Texas pulled smokable hemp out of stores but it’s still available in other forms. So, what does the law say now?
A North Texas community weathered a recent wildfire but still lacks basic resources for another emergency.
And there’s a rise in dangerous ectopic pregnancies and it varies by state. We’ll delve into what’s happening in Texas.
Dallas-raised, best-selling author R.F. Kuang talks about her new novel, “Taipei Story” and explores what it means to learn a language after losing a generational tie to it.
Plus, we kick of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrating an Olympic silver-medalist.
politics
Central Health budget preview, Running in the heat, Can Longhorns go undefeated?
Thousands of people here in Travis County depend on Central Health for their wellness needs, particularly those who earn the least amount of money. County commissioners are meeting this week to discuss the upcoming budget. We’ll tell you what’s in it.
And, the dog days of summer are still with us halfway through September. That means folks are still choosing the treadmill over the trails, though that’s not the case for one group of running fools.
There’s a new No. 1 team in college football after an all-time comeback this weekend by the Texas Longhorns. The season is still young and there are plenty of tough games are left on the schedule — but can this team go undefeated and end a national championship drought of over two decades?
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
How the Longhorns took down top-ranked Ohio State in a dramatic comeback
Rural Texas has long been a GOP stronghold, but one issue could make a top statewide race more competitive than previously thought. We’ll look at how data centers have emerged as critical in the Texas gubernatorial contest.
Some Texas institutions of higher learning are encouraging students to use AI. We’ll dig into why.
Public libraries in Texas aren’t just for checking out books anymore. We’ll hear how art class is making the stacks a little noisier at one branch.
Plus, the college football comeback everyone’s talking about: How Texas took down Ohio State.
Ridin’ Dirty Down IH-35 w/ Vontay Galaxy
On this episode we talk with Austin rap artist Vontay Galaxy about his start at Texas State and traveling up and down IH-35 spreading his music. We also talk about if there is a lack of new rap superstars being created to supplement the genres growth. Hip-Hop Facts this week include facts about Ol Dirty Bastard, Kriss Kross, Nelly and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion this week is that rap is no longer a young peoples game.
Texas Extra: Texas political history and intrigue with politico Ben Barnes
There’s a lot to talk about in Texas on a daily basis and Texas Standard wants to get to as much as we can. But sometimes that means taking a great conversation and making it much shorter than we’d like. Such is the case with one this week with longtime Texas politico Ben Barnes. Our David Brown talked with him about his new memoir “Get It Done: Seven Decades of Lessons from a Political Legend.”
We present the interview in its entirety here for you now. Check it out — you’ll definitely learn something.
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
Remembering a Houston family’s loss 25 years after 9/11
25 years since 9/11, in which a series of coordinated attacks on the U.S. marked the end of one era and the start of another. We’ll share some stories of Texans whose lives were impacted.
A first-of-its-kind midterm political convention wraps up in Dallas. Did Republicans move the needle with just two months to go before midterms? Caroline Love of KERA North Texas joins us with a closer look.
What may be a major discovery in the search for dark matter: We’ll talk with a Texan who’s been involved in this search and hear more about what may be a critical new piece of evidence.
And in West, Texas, a cultural celebration turns 50.
Watson AISD ask, data centers and midterms, Levitation guide
Mayor Kirk Watson is asking some Austin ISD parents to request that their school be shut down in order to avoid a state takeover of the entire school district. Watson says the move is about empowerment. What do parents think about the proposal?
And the GOP brought a first-of-its-kind midterm convention to Texas this week as we inch closer to Election Day.
Every election is dominated by a few issues, and there’s no doubt data centers are on the minds of quite a few Texans heading to the polls. We’ll hear from some of those Texans.
Plus, Levitation is back in Austin with shows at some of the biggest venues in town. We’ve got a breakdown of the lineup and some tips on staying strong over the next four days.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
New novel ‘The Beauty of Days Gone By’ tackles the Texas frontier
How might AI-generated images affect a high-stakes political contest in Texas? Rice University political professor Mark Jones joins the Standard to talk about how Ken Paxton’s campaign is hoping to win votes with AI-generated images of his Democratic opponent, James Talarico.
Also: Some top-line takeaways from the first day of a first-of-its-kind GOP midterm convention underway in Dallas.
As opposition to Flock gathers steam, the cameras may be lingering for a while, even in more politically progressive parts of Texas.
New phone fatigue: Is it real? A test of sorts as Apple takes the wraps off new models.
And a new novel drawing comparisons to “Lonesome Dove” takes a look at Texas in the frontier era. “The Beauty of Days Gone By” author Jason Stone joins us with more.
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
High electricity costs contribute to senior heat deaths in the RGV
Costs for air conditioning are so high that some on limited incomes are trying to do without. But with temperatures also at extremes, that’s leading to some grave outcomes for seniors, in particular.
