The race for a U.S. Senate seat from Texas is the most talked-about ballot contest, but how much real-world impact can the winner actually have?
Other stories on this day before the midterms: A much less talked-about contest for the keeper of the state’s accounts is also soon to be decided. Why have schools have become a major issue in the race for state comptroller?
Anyone else getting political text messages? David Martin Davies reports on the massive pre-Election Day message push.
Political upset in Texas’ hemp industry: Why much of their anger is directed at one politician in particular.
Plus, the annual kickoff of the Austin Film Festival.
Weather
How Texas earned its place in horror movie history
On this last day of early voting, one thing is for certain: Texas will have a new attorney general. We’ll have a look at who’s in the running and why it matters so much.
Also, a closer look at the person who’s transformed that office: What brought Ken Paxton to the place he is today — as the GOP candidate for a hotly contested and closely watched U.S. Senate seat.
Also, who is keeping an eye on the state’s new billion-dollar private school voucher program — and how?
Plus, the week in politics and how Texas became a prominent place in horror films: The movies, the people who made them and more.
Trans advocacy texts and mailers, Housing assistance for aging musicians, October songs to know
A Travis County judge says a telecommunications company and a Wyoming LLC must reveal who sent unauthorized texts and mailers purporting to come from Texas transgender advocacy groups.
Friday is the last day to cast an early ballot in next week’s midterm elections, and it looks like rain could be another factor to consider when making your plan to vote. We’ll have the latest forecast.
Housing insecurity in Austin is a big issue, especially for musicians aging here in the Live Music Capital of the World. More about a local nonprofit that’s trying to change those outlooks.
It’s been a great month of new music here in Austin. KUTX is sharing songs to know from October.
Remembering labor and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta
Could control of the Lone Star State come down to turnout in smaller Texas cities? A look at dueling rallies in Lubbock and what they add up to.
Other stories we’re tracking: One of the most powerful offices in Texas is up for grabs yet seemingly far from the media spotlight. What’s at stake in the contest for Texas Land Commissioner and why it matters so much.
Nearly 2 million Texas voters land on the so-called suspense list. We’ll break the suspense over what that actually means.
Also, remembering labor leader and activist Dolores Huerta and her impact here in the Lone Star State.
And the strange, unsettling worlds of filmmaker Jane Schoenbrun.
What changed for women in Texas politics after Ann Richards
It’s been three decades since Texas had a Democratic governor — or a female one. We’ll have a conversation looking at what we can learn from when Ann Richards held the office.
Texas leads the country in oil production. We also lead in wind energy. But how far away is Texas from a hydrogen-fueled economy?
Reporting about the immigration crackdown across the U.S. has primarily focused on big cities. But in the small town of Ingram in the Texas Hill Country, the impact has felt personal.
Has your mailbox and text messages filled up with political claims? We’ll share a closer look at what we learned when digging into who sent messages about trans youth.
Plus, the frightening facts behind a beloved Texas horror film.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders form a union
With just a week to go before Election Day, a look at how the governor’s race will make history no matter who wins.
Also, how the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders got a raise and formed a new union.
And is there a conservative takeover of the University of Texas at Austin? A Texas Monthly article digs in.
Plus, a conversation with author E. R. Bills on the new investigative book, “Devil of Devils: Unspeakable Crimes in Southwest Texas.”
And a Japanese tearoom turns 100 in San Antonio.
Mysterious transgender mailers prompt criminal investigation in West Texas
An attempt to empower LGBTQ+ students or a bid to agitate Texas voters ahead of election day? A Republican district attorney in West Texas has opened a criminal investigation into pamphlets received by households across the state purporting to be from a transgender rights group.
Also, a reporter uses Friday night lights to try and get a glimpse into potential changes in Texas politics.
From radio announcer to one of the most powerful figures in Texas politics: The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey looks at the trajectory of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
And UT’s Michael Mosser on a conspicuous Texas link to the war in Ukraine.
Man shot by ICE has surgery, DA Garza singled out at House hearing, Abortion rights in emergencies
Wilber Garces Perez, the man shot by an ICE agent in North Austin who spent more than 10 days with a bullet lodged in his body, has now undergone surgery.
Travis County District Attorney José Garza was at the center of a Texas House committee hearing where lawmakers targeted so-called rogue prosecutors for not trying or investigating cases — but he did not attend.
We’ll hear from some Texas doctors who want to make sure people know their abortion rights during a medical emergency.
A new film focuses on the transformation of a public college in Florida, but the issues facing it aren’t limited to that one institution. We’ll chat with a producer of “First They Came For My College” ahead of some local screenings and discussions.
Toadies get personal on first new album in nearly a decade
If you’ve consumed any media with commercials lately you know why the race for U.S. Senate between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico has become so expensive. We’ll dig into the details.
With the election now just weeks away, it’s worth making sure your voter registration is in order. A backlog is affecting a lot of Texans. We’ll walk you through how to fix things.
