1 00:00:08,890 --> 00:00:10,409 There's still a few hours left to 2 00:00:10,410 --> 00:00:12,389 vote. Early ahead of Tuesday's Texas 3 00:00:12,390 --> 00:00:14,149 Party primaries, what you need to 4 00:00:14,150 --> 00:00:15,509 know before heading to the polls to 5 00:00:15,510 --> 00:00:17,389 vote today or Tuesday, 6 00:00:17,390 --> 00:00:19,369 and a closer look at races for two 7 00:00:19,370 --> 00:00:20,809 Travis County Commissioner seats. 8 00:00:20,810 --> 00:00:22,849 And what exactly is it that Travis 9 00:00:22,850 --> 00:00:24,609 County Commissioners do? 10 00:00:24,610 --> 00:00:26,049 And the federal government is now 11 00:00:26,050 --> 00:00:27,529 challenging a court order to 12 00:00:27,530 --> 00:00:29,089 repatriate a college student 13 00:00:29,090 --> 00:00:31,069 deported after trying to fly to 14 00:00:31,070 --> 00:00:32,289 Austin last year. 15 00:00:32,290 --> 00:00:34,409 More about those stories on today's 16 00:00:34,410 --> 00:00:34,629 show. 17 00:00:34,630 --> 00:00:36,609 The Austin Signal is 18 00:00:36,610 --> 00:00:38,569 a production of KUT News, 19 00:00:38,570 --> 00:00:39,764 hosted by Jennifer Stayton. 20 00:00:40,890 --> 00:00:42,949 A group of jazz musicians with fresh 21 00:00:42,950 --> 00:00:44,529 roots on the east side of Austin has 22 00:00:44,530 --> 00:00:47,149 already gained national recognition. 23 00:00:47,150 --> 00:00:48,589 And it's going to get loud at 24 00:00:48,590 --> 00:00:49,869 Circuit of the Americas this 25 00:00:49,870 --> 00:00:51,929 weekend. NASCAR is in 26 00:00:51,930 --> 00:00:54,109 town. That's all up next on 27 00:00:54,110 --> 00:00:55,529 Austin Signal. 28 00:00:55,530 --> 00:00:56,530 Stay with us. 29 00:01:05,560 --> 00:01:07,719 Hello, this is Austin Signal 30 00:01:07,720 --> 00:01:08,999 from KUT News. 31 00:01:09,000 --> 00:01:10,579 I'm your host today, Jennifer 32 00:01:10,580 --> 00:01:12,699 Stayton. It's February 27th. 33 00:01:12,700 --> 00:01:14,519 Thank you for making us part 34 00:01:14,520 --> 00:01:16,459 of your Friday. 35 00:01:16,460 --> 00:01:18,499 2026 is a midterm 36 00:01:18,500 --> 00:01:20,499 election year, and here in Texas, it 37 00:01:20,500 --> 00:01:22,539 is primary election season. 38 00:01:22,540 --> 00:01:24,479 Early voting ends today. 39 00:01:24,480 --> 00:01:26,359 Election day is Tuesday. 40 00:01:26,360 --> 00:01:28,059 These elections determine who's on 41 00:01:28,060 --> 00:01:29,879 the ballot for this fall's 42 00:01:29,880 --> 00:01:31,079 general election. 43 00:01:31,080 --> 00:01:32,499 Turnout in Travis County is the 44 00:01:32,500 --> 00:01:34,279 highest it's been for any primary 45 00:01:34,280 --> 00:01:35,809 since 2008. 46 00:01:35,810 --> 00:01:37,889 Voter turnout is also up in Hayes 47 00:01:37,890 --> 00:01:39,489 and Williamson counties. 48 00:01:39,490 --> 00:01:41,089 So what's drawing people to these 49 00:01:41,090 --> 00:01:42,009 party primaries? 50 00:01:42,010 --> 00:01:43,589 Well for that, we've got a few folks 51 00:01:43,590 --> 00:01:44,649 from KUT News. 52 00:01:44,650 --> 00:01:47,009 First of all, Ben Philpott is KUT's 53 00:01:47,010 --> 00:01:48,029 managing editor. 54 00:01:48,030 --> 00:01:48,809 Hey Ben. 55 00:01:48,810 --> 00:01:49,589 Hello. 56 00:01:49,590 --> 00:01:50,829 All right. So Ben, first of all we 57 00:01:50,830 --> 00:01:52,449 are voting right now in the party 58 00:01:52,450 --> 00:01:53,349 primaries. 59 00:01:53,350 --> 00:01:55,329 Texas has open primaries. 60 00:01:55,330 --> 00:01:56,839 What does that mean? 61 00:01:56,840 --> 00:01:58,699 Open to the open primary question. 62 00:01:58,700 --> 00:01:59,979 So for those of you who've moved 63 00:01:59,980 --> 00:02:02,219 here from another state Texas 64 00:02:02,220 --> 00:02:03,799 does not have at least at the moment 65 00:02:03,800 --> 00:02:05,219 This is something that lawmakers are 66 00:02:05,220 --> 00:02:06,799 trying to push now But Texas does 67 00:02:06,800 --> 00:02:08,619 Not have party registration 68 00:02:08,620 --> 00:02:10,499 when you're voting in a primary So 69 00:02:10,500 --> 00:02:12,139 that means you can decide are you 70 00:02:12,140 --> 00:02:13,039 going to vote in the Republican 71 00:02:13,040 --> 00:02:14,779 primary or the Democratic primary 72 00:02:14,780 --> 00:02:15,579 when you go in? 73 00:02:15,580 --> 00:02:17,919 Now if there are runoffs you are 74 00:02:17,920 --> 00:02:20,019 tied to Whoever you 75 00:02:20,020 --> 00:02:21,699 whatever party you voted with the 76 00:02:21,700 --> 00:02:23,179 first time around in the regular 77 00:02:23,180 --> 00:02:25,099 primary election So, you voted in 78 00:02:25,100 --> 00:02:26,639 the Republican primary for maybe the 79 00:02:26,640 --> 00:02:28,579 Ken Paxton-John Cornyn race. 80 00:02:28,580 --> 00:02:30,779 If there's a runoff, you can only 81 00:02:30,780 --> 00:02:32,869 vote then in that Republican runoff. 82 00:02:32,870 --> 00:02:34,209 Right, so Ben, what are some of the 83 00:02:34,210 --> 00:02:35,729 races that people will see on the 84 00:02:35,730 --> 00:02:36,499 primary ballot? 85 00:02:36,500 --> 00:02:38,719 Yeah, the biggest stuff is 86 00:02:38,720 --> 00:02:40,679 Senate race in Texas here 87 00:02:40,680 --> 00:02:42,619 with John Cornyn and Ken Paxton, the 88 00:02:42,620 --> 00:02:43,839 two top candidates on the Republican 89 00:02:43,840 --> 00:02:45,579 side, two top candidates of the 90 00:02:45,580 --> 00:02:47,059 Democratic side, Jasmine Crockett 91 00:02:47,060 --> 00:02:49,259 and James Talerico. 