texas

APD, councilmembers hear from public about ICE enforcement in tense meeting

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis and members of the Austin City Council met with community members this week to talk about local Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations and the city and police’s role in them. The meeting was billed as a conversation but turned into a shouting match that laid bare the community tensions around ICE enforcement in the Austin area and around the country. We’ll talk more about that meeting, and we’ll hear from some of the voices who were there.

Construction is happening on a new convention center in downtown Austin. Even so, a judge could rule any day on an effort to stop anything new from being built.

The new “wishbone” pedestrian bridge is opening this weekend on the eastern end of Lady Bird Lake. We’ll hear more about it.

Steven Skybell speaks about playing Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof playing at the Austin Opera House tonight and this weekend. We’ll hear more about it.

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!

Some students and teachers see benefits from cell phone ban

Teachers and students in the Round Rock school district say they’re seeing benefits from a statewide ban on cell phones in public school classrooms. The ban went into effect at the beginning of this school year, and some students say they feel more engaged inside the classroom and outside of it, too. We’ll have more from Williamson County.

Elon Musk’s Tesla stands to lose millions in tax rebates unless they meet Travis County requirements. Another Musk-owned business is looking for the same deal, except with state funds. Why critics are questioning whether the potential tax incentives are an efficient use of state tax dollars.

Texas prisons without air conditioning routinely reach 90 degrees in the summer heat, with some even topping the triple-digit mark. Such temperatures would routinely violate state standards for other types of lockups, like county jails. We’ve got more data and more about that story on today’s show.

Plus, this week in Texas music history, Willie Nelson finishes up a pair of classic albums. Can you guess which ones? Listen in to find out.

Austin area students stage walkouts over ICE actions

Student walkout demonstrations in the Austin area continued this week in protest of Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Texas and across the country. The Austin Independent School District has come under fire from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton over such actions. We’ll hear from some of the students who participated in the walkout, as well as their parents.

We’ll also follow up on an incident at a demonstration Monday in Hays County – hearing from more student voices, and ways to deal with everything that we’re seeing on social media these days.

February is Black History Month, and Austin is chock full of Black music history. We’ll listen to a small piece of it today on Austin Signal.

Analysis finds extreme heat inside Texas prisons

Texas state prisons that don’t have a/c get so hot in summer with temperatures that violate state standards for other lockups.
Also, well-known former Texas Police Chief Art Acevedo questions tactics used by immigration agents in Minneapolis. We’ll hear from him about his concerns over fallout for other law enforcement.
And we’ll check in to see how people in Kerr County are coping with the mental health consequences in the aftermath of the July 4 flood.
Plus, the legacy of Houston hip-hop pioneer Michael “5000” Watts

Austin warming shelter’s lack of nutritious food draws concern

Nighttime temperatures in Austin won’t be cold enough this week to warrant the opening of warming shelters, but last month’s prolonged freeze did highlight the lack of nutritious food being served at one refuge in town. We’ll hear from someone who’s taken shelter there and the people helping to fill the need.

Travis County District Attorney José Garza is joining a group of DA’s banding together to hold federal officers accountable to the rule of law. We’ll look at what brought them together, and the complicated process that the project is hoping to tackle.

And a new photo exhibit at the Austin Central Library celebrates Black-owned businesses in Austin, and their role in preserving the city’s cultural history.

Democrat makes surprise win in solid-red Texas district

In a little-watched race, Taylor Rehmet’s surprise win for Democrats in Texas may be a potential warning shot for Republicans in a midterm election year. Is this a one-off, or is the GOP in trouble in the Lone Star State?
Also, Texas environmental regulators greenlight what looks like the largest fossil-fueled power plant project in the country. We’ll dig into what it might tell us about energy and the environment in Texas going forward.

Austin Needs Hip-Hop

On this episode we talk about how when the city of Austin embraces hip-hop, it’s relevancy, and pockets, increase. We also discuss Kanye’s recent apology and if we believe him or not. Hip-hop facts include facts about Destiny’s Child, J. Cole, The Notorious B.I.G. and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is that New York rappers benefit more from standing new to rappers from other coasts than the opposite being true.

Austin nurses hold vigil for Alex Pretti

Local nurses led a peaceful vigil last night in Austin for Alex Pretti, the Minnesota ICU nurse shot and killed over the weekend by U.S. immigration officers. We’ll hear about the latest instance of local folks protesting ongoing customs and border patrol activities in Minneapolis.

Three Austin ISD middle schools could get a fifth failing accountability rating, which means the state might step in to run them. We’ll learn about an alternative to that, and whether or not it worked at another AISD middle school.

Plus, we’ll introduce you to folks who took in some canine companions during the recent winter storm.

And, an Austin comedy show where the comedians get heckled on purpose.

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.

City of Austin paid out $143 million in overtime in 2025

Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minnesota have caught the attention of the nation and the world in recent weeks. Meanwhile, such operations in Texas have been taking place at the same time. We’ll check in with folks from Elgin, just outside of Austin, to hear how it’s impacting them.

The City of Austin paid out more than $143 million dollars to its employees in 2025. Five city departments regularly account for the bulk of overtime spending. We’ll go over which departments they are.

Plus, a spot in East Austin is building community beyond its menu by bringing folks together with Chess and Doodle Nights. We hear more about the community garden that’s growing.

