The Voting Rights Act is losing more teeth. We’ll look at what a Supreme Court ruling means for redistricting.
Also, another Supreme Court case is examining when and how police can use cell phone data. We’ll check in with our tech expert about what’s at stake.
China is making brand-new cars for cheap. It’s hard to get them in the U.S., but not impossible — just ask folks in El Paso. So, will more folks be driving them soon?
You’ve probably heard by now that FIFA World Cup games are coming to Texas. It’s expected to be huge for the sport, but how much will host cities like Dallas and Houston really benefit?
And we’re getting the dish on some taco hot takes, like is birria overrated?
Soccer
How Texas plans to power its AI data center boom
As data centers expand across the state, so does the need for energy. More power plants are popping up with Texas at the center of the AI data center boom.
The federal government gives its first briefing on a new border wall planned in the Big Bend region.
He helped U.S. troops during the war in Afghanistan — now the family of Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal wants to know how he died in ICE custody.
It was known as the Green Book, a guide for Black Americans during segregation that showed places that were welcoming. A new tour in San Antonio charts that history.
Cup Dreams
Jimmy Maas and Juan Diego Garcia dive into one of the biggest questions for many North American soccer fans’ this spring: Can I actually go to the World Cup? We start with memories of the care-free days of 1994, when the last FIFA World Cup held in the U.S. The arts editor for KUT News, Stephanie Federico, takes us down sorta-memory lane. Then we get the perspective a current college student hoping somehow to get to see Mexico play in Mexico this summer. And then we turn to an expert, Jason Daley, who has put his knowledge gained from going to the last five tournaments into one spot for you, The World Cup Guide. Plus a little about Austin FC’s run of form lately.
¡Vamos Verde! is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org.
New Jersey
Songwriter Lindsey Mackin, frontwoman of Austin band Annabelle Chairlegs talks with Jimmy Maas and Juan Diego Garcia about the group’s new album, her roots in “Soccer Town USA” (Kearny, NJ), and the power of the cowbell. Also, we talk what’s new for Austin FC with team president Andy Loughnane. The kickoff episode of the 2026 season for Austin FC and ¡Vamos Verde!
¡Vamos Verde! is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org.
Trailer: ¡Vamos Verde! Season Three Coming Soon
Season three of ¡Vamos Verde! premieres February 19. Jimmy Maas and Juan Diego Garcia (or whatever his last name is) will get to know some new faces on and off the pitch as Austin FC looks to build on a year that featured a return to the MLS Cup Playoffs and an appearance in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final.
Find it wherever you get your podcasts!
If you’d like to support ¡Vamos Verde! and other podcasts like it from KUT & KUTX in Austin, please visit supportthispodcast.org. Thank you for your support!
Gov. Abbott targets new H-1B visa applications at state universities, agencies
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement operations have been happening in Austin and Central Texas in recent week. During the past weekend’s weather event, local officials had to dispel rumors fueled by the operation. The lack of information and communication around these operations is causing panic and anxiety that can boil beyond social media.
Gov. Greg Abbott is freezing new H-1B visa applications until 2027, with some exceptions. The move is the latest in the administration’s scrutiny of foreign workers employed at taxpayer-funded institutions.
We’re less than a month away from the start of the new Austin FC season. We’ll take a look at some of the team’s offseason moves.
Texas readies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Dueling ballot challenges in Tarrant County: Why longtime Texas politics-watchers say they’ve never seen anything like it.
A look at a teacher’s alleged sexual misconduct and a new state law that could wind up costing a local school district millions. We’ll dive into whether other school districts could be on the hook as more victims seek accountability.
Tech expert Omar Gallaga explains a controversy over explicit images generated by X’s AI tool, Grok.
And a check-in on where Texas is at amid preparations for the FIFA World Cup.
Medical experts have said this flu season will be an active one
We’re getting deeper into the holiday season and that brings flu season along with your yuletide festivities. Medical experts have said this flu season will be an active one. They’re reminding folks to get their flu shot before sickness ruins your holiday plans.