92 00:02:49,260 --> 00:02:51,439 But you also have 93 00:02:51,440 --> 00:02:53,419 people running for governor, 94 00:02:53,420 --> 00:02:55,199 lieutenant governor, attorney 95 00:02:55,200 --> 00:02:57,219 general, land commissioner, 96 00:02:57,220 --> 00:02:59,379 agriculture commissioner, all 97 00:02:59,380 --> 00:03:00,939 of the U.S. 98 00:03:00,940 --> 00:03:03,479 Congressional House races, all 99 00:03:03,480 --> 00:03:06,359 of the state house races and 100 00:03:06,360 --> 00:03:07,499 then some you know depending on 101 00:03:07,500 --> 00:03:09,059 where you live a state Senate race 102 00:03:09,060 --> 00:03:10,899 and then all the local county things 103 00:03:10,900 --> 00:03:11,559 as well 104 00:03:11,560 --> 00:03:12,659 All right, so Ben, you mentioned 105 00:03:12,660 --> 00:03:14,579 runoffs. If no one gets 50% 106 00:03:14,580 --> 00:03:16,759 of the vote, what happens? 107 00:03:16,760 --> 00:03:18,799 Yeah, you're going to have a runoff. 108 00:03:18,800 --> 00:03:20,699 You've got to get 50% 109 00:03:20,700 --> 00:03:21,819 plus one, I believe. 110 00:03:21,820 --> 00:03:23,399 50% plus one vote. 111 00:03:23,400 --> 00:03:25,639 That gets you a win. 112 00:03:25,640 --> 00:03:27,719 Because we have the domino effect 113 00:03:27,720 --> 00:03:29,819 of things like the attorney general 114 00:03:29,820 --> 00:03:31,699 deciding to run for Senate, 115 00:03:31,700 --> 00:03:33,599 that means that a half 116 00:03:33,600 --> 00:03:34,759 dozen people are running for 117 00:03:34,760 --> 00:03:36,139 attorney general. That means that 118 00:03:36,140 --> 00:03:38,019 another 12 are running in 119 00:03:38,020 --> 00:03:39,839 the Republican primary side for the 120 00:03:39,840 --> 00:03:41,719 seat. It's just all 121 00:03:41,720 --> 00:03:42,699 over the place. 122 00:03:42,700 --> 00:03:44,019 A lot of these races are going to go 123 00:03:44,020 --> 00:03:45,239 to And we're just gonna have to wait 124 00:03:45,240 --> 00:03:45,969 and see what happens 125 00:03:45,970 --> 00:03:46,649 All right, so Ben. 126 00:03:46,650 --> 00:03:48,929 Where can people vote? 127 00:03:48,930 --> 00:03:50,729 If you live in Hayes County, 128 00:03:50,730 --> 00:03:52,049 anywhere that you see a voting, that 129 00:03:52,050 --> 00:03:53,229 you a polling location, if you live 130 00:03:53,230 --> 00:03:55,069 Travis County, anywhere that see 131 00:03:55,070 --> 00:03:56,389 a polling vocation, that's both 132 00:03:56,390 --> 00:03:58,509 early voting and on primary 133 00:03:58,510 --> 00:03:59,909 day. 134 00:03:59,910 --> 00:04:00,969 Williamson County is different this 135 00:04:00,970 --> 00:04:02,689 year. Right now during, well, you 136 00:04:02,690 --> 00:04:04,029 know, you got a few hours left to 137 00:04:04,030 --> 00:04:05,449 vote wherever you want in Williamson 138 00:04:05,450 --> 00:04:07,349 county for early voting. 139 00:04:08,390 --> 00:04:10,329 On primary day, you have to 140 00:04:10,330 --> 00:04:12,189 go to your assigned 141 00:04:12,190 --> 00:04:13,969 precinct. 142 00:04:13,970 --> 00:04:15,869 So figure out where that is, look it 143 00:04:15,870 --> 00:04:18,028 up, and you have go to that. 144 00:04:18,029 --> 00:04:19,669 If you live and work on opposite 145 00:04:19,670 --> 00:04:21,309 sides of the county, you cannot go 146 00:04:21,310 --> 00:04:22,749 to work and think you're gonna vote 147 00:04:22,750 --> 00:04:24,359 near your work that day. 148 00:04:24,360 --> 00:04:25,519 All right, Ben, where can people 149 00:04:25,520 --> 00:04:27,019 find more information about the 150 00:04:27,020 --> 00:04:28,719 candidates, what's on the ballot, 151 00:04:28,720 --> 00:04:29,639 and how to vote? 152 00:04:29,640 --> 00:04:32,779 Well, obviously, go to KUT.org. 153 00:04:32,780 --> 00:04:34,659 We've got county guides for 154 00:04:34,660 --> 00:04:36,139 Hayes County, Travis County, 155 00:04:36,140 --> 00:04:37,099 Williamson County. 156 00:04:37,100 --> 00:04:39,479 We also have a What's On My Ballot 157 00:04:39,480 --> 00:04:41,719 little app within those 158 00:04:41,720 --> 00:04:43,559 web posts, and you'll be 159 00:04:43,560 --> 00:04:45,259 able to see exactly what you might 160 00:04:45,260 --> 00:04:45,829 be voting for. 161 00:04:45,830 --> 00:04:47,329 And of course, primary night, we'll 162 00:04:47,330 --> 00:04:49,149 have election coverage starting at 7 163 00:04:49,150 --> 00:04:51,149 on KUT. 164 00:04:51,150 --> 00:04:53,309 KUT's managing editor, Ben Philpott, 165 00:04:53,310 --> 00:04:54,709 thanks so much, Ben. 166 00:04:54,710 --> 00:04:55,609 Thank you. 167 00:04:55,610 --> 00:04:57,309 Now a decent chunk of Democratic 168 00:04:57,310 --> 00:04:58,889 Party primary voters will be 169 00:04:58,890 --> 00:05:00,349 electing a pair of candidates to 170 00:05:00,350 --> 00:05:01,889 take seats on the Travis County 171 00:05:01,890 --> 00:05:03,269 Commissioner's Court. 172 00:05:03,270 --> 00:05:04,629 No Republicans are running in those 173 00:05:04,630 --> 00:05:06,509 races, so whoever wins now will 174 00:05:06,510 --> 00:05:07,969 likely win this fall. 175 00:05:07,970 --> 00:05:09,269 With more on these candidates, 176 00:05:09,270 --> 00:05:11,309 here's KUTs Katie McAfee, our Travis 177 00:05:11,310 --> 00:05:12,409 County reporter. 178 00:05:12,410 --> 00:05:12,809 Hey, Katie. 179 00:05:12,810 --> 00:05:13,819 Hey Jennifer. 180 00:05:13,820 --> 00:05:15,259 Alright, so first of all, what did 181 00:05:15,260 --> 00:05:17,159 Travis County Commissioners do and 182 00:05:17,160 --> 00:05:19,039 how long is their term? 183 00:05:19,040 --> 00:05:20,379 Great question. 184 00:05:20,380 --> 00:05:21,699 The commissioner's court sets the 185 00:05:21,700 --> 00:05:23,239 county's tax rate and manages 186 00:05:23,240 --> 00:05:25,299 spending of right now a roughly 187 00:05:25,300 --> 00:05:28,479 $2.2 billion budget. 