After Uvalde, Texas bet big on safety with police in every school, but a new report suggests an unintended and very troubling side effect.
The New York Times and the San Antonio Express-News reports thousands of incidents of officers tackling, pepper-spraying even tasering students for offenses that once would have meant a trip to the principal’s office, and no clear standards to protect against over-policing at school. We’ll talk to two of the authors of this report.
Also, Angela Kocherga with how the latest on the border wall may lead to an unusual conflict between church and state.
Plus a “Friday Night Lights” reunion conversation with actress Adrianne Palicki, the week in politics and more.
politics
Court protection for Delta-8 sales is set to expire
Delta-8, a hemp product you might’ve seen for sale in gas stations and strip malls across Texas, could soon be treated as an illegal drug, putting it in the same category as heroin and LSD. What this would mean for the businesses that sell them and the people who use them.
It’s the last day of school for students in Austin ISD, meaning it’s the last day many seniors will ever set foot on campus. Before that, a group of them went back to trace their steps at Dawson Elementary before the school closes.
EddieAngel, the KUTX Artist of the Month for May, has the vocal chops to match the spirit of his on-stage persona.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Where things stand with Big Bend border wall plans
He wants to ban Islam in Texas and now he’s the GOP pick for a seat on one of Texas’ most powerful commissions. Who is Bo French? A closer look at why, after this week, a race for a seat on the Texas railroad commission suddenly carries more weight than it might seem at first blush.
A longtime U.S. Senator from Texas forced to give up his seat — what the end of the John Cornyn era says about Texas politics today.
And where to things stand with plans for a border wall in the Big Bend region?
Also, first it was streaming that rewrote the rules for the music industry — now it’s AI. Tech expert Omar Gallaga on two very big music deals involving TikTok and Spotify and why they matter.
Runoff election results show big changes for the Austin area
Primary runoff election night ended with some big changes for the Austin area and across the state. We’ll bring you the latest on last night’s results and the races we’ll be watching this November.
After a shooting spree this month by three teenagers ended in Manor, Austin Police say they could have caught the suspects sooner if they had license plate readers. Now, Mayor Kirk Watson is considering proposals to bring this kind of technology back to the city.
This week in Texas music history: an experimental composer and pioneer of the practice of “Deep listening” was born.
The Kathy Dunn Hamrick Dance Company is moving forward after the loss of its namesake leader. Their new performance this weekend is an embodiment of that spirit.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Ken Paxton’s Senate runoff win reshapes Texas GOP landscape
Ken Paxton handily beat longtime incumbent John Cornyn in the Republican runoff for Senate. So, what’s that mean come November?
We’re also unpacking big primary runoff races from across the state on both sides of the aisle. What do the results tell us about what Texas voters are prioritizing?
And did you vote in the primary runoffs? Congratulations, you may have added time to your life. The link between voting and living longer.
The Trump administration just changed the way people should apply for green cards. They’re now supposed to leave the U.S. to do so. We’ll unpack the impacts.
Plus, Mark Duplass and his wife Katie Aselton made a new movie about a married couple. We get a little personal in our conversation about “Magic Hour.”
Once-supporters now suing to stop Project Connect
It’s been nearly six years since a majority of Austinites voted in favor of creating 20 miles of state-of-the-art light rail transit across the city. But since that vote, the total length of the future rail system has been chopped in half. Despite that, the price tag for the project has continued climbing. Some folks who voted in favor are now suing to stop it from happening. An update on Project Connect.
Data from a Travis County mental health diversion pilot is showing some promising early results. The program offers people accused of low-level offenses an alternative. We’ll tell you more.
Which friendship in Austin has lasted the longest? A listener wanted to know. Our ATXplained project found the answer.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Researchers find cities can change the way storms behave
When spring storms move through cities, they can intensify — creating dangerous flooding. New findings from Texas researchers may explain why.
It’s runoff Election Day in Texas. While all eyes are on the Republican Senate contest between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton, we’ll also spotlight some other key races to watch as ballots are counted.
Also, Memorial Day ushered in the summer travel season — and plenty of Texans are planning vacations and looking for trips to fit their budgets.
Plus, we’re heading into Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs. Can the Spurs repeat their strong performance and pull off another win?
A preview of key races for primary runoff Election Day
Across the Lone Star State, Memorial Day observances and events are scheduled.
Meanwhile, voters in Texas are making their lists and checking them twice with primary runoff day set for tomorrow. We’ll get you up to speed on the statewide races to watch.
Plus, we’ll hear about a new app from the folks at Texas Parks and Wildlife. We’ll also learn about the women who’ve played an oversized, but often less-acknowledged, role in conservation.
Is The Iceman (Drake) Melting?
On this episode we discuss our thoughts on Drake’s newest album(s) and whether or not he is still the king of hip-hop. We also discuss the history of black exploitation in music and it’s impact into today. Hip-Hop Facts include facts about Rihanna, Busta Rhymes, The Dream and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion actually has some push back from Confucius this week.
Program at state prison in Austin helps shelter dogs get adopted
The Austin Independent School District expects a $181 million deficit in next school year’s budget — but it still hasn’t released a proposal for what cuts will be made.
Austin revised its rules on how city police can interact with federal immigration agents — and city leaders are divided on what the change actually means.
The Austin Animal Center is often overcrowded. But a new program at the Travis Unit state prison is getting dogs there training and socialization to help them get adopted.