A school district along the Texas Gulf Coast found a way to keep some of the tax money set to go back to the state — but state lawmakers are now questioning that tactic.
Texas produces a lot of sorghum — and we could all soon be eating more of it.
Plus, Fort Worth rockers the Toadies have a new full-length album — their first in nearly a decade. We sat down with them at an iconic Austin venue.
Federal changes narrow Endangered Species Act protections
The remnants of Hurricane Polo are expected to bring heavy rainfall and possible flooding across much of the state. We’ll have the details.
It’s been a year since a gunman opened fire at an ICE office in Dallas. We’ll hear from the wife of one of the victims — a man who was in ICE custody.
Plus, the Endangered Species Act protects animals from extinction. Now, the Trump administration’s interpretation of the law could change things.
Also, Amazon promised convenience, but there were complaints in a Texas city that was a testing ground for the use of drones to deliver packages.
And the high price of diesel is affecting much more than truckers.
Delta-8 probable cause arrests, voter suspension list, Grocery Bag
A state rule that was reinstated July 31 bans Delta-8 in Texas. Austin police say the packaging on some products could now establish probable cause for a felony arrest. But the department says cracking down on Delta-8 isn’t a “primary objective.” We’ve got more about that.
More than a million Texans are on something called a voter “suspense” list, including about 100,000 in Central Texas. It doesn’t mean you won’t be able to vote in the midterms, but there are things to know if you find yourself on it.
And the KUTX artist of the month for September is Grocery Bag. They’ve had a busy year so far and now they’re gearing up for ACL Fest and a new project.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Austin firefighters remember 9/11, second local measles case, weekend art events
It’s the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the United States. In Austin, many are taking time to remember an event that is unforgettable to those who were alive to see it. We’ll hear how the Austin Fire Department marked the occasion today.
Austin Public Health officials confirmed the year’s second local case of measles. We’ll share how you can protect yourself and your family.
There’s a pretty big football game in town this weekend. But if that’s not your speed, no problem: We’ve got the art happenings to know about this weekend.
Which is your favorite Austin burger? There’s plenty to choose from, but would you be willing to pay $40 for a fancy one?
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Watson AISD ask, data centers and midterms, Levitation guide
Mayor Kirk Watson is asking some Austin ISD parents to request that their school be shut down in order to avoid a state takeover of the entire school district. Watson says the move is about empowerment. What do parents think about the proposal?
And the GOP brought a first-of-its-kind midterm convention to Texas this week as we inch closer to Election Day.
Every election is dominated by a few issues, and there’s no doubt data centers are on the minds of quite a few Texans heading to the polls. We’ll hear from some of those Texans.
Plus, Levitation is back in Austin with shows at some of the biggest venues in town. We’ve got a breakdown of the lineup and some tips on staying strong over the next four days.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Red River Cultural District sounds alarm amid venue closures
The potential state takeover of the Austin Independent School District is still looming. If it happens, the reverberations are likely to go well beyond the classroom. How does a school district impact the city it’s in?
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson is asking parents to request their schools be shut down. Why?
The Red River Cultural District has issued an urgent call for assistance as venues and businesses lose their space. But when the music leaves, it’s not always as simple as building another stage.
And we’ll take you on a visit to a local “strip” club — film strip club, that is, where you can scratch, you can paint and you can draw.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Flock cameras in the Austin area, Texas Republican donors, Halal tacos
Flock cameras are under scrutiny for a variety of reasons, and that has police departments in the Austin area considering their use of the technology. Even so, you should still expect to see the cameras here in Central Texas. We’ll tell you why and where.
With less than two months left until Election Day, the Republican National Committee is bringing a first-of-its-kind midterm convention to the state this week. Why now? And why Texas?
In Austin, there are plenty of taco choices to explore: bougie or basic, flour or corn, with cheese or not. But when’s the last time you had a halal taco? It wasn’t even on the menu at an East Austin taco truck — until a customer asked.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Texas political legend Ben Barnes looks back on career
While all eyes are on the upcoming midterm election, there are signs one particular Texan is looking at running for president again. Is Ted Cruz gearing up for 2028?
Also, why Democrats see James Talarico’s Senate run as an opportunity to gain votes in parts of West Texas that have been reliably red for decades.
And Texas political luminary Ben Barnes joins us to talk about his new memoir “Get It Done: Seven Decades of Lessons from a Political Legend.”
Plus, how Texas Republican leaders are cracking down on so-called “birth tourism.”
And celebrating the life of aviation pioneer Wally Funk.
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 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
UT curriculum changes, Cesar Chavez Street input, Restaurant inspection scores
UT Austin wants to change the assigned classes required of future undergraduates. It’s the first such change in more than two decades.
The city of Austin is gathering feedback about the possibility of renaming Cesar Chavez Street after the labor leader was accused of sexual assault. How you can make your voice heard.
Have you ever wondered how clean your favorite Austin restaurant really is? KUT has a new map where you can search for food inspection scores.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
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