politics

Mando Rayo shares some taco hot takes

The inaugural KUT Festival is happening this weekend in Austin. It was scheduled to take place on the UT campus, but now a majority of the events are taking place elsewhere. More about the changes and the back-and-forth between UT and KUT leadership.

Beef prices are sticking near record-high prices, an issue that’s been exacerbated by severe drought in some of the country’s main cattle producing regions. That’s forced some Texans to great creative about how they get their meat.

Austinites have many preferences and takes on their tacos. What’s your taco hot take? Tacos of Texas podcast host Mando Rayo has some to share.

Questions about self-driving vehicles during emergencies

It’s been almost two months since a deadly shooting outside a bar on West Sixth Street, and local officials are looking at the emergency response to that tragedy, including concerns about autonomous vehicles.

Here in Texas, one of the country’s largest legal cannabis markets is fighting for its life, with exceptions allowing the sale of smokeable hemp slated to expire this week.

This year, the Austin Film Society’s Doc Days Film festival is highlighting the effects of Space X on the South Texas Coast, looking at collective action by UPS workers, the work to return ancestral remains to native lands, and much more.

There’s been some changes to this weekend’s inaugural KUT Fest. It’s still going forward, just in a few different locations.

Lawmakers hear from Camp Mystic investigators

It’s day two of a special legislative hearing on the Camp Mystic tragedy. Investigators told lawmakers this week that camp operators were “complacent” when it came to safety protocols at the summer camp.

Lindsey Wilson, director of the city’s Equity and Inclusion office, shares details about the Fair Housing and Economic Mobility Conference taking place Wednesday, April 29.

Kendall Antonelli of Antonelli’s Cheese Shop stops by and introduces us to some of her favorite cheeses.

And: Learn how some of the city’s top chefs are partnering up with the students of Austin ISD’s culinary arts and hospitality program.

AISD under investigation for Pride Week celebration

The Austin Independent School District is being investigated by the Texas Education Agency for celebrating its annual Pride Week.

Attorney general is a powerful role; governors, senators and even vice presidents got their start as AG. Is Ken Paxton next?

Have you ever wanted a handy one-stop guide to everything Austin? KUT’s Field Guide is bringing you even more ways to know the city.

And an update on Athena’s surviving owlet, and why he might’ve been left for dead.

Simply Lemonade

On this episode we discuss the tenth anniversary of Beyonce’s album “Lemonade” and its lasting legacy in music. We also discuss rappers needing to shut the hell up when it comes to problematic artists. Hip-hop facts this week include facts about Betty Wright, Bootylicious, Nick Cannon and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion might motive, or discourage, those looking for a high profile co-sign.

Kyle water bills skyrocket after rate hikes

Accessing reliable sources of water is becoming more difficult for some Central Texans — and more expensive. In Kyle, residents facing high water bills are carefully considering any way that they can limit their costs.

An Austin firefighter battling terminal endometrial cancer is eligible for workers’ compensation, but the decision this week granting her those benefits came after a long fight with the city.

Plus: We’ll chat about the work being done to bring together Central Texans of all religious backgrounds.

How a federal dispute briefly shut down El Paso airspace

Tens of thousands of DACA recipients are living in legal limbo in Texas under the threat of sudden deportation. We’ll look at the ripple effects in Texas and beyond.
At a Baptist university well known for its conservative values, twin events at Baylor between Turning Point USA and a progressive event called All Our Neighbors is raising questions and eyebrows.
A sudden shutdown of the airspace over El Paso back in February led to widespread confusion. We’ll hear about the inter-agency feuds that have given way to even more questions.
Also, the Austin firefighter in the spotlight for battling cancer as well as the Texas Capitol city over workers compensation benefits.
Plus, Texas beachcomber Jace Tunnell with a fish tale impossible to ignore.

Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support our work by becoming a sustaining member at supportthispodcast.org.

Highland Park archery club aiming for another national championship

Texas can force schools to post the Ten Commandments in classrooms following a ruling this week from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals — but for now, the Austin school district does not have to comply because of ongoing litigation.

Highland Park Elementary School has become a powerhouse in the sport of archery, and they’re going after another national title.

Plus: Are there wild elk lurking in South Austin? ATXplained investigates.

Flooding leads to evacuations in Williamson County

Steady rain in the region over the last few days led to flooding in Williamson County, with some evacuations occurring. We’ll hear from residents impacted by the floods and how it differed from last summer’s flooding.

A Central Austin building that was home to a Sears store for decades has new life as a one-stop shop — but instead of lawnmowers and washing machines, folks can now have many of their health needs met. We’ll have more about the transformation.

Plus, Austin author Rebecca Bendheim’s new book “When You’re Brave Enough” is all about a mid-life reinvention… Or perhaps more of a middle-school reinvention.

UT Austin announces $750 million gift for new Dell Medical Center

It’s been almost two months since a deadly shooting on West Sixth Street left three people dead, including one UT Austin student. Now a new scholarship to help underprivileged students advance their education has been created in honor of Savitha Shanmugasundaram’s life.

UT Austin has announced a new Dell Medical Center and research campus following a $750 million gift from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation — one that makes the Dells UT’s first-ever billion-dollar donors.

And, the satirical media outlet The Onion says they’ve acquired Infowars, the Austin-based source for decades of conspiracy theories.

