Tarrant County, a big Texas county seen by some as key in the upcoming midterms, cuts the number of polling places. We’ll have the backstory.
It’s not political convention season — or is it? What looks like an unconventional convention set for Dallas.
Also, more on a mysterious kidney disease that’s arrived in Texas hitting young men from Central America especially hard. We’ll hear what health officials are saying.
Plus, Texas Beachcomber Jace Tunnell, the Tacos of Texas and much more.
texas
Austin ISD bus hubs, Challenges for childcare providers, Data center sustainability
High schoolers in the Austin Independent School District are navigating a new transportation system this year. And some parents say their kids are having to walk long and sometimes dangerous routes.
Travis County’s $50 million investment in childcare is expanding access for some — but providers are still struggling.
Polling suggests a majority of Texans are opposed to a data center being built in their community. How can data centers can be built more sustainably and become better neighbors?
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Texas hospitals face Medicaid funding freeze
$27 million a day. That’s how much Texas hospitals are losing because of a disagreement with the Trump administration over Medicaid funding. We’ll have the details.
Much of the talk of the November election in Texas has focused on the race for U.S. Senate. But who will be Texas’ next attorney general? We’ll share a closer look at candidates Mayes Middleton and Nathan Johnson.
As tropical winds and rain make their way through parts of Texas, some coastal homeowners worry about being able to secure insurance for future storms. We’ll go over what’s changing.
Plus, enormous electric power lines are one step closer to going up in West Texas. A look at how the state says this will help meet growing energy demand.
And “Gunsmoke,” a TV show from decades ago, is getting renewed attention on streaming. Commentator W.F. Strong tells us why he is watching.
Austin’s sister cities, New state laws, US citizen returns after deportation
New state laws take effect today. What to know and what’s changing.
An Austinite is back in the country after being deported. Why was the U.S. citizen was deported in the first place, and how often does this happen?
Do you know how many sister cities Austin has the world over — or what a sister city even is? ATXplained has the answers.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Marfa’s Palace Theater could soon see new life
Tropical Storm Edouard heads toward the Texas coast. What to expect as it makes landfall.
An update on recovery efforts in Nepal, where Texans are among the missing.
How Texas is helping mount a defense against hackers who broke into systems that control water infrastructure across the U.S.
New laws take effect as September begins. We’ll highlight some of the big ones, including one that is supposed to prevent solar panel sale fraud.
Plus: Bringing Marfa’s historic Palace Theater back to life.
Austin Do We Have A Problem?
On this episode we discuss what are favorite rappers bio movies are and our reservations about the upcoming Snoop Dogg film. We also discuss whether or not Austin is trying to ease off its support for hip-hop in comparison to years past. Hip-Hip Facts this week include facts about MC Hammer, Prince, Case and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion this week is that Austin having break out artists won’t elevate the scene like previously believed.
Energy costs & public health, GED offers a second chance, KUTX songs of August
Austin’s energy market is regulated. Other Central Texas cities’ markets aren’t. A look at the impacts on public health.
This month, 1.5 million Texas high schoolers went back to the classrooms, and a harsh reality is not all of them will graduate. The GED plays an important role in offering people a second chance and economic mobility.
College football is back in full swing this weekend, and if you’re planning a tailgate or a party, you’re gonna need the music to bring the energy. We’ve got the best songs of August from our buddies over at KUTX.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
What NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope could teach us about the universe
Liftoff for a mission set to answer cosmic mysteries. We’ll go over the main objectives and the West Texas connection for NASA’s new Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.
This summer, thousands of enlisted troops were forced out of a major Texas base over dangerous living conditions — the tip of the iceberg when it comes to barracks in disrepair.
Also, why some activists say a Lubbock library is breaking state law, and what Lt. Governor Dan Patrick is threatening to do.
Texas’ electricity free market helped boost renewables, but did it really make electricity cheaper as promised?
Plus, the Austinites hoping to bring back a love of Shakespeare.
Also, a trip out to Texas’ Goat Island.
The 8% Guarantee: Why Waiting on Social Security Pays Off
Carl takes caller and text questions on the importance of consolidating when it comes to retirement accounts, social security benefits, and how to put away money for the futures of your children.
Austin writing data center rules, Great Austin Shake Off, Dolly Parton tributes
The Austin City Council has kicked off a long process focused on creating new rules and requirements for large-scale data centers. Some council members say it’s imperative to get a leg up, before any future construction takes hold.
The Austin Independent School District Board of Trustees is at risk of being taken over by state-selected appointees. So why would anyone be interested in running for a board seat? There are a few reasons.
When’s the last time you actually read work by William Shakespeare? A local group is working to bring the Bard’s word back to the masses with a competition called the Great Austin Shake Off.
Plus: The details on some some Dolly Parton tribute shows this weekend.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Texas-Minnesota extradition fight tests limits of federalism
Texas frees immigration officer Christian Castro, who is wanted for a shooting in Minnesota, raising critical legal and practical questions about federalism.
