellers using online retail platforms in Texas.
KUT’s Nathan Bernier joins the show to tell us why the next thrifted gem you purchase may cost you more than it used to. Plus, we prepare for the October festival season in Austin with tips from Nathan and KUTX’s Maile Carballo ahead of the first weekend of the Austin City Limits music festival.
And longtime Austinites have legends about folks who once lived in the hills west of Austin, known as “cedar choppers.” Many of those stories aren’t exactly positive ones. KUT’s Maya Fawaz looked into their history for our ATXplained podcast series. Syeda Carrillo guest hosts on today’s Austin Signal.
Austin fire union, city at standstill over contract days before deadline
Contract negotiations between the city of Austin and its fire department are fast approaching the deadline for a new deal, with negotiations at a standstill. The firefighters union called the city’s offer insulting; the city says it’s willing to negotiate. KUT government accountability reporter Andrew Weber joins the show with more.
We’ll hear about the journey and future plans of 20-year-old professional soccer player Owen Wolff, who has been part of Austin FC since its inaugural season in 2021 and is a big part of the current run of success his side is experiencing.
Plus from our sister station KUTX, a bit Mama Duke the Austin musician who will be featured on the America’s Got Talent finale tonight.
HAAM Day takes over Austin and Central Texas
Most Austin area drivers have a love-hate relationship with Interstate 35 – or they avoid it completely, and have no relationship at all. The latest round of I-35 construction is hitting its stride.
Live music at the grocery store, hospital, your favorite sandwich shop or taco joint? It’s HAAM Day, benefitting health care coverage for Austin musicians.
Jennifer Stayton is in the host chair today on Austin Signal from KUT News.
The Future of Vinyl
Caren Kelleher, founder and CEO of Gold Rush Vinyl and co-owner of Waterloo Records, shares why she launched a vinyl pressing plant, how her company brings records to life, and what’s next for her growing businesses.
Pause/Play is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support our work by donating at supportthispodcast.org.
The Future of Music at SXSW
South by Southwest is changing. The festival has been shortened to 7 days. There is no dedicated music weekend. The convention center is being renovated and won’t be finished for 3 years. So what will music at SXSW 2026 look like? Brian Hobbs, VP of Music at SXSW, sits down to talk about the future of the festival.
Pause/Play is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support our work by donating at supportthispodcast.org.
AI and the Future of Music
AI is a hot topic right now, but how will it impact music? We discuss everything from fake bands getting millions of listens to a legendary producer vouching for the use of AI to lawsuits by major music groups against AI music generation programs.
In the latest episode, we dive into how Austin musicians are using the tool or staying away. Hear from Chinasa Broxton and Carlos Dashawn Daniels Moore of Tribe Mafia, Walker Lukens, Lauren Bruno, Jonny Johnson, Zeale and Erin Walter share their thoughts on the future of AI and music.
Tell us what you think about AI and Music
Pause/Play is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support our work by donating at supportthispodcast.org.
Black farmers in East Texas feel the sting of DEI cuts
A peek into the week ahead for the Texas Legislature’s special session: We’ll hear the latest on a much-talked-about possible walkout by Democrats.
A plan to relieve congestion in Austin was approved by voters years ago – but so far, there’s not much to show for it. Is Project Connect off the rails?
The rollback of USDA diversity programs is impacting East Texas, which is home to more Black farmers than anywhere else in the U.S.
Plus: A big deadline for tariffs with Mexico on the table. If a deal can’t be reached by Aug. 1, what could that mean for Texas?
Social Media & Music: Love It, Hate It, or Use It?
Social media has completely changed how musicians share their work and connect with fans — but not everyone is here for the endless scroll. Some artists are over it and have even ditched it altogether.
In this episode, we dive into the love-hate relationship musicians have with social media. Hear from Chinasa Broxton, Carlos Dashawn Daniels Moore of Tribe Mafia, Walker Lukens, Sara L. Houser, and Robert Ellis as they dish on how they do — or don’t — use these platforms to build their careers and stay true to their art.
KUT Morning Newscast for June 23, 2025: Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes THC ban
Central Texas top stories for June 23, 2025. Texas Governor Greg Abbott vetoed a bill to ban products containing THC. Texas’s health system is ranked very low compared to other states. Musicians and music venues are at risk of losing unclaimed grants. Homes in Austin are selling for less but taking longer to sell compared to this time last year. A new pedestrian bridge is coming to East Austin. Today is the last day to give your input on Austin’s 2026 General Obligation Bond.