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KUT and KUTX news and music podcasts for Austin, Texas and beyond

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Shorter waits for affordable childcare in Austin area

The cost of childcare across the country is on the rise, outpacing the price of in-state college tuition in many states. While many local governments are working to figure out a solution, Travis County is ahead of the game.

The pool at Barton Springs was first built around a century ago. But the springs that feed it have been around since long before humans ever arrived in Austin. More from our ATXplained series.

Many Austin Energy customers were left without power after strong winds and heavy rains dropped hail and tree limbs across Central Texas. We’ll have an update and a look ahead at the forecast.

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

South Texas LNG boom promises jobs — but at what cost?

The state’s biggest school district, already under state control, now faces a civil rights investigation by the federal government. The probe into Houston Independent School District focuses on plans to change how special education services are delivered — what some believe may amount to illegal segregation.
A massive liquefied natural gas export terminal is rising near the Laguna Madre, bringing promises of economic growth to the Rio Grande Valley — but not everyone is on board.
Democrat James Talarico is making big gains in the U.S. Senate race, railing against billionaires. But a new investigation finds some billionaires backing his campaign. We’ll have a closer look.
Also, remembering the leader of a distinctly hot dance orchestra back in the 1950’s. These days, he’s often called the father of Tejano music.

Facing deficit, Austin ISD to cut educator salaries

The Austin Independent School District is set to cut more than 200 educator salaries as they work to address a multimillion-dollar budget deficit. District officials have also identified other ways to reduce the deficit, including cuts to the central office and projected revenue from real estate sales.

The City of Austin has given the green light to almost a million dollars in taxpayer money toward a lawsuit alleging city and state police raided the wrong home in South Austin. We’ll hear more about the lawyers they’re using in this case and others.

Three young brothers in TX who play mariachi music were detained by ICE back in February as a part of President Trump’s immigration crack down. The brothers got out 2 weeks later, and country music super star Kasey Musgraves heard their story and invited the boys on the Texas leg of her new tour. We’ll hear more about their story.

Austin Psych Fest kicks off today and there are plenty of local acts to catch over the weekend. We’ve got the names you’ll want to keep your eyes and ears on.

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

Austin considers new contract with Texas Gas Service

The Austin City Council is considering a vote to renew its contract with a for-profit utility that provides natural gas to the city, despite long-standing dissatisfaction locally with gas rates.

The IHOP near downtown Austin has finally been sold at auction. The pancake purveyor has remained steady despite rampant development all around it. Why it finally happened.

We’re nearing the end of the school year, and some students in Austin ISD won’t be back on their campus next year amid school closures. We’ll hear about Bedichek Middle School’s final track and field competition.

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

Austin Police response times ticking upward, even as calls go down

Austin’s SAFE Alliance will no longer provide exams for sexual assault survivors because of a funding shortfall. Other programs could also be on the chopping block. We’ll talk about how others are planning to assist.

A swift local police response to the March shooting at Buford’s on Sixth Street was commended in the days after the tragedy. But overall, reaction times from Austin Police are trending upward — even though fewer calls are coming in.

Ruben Ramos, better known to his fans as El Gato Negro, has a new album coming out this week. The project is produced by Carrie Rodriguez and revisits music from the early years of Ramos’ career.

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

Infowars site shuts down amid tussle with The Onion

A group of civil rights organizations filed a new lawsuit this week seeking to stop parts of the law that would let state police arrest people suspected of illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. We’ll have more about the law and why it’s been paused.

Infowars, long home to Austin-based conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, shut down quietly over the weekend. It’s the latest in what’s been a years-long back-and-forth with the satirical publication The Onion over the property.

An Austin Shakespeare company is starting a new era after losing their home theatre.

Also, the sounds and impacts from Austin’s music scene go far beyond the city limits.

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

Supreme Court order keeps abortion pill access in flux

The Supreme Court intervenes in the battle over the medication mifepristone that is used for abortions mailed across the country.
An ICE agent shot and killed Ruben Ray Martinez, a U.S. citizen, on South Padre Island in 2025 — but his family in San Antonio didn’t find out how he died for nearly a year. What happened?
Plus, Houston ISD proposes major changes for special education.
Also, a look at the history of the Voting Rights Act and how it reshaped Texas.
And a large, unusual animal was spotted in south Austin. What is it and why is it roaming the area?

Texas businesses can keep selling smokable hemp for now

Texas hemp businesses can keep selling their cannabis flower and concentrate products for now, after a Travis County judge blocked key parts of the state’s new hemp regulations while a lawsuit against those rules and increased fees plays out.

There was just one bidder for the contract to take operational control of three struggling Austin ISD middle schools. The move is being made in an effort to avoid a state takeover. Acacia Coronado, Austin Current’s education reporter, joins us to talk about this.

A new memoir from Austin-based writer Jo-Anne Berelowitz, “Somewhere I Belong,” is a reflection on home, family and her Jewish faith.

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

Latin Heat w/ DJ Manny Mo

On this episode, we speak with, friend of the show, DJ Manny Mo about the rise of latin music in the last few years. We also talk about the latest fall out from Ticketmaster. Hip-hop facts include facts about Tina Turner, Janet Jackson, Jamiroquai and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is about how Drake isn’t too big to fail as an artist.

Georgetown voters to decide on selling part of water system

Voters in Georgetown will decide this weekend whether to sell off parts of their water system. The parts up for consideration lay outside the city limits, and the election comes as Georgetown is looking to manage rising costs.

Construction at the Austin Surf Club near the airport has come to a stop, and now contractors have filed millions in liens against the developers.

Its may first, but before we leave April too far behind, we’re chatting with Ryan Wen of our sister station KUTX about his top song picks of the month for April. New Austin Music You Need To Know: April 2026

Austin actor Ben McKenzie’s new documentary, “Everyone is Lying to You for Your Money,” takes a hard look at the world of cryptocurrency. We chat about his film and his appearance this weekend at the KUT Festival.

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

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.

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.

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