An attempt by the Trump administration to lower beef prices has many Texas ranchers upset.
Also, a look at what appears to be a groundbreaking new treatment in Texas for people with Parkinsons using ultrasound to stop tremors.
And as polls show Democrat James Talarico pulling ahead of his Republican rival, President Trump comes to Texas to boost support for Ken Paxton.
Plus, the week in politics with the Texas Tribune and much more.
Evictions at Community First Village, KUTX artist of the month, Future Front Fest
Over the last five years, the Community First Village — which has drawn national attention as a new model to get people off the streets — has drastically increased the number of evictions filed against residents.
Paige Plaisance, KUTX’s Artist of the Month for August, melds a killer voice with the sounds of swampytonkin’.
The Future Front Festival is marking a decade of creating the the kind of diverse programming it wanted to see in the world.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Meta agrees to massive settlements over teen social media harms
Ottawa and Washington may seem distant to many Texans, but increasing rhetoric between the two has Texas in the crosshairs. We’ll examine how a trade war between allies could wind up costing Texas billions.
Other stories we’re tracking: A historic multibillion dollar settlement from Meta has been reached over the use of social media by young people. What changes, what doesn’t and what it may mean longer-term.
As smart glasses get smarter, tech expert Omar Gallaga focuses on the privacy concerns inspiring new apps.
Remember the Alamo? What about Gonzales? Filmmaker John Franklin Rinehart is making sure folks don’t forget.
Austin considers data center regulations, Dolly Parton’s guitar, New UIL heat rules
The Austin City Council is considering some regulations around data centers. That includes defining where they might be built, and how they’re categorized by size and demand on resources.
There are new rules for students participating in outdoor UIL competitions designed to protect kids from the brutal Texas heat. We’ll tell you what’s changing.
Some big names are on the way out of Austin FC. Who’s on the move and who’s available for tonight’s Leagues Cup match.
Dolly Parton gifted a rhinestoned guitar to Austin drag queen Brigitte Bandit. She can’t play it, but she can pretend — and she’s got a story for a lifetime.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
A Texas remembrance of Dolly Parton
Tens of thousands of acres are burning in West Texas. We’ll check in on containment efforts and the ongoing wildfire risk.
Republicans from all over the country will be gathering in Texas soon to drum up support for the November election. We’ll have a look at how the Texas GOP has evolved.
Chinese biotech firms have become a major force in the global pharmaceutical market. We’ll look at what Americans should know about where new medicine may be coming from.
Houston Police have been collaborating with ICE. We’ll share how the collaboration has impacted one man’s life.
And Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80. We went looking for a Texan who could help us remember this icon of country music and beyond — and found a longtime collaborator and friend in Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson.
West Texas power line fight grows as data center demand surges
The data center backlash has lawmakers rolling back plans to expand high-power transmission lines. We’ll have a look at what it means for rural residents.
Also, how seniors are coping with the high cost of food.
Plus, if you have pet, you know veterinary care can be costly. That has some families skipping a trip to the vet. A Texas organization steps in to help.
Also, mapping extreme heat: Why certain parts of Houston result in more people ending up in the hospital.
And as students begin a new school year and cheer on their teams, which high school has the strangest mascot?
UT liberal arts changes, Waterway pollution report, KUT summer reading party
School is back in session on the UT Austin campus, and it’s far from business as usual for students and staff in a newly consolidated department.
Programs with decades of history on the 40 Acres — including Mexican American and Latina and women’s, gender and sexuality studies — are no more.
The punishing heat only makes sweeter that refreshing feeling of jumping into the river to cool off. But bacteria levels in Texas waterways bring a risk with the cooling reward.
Have you been playing KUT’s Summer Reading Bingo? Join us at a party this week to celebrate, talk about the books you finished and pick up a prize!
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
What’s behind the recent surge in food recalls?
Texas youth prisons go on lockdown after assaults on correctional staff, with one official saying young detainees are “becoming more violent and more aggressive.” We’ll hear about the effects of the lockdown and what happens next.
Why are we seeing a surge in food safety concerns and outbreaks of illness in Texas and other states? We’ll dive in and share some steps on staying safe.
With heat warnings in effect across much of the state, the University Interscholastic League makes heat safety guidelines mandatory.
New Generations of Hip-Hop
On this episode we have a conversation with KUTX interns Joel and Monica about their first introduction to hip-hop. Hip-Hop Facts include facts about Frank Ocean, Jay-Z, Outkast and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion this week is that Do It Yourself artists do more harm than good to their careers.
Austin-San Antonio passenger rail, No Wrong Door program, Weekend arts events
A passenger rail link between Austin and San Antonio is now being presented with two very different paths forward. Union Pacific says its freight railroad still doesn’t have capacity to do it — and the other option comes with a price tag exceeding $13 billion.
A new city initiative, No Wrong Door, is looking to help people trapped in cycles of homelessness, incarceration and hospitalization.
Plus: Looking for weekend plans? We have a look at arts events around town.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org