Plus, the performance “Black Divas” is coming back to Austin this weekend. The piece focuses on Black maternal health issues. The show’s creator, Qi Dada, says she didn’t feel like there was any art to describe the struggle she was going through. We talk with her about the show’s evolution and their upcoming performance.
The FIFA World Cup is coming to Texas next year. We get a better sense of which teams and stars will be visiting the Lone Star State.
How state Prop 14 could help fund Texas dementia research
Voters tomorrow will have one last chance to make their voice heard this election. One state constitutional amendment on the ballot – Prop 14 – would commit $3 billion to fund the new Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. We’ll get the details from KUT’s Olivia Aldridge.
Check out KUT’s Voter guides for Travis County, Williamson County and the proposed constitutional amendments. Plus what you need to know for election day.
Texas Standard’s Sarah Asch explores adult education programs across Texas that are working to help immigrants find jobs relevant to their professional experience from before they came to the U.S.
Plus: Austin FC is out of the playoffs after a weekend loss to LAFC.
KUT Morning Newscast for November 3, 2025: Pause in SNAP funding to impact almost 45,000 Travis County households
Central Texas top stories for November 3, 2025. More than 117,000 people in Travis County cast a ballot during Early Voting this year. Prop 16 clarifies that a person must be a U.S. citizen to vote in Texas. City of Austin officials say the pause in SNAP funding impacts almost 45,000 Travis County households, over 87,000 people. Open enrollment is underway for insurance on the Affordable Care Act marketplace, Texans are seeing higher prices. Texas is now number 13 in AP Top 25 College Football Poll. Austin FC’s 2025 season is over.
‘No Kings’ rally draws 20,000 protesters in Austin
A Travis County judge has signed off on a local disaster declaration to give the county access to resources and respond quickly to wildfires when and if they pop up this season. KUT’s Luz Moreno-Lozano joins us to talk preparedness.
An estimated 20,000 people attended Austin’s ‘No Kings’ rally on Saturday as part of planned demonstrations against the Trump administration nationwide. We’ll hear from a few who attended.
Plus: A wrapup of Formula 1 in Austin and looking ahead to Austin FC in the MLS playoffs.
From State Fair to stock exchange, a special broadcast from Dallas
From the oldest radio station in Texas, in Dallas’ historic Fair Park, site of the State Fair of Texas, it’s Texas Standard Time.
As we continue to celebrate our 10th birthday this year, the Texas Standard tour bus has pulled into the historic home of WRR, temporary home to our partners KERA North Texas.
We’ll explore the economic boom across North Texas, hear voices from the fair, learn about a new sports classic set to kick off at the Cotton Bowl and much more.
It’s a special edition of the Texas Standard, live from Fair Park in Dallas.
KUT Morning Newscast for October 2, 2025: UT Austin is one of the nine universities the White House asked to sign agreement to get funding advantage
Central Texas top stories for October 2, 2025. UT Austin is one of nine universities the Trump administration is asking to sign a ten-point contract in exchange of giving the schools priority in accessing federal funds. Travis County and local public health provider Central Health have announced a new program to offer virtual medical care to Travis County jail inmates. If you’re traveling this month, know that ABIA is expected to be very busy. Austin FC lost their chance to win their first major trophy.
What is Proposition Q on Austin’s ballot this November?
Election season is upon us once again. It’s not midterm time and we don’t have a president to pick, but voters in Central Texas will have a reason to cast their ballots. Here in Austin, folks will be deciding whether to approve a tax-rate hike above the normal threshold allowed by the state.
Why is the city asking for so much? And how are folks feeling a week out from early voting? KUT’s City Hall reporter Luz Moreno-Lozano joins the show to answer those questions.
And a new bird just dropped! Texas Standard’s Raul Alonzo talks Austin birding and the new “Grue Jay.” Plus catching us up on Austin FC’s run for the U.S. Open Cup championship with the co-host of the Vamos Verde podcast, Juan Diego Garcia.
