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San Marcos residents sound off on proposed data center

The Austin Independent School District has regained control of its special education program. The Texas Education Agency assigned a pair of monitors to the program for the last three years as AISD worked to address a backlog of evaluations. We’ll have the latest from Austin’s school district.


A San Marcos City Council meeting went into the early morning hours today as council members decided on rezoning property to be sold for a data center. Hundreds of folks showed up to make their opinions known. Most were against the idea, others say these data centers are inevitable. We’ll have more from that meeting.

Plus, The VORTEX theater hosted Butch Prom over the weekend.

And, we’re going to hear The Hole Story from our friends over at KUTX.

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

Early voting begins for the 2026 primaries

It’s the first day of early voting in the Texas primaries and there are many statewide races for consideration: comptroller, lieutenant governor, governor, as well as lots of eyes on the Democratic and Republican races for U.S. Senate.
We’ll have an overview, plus plenty more on the ballots in Travis, Hays and Williamson counties, as well.

Also, the Austin-raised college student who was deported while trying to visit family last Thanksgiving could soon be headed back to the U.S. We’ll have the latest from a judge’s order and from the attorney representing the student, Any López Belloza.

And we mark the start of the Lunar New Year by hearing what the occasion means to some Austinites.

Plus, we have a conversation with a legendary music maker turned mental health advocate at the SIMS Foundation.

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

For couple affected by dementia, a love song keeps memories alive

Five years on from the winter storm that caused blackouts across much of the state of Texas, what’s been done to address the failures of the blackout? And is Austin and Texas ready for the next big winter test of the power grid? More about what has and has not happened since February 2021.

There’s an argument to be made that the lieutenant governor of Texas is the most influential elected official in the state. Republicans have held the position for nearly three decades. We’ll hear about the candidates running to represent Texas Democrats in this fall’s election.

What happens to love when memories fade away? And how can we possibly try to hang on them? Hear how one woman in Pflugerville is doing her best to keep love alive through music.

Democrat makes surprise win in solid-red Texas district

In a little-watched race, Taylor Rehmet’s surprise win for Democrats in Texas may be a potential warning shot for Republicans in a midterm election year. Is this a one-off, or is the GOP in trouble in the Lone Star State?
Also, Texas environmental regulators greenlight what looks like the largest fossil-fueled power plant project in the country. We’ll dig into what it might tell us about energy and the environment in Texas going forward.

Austin police cooperation with ICE faces renewed scrutiny

An update on this weekend’s winter storm – the lingering aftereffects, and when to expect things to get back to “normal.”Though the worst may be over, many extreme cold advisories have been issued statewide today, and frozen precipitation is making many secondary roads treacherous. We’ll have an update, plus a look at the storm’s impact on the power grid.Despite hazardous driving conditions, an important political debate went on as scheduled Saturday: A showdown between the top two Democrats running for a U.S. senate seat from Texas. We’ll have a recap of the Georgetown debate between U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and State Rep. James Talarico. Also, questions about local law enforcement cooperation with ICE in Austin.

Austin doctor spins vinyl to bring music therapy to patients

An Austin doctor is using vinyl records to help patients cope with serious illnesses and difficult treatments. KUT’s Olivia Aldridge has a look at how music is helping in the healing process.

Texans have access to some of the best bird-watching opportunities in the country. We’ll go behind the scenes of an annual census of the area’s bird population.

You may have spotted him stopping for photos with fans outside the Paramount Theatre or the Continental Club: Austin’s Santa on horseback, Samuel Grey Horse, is back in the saddle after a difficult year. KUT’s Greta Díaz González Vázquez brings us his story.

Protecting monarch butterflies on Texas highways

He’s been an elected Democrat for over 50 years, but now local party officials in Houston are refusing to endorse Mayor John Whitmire. Unwinding the political drama, today on the Texas Standard.
Texas’ new bathroom law effects schools and government-owned buildings, but one reporter found enforcement depends on exactly where you go.
Texans Michael and Susan Dell are giving away billions to American kids. Who’s eligible and how the donation will work alongside so-called Trump Accounts.
Texas drivers know monarch butterflies all too often end up on our windshields or car grills. Efforts are underway to protect their road crossings.
Plus, some environmental concerns for the popular Dinosaur Valley State Park.

A special live broadcast from the McDonald Observatory

The Geminid Meteor Shower is happening, and we’ll have tips for your stargazing in a special live broadcast from the McDonald Observatory.

Today we’re focused on space science, including the history of this West Texas research gem – and how it’s continuing to contribute to what we know about the universe and beyond.

Dark skies are essential for observation, but there are challenges with light pollution. What they’re doing out in Fort Davis and what you can do at home.

Plus: A conversation with StarDate star Billy Henry.

Tamales in Texas: A holiday debate with deep roots

Millions of student loan borrowers are bracing themselves for big changes. We’ll have details on the end of the so-called SAVE program and why experts worry millions of student loan borrowers may be forced into default.

As some Texas cities cut funding for homeless services, a look at one approach from nonprofits: giving cash directly to people who need it.

With Netflix in the news this week, tech expert Omar Gallaga notes some users are already spotting a change in how they stream the service at home as mobile casting is discontinued.

Plus, the great tamale debate: Corn husk or banana leaf? Sweet or savory?

