1 00:00:08,270 --> 00:00:09,909 Summer temperatures in Texas prisons 2 00:00:09,910 --> 00:00:12,149 can often exceed 100 degrees, 3 00:00:12,150 --> 00:00:13,429 and lawyers have argued these 4 00:00:13,430 --> 00:00:15,189 conditions constitute cruel and 5 00:00:15,190 --> 00:00:16,969 unusual punishment for incarcerated 6 00:00:16,970 --> 00:00:17,969 Texans. 7 00:00:17,970 --> 00:00:19,289 A federal trial underway this 8 00:00:19,290 --> 00:00:20,729 weekend in Austin Court could decide 9 00:00:20,730 --> 00:00:22,109 whether Texas must provide air 10 00:00:22,110 --> 00:00:24,449 conditioning to all inmates, 11 00:00:24,450 --> 00:00:25,989 and a group of scientists with UT 12 00:00:25,990 --> 00:00:27,909 Austin and MD Anderson Cancer Center 13 00:00:27,910 --> 00:00:29,089 have developed a potential 14 00:00:29,090 --> 00:00:31,129 chemotherapy drug that may prompt 15 00:00:31,130 --> 00:00:32,829 a person's immune system to attack 16 00:00:32,830 --> 00:00:34,269 cancer cells as if they were 17 00:00:34,270 --> 00:00:35,789 infected by a virus. 18 00:00:35,790 --> 00:00:37,169 The work on the drug started a 19 00:00:37,170 --> 00:00:38,749 decade ago and still has many years 20 00:00:38,750 --> 00:00:40,169 to go. We'll tell you about the 21 00:00:40,170 --> 00:00:41,849 progress they've made so far, coming 22 00:00:41,850 --> 00:00:43,259 up on today's show. 23 00:00:43,260 --> 00:00:45,159 The Austin Signal is a production 24 00:00:45,160 --> 00:00:47,259 of KUT News, hosted by 25 00:00:47,260 --> 00:00:48,409 Jerry Quijano. 26 00:00:48,410 --> 00:00:50,369 Plus the lifestyles of Austin's 27 00:00:50,370 --> 00:00:52,409 rich and famous cats, 28 00:00:52,410 --> 00:00:54,349 a catio tour raising awareness about 29 00:00:54,350 --> 00:00:55,849 local birds. 30 00:00:55,850 --> 00:00:57,769 That's up next, right here on 31 00:00:57,770 --> 00:00:58,770 Austin Signal. 32 00:01:08,900 --> 00:01:10,099 Howdy out there, thank you for 33 00:01:10,100 --> 00:01:12,059 tuning in to Austin Signal. 34 00:01:12,060 --> 00:01:13,879 We are coming to you from community 35 00:01:13,880 --> 00:01:15,479 powered public radio. 36 00:01:15,480 --> 00:01:18,019 This is KUT News. 37 00:01:18,020 --> 00:01:19,859 It is Tuesday, excuse me, 38 00:01:19,860 --> 00:01:22,199 Thursday, the second day of 39 00:01:22,200 --> 00:01:23,819 April. This is not April Fool's Day 40 00:01:23,820 --> 00:01:25,719 joke. It really is Thursday. 41 00:01:25,720 --> 00:01:27,419 And I'm Jerry Quijano, I'm glad 42 00:01:27,420 --> 00:01:28,479 you're with us. 43 00:01:28,480 --> 00:01:30,179 We started the day with a bit of 44 00:01:30,180 --> 00:01:32,099 good news. Lots of rain for 45 00:01:32,100 --> 00:01:33,759 lots of Austinites and people here 46 00:01:33,760 --> 00:01:34,959 in central Texas. 47 00:01:34,960 --> 00:01:36,859 And even better news, rain continues 48 00:01:36,860 --> 00:01:38,399 into the weekend. 49 00:01:38,400 --> 00:01:39,519 Right now, the National Weather 50 00:01:39,520 --> 00:01:41,899 Service is forecasting a 100% 51 00:01:41,900 --> 00:01:43,799 chance of showers on 52 00:01:43,800 --> 00:01:45,619 Saturday and some rain sticking 53 00:01:45,620 --> 00:01:47,179 with us through Sunday night, 54 00:01:47,180 --> 00:01:49,119 followed by some cooler than normal 55 00:01:49,120 --> 00:01:50,259 temperatures. 56 00:01:50,260 --> 00:01:51,819 So make the most of it, take it in, 57 00:01:51,820 --> 00:01:53,379 and thanks for spending part of the 58 00:01:53,380 --> 00:01:54,799 day here with us. 59 00:01:54,800 --> 00:01:56,939 This is Austin Signal. 