How the Austin area fared amid arctic front

An arctic cold front brought freezing precipitation to the Austin area over the weekend. Classes were cancelled today at UT Austin and most school districts in Central Texas. Still, the area made out much better this time than in ice storms of years past. We’ll have more about the situation locally and this week’s forecast.

The most high-profile candidates for the Texas Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate race in November – U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and State Rep. James Talarico – debated each other in Georgetown over the weekend. We’ll recap the cases they made and the status of the race ahead of the March primary.

Plus, Annabelle Chairlegs is the KUTX Artist of the Month for January. Their new record “Waking Up” is out this Friday. We’ll chat with group lead Lindsey Mackin and hear from the band’s Studio 1A performance.

Trap Or Die

On this episode we discuss the recent conversation from some rappers about the “F The Streets” movement and if we think it’s legit or a marketing ploy. We also discuss our favorite albums from the sub-genre of hip-hop titled “trap rap” and agree that one album reins supreme. Hip-hop facts include facts about Will Smith, Christopher Nolan, The Gorillaz and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is that your favorite rapper (Jay-Z, 50 Cent, etc.) might be an elitist.

The latest on the freeze heading towards Austin

The forecast continues to evolve as an arctic cold front heads towards the Austin area this weekend. Temperatures are forecast to remain below freezing starting Saturday night in Central Texas and could stay that way through Monday. We’ll have the latest forecasts and updates from city officials.

Austin Community College’s free tuition pilot program ballooned to nearly 10,000 students this academic year. We’ll look at the students who are being impacted and the things they’re learning about.

Huston-Tillotson University’s Jazz Orchestra is among the top bands in the country. We’ll hear about their competition last weekend in New York.

Plus, photojournalism collides with original songwriting in the new project “Witness.” We share a special sneak listen.

Arctic front bears down on Austin, Central Texas

An arctic cold front is approaching Austin and Central Texas. The National Weather Service has already issued an Extreme Cold Watch and a Winter Storm Warning for the weekend. We’ll have more about the latest forecasts and the ways for you to be prepared.

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement operations have continued in Central Texas. KUT News has obtained video of one such incident in Kyle. As these operations increase, so does the concern for public safety amid reports of slack hiring practices and training regulations for ICE officers. Speaking with Austin Signal is Alain Stephens, investigative reporter for the Intercept covering gun violence, arms trafficking, and federal law enforcement.

Plus, it’s Hi, How Are You Day in Austin. We’ll share how you can celebrate.

Why bats in Austin may be living rent-free in your apartment

Early voting for the upcoming primaries in Texas begins next month. Up in Williamson County, things are going to be a little different this election cycle. Voters there will no longer be able to vote at any polling site on Election Day. We’ll talk about why that is, and the impacts it could have.

Protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement have continued in the Austin area this week. Demonstrators gathered outside Austin City Hall on Tuesday. We’ll hear more from those who took part.

Plus, bats have long found a cozy home here in Austin, but they’re not just nestling up under the South Congress bridge.

And living, dying and grief is the subject of a short film premiering this weekend in Austin.

Alleged outside ties shut some area schools out of voucher program

Hundreds of private schools in Texas are being shut out of the state’s new school voucher program because of alleged ties to some organizations or foreign governments, and that includes dozens of schools in the Austin area. We’ll have more about the voucher program and its continuing rollout.

Plus, hobbies can lead to rewarding experiences, but carving out the time to invest in one can be tough. We’ll hear the story of a group of skaters in Austin that prioritizes community and fun – despite their busy schedules.

And the executive director for Texas Performing Arts stepped into the role just months before the pandemic forced shows to stop and theatres to close. We’ll hear what he learned about the job and the future of arts and performances going forward.

ICE operations in Hays County lead to detainment, injury

A person was detained last week by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Kyle. The man had to be transported to the hospital, according to local police, and the KUT Newsroom is working to get more details on the story.

An attorney for the student who was deported while flying back to Austin for a holiday says the federal government admitted it violated a court order when it deported her to Honduras. Any López Belloza, an Austin-raised student at Babson College outside of Boston, was detained after trying to fly home to Austin before Thanksgiving. We’ll have more about her story and her status.

It’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and we’ll hear from him through archival audio in a reflection from the podcast In Black America.

Is Austin Hip-Hop Getting In Its Own Way?

On this episode of The Breaks we discuss if Austin hip-hop artists are hindering their careers in any way. We also discuss if J. Cole’s upcoming album The Fall Off is the most important one of his career. Hip-hop facts include facts about Nas, Sade, Justin Timberlake and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion this week is about New York not allowing hip-hop to grow by staying within its city limits.

New program aims to address complaints against Austin Police

Complaints against Austin Police could be worked out through a new city program focused on mediation. We’ll hear more about what these types of guided conversations to address community concerns could look and sound like.

There is a downtown fixture close to Rainey Street that has somehow avoided becoming yet another Austin skyrise – the IHOP on Cesar Chavez, of course. We’ll hear about the real estate drama behind its longevity and what the future could hold for the building and the land it’s built on.

This week in Texas music history we hear about how the Karnes City country singer, Goldie Hill, struck gold in Nashville and set a precedent for women in country music.

Plus, a conversation with the director of a new documentary on podcasting. The “Age of Audio,” premieres at Austin Film Society this weekend.