After a week of devastating floods in the Hill Country, it’s now about clean-up and recovery. We’ll have the latest from Kerrville and more.
There are two dead and hundreds rescued after floodwaters rose to record levels for a second time in as many years last week. Concerns are now about the effects downstream. In Uvalde, the flooding is testing the resilience of a community.
Also, with midterms just a few months away, Gov. Greg Abbott appoints Robert Howden to oversee elections across Texas as the new secretary of state.
Concerns are rising about how a border wall will affect the dark skies of far West Texas.
Also, a spotlight on the great Bob Wills.
politics
Do Rappers Owe Their Communities?
On this episode we talk about Jay Z’s three night residency at Yankee Stadium and what it means for his overall legacy. We also discuss if rappers owe the communities they come out of or social issues in general. Hip-Hop Facts include facts about Aaliyah, Barry White, The Notorious B.I.G. and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is that the city of Austin sometimes forces artists to conform to stay booked and busy.
The latest on flooding in the Hill Country
We’re continuing to monitor the flooding situation in the Texas Hill Country that’s killed at least two people and led to more than 200 rescues. We’ll bring you the latest and hear from a reporter out in Kerrville.
Ten Austin ISD schools are shuttered for good as part of the district’s plan to deal with a budget deficit, but what’s to come of those closed campuses?
The rain will be clearing soon and there’s plenty happening this weekend in Austin, including a KUT book swap on Saturday.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
An update from Kerrville after floods again rattle region
There are two confirmed fatalities in Texas’ Hill Country as rescues continue and precipitation finally begins to taper off. We’ll have an update on the flooding across Texas from Lucio Vasquez of the Texas Newsroom standing by in Kerrville.
Rising food prices aren’t just making it tougher for more Texas families, but also for pantries and food banks trying to bridge the gap. We’ll hear what they’re up against.
There’s a new competitor in the hemp beverage business — but as demand grows here in Texas, so does pressure for greater regulation.
Plus, the week in Texas politics.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org
1 dead as flash flood emergencies issued in Texas Hill Country
Floodwaters rose overnight in the Texas Hill Country, killing at least one person. We have the latest updates from the scene in Kerr County and speak with Travis County Judge Andy Brown about response operations locally.
Central Texans have plenty of questions about data centers and their future in the region. But how much do we know about what a data center is and does? KUT’s county reporters are diving in.
There’s a bevy of live music to support tonight in Austin.
We chat with the CEO of The Onion about the future of Infowars.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Emergencies, shelter-in-place orders go out in flood-wary Kerr County region
Life-threatening floods hit parts of the Texas Hill Country as the Guadalupe River swells and flood emergencies and warnings go out.
In the aftermath of shootings in Maine and Texas, a pause in ICE policy ends only hours after the change went into effect. We’ll have more from Houston’s historic East End on how the shooting has galvanized residents there.
Also, the death of a Dallas Cowboy was ruled a suicide by officials, sparking a deeper conversation into the role of CTE: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.
Religion and Texas culture: The new book ‘One State Under God’ by Joseph L. Locke untangles an unexpectedly deep, and often misunderstood connection.
Plus, the end of an era: After more than three decades, Sony pulls the plug on a format once popular with gamers.
And the state’s only legislatively authorized needle exchange program: Why efforts to expand it have stalled.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org
Sandy Creek residents find community after last July’s deadly flood
The onslaught of rain across Central Texas and other swaths of the state this week brings reminders of last summer’s floods. More than 100 people died, including nine people in the Sandy Creek neighborhood, where over 100 homes were damaged or destroyed. More about their community’s resilience in the face of tragedy.
Olamaie, one of the city’s first Michelin-starred restaurants, is shutting down this week after a dozen years in business — and it’s not the only award-winning Austin favorite that’s closing for good. We’ll talk about the difficulties and future of Austin’s eateries.
Plenty of free Austin music is happening this week with the return of Hot Summer Nights.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Flooding risks trigger disaster declarations for parts of state
More wet weather for portions of Texas’ flash flood alley: A look at the forecast and warning systems put in place since last year’s deadly storms.
Cities across Texas have responded to the issue of homelessness in a variety of ways. Is it worth considering a broader approach?