60 00:01:58,100 --> 00:01:59,599 A trial happening this week in an 61 00:01:59,600 --> 00:02:01,079 Austin federal courtroom could 62 00:02:01,080 --> 00:02:02,839 decide whether the state of Texas 63 00:02:02,840 --> 00:02:04,859 must provide air conditioning inside 64 00:02:04,860 --> 00:02:05,949 its prisons. 65 00:02:05,950 --> 00:02:07,609 Temperatures inside can eclipse the 66 00:02:07,610 --> 00:02:09,349 triple-digit mark on some sweltering 67 00:02:09,350 --> 00:02:10,589 Texas days. 68 00:02:10,590 --> 00:02:11,949 Conditions that lawyers have argued 69 00:02:11,950 --> 00:02:13,929 for decades constitute cruel 70 00:02:13,930 --> 00:02:15,689 and unusual punishment for 71 00:02:15,690 --> 00:02:17,609 incarcerated Texans. 72 00:02:17,610 --> 00:02:18,829 KUT's government accountability 73 00:02:18,830 --> 00:02:20,449 reporter, Andrew Weber, is covering 74 00:02:20,450 --> 00:02:22,229 the trial. He's with us now to tell 75 00:02:22,230 --> 00:02:23,649 us more. Welcome back, Andrew. 76 00:02:23,650 --> 00:02:24,509 Thanks, Drew. 77 00:02:24,510 --> 00:02:25,649 So tell us first, what's the 78 00:02:25,650 --> 00:02:26,909 argument being made against the 79 00:02:26,910 --> 00:02:28,049 Texas Department of Criminal 80 00:02:28,050 --> 00:02:28,799 Justice? 81 00:02:28,800 --> 00:02:31,159 It's a really simple argument. 82 00:02:31,160 --> 00:02:32,679 Basically, lawyers are saying that 83 00:02:32,680 --> 00:02:34,559 the heat in these prisons, which 84 00:02:34,560 --> 00:02:36,699 regularly tops 90 degrees 85 00:02:36,700 --> 00:02:38,679 in the summer, that's according to 86 00:02:38,680 --> 00:02:39,999 our former colleague Lauren 87 00:02:40,000 --> 00:02:41,899 McGaughy's work, is 88 00:02:41,900 --> 00:02:42,699 unconstitutional. 89 00:02:42,700 --> 00:02:43,639 That it's cruel and unusual 90 00:02:43,640 --> 00:02:44,839 punishment. 91 00:02:44,840 --> 00:02:46,999 And that the state hasn't 92 00:02:47,000 --> 00:02:48,879 really done anything in a sort 93 00:02:48,880 --> 00:02:50,859 of holistic way to address 94 00:02:50,860 --> 00:02:52,779 those conditions and that people 95 00:02:52,780 --> 00:02:54,519 have died because of it. 96 00:02:54,520 --> 00:02:56,339 Uh, and so this trial is going on 97 00:02:56,340 --> 00:02:58,159 this week, plaintiffs are calling 98 00:02:58,160 --> 00:03:00,199 witnesses and presented arguments 99 00:03:00,200 --> 00:03:02,019 and next week, the state will, 100 00:03:02,020 --> 00:03:02,799 will do the same. 101 00:03:02,800 --> 00:03:04,879 And then it will be, uh, decided by, 102 00:03:04,880 --> 00:03:06,559 by a federal judge, whether that's 103 00:03:06,560 --> 00:03:07,659 the case. 104 00:03:07,660 --> 00:03:09,219 So this week I was in court, I spoke 105 00:03:09,220 --> 00:03:11,119 with, um, one of the attorneys 106 00:03:11,120 --> 00:03:12,879 who's trying this case, Brandon 107 00:03:12,880 --> 00:03:15,099 Duke. And he's said that, yeah, 108 00:03:15,100 --> 00:03:17,119 TDCJ has done something to 109 00:03:17,120 --> 00:03:18,839 address some units. 110 00:03:18,840 --> 00:03:20,799 Uh, but that he's 111 00:03:20,800 --> 00:03:22,639 in his view that the, the, 112 00:03:22,640 --> 00:03:24,059 state is kind of trying to slow walk 113 00:03:24,060 --> 00:03:25,099 this. 114 00:03:25,100 --> 00:03:26,279 They've chosen basically the 115 00:03:26,280 --> 00:03:28,179 slowest, least efficient process 116 00:03:28,180 --> 00:03:30,259 that will take a significant 117 00:03:30,260 --> 00:03:31,819 number of years longer to air 118 00:03:31,820 --> 00:03:33,399 condition the system. 119 00:03:33,400 --> 00:03:35,299 What has TDCJ said that 120 00:03:35,300 --> 00:03:36,639 they've done to provide air 121 00:03:36,640 --> 00:03:37,739 conditioning so far? 122 00:03:37,740 --> 00:03:39,099 Like I said, they have air 123 00:03:39,100 --> 00:03:40,259 conditioned some units. 