188 00:05:28,480 --> 00:05:29,619 The county's biggest land item 189 00:05:29,620 --> 00:05:31,599 expense is the jail, but they also 190 00:05:31,600 --> 00:05:33,759 fund roads and parks and 191 00:05:33,760 --> 00:05:35,999 healthcare services, housing and 192 00:05:36,000 --> 00:05:37,639 other services. 193 00:05:37,640 --> 00:05:39,599 Terms are four years and there are 194 00:05:39,600 --> 00:05:41,209 no term limits. 195 00:05:41,210 --> 00:05:42,289 All right, so Katie, let's start 196 00:05:42,290 --> 00:05:43,189 with Bree St. Four. 197 00:05:43,190 --> 00:05:44,349 There's no incumbent because 198 00:05:44,350 --> 00:05:46,069 Margaret Gomez is retiring after 199 00:05:46,070 --> 00:05:47,489 three decades in office. 200 00:05:47,490 --> 00:05:49,189 So tell us about the four candidates 201 00:05:49,190 --> 00:05:50,239 in this race. 202 00:05:50,240 --> 00:05:51,899 Yeah, so first on the ballot is 203 00:05:51,900 --> 00:05:53,839 Susana Ledesma-Woody, a little 204 00:05:53,840 --> 00:05:54,739 bit about her. 205 00:05:54,740 --> 00:05:56,319 This is her third time running for 206 00:05:56,320 --> 00:05:58,139 this position, and she's been 207 00:05:58,140 --> 00:05:59,959 on the Dell Valley ISD School Board 208 00:05:59,960 --> 00:06:01,639 since 2011. 209 00:06:01,640 --> 00:06:03,439 Next we have Ophelia Maldondo 210 00:06:03,440 --> 00:06:04,399 Zapata. 211 00:06:04,400 --> 00:06:06,559 She used to be on the Austin ISD 212 00:06:06,560 --> 00:06:08,219 school board, and she calls herself 213 00:06:08,220 --> 00:06:09,939 a community organizer. 214 00:06:09,940 --> 00:06:11,719 She's been in leadership roles in a 215 00:06:11,720 --> 00:06:13,479 bunch of different nonprofit and 216 00:06:13,480 --> 00:06:15,259 religious organizations. 217 00:06:15,260 --> 00:06:17,199 Then there's George Morales. 218 00:06:17,200 --> 00:06:19,399 He was the Travis County Constable 219 00:06:19,400 --> 00:06:21,239 in precinct four for 220 00:06:21,240 --> 00:06:23,639 over a decade since 2016. 221 00:06:23,640 --> 00:06:25,459 And last on the ballot is Gavino 222 00:06:25,460 --> 00:06:26,859 Fernandez Jr. 223 00:06:26,860 --> 00:06:28,699 He's an activist and he 224 00:06:28,700 --> 00:06:29,639 served on the Travis county 225 00:06:29,640 --> 00:06:31,539 commissioner precinct for staff 226 00:06:31,540 --> 00:06:33,359 for one term back in 227 00:06:33,360 --> 00:06:34,229 the nineties. 228 00:06:34,230 --> 00:06:35,749 So Katie, you spoke with all four 229 00:06:35,750 --> 00:06:37,569 candidates. Do they share some goals 230 00:06:37,570 --> 00:06:38,909 for what they would do if they get 231 00:06:38,910 --> 00:06:39,719 the job? 232 00:06:39,720 --> 00:06:41,499 Yeah, so they all grew up in 233 00:06:41,500 --> 00:06:43,179 precinct 4, so they're all really 234 00:06:43,180 --> 00:06:45,059 familiar with the issues that 235 00:06:45,060 --> 00:06:46,959 this area faces. 236 00:06:46,960 --> 00:06:48,739 Ledezma Woody and Morales have both 237 00:06:48,740 --> 00:06:50,759 campaigned on building more and 238 00:06:50,760 --> 00:06:52,039 better infrastructure in East 239 00:06:52,040 --> 00:06:54,059 Austin, fixing roads, finishing 240 00:06:54,060 --> 00:06:55,239 construction projects that have 241 00:06:55,240 --> 00:06:56,639 dragged on forever. 242 00:06:56,640 --> 00:06:58,519 Ledezima Woody specifically has 243 00:06:58,520 --> 00:06:59,699 talked about building equitable 244 00:06:59,700 --> 00:07:01,439 infrastructure, getting running 245 00:07:01,440 --> 00:07:03,299 water and reliable electricity to 246 00:07:03,300 --> 00:07:04,939 folks who still don't have that. 247 00:07:04,940 --> 00:07:06,779 And I think they all share 248 00:07:06,780 --> 00:07:08,319 a common goal of keeping the 249 00:07:08,320 --> 00:07:09,499 district affordable. 250 00:07:09,500 --> 00:07:11,519 Or at least ensuring it doesn't 251 00:07:11,520 --> 00:07:12,529 become. 252 00:07:12,530 --> 00:07:13,689 Unaffordable. 253 00:07:13,690 --> 00:07:15,649 So Katie, now in precinct 2, 254 00:07:15,650 --> 00:07:16,789 Commissioner Brigid Shea is running 255 00:07:16,790 --> 00:07:18,529 to keep the seat that she's had for 256 00:07:18,530 --> 00:07:20,049 more than a decade now. 257 00:07:20,050 --> 00:07:21,929 Who are the candidates who want that 258 00:07:21,930 --> 00:07:22,509 job? 259 00:07:22,510 --> 00:07:24,469 Yes. So there are three 260 00:07:24,470 --> 00:07:26,669 non-incumbent candidates. 261 00:07:26,670 --> 00:07:27,869 First on the ballot is Rick 262 00:07:27,870 --> 00:07:28,929 Astry-Canada. 263 00:07:28,930 --> 00:07:30,869 He has over a decade of experience 264 00:07:30,870 --> 00:07:32,829 in government consulting and he has 265 00:07:32,830 --> 00:07:35,729 a PhD in public affairs. 266 00:07:35,730 --> 00:07:37,769 Then we have Armanda Marzullo. 267 00:07:37,770 --> 00:07:39,069 She's been a civil rights attorney 268 00:07:39,070 --> 00:07:40,529 for 16 years. 269 00:07:40,530 --> 00:07:42,189 And lastly, we have Reese Ricci 270 00:07:42,190 --> 00:07:43,049 Armstrong. 271 00:07:43,050 --> 00:07:44,929 He is a senior at McCallum High 272 00:07:44,930 --> 00:07:46,129 School and he is a student 273 00:07:46,130 --> 00:07:47,129 organizer. 274 00:07:47,130 --> 00:07:48,629 And Katie, tell us what are some of 275 00:07:48,630 --> 00:07:50,449 the priorities of these candidates, 276 00:07:50,450 --> 00:07:51,969 both the incumbents and the 277 00:07:51,970 --> 00:07:53,219 incumbent and the challengers. 