And a look back at an iconic performance 41years ago at the Armadillo World Headquarters.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Dallas hip-hop group Cure for Paranoia talks breakout Tiny Desk win
Texas-based oil-drillers are looking for a competitive advantage — and they’re turning to AI. What are the implications? Turns out regulators don’t really know. We’ll hear more.
As the nation turns to honor members of the military who gave their all while serving, what of those service members who died years later after exposure to chemicals while in uniform?
Plus, the week in politics and a rising star in Dallas — our conversation with the frontman of Cure for Paranoia.
Texas data centers collide with water shortages
As the school year winds down across Texas, one major school district considers declaring an emergency over money. El Paso ISD sounds an alarm after finding a $52 million shortfall, leaving officials with many questions and critical decisions to make.
A primary runoff for a seat on the railroad commission has implications that may not be obvious.
For Corpus Christi, some encouraging news as the city scrambles to avoid an all-out water emergency.
And a Texas-based air carrier issues a ban on robots. Tech expert Omar Gallaga tells us resistance is futile.
Latino community divided on renaming Cesar Chavez Street
Early voting is underway for Tuesday’s primary runoffs, and we have a look at two races on some Central Texans’ ballots: state House District 49 and Hays County judge.
Austin is working to rename Cesar Chavez Street after accusations of sexual abuse and assault. But some are struggling with those changes.
Some good news and some bad news about a ranking of Austin’s parks. We’ve got more from a new report, including who rivals the city’s parks.
And: A sneak peek at tomorrow night’s ATXplained Live!
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
I-35 construction has narrowed a passage on Lady Bird Lake
The Austin City Council is set to take up a controversial proposal this week about relying more on natural gas during times of high energy demand, and opponents worry about how it could affect climate goals.
If you venture out to Lady Bird Lake this Memorial Day weekend, you might encounter an unfamiliar sight: a construction zone on the water.
How a photography project is helping one woman reclaim her story of loss and perseverance.
Television lovers rejoice: The ATX TV Festival is returning for its 15th season.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Cycling the whooping crane migration route
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton faces criticism for a plea deal with a child sex offender.
Why the state is quicky becoming a hub for data centers with 30 projects alone in an area that stretches from Temple to San Marcos.
Texas high school students get training for oil and gas jobs with help from the industry.
A photographer and a birding expert on bikes follow the migratory path endangered whooping cranes take from Texas to Canada.
Ahead of the World Cup matches in the Lone Star State, we preview of a new podcast “When the World Comes to Texas.”
Church gives out free burgers weekly near UT to combat food insecurity
Three people are in custody following a weekend crime spree and manhunt in Austin that made national headlines. Police say the suspects, all juveniles, are tied to multiple shootings and stolen vehicles across the city.
As grocery costs rise, a church near the University of Texas campus gives out hundreds of free burgers weekly to combat food insecurity.
Texas Democrat James Talarico’s taco order is going viral after a stop at Taco Joint. More on the order heard around the country.
Austin FC has fired its sporting director and head coach. The co-host of the Vamos Verde podcast shares what this means for the team.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Texas Children’s settles gender care fight with unprecedented clinic deal
A Texas hospital agrees to what appears to be a first of its kind settlement over allegations of providing illegal gender transitioning to minors.
Houston based Texas children’s hospital agrees to form a first of its kind detransitioning clinic to settle charges of violating state law. A US China Summit, a stalemate with Iran and what it all adds up to for energy-rich Texas. A fresh look at disability inclusion in all things tech.
And what looks like currency, feels like currency, is issued by the government, but isn’t money? It’s called the Texas Redback and a lawsuit claims it may have crossed a redline.
Lou Diamond Phillips talks Texas roots, ‘La Bamba’ and legacy
Big and getting bigger — that’s been the story of Texas’ population growth, but recent census numbers suggest a new chapter being written. State Demographer Lloyd Potter helps us do the math.
Cancelled elections in some parts of Texas, though not for nefarious reasons. We’ll hear the why and how.
Full speed ahead on data centers? Not so fast. We’ll hear about a Texas county hitting the pause button on development.
Also, in the 40 years since “La Bamba” made him a household name, Lou Diamond Phillips reconnects with his Texas roots.
A look at the Texas attorney general race, with runoffs around the corner
A hearing this week that would’ve allowed for the review of evidence and testimony in lawsuits against Camp Mystic never came to be, and lawyers for the Hill Country girls camp where children and counselors died in last summer’s flooding were absent from the courtroom.
Texas will soon have a new attorney general, with a pair of Democrats and Republicans vying to represent their party in November, but the issues they’re talking up in the runoffs might not be the ones that matter most at the ballot box.
And the Black Austin Matters podcast is back with a new season. We’ll chat with the show’s hosts about what they’ve learned and how they’re continuing to amplify the voices on their show.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Who will replace Paxton as Texas attorney general?
It’s the final stretch before the primary runoffs in Texas, but the real test may not be the race most folks are focused on.
Next week, early voting begins in the primary runoff contest between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and challenger Ken Paxton — but win or lose, who’ll take over Paxton’s current seat as attorney general? We’ll take a closer look.
Also, a top Texas-based expert in geopolitics weighs in on the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping and what it might mean for the future of the U.S. conflict with Iran.
Harvest time in Texas? How warmer winters have triggered a seasonal shift for the Texas crawfish industry.