Plus: The Indie Meme Film Festival is back for its 11th year. We’ll hear more about what’s coming to town.

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

Texas to launch its own clinical trials of psychedelic drug

The state of Texas is poised to spend millions on psychedelic drug research. We’ll have the details about the clinical trials set for ibogaine.
Profits for Texas restaurants are plummeting as ICE conducts more immigration raids. We’ll hear what restaurant owners want the Trump administration to do.
A deadline to ensure digital materials are accessible for people with disabilities has been extended. We’ll have a look at why and what the delay means.
A new cancer center for patients who need care opens in rural Texas.
And Austin’s ‘Into Light’ portrait exhibit puts a face on the opioid crisis.

Belongings lost in homeless camp sweeps, despite city resolution

Austin’s unhoused folks say they lose everything when the city sweeps though their camps, despite a City Council resolution aiming to improve the sweeps and provide more notice ahead of time.

The City of Austin overpaid hundreds of employees to the tune of more than $1 million. Most employees expected having to pay the money back —but didn’t expect to face potential legal action for the city’s error. Andrea Ball of Austin Current joins us now to talk about this.

Gran Moreno, the KUTX Artist of the Month, has only one rule: There are no rules.

Plus: The latest on Athena, the resident owl at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and her 2026 owlets.

War with Iran hits Texas energy from two directions

The war in Iran and the big energy bottleneck presents implications for the Lone Star State. As we parse out the latest, we’ll have a closer look at the impact on oil and why one top analyst says despite record oil exports from Texas, we’re still not out of the woods.
There has been a lot of talk about cheap drones that are giving an edge to adversaries on the battlefield. Why is the U.S. lagging on using them?
A new study examines an educational experiment in Dallas, rewarding teachers for student performance. How effective is that approach, and should it be replicated statewide?
We’ll hear the results and the takeaway, plus the week in Texas music and much more.

Why the Spurs owe San Antonio millions after failed MLS bid

Texas Republican Tony Gonzales has begun the process of resigning amid accusations tied to sexual misconduct. What’s next for Texas’ 23rd congressional district?
There’s an annual ritual going on right now on parts of the Texas Gulf Coast. Why conservationists are celebrating the unusual display of the Attwater’s prairie-chicken.
The San Antonio Spurs are headed into the NBA playoffs, but its parent company is facing a challenge. Why Bexar County says it’s owed millions.
The Trump administration had a plan to help farmers hire foreign workers, but many say the idea to lower wages under the visa program is not the way.
Plus, we’ll introduce you to new novelist Rebecca Bendheim, and we’ll explore a bit of lesser-known Texas history.

Tracking state takeovers of Texas schools

The state is taking control of more struggling school districts, but how effective are the takeovers? We’ll discuss with two Houston Chronicle reporters tracking takeovers in Texas.
Should the state attorney general make national politics one of his primary duties as outgoing AG Ken Paxton has done? It’s become an issue as voters elect the state’s new top legal representative.
Texans can no longer use SNAP benefits to buy candy or sugary drinks, but what qualifies at the checkout counter?
We’ll delve more into the fallout over President Trump’s war of words with Pope Leo.
And a new gym in Waco is redefining what fitness can look like for people with disabilities.

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.

Discovery in Central Texas cave reshapes understanding of Ice Age wildlife

After talks with Iran fall apart, energy prices are back on the rise — as are military tensions. UT global affairs expert Jeremi Suri on what happened in talks and what it means for the foreseeable future.
The end of the Artemis II mission, the start of a new chapter in space exploration. We’ll have more on that front, as well as the discovery of the remains of what looks like an armadillo the size of a lion. What a Central Texas cave is telling us about what Texas really looked like in the Ice Age — upending some long-held assumptions.

November Scorpio w/ Tiana Major9

On this episode we interview R&B artist (from the UK) Tiana Major9 about her newest album “November Scorpio” and working with Babyface. We also discuss the news about rappers Gucci Mane and Pooh Shiesty in regards to them having a showdown in the recording studio. Hip-Hop Facts this week include facts about Michael B. Jordan, LL Cool J, Babyface and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion this week causes a slight disagreement with Confucius so tune in to check it out!

Federal court weighs decision over air conditioning in Texas prisons

Ahead of the coming summer heat, a federal court is considering whether air conditioning should be provided in all Texas prisons. We’ve been following the case that’s been happening in Austin over the past couple of weeks.

There are new changes to SNAP, the benefits that help low-income Texans purchase food. That assistance can’t be used for candy or most sweetened drinks. We’ll take a look at what impact this is having.

The San Marcos Studio Tour continues this weekend. We’ll hear about one artist who is showcasing work.

And a bit of good news to start the weekend: Austin’s favorite owl is giving us a couple of reasons to celebrate.

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

‘They Called Us Outlaws’ revisits rise of outlaw country music

The threat of hail, possible tornadoes and flooding conditions spells what could be a severe start to a stormy weather season in Texas. Meteorologist Eric Berger joins us with what to expect and how it fits into the bigger weather picture.
How are you weathering rising gasoline prices? We’ll hear how some Houstonians are coping.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s election-year forecast: Not a rosy one for the Texas GOP. We’ll talk about that with Jasper Scherer of the Texas Tribune.
We’ll reveal our winner in our contest for the best Texas film of all time, as well as talk with the filmmaker behind “They Called Us Outlaws,” all about the rise of outlaw country music.