278 00:07:53,220 --> 00:07:55,039 Yeah, you know, affordable housing 279 00:07:55,040 --> 00:07:56,919 was a big topic that came up 280 00:07:56,920 --> 00:07:58,739 for every candidate, including 281 00:07:58,740 --> 00:07:59,999 Brigid Shea. 282 00:08:00,000 --> 00:08:01,519 Marzula specifically said she would 283 00:08:01,520 --> 00:08:02,819 prioritize building affordable 284 00:08:02,820 --> 00:08:04,779 housing within city limits 285 00:08:04,780 --> 00:08:06,679 or at least closer to where more 286 00:08:06,680 --> 00:08:08,639 city services like public transit 287 00:08:08,640 --> 00:08:09,959 exists. 288 00:08:09,960 --> 00:08:11,139 Other than that, people's top 289 00:08:11,140 --> 00:08:12,619 priorities are kind of all over the 290 00:08:12,620 --> 00:08:13,679 place. 291 00:08:13,680 --> 00:08:15,139 Estre Canada said he wants to 292 00:08:15,140 --> 00:08:16,719 prioritize access to affordable 293 00:08:16,720 --> 00:08:17,819 healthcare. 294 00:08:17,820 --> 00:08:19,159 Brigid Shay told me she wants to 295 00:08:19,160 --> 00:08:20,819 continue working on clean energy 296 00:08:20,820 --> 00:08:21,979 initiatives that she's been working 297 00:08:21,980 --> 00:08:23,039 on in office. 298 00:08:23,040 --> 00:08:24,999 Marzullo says she wants to use her 299 00:08:25,000 --> 00:08:27,039 experience with the legal system 300 00:08:27,040 --> 00:08:29,019 to protect folks from ICE right 301 00:08:29,020 --> 00:08:29,999 now. 302 00:08:30,000 --> 00:08:31,599 And a priority for Armstrong is 303 00:08:31,600 --> 00:08:33,819 making ambulance rides free. 304 00:08:33,820 --> 00:08:35,639 All right, KUT's Katie 305 00:08:35,640 --> 00:08:37,639 McAfee, our Travis County reporter, 306 00:08:37,640 --> 00:08:39,139 will have a link to her voter guide 307 00:08:39,140 --> 00:08:41,199 in today's podcast show 308 00:08:41,200 --> 00:08:43,158 notes. Katie, thank you so much. 309 00:08:43,159 --> 00:08:44,200 Thanks for having me on, Jennifer. 310 00:08:56,450 --> 00:08:57,849 The Trump administration's 311 00:08:57,850 --> 00:08:59,869 immigration policy has been front 312 00:08:59,870 --> 00:09:01,949 and center in this midterm 313 00:09:01,950 --> 00:09:04,009 election year, and there's been a 314 00:09:04,010 --> 00:09:05,689 development in an immigration case 315 00:09:05,690 --> 00:09:07,409 involving someone with ties to 316 00:09:07,410 --> 00:09:08,389 Austin. 317 00:09:08,390 --> 00:09:10,549 For the latest on this, here's KUT's 318 00:09:10,550 --> 00:09:12,289 government accountability reporter, 319 00:09:12,290 --> 00:09:13,529 Andrew Weber. 320 00:09:13,530 --> 00:09:14,999 Thanks for coming in, Andrew. 321 00:09:15,000 --> 00:09:15,859 Thanks, man. Thank you for having me, 322 00:09:15,860 --> 00:09:16,199 Jim. 323 00:09:16,200 --> 00:09:18,279 Andrew, so this case is about Ani 324 00:09:18,280 --> 00:09:19,379 Lopez Belloza. 325 00:09:19,380 --> 00:09:20,999 First of all, Andrew, remind us who 326 00:09:21,000 --> 00:09:22,919 she is and what happened to her 327 00:09:22,920 --> 00:09:23,979 last year. 328 00:09:23,980 --> 00:09:26,199 Yes ma'am, Ani Lopez-Pellosa was 329 00:09:26,200 --> 00:09:28,279 born in Honduras, but she 330 00:09:28,280 --> 00:09:29,639 came to the U.S. 331 00:09:29,640 --> 00:09:31,639 When she was eight years old and 332 00:09:31,640 --> 00:09:33,179 she was raised in Austin. 333 00:09:33,180 --> 00:09:35,699 And she currently is 334 00:09:35,700 --> 00:09:37,579 a student at Babson College 335 00:09:37,580 --> 00:09:38,679 up in Boston. 336 00:09:38,680 --> 00:09:40,759 She's studying business up there. 337 00:09:40,760 --> 00:09:42,679 And over, well, right before 338 00:09:42,680 --> 00:09:44,499 Thanksgiving last year, she 339 00:09:44,500 --> 00:09:46,459 was trying to board a flight from 340 00:09:46,460 --> 00:09:48,279 Boston to Austin because 341 00:09:48,280 --> 00:09:49,719 she wanted to come see her folks. 342 00:09:49,720 --> 00:09:51,599 And she was sort of pulled 343 00:09:51,600 --> 00:09:53,499 aside. By immigration authorities 344 00:09:53,500 --> 00:09:55,459 and she was detained and 345 00:09:55,460 --> 00:09:56,379 deported. 346 00:09:56,380 --> 00:09:57,679 And where was she deported to? 347 00:09:57,680 --> 00:09:59,639 She was deported back to Honduras. 348 00:09:59,640 --> 00:10:01,139 Right, Andrew, so then what happened 349 00:10:01,140 --> 00:10:02,379 in her case? 350 00:10:02,380 --> 00:10:04,719 Well, she was 351 00:10:04,720 --> 00:10:06,499 sort of connected with an attorney 352 00:10:06,500 --> 00:10:08,979 and that attorney basically, 353 00:10:08,980 --> 00:10:11,199 you know, filed a 354 00:10:11,200 --> 00:10:13,000 sort of writ of habeas corpus, which 355 00:10:13,001 --> 00:10:14,859 is legal speak, but basically 356 00:10:14,860 --> 00:10:16,459 said that she wasn't given due 357 00:10:16,460 --> 00:10:18,439 process. She wasn't allowed 358 00:10:18,440 --> 00:10:20,599 to appear before a judge, 359 00:10:20,600 --> 00:10:22,209 before an immigration judge. 360 00:10:22,210 --> 00:10:23,669 Before she was deported back to 361 00:10:23,670 --> 00:10:24,749 Honduras. 362 00:10:24,750 --> 00:10:26,169 And ultimately, a federal judge up 363 00:10:26,170 --> 00:10:27,829 in Massachusetts agreed with her 364 00:10:27,830 --> 00:10:29,949 attorney, said, okay, 365 00:10:29,950 --> 00:10:32,049 the feds needed to sort of rectify 366 00:10:32,050 --> 00:10:33,929 this and explain, 367 00:10:33,930 --> 00:10:35,729 at least at the very least explain, 368 00:10:35,730 --> 00:10:38,169 why they deported her when they did. 369 00:10:38,170 --> 00:10:38,969 So the Trump- 370 00:10:38,970 --> 00:10:40,929 administration admitted that she was 371 00:10:40,930 --> 00:10:42,849 wrongly deported and 372 00:10:42,850 --> 00:10:43,729 the government was supposed to lay 373 00:10:43,730 --> 00:10:44,969 out a plan to bring her back to the 374 00:10:44,970 --> 00:10:46,529 U.S. And the deadline for that was 375 00:10:46,530 --> 00:10:48,229 supposed to be today. 