People in Texas have been working to send relief to earthquake-devastated Venezuela, but some have questions about how they can be sure the help is getting where it needs to be.
Ocelot kittens are hands-down adorable, but zoo officials in Texas are celebrating the birth of two for reasons beyond showing them off.
And journalist Pamela Colloff tells us about unraveling a Texas Gulf Coast man’s life of deceit for her new book, ‘Catch the Devil.’
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org
CapMetro workers authorize strike, say better training would improve bus service
Nearly all of CapMetro’s fixed-route bus service could shut down if its workers strike. And 99.5% of workers voted in favor of that strike. Negotiators return to the bargaining table today.
The recent national outbreak of cyclospora is raising concerns and questions. Austin Public Health says it’s not a major local concern — yet.
A new film documents the fight to save North American bats from a devastating disease called white-nose syndrome. We’ll hear from the film’s director and bat researcher about their project and connecting the bats with their audiences.
And: Another summer reading recommendation for your KUT bingo challenge.
Headlines mentioned in today’s episode…
— Vice President JD Vance is reportedly in town to do a taping with podcast host Joe Rogan. The Statesman confirmed that Air Force 2 landed this morning at Austin Bergstrom International Airport after Politico’s initial report.
—- The City of Austin has opened applications for public art projects across the city with budgets for the projects ranging from $90,000 to $300,000.
— Flood risk increases for the Austin area this week with up to 6 inches of rain possible in spots of town.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
A permit loophole for AI power plants
A legal battle over the deep discounts on water bills Corpus Christi gave major companies amid a looming water crisis.
Why some of the new power plants for data centers are using the same permits as dry cleaners and auto body shops that don’t require an environmental review.
A new effort to help more students in foster care get college degrees.
What rising beef prices mean for Texas restaurants, taco trucks and customers.
And: As the semifinals kick off, analysis on the big matches as the World Cup winds down.
Austin vigil honors Houston man killed by ICE
Austinites gathered over the weekend to mourn Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, the man fatally shot last week by an immigration officer in Houston.
We have new details about the June plane crash that killed Austin tech entrepreneur Joshua Baer. An update from the National Transportation Safety Board details how pilots noticed an “unusual vibration” early in the flight.
The boom of million-dollar homes in Austin is stretching well beyond the city limits.
Fireflies have been a staple of Texas summer nights, but if you’re thinking you don’t see as many lately, you’re not alone.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Summer Jam 2026! w/ Soto the Activist
On this episode we discuss our upcoming Hot Summer Nights showcase, Summer Jam, and we interview Austin hip-hop artist Soto the Activist, who is also performing there. We also discuss if 2pac was as big a star, alive, as he was in death. Hip-Hop facts include facts about DJ Jazzy Jeff, Lil Kim, Bow Wow and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is that artists should stop announcing their retirements if they don’t truly mean it.
Taylor rejects citizens’ effort to temporarily ban data centers
The Taylor City Council was set to consider a citizen-led initiative to temporarily ban data centers, but 15 minutes into its meeting on Thursday night, the city released a statement that state law would not allow the effort.
The City of Austin is releasing details on its proposed budget for the next fiscal year as it tries to chip away at a budget deficit. The programs and cuts that are up for consideration.
Enchanted Rock Natural Area is a favorite Austin getaway, and it’s growing in size to provide even more hiking and exploration.
And: We’ve got another anecdote from the Accent Unmuted storytelling series.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Questions remain after fatal ICE shooting in Houston
The latest on this week’s fatal shooting by ICE in Houston, described by Mexico’s president as part of a broader pattern of mistreatment of Mexican migrants. We’ll talk with reporters in Houston and in Mexico City.
Frisco has become one of the nation’s fastest-growing hubs for Indian American families, businesses and culture. But the North Texas city has also seen a rise in anti-Indian rhetoric online and in public life.
Lights, camera, Texas? As more big-ticket films focus on the Lone Star State, whether it’s looking like a long term shift in the industry.
Toyota brings Tacoma production back to San Antonio
Many eyes in higher education are focused on Texas and whether we’re starting to see the fruits of a landmark rethink of two-year colleges. More on the significance of enrollment numbers rising at Texas community colleges.
In a deep red North Texas suburb, something that might have been considered unheard of not that long ago: why Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico appears to be finding fans in Collin County.