The GOP’s unconventional convention is in Texas for a reason — and part of that is the state’s fundraising power. We’ll take a closer look.
And do your feelings about AI change if it helps you save money on taxes?
Plus, an update on an effort to help monarch butterflies on their great migration.
Flock cameras in the Austin area, Texas Republican donors, Halal tacos
Flock cameras are under scrutiny for a variety of reasons, and that has police departments in the Austin area considering their use of the technology. Even so, you should still expect to see the cameras here in Central Texas. We’ll tell you why and where.
With less than two months left until Election Day, the Republican National Committee is bringing a first-of-its-kind midterm convention to the state this week. Why now? And why Texas?
In Austin, there are plenty of taco choices to explore: bougie or basic, flour or corn, with cheese or not. But when’s the last time you had a halal taco? It wasn’t even on the menu at an East Austin taco truck — until a customer asked.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Texas political legend Ben Barnes looks back on career
While all eyes are on the upcoming midterm election, there are signs one particular Texan is looking at running for president again. Is Ted Cruz gearing up for 2028?
Also, why Democrats see James Talarico’s Senate run as an opportunity to gain votes in parts of West Texas that have been reliably red for decades.
And Texas political luminary Ben Barnes joins us to talk about his new memoir “Get It Done: Seven Decades of Lessons from a Political Legend.”
Plus, how Texas Republican leaders are cracking down on so-called “birth tourism.”
And celebrating the life of aviation pioneer Wally Funk.
San Antonio husband-and-wife team talks ‘Pitmasters’ win
Following the money: What are super PAC donations telling us about Texas’ closely watched U.S. Senate race? Democrat James Talarico is outfundraising his Republican rival Ken Paxton big time. Who’s writing the checks and what does the money add up to in a high-stakes midterm?
Also, as the GOP puts finishing touches on next week’s national convention in Dallas, a closer look at the Bush Family Republican dynasty that was once built in Big D — and its resemblance to the party today.
On TV’s Food Network, a prestigious first-place finish for a pair of married pitmasters. We’ll hear the story of Esaul and Grecia Ramos of 2M Smokehouse.
Plus, the week in politics with the Texas Tribune.
A mysterious kidney disease is hitting Central American migrant workers in Texas
Tarrant County, a big Texas county seen by some as key in the upcoming midterms, cuts the number of polling places. We’ll have the backstory.
It’s not political convention season — or is it? What looks like an unconventional convention set for Dallas.
Also, more on a mysterious kidney disease that’s arrived in Texas hitting young men from Central America especially hard. We’ll hear what health officials are saying.
Plus, Texas Beachcomber Jace Tunnell, the Tacos of Texas and much more.
Texas hospitals face Medicaid funding freeze
$27 million a day. That’s how much Texas hospitals are losing because of a disagreement with the Trump administration over Medicaid funding. We’ll have the details.
Much of the talk of the November election in Texas has focused on the race for U.S. Senate. But who will be Texas’ next attorney general? We’ll share a closer look at candidates Mayes Middleton and Nathan Johnson.
As tropical winds and rain make their way through parts of Texas, some coastal homeowners worry about being able to secure insurance for future storms. We’ll go over what’s changing.
Plus, enormous electric power lines are one step closer to going up in West Texas. A look at how the state says this will help meet growing energy demand.
And “Gunsmoke,” a TV show from decades ago, is getting renewed attention on streaming. Commentator W.F. Strong tells us why he is watching.
Austin’s sister cities, New state laws, US citizen returns after deportation
New state laws take effect today. What to know and what’s changing.
An Austinite is back in the country after being deported. Why was the U.S. citizen was deported in the first place, and how often does this happen?
Do you know how many sister cities Austin has the world over — or what a sister city even is? ATXplained has the answers.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Marfa’s Palace Theater could soon see new life
Tropical Storm Edouard heads toward the Texas coast. What to expect as it makes landfall.
An update on recovery efforts in Nepal, where Texans are among the missing.
How Texas is helping mount a defense against hackers who broke into systems that control water infrastructure across the U.S.
New laws take effect as September begins. We’ll highlight some of the big ones, including one that is supposed to prevent solar panel sale fraud.
Plus: Bringing Marfa’s historic Palace Theater back to life.
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 NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope could teach us about the universe
Liftoff for a mission set to answer cosmic mysteries. We’ll go over the main objectives and the West Texas connection for NASA’s new Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.
This summer, thousands of enlisted troops were forced out of a major Texas base over dangerous living conditions — the tip of the iceberg when it comes to barracks in disrepair.
Also, why some activists say a Lubbock library is breaking state law, and what Lt. Governor Dan Patrick is threatening to do.
Texas’ electricity free market helped boost renewables, but did it really make electricity cheaper as promised?
Plus, the Austinites hoping to bring back a love of Shakespeare.
Also, a trip out to Texas’ Goat Island.