376 00:10:48,230 --> 00:10:49,429 What happened? 377 00:10:49,430 --> 00:10:51,449 Yeah, that's basically 378 00:10:51,450 --> 00:10:53,109 the feds were given two weeks to 379 00:10:53,110 --> 00:10:54,989 bring her back or at least provide 380 00:10:54,990 --> 00:10:57,209 a plan to bring her back. 381 00:10:57,210 --> 00:10:59,209 And yesterday they filed a motion 382 00:10:59,210 --> 00:11:01,029 to basically throw the case 383 00:11:01,030 --> 00:11:02,709 out. They said that this judge in 384 00:11:02,710 --> 00:11:04,609 Massachusetts didn't 385 00:11:04,610 --> 00:11:07,309 have a right to even 386 00:11:07,310 --> 00:11:09,649 preside over the case and 387 00:11:09,650 --> 00:11:11,589 that, you know, if 388 00:11:11,590 --> 00:11:13,529 they were going to bring her back, 389 00:11:13,530 --> 00:11:14,709 they were going to immediately 390 00:11:14,710 --> 00:11:16,489 deport her anyway. 391 00:11:16,490 --> 00:11:17,809 I just got off of a call. 392 00:11:17,810 --> 00:11:19,209 It was a press call. 393 00:11:19,210 --> 00:11:22,229 With Ani Lopez Beosas' attorney. 394 00:11:22,230 --> 00:11:24,329 He said that, and I haven't 395 00:11:24,330 --> 00:11:25,589 checked with ICE on this, but he 396 00:11:25,590 --> 00:11:27,869 said that his client, Ani, 397 00:11:27,870 --> 00:11:29,949 was offered a flight back 398 00:11:29,950 --> 00:11:31,429 today. It was supposed to leave at 1 399 00:11:31,430 --> 00:11:32,409 p.m. 400 00:11:32,410 --> 00:11:34,309 And that she would 401 00:11:34,310 --> 00:11:35,969 have essentially come to Texas and 402 00:11:35,970 --> 00:11:36,949 then would have been immediately 403 00:11:36,950 --> 00:11:38,889 deported back to Honduras. 404 00:11:38,890 --> 00:11:40,349 Her attorney, Todd Pomerlo, said, 405 00:11:40,350 --> 00:11:42,089 the government's basically trying to 406 00:11:42,090 --> 00:11:44,468 skirt this court order. 407 00:11:44,469 --> 00:11:46,289 And bring her back and also block 408 00:11:46,290 --> 00:11:48,089 her ability to get a temporary visa. 409 00:11:48,090 --> 00:11:48,949 Because while this was playing out 410 00:11:48,950 --> 00:11:50,029 in court, he applied for that. 411 00:11:51,130 --> 00:11:52,389 All they have to do is let her in 412 00:11:52,390 --> 00:11:53,229 and leave her alone. 413 00:11:53,230 --> 00:11:54,549 She has a green card application 414 00:11:54,550 --> 00:11:55,869 pending, and yet they want to 415 00:11:55,870 --> 00:11:57,129 continue to torment her. 416 00:11:57,130 --> 00:11:58,949 They want to fly her back here 417 00:11:58,950 --> 00:12:00,929 to engage in a charade to then 418 00:12:00,930 --> 00:12:02,049 separate her from her loved ones 419 00:12:02,050 --> 00:12:02,889 again. 420 00:12:02,890 --> 00:12:03,889 All right, so Andrew, what 421 00:12:03,890 --> 00:12:05,429 justification has a federal 422 00:12:05,430 --> 00:12:07,129 government given for this change 423 00:12:07,130 --> 00:12:09,059 that we're hearing about today? 424 00:12:09,060 --> 00:12:10,539 They said that she was here 425 00:12:10,540 --> 00:12:12,459 unlawfully. She wasn't aware of 426 00:12:12,460 --> 00:12:13,839 that, neither was her mother. 427 00:12:13,840 --> 00:12:14,839 She was under the impression that 428 00:12:14,840 --> 00:12:16,079 she was a dreamer, she was, you 429 00:12:16,080 --> 00:12:18,159 know, here under DACA. 430 00:12:18,160 --> 00:12:20,039 And as far as what comes next 431 00:12:20,040 --> 00:12:21,799 in the case, that's not immediately 432 00:12:21,800 --> 00:12:22,619 clear either. 433 00:12:22,620 --> 00:12:23,839 Pomerlo, her attorney, said that 434 00:12:23,840 --> 00:12:25,319 he's gonna fight this, he's prepared 435 00:12:25,320 --> 00:12:26,799 to take it to the Supreme Court if 436 00:12:26,800 --> 00:12:28,559 he wants to. 437 00:12:28,560 --> 00:12:30,559 But, you now, this, Ani Lopez 438 00:12:30,560 --> 00:12:32,599 Belloza is, she said she was 439 00:12:32,600 --> 00:12:34,139 angry, that she just wants to go 440 00:12:34,140 --> 00:12:36,659 back to school, to Babson College, 441 00:12:36,660 --> 00:12:37,629 and, you I hope. 442 00:12:37,630 --> 00:12:39,129 She just wants all of this to sort 443 00:12:39,130 --> 00:12:40,429 of be done and at least have some 444 00:12:40,430 --> 00:12:41,769 resolution. 445 00:12:41,770 --> 00:12:43,489 I'm asking to be treated like a 446 00:12:43,490 --> 00:12:45,309 human with rights and whose life 447 00:12:45,310 --> 00:12:47,329 matters and to be allowed to 448 00:12:47,330 --> 00:12:49,209 care building the life I have worked 449 00:12:49,210 --> 00:12:51,169 so hard for in the United 450 00:12:51,170 --> 00:12:52,279 States. 451 00:12:52,280 --> 00:12:54,199 So this was on a Lopez Belloza 452 00:12:54,200 --> 00:12:55,379 speaking just a little bit earlier 453 00:12:55,380 --> 00:12:56,539 this morning on the call. 454 00:12:56,540 --> 00:12:57,919 Did she have anything else to say? 455 00:12:57,920 --> 00:12:59,339 She didn't really say a whole bunch 456 00:12:59,340 --> 00:13:00,959 else. She just, you know, wants to 457 00:13:00,960 --> 00:13:02,359 come back. She knows that there's a 458 00:13:02,360 --> 00:13:03,419 lot of eyes on this case. 459 00:13:03,420 --> 00:13:04,319 There were, you now, New York Times 460 00:13:04,320 --> 00:13:06,459 reporters on PBC, 461 00:13:06,460 --> 00:13:07,459 PBS NewsHour. 462 00:13:07,460 --> 00:13:08,299 A lot of folks are going to be 463 00:13:08,300 --> 00:13:09,999 paying attention to this as it goes 464 00:13:10,000 --> 00:13:12,099 forward, but right now there's no 465 00:13:12,100 --> 00:13:13,509 clear, real answers. 466 00:13:13,510 --> 00:13:15,089 I know you'll be following it. 467 00:13:15,090 --> 00:13:16,629 KUT's Accountability Reporter, 468 00:13:16,630 --> 00:13:17,909 Andrew Weber, with an update on the 469 00:13:17,910 --> 00:13:19,649 case of Ani Lopez Belloza. 