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

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Austinites join nationwide protests after ICE shooting in Minneapolis

People in the Austin area joined with many thousands of others across the country in protesting after an ICE officer fatally shot a woman this week in Minneapolis. Demonstrators gathered outside a Department of Homeland Security building in Pflugerville. We’ll bring you some of those voices.


After a U.S. military operation in Caracas last weekend, Venezuelans in Austin are hoping for bigger changes before they feel ready to go back home. We’ll hear from them, along with a Venezuelan-Texan author based here in Austin.


Plus, how did Austin come to be known as “The Live Music Capital of the World”? Come and dig into the ATXplained vault with us.

New rules for hemp products proposed

The state health agency in Texas has proposed new rules for hemp products. Those rules could mean higher fees for businesses, more testing for products, and could effectively outlaw access to hemp flower. We’ll look at what’s being proposed and how Texas business owners are feeling about it.

Plus, after oak wilt claimed a tree in his yard, local artist Steve Parker turned its wood into a sonic experience. His solo exhibit at Ivester Contemporary features wooden records and wind instruments. We’ll experience some of those sounds for ourselves.

What do you get when you mix Austin’s best music station with an Austin music venue and stage that’s famous the world over? We’ve got the “Hole Story” right here on Austin Signal. And who is Lavada Durst to Austin’s music History? We’ve got the answer. 

Austin-Bergstrom bringing big changes in the new year

Austinites aren’t the only ones who are bringing some change to the new year. The airport in Austin will be undergoing some modifications in 2026. More gates, more flights – and more construction.
We’ll take a closer look at the changes happening at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Plus, a major milestone has been reached in the construction of a new water delivery system underneath Lake Travis. Once it’s finished, the system is expected to increase the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority’s water supply to 145 million gallons per day and reduce its vulnerability to drought.

Maybe you’ve decided to cut back on alcohol to start the year. That doesn’t mean a relaxing drink should be a boring one. We’ve got some Dry January recipes that’ll jazz up your 2026.

Traces of Texas – A priceless gift for all Texans

It’s been a bit of a tradition over the years for commentator WF Strong to offer up a story of thanks each holiday season — for what he calls a great gift to Texas.

Often, the honor has gone to someone long gone. But this year, he’s thanking someone still very much with us — and hopefully with many decades still ahead.

Check out Traces of Texas

Stories From Texas is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. 

You can support our work by donating at supportthispodcast.org.

How Austinites may be affected with Affordable Care Act subsidies expired

As we embark on the new year, many are expecting higher costs for the health care they need to live their best lives. That’s after Congress failed to extend subsidies to the Affordable Care Act during last year’s government shutdown and ahead of the new year deadline. We’ll talk about how Austinites and Texans will be affected in 2026.
The City of Austin and a former APD officer are being sued for excessive force. Austin has struggled for years to change the culture at APD’s training academy. We’ll have more about both those stories on today’s show.
Plus, we’ve got some advice on how to best achieve those financials goals you set for 2026.

What entered the public domain in 2026?

The latest from inside Venezuela as the Trump administration takes over and an interim president is sworn in.
A look at the on again, off again immigration status of Venezuelans seeking asylum in this country – and Texas, in particular.
Dallas County prosecuted its first fentanyl dealer, so how did the case fall apart?
Birders have been busy with the annual Christmas Bird Count. A look at what they saw along the coast of Galveston Island.
And with a new year comes a new Public Domain Day. From Betty Boop to “The Maltese Falcoln,” the Standard’s Shelly Brisbin breaks down the latest entries.

Crime statistics for Austin trended downward in 2025

Crime statistics for Austin trended downward in 2025, with the city experiencing the lowest number of murders this decade. We’ll talk about the trends, both locally and nationally, and discuss why the sentiment that crime is rising still persists.

Also, the city has released an updated design plan for a revamped Sixth Street. What will it look like and when will that work begin?

Plus, the first full week of January means it’s Free Week in Austin. Some of the city’s finest musicians will be putting on shows in venues across the city. We’ll have a lay of the land and let you know what our sister station KUTX is cooking up.

New year, new Texas laws on the books

The start of 2026 brings a bevy of new laws across the state, with a focus on taxes. Other new legislation focuses on artificial intelligence and how sheriff’s offices will work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

New toll lanes have opened on 183 North, and the additional access could mean increased traffic on your drive home.

Looking to cut back on distractions in the new year? We’ve got some techniques that you can use to keep your focus strong in 2026.

Reflecting on the year in Austin as 2025 winds down

It’s the final day of 2025, and we’ve been taking some time to listen back and reflect on the year that was here in Austin.

Austinites love supporting local shops and restaurants, but the hard truth is that running any kind of business is the city is a difficult and expensive pursuit. A look back at some local businesses that shuttered their doors for good this year.

Plus: New Year’s festivities bring on annual traditions — have you got yours ready? Come and share some good home cookin’ with us.