With Crockett in, Texas Democrats mull Senate race strategy

High-profile Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett launches her campaign for the U.S. Senate. We’ll look at how she’ll compete in a crowded field against primary opponent State Rep. James Talarico and prospective general election foes incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Last month Texas voters approved funding for a dementia prevention and research institute. Now a lawsuit means that plan is on hold.
Plus, why more and more Texans are selling their blood plasma for cash. The state leads the nation in donations.
And a Christmas festival in Galveston pays homage to author Charles Dickens.

Trans students push back as university policies shift

Political musical chairs is underway in Texas on deadline day for candidates to file for the midterm elections. We’ll explore where we stand and what it means today.
Mandatory course reviews and changes to policies at universities have faculty warning of dire threats to academic freedom, especially when it comes to teaching hot-button topics – like transgender identity. Kaye Knoll with that story.
Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds… What about snacking on cottonseeds? The A&M researcher betting on making them edible.
Also, this week in Texas music history looks at Austin’s jaded teens who get turned on to the new sounds of the ’60s as The 13th Floor Elevators take the stage.

A special broadcast from San Antonio

It is a city as well known for its history as its growth in the here and now. Today we’re broadcasting from San Antonio for a special edition of the Texas Standard.
As we celebrate 10 years of the Texas Standard, our yearlong tour of Texas takes us to the studios of our partners at Texas Public Radio, based in one of the most beautiful big cities in all of Texas. Though its many landmarks bring in the tourists, new residents are rushing in, too – putting pressure on resources like energy and water.
We’ll explore those growing pains, but we’ll also be sampling the tastes and sounds that make San Antonio special.

Why a Texas Democrat was pardoned by Trump

Democratic congressman Henry Cuellar from Texas faced charges of conspiracy, bribery and money laundering. Why did the president just pardon him? We’ll dive in today.
Texas becomes the first state to buy bitcoin. Why, and what it adds up to in a larger context.
Imagine distilling your entire year into a snapshot – like a top 10 list. Spotify may have popularized the year-end personal recap craze, but they’re not the only game in town. Holiday wrapping and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard.

After Prop Q fallout, Austin cuts $95 million from budget

The City of Austin cut $95 million from its budget, shrinking funding to parks, homelessness services and more after voters rejected Prop Q. We’ll get into how these cuts may impact you.

With recent rain and an overnight flood watch in Travis, Williamson, and Hays counties, many residents are reminded of the July 4 floods and the ongoing efforts to rebuild.

Plus, art groups seeking affordable studio space find sanctuary in a downtown Austin church. We’ve got more on how they secured the space and what that means for the arts community.

Also, Jason Mellard shares a new story from the archive of Texas music history.

How the Digital Equity Act helped before funding was cut

Organizations are working to bridge the digital divide in Texas and across the country, but that work has been made more difficult since the Trump administration withheld funds to assist programs aimed at getting underserved people online. Texas Standard’s Shelly Brisbin has more on how these groups and local governments are planning for a future without the financial aid.

Austin FC is partnering with We Are Blood for a community blood drive this week. Learn how you can participate.

And: Antone’s lands a deal to stay in their current digs for the next five decades.

AISD updates consolidation plan, now only closing 10 schools

The Austin Independent School District announced changes this week to its plans to shutter campuses across the city as AISD looks for ways to save money. The consolidation plan started with 13 schools slated for the chopping block. Now, that number has been dwindled down, and some AISD parents are frustrated by what they consider the wishy-washy way the plans have been rolled out.

KUT’s Katy McAfee was at last night’s district school board meeting and she joins us to share the latest updates.

Plus, it’s a busy weekend of happenings with Rock The Park and the Austin Studio Tour.

And Maile Carballo talks about student media KVRX’s efforts to raise funds. You can find how to donate here.

KUT announces community festival in May

A long-running storytelling event in Austin’s Hyde Park neighborhood is pairing personal stories with curated musical selections. We’ll have more about the shows and how you can find them.

And KUT announced today that it is launching a festival of its own that’ll bring together the best of Austin’s music, arts, food and more. We’ll speak with KUT/KUTX General Manger Debbie Hiott to talk more about how the festival will build on the community that has powered the station for decades.

Plus, the Tacos of Texas podcast is nearing the completion of its fifth season – “El Cinco.” The team behind the podcast join us to talk about the work that’s gone into this season and their upcoming Taco Party.

Austin voters reject Prop Q property tax rate increase

Austin voters overwhelmingly rejected Prop Q, a proposed property tax rate increase. KUT’s Andrew Weber breaks down what happened – and where city officials will look next for reductions in spending.

In other election news, Texans approved 17 amendments to the state constitution, touching on taxes, education, infrastructure and more.

And: The sale of Cheer Up Charlies to a Florida investment firm has been called off, the latest twist in what’s been a chaotic year for the popular queer bar.

Central Texas Food Bank braces for increased demand

The Central Texas Food Bank is preparing to help more folks with food assistance amid the government shutdown and ahead of the upcoming holiday season. Beth Corbett, the food bank’s vice president of government affairs and advocacy, shares more about their plans to handle the increased demand. Find out how you can help or get help during the SNAP delay here.

It’s Election Day, and Austin voters will give the final say on Prop Q, a proposed property tax rate increase that would result in more than $100 million dollars for city services. Statewide, Texans are considering 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution. KUT’s Katy McAfee brings us the latest from the polls.

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