470 00:13:19,650 --> 00:13:20,569 Andrew, thank you. 471 00:13:20,570 --> 00:13:21,570 Yes, ma'am. Thank you, Jen. 472 00:13:25,930 --> 00:13:28,269 And coming up, the Houston Tillotson 473 00:13:28,270 --> 00:13:30,309 University Jazz Orchestra is barely 474 00:13:30,310 --> 00:13:31,989 four years old, but they are already 475 00:13:31,990 --> 00:13:33,849 helping define the next era of 476 00:13:33,850 --> 00:13:35,709 jazz in Austin and across the 477 00:13:35,710 --> 00:13:37,269 country. With their high-energy 478 00:13:37,270 --> 00:13:38,949 performances rooted in traditional 479 00:13:38,950 --> 00:13:41,329 jazz and driven by groove, 480 00:13:41,330 --> 00:13:43,589 swing and expressive improvisation, 481 00:13:43,590 --> 00:13:45,169 we're going to hear about them just 482 00:13:45,170 --> 00:13:46,789 ahead on Austin Signal. 483 00:13:46,790 --> 00:13:47,790 Stay tuned. 484 00:13:56,810 --> 00:13:58,789 This is Austin Signal, 485 00:13:58,790 --> 00:14:00,269 welcome back. 486 00:14:00,270 --> 00:14:02,109 February is almost over, 487 00:14:02,110 --> 00:14:03,089 just one day left. 488 00:14:03,090 --> 00:14:05,129 So we are capping off our series of 489 00:14:05,130 --> 00:14:06,809 Black History Month music profiles 490 00:14:06,810 --> 00:14:09,809 from our sister station, KUTX. 491 00:14:09,810 --> 00:14:11,869 Today, host Miles Blockson tells us 492 00:14:11,870 --> 00:14:13,629 about a group of jazz players with 493 00:14:13,630 --> 00:14:15,049 fresh roots on the East side of 494 00:14:15,050 --> 00:14:16,929 Austin who have already gained 495 00:14:16,930 --> 00:14:18,409 national recognition. 496 00:14:19,610 --> 00:14:20,869 Listen, we came all the way from 497 00:14:20,870 --> 00:14:22,129 Texas. 498 00:14:22,130 --> 00:14:23,351 You deserve a big round of applause. 499 00:14:24,710 --> 00:14:26,809 February is Black History Month and 500 00:14:26,810 --> 00:14:28,509 all month long we'll be highlighting 501 00:14:28,510 --> 00:14:30,269 black artists, innovators, and 502 00:14:30,270 --> 00:14:32,069 places that helped shape the Austin 503 00:14:32,070 --> 00:14:33,070 music scene. 504 00:14:39,400 --> 00:14:41,399 The Euston Tillerson Jazz Orchestra 505 00:14:41,400 --> 00:14:43,459 formed in 2022 as 506 00:14:43,460 --> 00:14:45,139 Eustin Tillerson University's 507 00:14:45,140 --> 00:14:47,279 premier student jazz ensemble. 508 00:14:47,280 --> 00:14:49,319 Led by Dr. Jeremy George, 509 00:14:49,320 --> 00:14:51,139 Director of Jazz Studies, the 510 00:14:51,140 --> 00:14:52,719 orchestra delivers high energy 511 00:14:52,720 --> 00:14:54,539 performances rooted in traditional 512 00:14:54,540 --> 00:14:56,879 jazz, driven by groove, 513 00:14:56,880 --> 00:14:59,379 swing, and expressive improvisation. 514 00:14:59,380 --> 00:15:00,759 It is early, but it's not too early 515 00:15:00,760 --> 00:15:02,139 to swing, right? 516 00:15:02,140 --> 00:15:03,859 Yes, sir. 517 00:15:03,860 --> 00:15:05,539 Before we get started, I want to say 518 00:15:05,540 --> 00:15:06,399 first thing what song we're doing. 519 00:15:06,400 --> 00:15:08,839 We're doing Dig by Miles Davis. 520 00:15:08,840 --> 00:15:10,659 And secondly, it is orchestrated 521 00:15:10,660 --> 00:15:13,139 by our professor of trumpet, 522 00:15:13,140 --> 00:15:14,140 Sparky Lee Thomas. 523 00:15:15,340 --> 00:15:16,659 Woo! Thank you. Please enjoy Dig by 524 00:15:16,660 --> 00:15:17,660 miles Davis. 525 00:15:25,660 --> 00:15:27,699 The ensemble was founded at Austin's 526 00:15:27,700 --> 00:15:28,899 oldest institution of higher 527 00:15:28,900 --> 00:15:30,719 learning, and the city's only 528 00:15:30,720 --> 00:15:32,439 historically black university. 529 00:15:32,440 --> 00:15:34,579 Established in 1875, 530 00:15:34,580 --> 00:15:35,879 Houston-Tillerson was created 531 00:15:35,880 --> 00:15:37,759 through the merger of Samuel Houston 532 00:15:37,760 --> 00:15:39,959 College and Tillerson College, 533 00:15:39,960 --> 00:15:41,739 two schools founded after the Civil 534 00:15:41,740 --> 00:15:43,899 War to educate formerly enslaved 535 00:15:43,900 --> 00:15:45,779 people, supported by the United 536 00:15:45,780 --> 00:15:47,239 Methodist Church and the American 537 00:15:47,240 --> 00:15:48,939 Missionary Association. 538 00:15:48,940 --> 00:15:50,599 The university became a cornerstone 539 00:15:50,600 --> 00:15:52,659 of black higher education in 540 00:15:52,660 --> 00:15:53,859 central Texas. 541 00:15:53,860 --> 00:15:55,479 Serving generations of students 542 00:15:55,480 --> 00:15:57,320 through segregation and beyond. 543 00:16:05,230 --> 00:16:07,489 While the university carries 150 544 00:16:07,490 --> 00:16:09,649 years of history and legacy, 545 00:16:09,650 --> 00:16:11,649 the HT Jazz Orchestra is still 546 00:16:11,650 --> 00:16:13,589 young and already building a 547 00:16:13,590 --> 00:16:15,069 national resume. 548 00:16:15,070 --> 00:16:16,409 The group has performed multiple 549 00:16:16,410 --> 00:16:17,929 times at the Austin City Limits 550 00:16:17,930 --> 00:16:19,909 Music Festival and earned top 551 00:16:19,910 --> 00:16:22,269 placements in jazz competitions. 552 00:16:22,270 --> 00:16:24,409 In 2025, out of more than a hundred 553 00:16:24,410 --> 00:16:26,329 historically black colleges and 554 00:16:26,330 --> 00:16:28,369 universities nationwide, 555 00:16:28,370 --> 00:16:29,909 Houston Tillerson was one of 12 556 00:16:29,910 --> 00:16:31,969 selected for a residency in Norfolk 557 00:16:31,970 --> 00:16:33,650 with Wynton Marsalis. 