What Austin called 311 about in 2025

This year, Austinites reached out to 311 with 285,000 requests, covering everything from garbage and loud music to animal bites and scooters. We’ve got more about those requests —  and some coyotes.

KUT News launched a new desk in 2025: the Art Beat. We’re talking about the year in arts in Austin, including the return of a beloved outdoor gallery and the venues that are planning for the future.

The Texas Longhorns wrap up their football season tomorrow against Michigan. It’s not the ending fans and pundits predicted at the start of the year, but perhaps things aren’t as dark as they seem.

Reflecting on the year of news in Austin

It’s the last week of 2025, and we’re reflecting on the year of news here in Austin, including:
Resolution in a decades-long cold case known as the Yogurt Shop Murders.
The summer’s deadly flooding in Austin and Central Texas.
School campuses set to shutter across the city.

We’re also taking a look at the status of Austin’s housing market heading into the new year.

Plus: Another favorite track from 2025, and a look at some of the artists we lost this year.

What it’s like to work as a Paramount usher

It’s been a busy year, and KUT’s multimedia team has been capturing the moments that defined Austin in 2025. So which ones stood out most?  Visuals Editor Deborah Cannon takes us through the year in photos.

The Paramount Theatre is known for hosting unforgettable events — but have you ever wondered how audiences find their seats in the rush before showtime? What it’s like to work as an usher.

The year is winding down, but we still have songs for ya! Technical director Rayna Sevilla shares her top song of the year.

Plus: More local news coverage is headed to Austin with the launch of the Austin Current.

Caldwell library expands adult education classes

A library in Caldwell has become a beacon of hope for adults looking to get their GED or further their education — and volunteers are helping make that possible. The Texas Standard’s Sarah Asch has the story.

A look back at major developments in the business world this year and how they’re shaping the Austin area.

A Minnesota-based program that creates music inspired by stories of children in need worked with a 9-year-old Austin boy with a fatal genetic disorder on a piece that was performed by the Austin Children’s Choir.

Records in Ken Paxton divorce case are unsealed

Records in the divorce case for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton have been unsealed after a judge’s order. We’re talking with the Texas Newsroom’s Lauren McGaughy to find out what that means for the case.

Travelers at the Austin airport will soon have more options. KUT transportation reporter Nathan Bernier has the details on the newest flights coming to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Plus: a look inside the Press Room in Hyde Park, which is home to a vintage letterpress and a vast collection of original cinema advertising prints.

A Year In Review 2025

On this episode we review our favorite moments from the show as well as our favorite moments from the culture at large. Hip-hop facts include facts about Jim Carrey, Denzel Washington, Will Smith and more. Fresh’s last Unpopular Opinion of the year is that dancing is more apart of hip-hop than people want to admit.

Austin reaches labor contract deal with city’s firefighters

Austin has reached a four-year, $63 million contract deal with the city’s firefighters, ending months of negotiations with the Austin Firefighters Association.

Calling all bird enthusiasts: Texas Standard’s Raul Alonzo explains what a bird count is, why it matters, and how you can take part.

KUTX’s Confucius Jones, one half of hip-hop podcast The Breaks, shares his favorite song of the year.

Plus: If you’re looking for TV shows to watch over the holidays, Jennifer Morgan, the ATX TV Festival’s head of programming, joins us with some picks.

How Three Gifts To UT Gave All Texans A Fourth: The Gift Of The Stars (re-run)

In December, members of the Texas Standard team had the joy of trekking out to far West Texas for a special live broadcast from the McDonald Observatory.

As we drove up into the mountains beyond Fort Davis, we recalled this story commentator WF Strong told us years ago about how the McDonald Observatory came to be.

Stories From Texas is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. 

You can support our work by donating at supportthispodcast.org.

State making list of trans Texans using driver’s license data

The state of Texas is collecting information on transgender Texans using data from driver’s licenses — and it’s not clear what exactly that information is being used for. The Texas Newsroom’s investigative reporter and editor, Lauren McGaughy, has the story.

The Trump administration is looking to make changes to federal policy that could affect how homeless service providers do their work here in the Austin area. We sit down with Kate Moore from the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition to learn more.

Under the twinkling lights of the 37th Street Lights is a surprising group of fluffy friends ready to be adopted. The price for a stuffed animal? One simple task.

Protecting monarch butterflies on Texas highways

He’s been an elected Democrat for over 50 years, but now local party officials in Houston are refusing to endorse Mayor John Whitmire. Unwinding the political drama, today on the Texas Standard.
Texas’ new bathroom law effects schools and government-owned buildings, but one reporter found enforcement depends on exactly where you go.
Texans Michael and Susan Dell are giving away billions to American kids. Who’s eligible and how the donation will work alongside so-called Trump Accounts.
Texas drivers know monarch butterflies all too often end up on our windshields or car grills. Efforts are underway to protect their road crossings.
Plus, some environmental concerns for the popular Dinosaur Valley State Park.

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