Another ICE shooting in Texas, this time in the Texas capital city on Sunday.
Also, what could be an important week of speeches and negotiations in New York. UT’s Michael Mosser joins the Standard with more on what to look for, and what’s at stake at the UN general assembly gathering.
With much of the UN focused on current conflicts, we’ll hear how an expansion of the war between the U.S. and Iran is having ripple effects for Texas.
A lake in Abilene becomes the latest to get the state’s most severe rating for the infestation of invasive zebra mussels.
And Ethan Hawke narrates the new documentary “Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers” about the waterways and aquifers of the Lone Star State. We’ll talk with director Ben Masters.
Water
Houston G20 energy summit confronts high oil and gasoline prices
As concerns grow over data centers in Texas, something is conspicuously missing: Reliable data on the impact. We’ll have a look at the search for real numbers.
A global conference on energy wraps in Houston as gas prices reach wallet-slimming levels across the Lone Star State. We’ll hear more on the G20 energy summit and ask about a possible disconnect.
Facebook’s parent company Meta claims to be doing more to protect children and privacy, but a new controversy is calling those claims into question.
Texas Monthly barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn dishes on what to do when something’s off about the brisket.
Special: The Data Center Next Door
It seems like every day, you hear a new story about data centers.
But beyond the hype, what do we know about them? What are they? Why are so many being built right now? And who gets to decide where they go?
Today, Austin Signal has a special 1-hour show focused on data centers. It’s a special KUT News series called The Data Center Next Door.
The show compiles five stories from KUT county reporters Leigh Walden, Katy McAfee and Kailey Hunt.
You’ll hear how the data center saga is playing out in Texas, the state where more data centers are being planned than anywhere else in the country.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
New developments in Big Bend border wall fight
Border construction in Big Bend National Park is paused — for now. We’ll have an overview of the damage done and what’s next.
Texas received billions from a federal program meant to help provide high-speed internet to underserved communities. But why is it pausing new projects?
Texas is home to the largest detention camp in the country. A year after the opening of the detention facility at Fort Bliss, calls to close it are intensifying.
Some Texans have been notified of high levels of radium in their water. We’ll look at why this happens and potential solutions.
Plus, the National Hockey League is considering another team in Texas. Will it be Austin or Houston?
Could Austin land an NHL franchise?
The city of Austin is nearing decision time on its upcoming fiscal budget. The first draft called for cuts to public health programs, parks and other services. The City Council has spent weeks shaping the version that’ll soon be approved.
Proponents of data centers say they can be a boon to the areas they’re built in. But in Abilene, their presence has spurred a housing crisis. More from our series The Data Center Next Door.
There’s rumors of a second National Hockey League franchise coming to Texas. Austin’s been mentioned as a landing spot, but how real is that talk?
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Competing interests for the Dog’s Head development
We’ve been learning a lot about the Dog’s Head development over the past months, including the future plans a developer would like to see there; how little neighbors knew about the idea as it picked up steam; and the competing interests curious about the project. How those sides sought support from the city.
What are the necessary supplies to power data centers? A lot of water and plenty of electricity. We’ll tell you how much and how that impacts all of us.
Plus, a look ahead at a few art happenings this week in our area.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
A permit loophole for AI power plants
A legal battle over the deep discounts on water bills Corpus Christi gave major companies amid a looming water crisis.
Why some of the new power plants for data centers are using the same permits as dry cleaners and auto body shops that don’t require an environmental review.
A new effort to help more students in foster care get college degrees.
What rising beef prices mean for Texas restaurants, taco trucks and customers.
And: As the semifinals kick off, analysis on the big matches as the World Cup winds down.
What’s next after World Cup knockouts for host countries US, Mexico and Canada
The U.S. Supreme Court declines to block Texas from verifying the age of app-users. We’ll dig into what it means for parents, kids and others.
We continue to remember lives lost in the Hill Country flood a year ago, including beloved Houston artist Tim Walker, whose work lives on in the Bayou City.
Plus, a memorial in the Sandy Creek neighborhood honors victims of the July 4, 2025 flood in Travis County.
Also, her goal was to swim in 50 bodies of water as she approached the age of 50. “Midstream” author Kate Washington on finding new meaning in middle age.
And after the U.S. team’s crushing loss, what’s next for FIFA World Cup fans?
A Central Texas city eyes desalination to help with water woes
Water is never far from the top of concerns for Central Texans and folks across the state. Down in Corpus Christi, plans for a desalination plant are underway, and one Austin-area city is set to spend half a million dollars for a spot in line to get some of that water.
City of Austin leaders are divided on a bond election to improve local roads and parks. The election this November would come just one year after voters soundly rejected a property tax rate increase known as Proposition Q.
Plus, Austin’s food scene is chock full of fine dining experiences, but has that erased the presence of a bonafide Texas staple? Our ATXplained project chewed the question over.
Plus a Few Headlines mentions in the show today:
- And Mexico has their final Group Stage world cup match. Tonight at 8pm against Czechia and watch parties are happening across the city.
- Camp Mystic has filed for chapter 11 Bankruptcy that’s after months of investigations and multiple lawsuits files by the families of those who died in last years deadly July fourth floods.
- Also the Statesman is reporting a ‘Rat infestation’ at St. David’s hospital in South Austin.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Can desalination solve Texas’ water future?
As Texas copes with concerns about water, a small river agency near Corpus Christi makes plans to build the largest desalination plant in the country.
Pesticides used in the Rio Grande Valley may be the link to the large number of Parkinson’s patients in the region.