558 00:16:48,600 --> 00:16:50,539 In 2026, the orchestra took 559 00:16:50,540 --> 00:16:52,579 the national stage at Jazz at 560 00:16:52,580 --> 00:16:54,499 Lincoln Center in New York, 561 00:16:54,500 --> 00:16:55,819 placing third in the National 562 00:16:55,820 --> 00:16:57,859 Collegiate Jazz Championship and 563 00:16:57,860 --> 00:16:59,639 walking away with more than 10 564 00:16:59,640 --> 00:17:02,159 individual and sectional awards, 565 00:17:02,160 --> 00:17:03,719 placing them among the top 566 00:17:03,720 --> 00:17:05,739 collegiate jazz ensembles in the 567 00:17:05,740 --> 00:17:06,719 nation. 568 00:17:06,720 --> 00:17:08,618 Rooted in 150 years of black 569 00:17:08,619 --> 00:17:10,479 excellence, empowered by the next 570 00:17:10,480 --> 00:17:12,519 generation of musicians, the Houston 571 00:17:12,520 --> 00:17:14,419 Telison Jazz Orchestra is 572 00:17:14,420 --> 00:17:16,358 helping define the next era of jazz 573 00:17:16,359 --> 00:17:17,289 in Austin. 574 00:17:17,290 --> 00:17:18,509 And across the nation. 575 00:17:27,109 --> 00:17:28,709 To learn more about the Euston 576 00:17:28,710 --> 00:17:30,529 Tillerson Jazz Orchestra, visit 577 00:17:30,530 --> 00:17:32,069 KUTX.org. 578 00:17:32,070 --> 00:17:34,069 You're listening to Austin Signal. 579 00:17:34,070 --> 00:17:35,130 I'm Miles Bloxson. 580 00:17:51,290 --> 00:17:53,109 For the fifth year in 581 00:17:53,110 --> 00:17:55,109 a row NASCAR returns to 582 00:17:55,110 --> 00:17:57,109 Circuit of the Americas this weekend 583 00:17:57,110 --> 00:17:59,169 And it wouldn't be NASCAR without 584 00:17:59,170 --> 00:18:00,449 a lot of sponsors. 585 00:18:00,450 --> 00:18:01,529 All right, so here we go Let's see 586 00:18:01,530 --> 00:18:03,449 if I can get it the Cup Series 587 00:18:03,450 --> 00:18:05,629 Duramax Texas Grand Prix 588 00:18:05,630 --> 00:18:07,509 powered by Relledyne 589 00:18:07,510 --> 00:18:09,689 will be run on Sunday 590 00:18:09,690 --> 00:18:11,729 KUT's Juan Diego Garcia is 591 00:18:11,730 --> 00:18:13,549 out at Cota this afternoon. 592 00:18:13,550 --> 00:18:16,468 Hey Juan Hey Jen 593 00:18:16,469 --> 00:18:17,729 Sounds like it's already getting 594 00:18:17,730 --> 00:18:19,289 loud out there, so I know the big 595 00:18:19,290 --> 00:18:20,729 event will be at the end of the 596 00:18:20,730 --> 00:18:22,629 weekend But what's happening in the 597 00:18:22,630 --> 00:18:23,630 lead-up to Sunday? 598 00:18:24,770 --> 00:18:26,789 Quite a bit, there's actually two 599 00:18:26,790 --> 00:18:28,329 other racing series that are 600 00:18:28,330 --> 00:18:30,309 supporting the race on Sunday 601 00:18:30,310 --> 00:18:32,169 at Circuit of the Americas. 602 00:18:32,170 --> 00:18:34,469 What you're hearing right now is the 603 00:18:34,470 --> 00:18:36,449 IMSA Sports Car Challenge 604 00:18:36,450 --> 00:18:38,389 cars going around in a practice 605 00:18:38,390 --> 00:18:39,669 session. 606 00:18:39,670 --> 00:18:40,949 That's one of the series that's 607 00:18:40,950 --> 00:18:42,929 gonna be supporting the main 608 00:18:42,930 --> 00:18:44,049 cup series. 609 00:18:44,050 --> 00:18:45,449 You'll also see the cars from the 610 00:18:45,450 --> 00:18:47,469 feeder series for NASCAR, 611 00:18:47,470 --> 00:18:49,089 the O'Reilly Auto Parts series. 612 00:18:50,370 --> 00:18:52,279 They'll be racing tomorrow. 613 00:18:52,280 --> 00:18:53,739 And I'm actually watching the cars 614 00:18:53,740 --> 00:18:55,439 go by right in front of me as they 615 00:18:55,440 --> 00:18:56,619 get scrutineered to make sure 616 00:18:56,620 --> 00:18:57,620 nobody's cheating. 617 00:18:58,550 --> 00:19:00,509 So Juan, I'm a little bit of 618 00:19:00,510 --> 00:19:01,469 a NASCAR novice. 619 00:19:01,470 --> 00:19:02,909 Most of what I know comes from, you 620 00:19:02,910 --> 00:19:04,209 know, the Will Ferrell movie, 621 00:19:04,210 --> 00:19:05,229 Talladega Nights. 622 00:19:05,230 --> 00:19:07,309 But I do know most of the time, 623 00:19:07,310 --> 00:19:09,269 all the drivers have to do is turn 624 00:19:09,270 --> 00:19:10,149 left. 625 00:19:10,150 --> 00:19:11,609 But now this is a road course, of 626 00:19:11,610 --> 00:19:13,649 course, out at COTA for Formula One. 627 00:19:13,650 --> 00:19:15,249 So is there something they have to 628 00:19:15,250 --> 00:19:17,329 do differently for this 629 00:19:17,330 --> 00:19:18,330 race? 630 00:19:18,720 --> 00:19:20,779 Yes actually, they have to turn 631 00:19:20,780 --> 00:19:22,359 right. 632 00:19:22,360 --> 00:19:24,219 NASCAR goes to a few 633 00:19:24,220 --> 00:19:26,399 road courses throughout the year and 634 00:19:26,400 --> 00:19:28,299 some drivers actually specialize in 635 00:19:28,300 --> 00:19:30,719 those specific types of circuits. 636 00:19:30,720 --> 00:19:32,179 Circuit of the Americas is one of 637 00:19:32,180 --> 00:19:34,339 those road courses and 638 00:19:34,340 --> 00:19:35,739 you'll be seeing them sort of 639 00:19:35,740 --> 00:19:37,459 peppered throughout the calendar, 640 00:19:37,460 --> 00:19:39,399 breaking up some stretches of really 641 00:19:39,400 --> 00:19:41,519 big ovals, really small ovals. 642 00:19:41,520 --> 00:19:43,239 There's quite a bit of a variety of 643 00:19:43,240 --> 00:19:44,619 tracks they actually go to 644 00:19:44,620 --> 00:19:45,939 throughout the years. 645 00:19:45,940 --> 00:19:47,779 All right, so Juan, for non-race 646 00:19:47,780 --> 00:19:49,319 fans, what are some of the stories 647 00:19:49,320 --> 00:19:51,339 that we should know about for this 648 00:19:51,340 --> 00:19:52,340 weekend's action? 649 00:19:53,040 --> 00:19:54,839 I think the most exciting thing 650 00:19:54,840 --> 00:19:56,699 across the year is going to be 651 00:19:56,700 --> 00:19:58,059 the return of what's called the 652 00:19:58,060 --> 00:19:59,159 chase. 