Austin fire union, city at standstill over contract days before deadline
Contract negotiations between the city of Austin and its fire department are fast approaching the deadline for a new deal, with negotiations at a standstill. The firefighters union called the city’s offer insulting; the city says it’s willing to negotiate. KUT government accountability reporter Andrew Weber joins the show with more.
We’ll hear about the journey and future plans of 20-year-old professional soccer player Owen Wolff, who has been part of Austin FC since its inaugural season in 2021 and is a big part of the current run of success his side is experiencing.
Plus from our sister station KUTX, a bit Mama Duke the Austin musician who will be featured on the America’s Got Talent finale tonight.
KUT Morning Newscast for September 8, 2025: Twelve AISD schools have to make major changes to avoid closure or a state takeover of the district
Central Texas top stories for September 8, 2025. Twelve schools in the Austin Independent School District have to make major changes to avoid closure or a state takeover of the entire district. Georgetown is expected to adopt a new budget and a lower property tax rate at tomorrow’s city council meeting. Texas Longhorn football fans are still celebrating Saturday’s home opener win over San José State. Austin FC beat Sporting Kansas City last night.
The All-Star One With Brad Stuver, Brandon Vázquez, and Andy Loughnane
Austin will host its first major league all-star game this month. Goalkeeper Brad Stuver talks about representing his squad at Q2 Stadium. Team president Andy Loughnane talks about what will be available for fans to do during MLS All-Star week and his brief career as a hockey referee. The team had to absorb some heavy news this week with striker Brandon Vázquez now out for the season due to a knee injury. In anticipation of his second All-Star game, he sat down with hosts Jimmy Maas and Juan Garcia before his injury. They chatted about his journey to the team, including many crossings of the border to train from his home in Southern California.
KUT Morning Newscast for March 24, 2025: An Austinite is suing the US Department of Education for removing access to income-driven repayment plans.
Central Texas top stories for March 24, 2025. An Austinite is suing the U.S. Department of Education for removing access to income-driven repayment plans. Employees at the Travis County Public Defender’s Office will go before Commissioners this week to ask for higher pay, better benefits and more staffing. Voting rights advocates are celebrating a federal judge’s ruling to strike down Texas’ ID requirements for mail ballot voting. Austin FC jumped to second place in the Western Conference standings after beating San Diego FC 2-1. The Texas Women’s basketball team plays Illinois today at 1:00 p.m. for the chance to advance to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament
Vamos Verde Season 2 Coming March 6
Austin FC fans became familiar with what to expect on game day over the past 4 years. But after not making the playoffs in 2024, the team has undergone big changes.
Gone is Josh Wolff, the only coach fans have ever known. Gone are Sebastián Driussi and Alex Ring, the only two captains Austin FC have ever had. Gone is Gyasi Zardes, one of MLS’ all-time leading scorers.
In their place, the team hired new coach Nico Estévez and invested heavily in new talent including a US Men’s National team member Brandon Vázquez, and MLS Champion Ilie Sánchez. In this season of Vamos Verde Jimmy and Juan will explore all of the new, what it means for Austin’s football club and the culture surrounding it, and how it fits in with the rituals the fans have come to know and love since the team’s inception.
What we learned from new Uvalde school shooting records
The city of Uvalde releases a trove of records from the Robb Elementary school shooting after pressure from the media. What are we learning?
As tensions escalate in the Middle East with Israel anticipating a strike from Iran or its proxies within days, how could this affect Texas, its role in oil exports and prices? Matt Smith, energy analyst at Kpler has more.
Across the Permian Basin, the discovery of plugged oil wells breaking down and leaking.
All aboard? Amtrak set to restore Gulf Coast train service.
Plus, 41 Texans have picked up medals in the Olympics and U.S. women’s soccer brings home the gold after beating Brazil.