Toyota announced this week that it would move production of its Tacoma pickup truck from its Baja California plant in Mexico back to San Antonio.
Plus: taco journalist Mando Rayo on the secrets of the perfect tortilla.
New homeless navigation center coming to North Austin
For Austinites experiencing homelessness in the northern half of the city, accessing food, shelter or even a shower can mean taking the bus to downtown, or even South Austin. But a new center opening this summer will bring those services closer to many folks.
A group of activists gathered outside the Travis County Administrative building this morning to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Community members say ICE activity has ramped up in recent weeks.
People in Austin’s Bryker Woods neighborhood have lodged concerns about a dilapidated home that’s attracted rodents of all shapes and sizes. The owner hasn’t lived there in years but says the home still holds sentimental value. Andrea Ball from Austin Current, gives us an overview of the battle to address problems that go beyond eyesores.
After emerging from years spent as a caregiver, one woman wanted to process the experience by swimming in 50 bodies of water for her 50th birthday — including Barton Springs Pool. “Midstream” author Kate Washington shares her story.
Plus a Few Headlines mentions in the show today:
- The Austin Community College Board of Trustees has approved the system’s $583 million dollar budget for the next fiscal year.
- Two former Travis County Tax office employees have been indicted on charges of engaging in organized criminal activity.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
What a Catholic Church schism could mean for Texas parishioners
A new report by ProPublica and the Texas Tribune alleges Ken Paxton, the Republican now in a dead heat against Democrat James Talarico in Texas’ U.S. Senate race, may have broken the law by casting ballots outside the district where he resides. We’ll hear details.
A priestly group with churches in Texas has been excommunicated by the Vatican. We’ll discuss what this means for the group — the Society of Saint Pius X, or SSPX — and its followers.
And an investigation into World Cup ghost tickets — a scary situation for some soccer fans.
Austin paves over street murals including ‘Black Artists Matter’ following state order
Two street murals in Austin were paved over last week at the behest of state leaders who’d threatened to pull federal transportation funds if the city didn’t act. How much will it cost? And what street art remains?
High prices for beef aren’t being driven by the New World Screwworm — at least, not yet. The U.S. contains the fewest cattle since 1951.
Austin-based filmmaker Edna Diaz has spent time in Mexico highlighting feminist voices working to bring attention to the rising amount of femicides there. We talk with her about her new documentary short, “Sangre Violenta, Sangre Violeta.”
Another summer book recommendation to knock out that KUT reading bingo challenge.
Plus: a few headline mentions in the show today:
- Texas is among the states being investigated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention amid a food-borne illness outbreak.
- Applications opened today for the Austin Arts Culture, Music and Entertainment grant program
- All city park and library facilities are operating as cooling centers during normal business hours amid 90 degree heat this week.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
What’s next after World Cup knockouts for host countries US, Mexico and Canada
The U.S. Supreme Court declines to block Texas from verifying the age of app-users. We’ll dig into what it means for parents, kids and others.
We continue to remember lives lost in the Hill Country flood a year ago, including beloved Houston artist Tim Walker, whose work lives on in the Bayou City.
Plus, a memorial in the Sandy Creek neighborhood honors victims of the July 4, 2025 flood in Travis County.
Also, her goal was to swim in 50 bodies of water as she approached the age of 50. “Midstream” author Kate Washington on finding new meaning in middle age.
And after the U.S. team’s crushing loss, what’s next for FIFA World Cup fans?
Sandy Creek residents remember lives lost to 2025 flood
School’s out for the summer, but when Austin ISD students return in the fall, they’ll be navigating some big changes in how they get to school. KUT’s education reporter Greta Díaz González Vázquez will help get us up to speed.
It’s been one year since deadly floods tore through the Texas Hill Country. Residents of the Sandy Creek neighborhood in Travis County are honoring the neighbors they lost.
The FIFA World Cup is in full swing. KUT’s Jimmy Maas joins us to talk about tonight’s match between the U.S. and Belgium — which has suddenly gotten a lot more interesting.
Plus a Few Headlines mentions in the show today:
- Two overnight shootings in Austin left 3 people dead this Fourth of July weekend.
- The city of Austin visited 127 different homeless encampments between May 11 and June 5
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org