653 00:19:59,160 --> 00:20:00,979 NASCAR has been experimenting since 654 00:20:00,980 --> 00:20:03,019 about 2013 with various different 655 00:20:03,020 --> 00:20:04,839 playoff formats to try to crown a 656 00:20:04,840 --> 00:20:05,959 champion. 657 00:20:05,960 --> 00:20:07,299 This year they're going back to an 658 00:20:07,300 --> 00:20:08,359 older system. 659 00:20:08,360 --> 00:20:10,399 For the first 26 races, drivers 660 00:20:10,400 --> 00:20:12,339 will accumulate points and the final 661 00:20:12,340 --> 00:20:14,479 10 races will be 662 00:20:14,480 --> 00:20:16,199 the chase for the cup. 663 00:20:16,200 --> 00:20:17,859 The top 16 drivers in the point 664 00:20:17,860 --> 00:20:19,579 standings all have a chance to win 665 00:20:19,580 --> 00:20:21,339 the title. The higher you place the 666 00:20:21,340 --> 00:20:23,179 higher the higher you start and 667 00:20:23,180 --> 00:20:24,960 it's a 10 race sprint to the title. 668 00:20:26,030 --> 00:20:27,949 And Juan, can you tell us about some 669 00:20:27,950 --> 00:20:29,949 of the drivers that are that are 670 00:20:29,950 --> 00:20:32,129 out there for this weekend's action? 671 00:20:32,130 --> 00:20:32,969 Some of the folks we should 672 00:20:32,970 --> 00:20:34,569 know about? 673 00:20:34,570 --> 00:20:36,069 Absolutely. I think the biggest name 674 00:20:36,070 --> 00:20:38,009 to keep an eye on is Tyler 675 00:20:38,010 --> 00:20:38,869 Reddick. 676 00:20:38,870 --> 00:20:40,329 He started the year with two 677 00:20:40,330 --> 00:20:42,369 straight wins and no one has ever 678 00:20:42,370 --> 00:20:44,749 won three straight to start 679 00:20:44,750 --> 00:20:45,789 a year. 680 00:20:45,790 --> 00:20:47,589 And he has some good form here at 681 00:20:47,590 --> 00:20:48,909 Circuit of the Americas. 682 00:20:48,910 --> 00:20:50,989 He won the race in 2023 683 00:20:50,990 --> 00:20:52,869 and last year he was on 684 00:20:52,870 --> 00:20:54,789 pole position and finished in third 685 00:20:54,790 --> 00:20:55,809 place. 686 00:20:55,810 --> 00:20:57,569 So there's every chance Tyler Redick 687 00:20:57,570 --> 00:20:58,789 could be walking out of here making 688 00:20:58,790 --> 00:21:00,039 history. 689 00:21:00,040 --> 00:21:01,359 On the question I've been dying to 690 00:21:01,360 --> 00:21:02,639 ask. So when you go to the website 691 00:21:02,640 --> 00:21:04,339 and look at the sort of introductory 692 00:21:04,340 --> 00:21:06,379 video for this weekend's action, 693 00:21:06,380 --> 00:21:07,979 part of the video is dancing storm 694 00:21:07,980 --> 00:21:09,999 troopers, you know, from Star Wars. 695 00:21:10,000 --> 00:21:11,199 Have you seen the dancing 696 00:21:11,200 --> 00:21:13,239 stormtroopers yet? 697 00:21:13,240 --> 00:21:13,979 You know, Jen, I. 698 00:21:13,980 --> 00:21:15,919 Have not this is a little bit news 699 00:21:15,920 --> 00:21:17,159 to me and now I'm a little 700 00:21:17,160 --> 00:21:19,079 disappointed that I have not seen 701 00:21:19,080 --> 00:21:20,319 them I'm gonna go hunting for some 702 00:21:20,320 --> 00:21:22,019 stormtroopers here in a bit okay 703 00:21:22,020 --> 00:21:22,799 Well, it's early. 704 00:21:22,800 --> 00:21:24,539 It's just Friday afternoon, so maybe 705 00:21:24,540 --> 00:21:26,799 you'll still see them sometime over 706 00:21:26,800 --> 00:21:27,619 the weekend. 707 00:21:27,620 --> 00:21:29,179 So all of this is building up to the 708 00:21:29,180 --> 00:21:30,379 Texas Grand Prix. 709 00:21:30,380 --> 00:21:33,539 It starts Sunday afternoon at 2.30. 710 00:21:33,540 --> 00:21:35,499 KUT's Juan Diego Garcia out at 711 00:21:35,500 --> 00:21:37,019 Circuit of the Americas this 712 00:21:37,020 --> 00:21:37,879 afternoon. 713 00:21:37,880 --> 00:21:38,719 Wanda, thanks so much. 714 00:21:38,720 --> 00:21:40,419 Have a great time. 715 00:21:40,420 --> 00:21:41,540 Thanks, Jen. Always a pleasure. 716 00:22:03,170 --> 00:22:05,249 And that is it for today 717 00:22:05,250 --> 00:22:06,929 on Austin Signal. 718 00:22:06,930 --> 00:22:08,329 We'll have more about the stories 719 00:22:08,330 --> 00:22:10,289 and conversations we shared with you 720 00:22:10,290 --> 00:22:12,369 today in the podcast show 721 00:22:12,370 --> 00:22:14,349 notes. And you can find more from us 722 00:22:14,350 --> 00:22:16,669 anytime at kut.org 723 00:22:16,670 --> 00:22:18,589 slash signal couple reminders 724 00:22:18,590 --> 00:22:20,189 about some of the stories you heard 725 00:22:20,190 --> 00:22:22,529 today early voting does end 726 00:22:22,530 --> 00:22:24,849 tonight for party primary 727 00:22:24,850 --> 00:22:25,789 elections. 728 00:22:25,790 --> 00:22:28,249 Election day is this coming Tuesday. 729 00:22:28,250 --> 00:22:30,089 You can find voter guides and all 730 00:22:30,090 --> 00:22:31,509 kinds of information about the 731 00:22:31,510 --> 00:22:32,439 election. 732 00:22:32,440 --> 00:22:34,899 At kut.org and 733 00:22:34,900 --> 00:22:36,719 be sure to join us for 734 00:22:36,720 --> 00:22:38,799 live election night coverage primary 735 00:22:38,800 --> 00:22:40,499 night Tuesday night starting at 736 00:22:40,500 --> 00:22:42,419 seven right here on 737 00:22:42,420 --> 00:22:43,699 KUT. 738 00:22:43,700 --> 00:22:44,999 Rayna Sevilla is our technical 739 00:22:45,000 --> 00:22:46,719 director on Austin Signal. 740 00:22:46,720 --> 00:22:48,279 Jerry Quijano has been producing 741 00:22:48,280 --> 00:22:49,979 Austin Signal this week. 742 00:22:49,980 --> 00:22:51,579 I'm your host Jennifer Stayton and 743 00:22:51,580 --> 00:22:52,979 thanks so much for being with us 744 00:22:52,980 --> 00:22:55,179 today and I hope you have a 745 00:22:55,180 --> 00:22:56,180 great weekend.