“The Last 12 Weeks,” a new podcast from The Marshall Project, offers a look behind the scenes at the effort to stop the execution of the El Paso man known as “The Desert Killer.”
And best-selling author Lauren Hough sets off from Austin with her dog on a cross-country road trip for her new book “Monster of a Land.”
Water samples from Austin’s Colony exceed limits for heavy metals
A new study from UT Austin found several water samples collected from the Austin’s Colony neighborhood in far East Austin exceeded regulatory guidelines for lead and other heavy metals. For decades, residents in the area have been at odds with its water provider, a for-profit company.
The Austin Independent School District board voted in favor of more than $200 million in cuts to next year’s school budget — but, in a last-minute change, all campuses will keep a full-time librarian.
The Austin Asian American Film Festival is gearing up for its 18th iteration. What they’ve learned and how they’re honoring the work that’s been done before them.
Plus: An Austin nonprofit celebrates community and connection through stories about pizza.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
What to know about hantavirus
After three deaths on a cruise ship, fears over hantavirus are going viral online. A top Texas epidemiologist shares what science says.
The race for a U.S. Senate seat from Texas is getting a lot of attention as current Attorney General Ken Paxton tries to take the seat of a fellow Republican. But what about the seat he’s vacating? How much do you know about who’s in the running?
Wind power: One of the biggest stories of Texas energy in recent years. But now, wind is set to take second place to something else.
Plus, the week in politics with the Texas Tribune and poetry from the Typewriter Rodeo.
Texas camps race to meet new safety rules
Camp Mystic withdrew its application to operate this summer, but dozens of other Texas camps are still trying to get state approval to open.
Corpus Christi’s water crisis could soon mean people have to make big cuts in water usage — but there’s concern leadership isn’t prepared for the mounting emergency.
A Texan in the Trump administration is facing an ethics complaint. Why Agriculture Commissioner Brooke Rollins is on the defense.
Abilene is trying to increase access to emergency care to a spread-out West Texas population. We’ll look at what they’ve learned.
Plus, checking in on a new program for future space engineers and a new cafe offering opportunity in North Texas.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support our work by becoming a sustaining member at supportthispodcast.org.
South Texas water crisis spreads beyond Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi has been careening towards a water emergency, but it’s not the only city along the Gulf with water woes.
Another court battle over hemp, this time what stores can sell during a longer legal tie-up is at stake.
The United Arab Emirates is leaving the world’s most powerful oil cartel. We’ll look at what that may mean for OPEC and the prices we pay.
New rules for autonomous vehicles are now in effect in Texas, but some experts want to see more.
And commentator W.F. Strong has a story about a man who wanted to build a business in Texas and ended up with a global brand.
Camp Mystic faces reopening doubts as flood hearings begin
Texas lawmakers hold the first public hearings on last July’s deadly flooding at Camp Mystic.
Sticker shock at the supermarket: How some Texans are bypassing the meat counter and going straight to the ranch. The Texas Standard’s Michael Marks with more.
How Greg Abbott has reshaped the state’s top executive office.
Texas is hosting 16 World Cup Matches as officials warn of an increase in sex trafficking. What does the data have to say about the connection to major sports events?
And this week in Texas Music History remembers trumpeter Martin Banks and “The Magic of Ju-Ju.”
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.
Plus: We’ll chat about the work being done to bring together Central Texans of all religious backgrounds.
Big Thief guitarist Buck Meek talks solo album ‘The Mirror’
As Corpus Christi and neighboring cities try to head off a water catastrophe, water demand exceeds supply across Texas and there are new staggering estimates for a statewide water plan. We’ll go over the numbers, what’s behind them, and what comes next.
A runoff for lieutenant governor looms in Texas — but do Texans know either of the candidates?
Also: Born in Houston, raised in Wimberley, and leaving his mark on music worldwide — singer-songwriter Buck Meek on his new solo album, “The Mirror.”
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support our work by becoming a sustaining member at supportthispodcast.org.
Camp Mystic ordered to preserve damaged cabins
Water use for Tesla’s Giga Texas out far beyond East Austin jumped more than 200 million gallons in two years. That’s raising concerns about whether Austin can fulfill its long-term water conservation strategy as plans for a new semiconductor plant could push demand even higher. Sam Stark, Austin Current’s government reporter joins us to talk about this.
A state district judge has ordered Camp Mystic not to alter, demolish, repair or remove structures affected by floodwaters that killed 27 people at the girls’ camp last summer.
This week in Texas music history: Mattie’s Ballroom opens amid East Texas Oil Boom.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Camp Mystic ruling could shape flood accountability case
The biggest city in Texas faces intense pressure from Gov. Greg Abbott over cooperation with immigration enforcement. David Goodman of the New York Times joins us with more on a threat to cut funding for Houston police unless it changes a new policy on collaboration with ICE agents.
What happens next to Camp Mystic? A hearing over what to do with damaged structures as questions remain over last July’s deadly floods.
What’s the price for memory? More than you might imagine, especially if you haven’t bought any recently. Tech expert Omar Gallaga tells us why and what it means.
And whither Artemis? What’s next for the moon.
Texas Extra: City manager remains optimistic in the face of Corpus Christi’s water crisis
The water crisis in Corpus Christi has been on the minds of many Texans for the past few weeks. But in the city itself, officials have been dealing with drought and increased demands for water for years. On April 3, David Brown spoke with Corpus Christi city manager Peter Zanoni about how the city plans to beef up its water supplies, the state’s role and why no water emergency has been declared. This is an extended version of the interview that appeared on the radio show.