124 00:03:42,000 --> 00:03:43,499 It's kind of been interesting this 125 00:03:43,500 --> 00:03:45,519 week hearing testimony from 126 00:03:45,520 --> 00:03:47,539 the former head of the agency and 127 00:03:47,540 --> 00:03:48,779 the current head, where they 128 00:03:48,780 --> 00:03:50,619 basically say, yeah, AC 129 00:03:50,620 --> 00:03:52,699 would stop people 130 00:03:52,700 --> 00:03:54,279 dying in prisons because they're so 131 00:03:54,280 --> 00:03:56,219 hot, but they've 132 00:03:56,220 --> 00:03:58,239 said that they're also trying 133 00:03:58,240 --> 00:04:00,059 to do their best with what 134 00:04:00,060 --> 00:04:01,199 they have. 135 00:04:01,200 --> 00:04:03,099 So far, since 2018, they've 136 00:04:03,100 --> 00:04:05,169 air-conditioned 15,000 units. 137 00:04:05,170 --> 00:04:07,229 And they have a plan to do 138 00:04:07,230 --> 00:04:09,769 that for 40,000 more units, 139 00:04:09,770 --> 00:04:11,029 but plaintiff's attorneys say it's 140 00:04:11,030 --> 00:04:12,009 not moving fast enough. 141 00:04:12,010 --> 00:04:13,429 Well, the state agency says that 142 00:04:13,430 --> 00:04:15,509 providing AC to all inmates is 143 00:04:15,510 --> 00:04:17,109 one of many quote competing 144 00:04:17,110 --> 00:04:18,669 priorities or what are some of those 145 00:04:18,670 --> 00:04:19,429 other priorities? 146 00:04:19,430 --> 00:04:21,569 Yeah, security is one, 147 00:04:21,570 --> 00:04:24,169 obviously it's a prison, 148 00:04:24,170 --> 00:04:26,529 and there's also maintenance. 149 00:04:26,530 --> 00:04:27,589 Some of these buildings, one of 150 00:04:27,590 --> 00:04:29,069 these building is, and I didn't 151 00:04:29,070 --> 00:04:30,469 realize this until this week when I 152 00:04:30,470 --> 00:04:31,749 started covering it, was built in 153 00:04:31,750 --> 00:04:33,089 1850. Oh, dang. 154 00:04:33,090 --> 00:04:34,789 Yeah. So there's a lot of upkeep 155 00:04:34,790 --> 00:04:36,809 that is non-AC related. 156 00:04:36,810 --> 00:04:38,689 Also there's healthcare, obviously. 157 00:04:38,690 --> 00:04:40,869 You have to take care of people in 158 00:04:40,870 --> 00:04:42,909 the custody of the state, 159 00:04:42,910 --> 00:04:44,789 but the biggest obstacle 160 00:04:44,790 --> 00:04:46,379 as the state sees it. 161 00:04:46,380 --> 00:04:48,539 Is cost. This would cost $1.5 162 00:04:48,540 --> 00:04:50,439 billion to put AC 163 00:04:50,440 --> 00:04:52,519 in all of its units, and that's 164 00:04:52,520 --> 00:04:53,919 10 times the amount, more than 10 165 00:04:53,920 --> 00:04:55,079 times the amount that they get from 166 00:04:55,080 --> 00:04:56,509 the state legislature. 167 00:04:56,510 --> 00:04:58,549 The trial is being overseen by U.S. 168 00:04:58,550 --> 00:05:00,469 District Judge Robert Pittman. 169 00:05:00,470 --> 00:05:01,989 What do his previous ruling signal 170 00:05:01,990 --> 00:05:03,410 about his position on this matter? 171 00:05:04,600 --> 00:05:05,939 Plainly unconstitutional is what he 172 00:05:05,940 --> 00:05:06,799 called it. 173 00:05:06,800 --> 00:05:08,999 That was in a ruling last year, 174 00:05:09,000 --> 00:05:10,459 almost a year to the date. 175 00:05:10,460 --> 00:05:12,299 And this was basically plaintiffs 176 00:05:12,300 --> 00:05:14,139 wanted to immediately order 177 00:05:14,140 --> 00:05:15,179 the state to do this. 178 00:05:15,180 --> 00:05:16,299 He said, no, let's take this to 179 00:05:16,300 --> 00:05:18,319 trial. And in that ruling, he said, 180 00:05:18,320 --> 00:05:20,359 you know, the state is admitting 181 00:05:20,360 --> 00:05:22,539 that these conditions are dangerous 182 00:05:22,540 --> 00:05:23,799 and they're not doing enough to 183 00:05:23,800 --> 00:05:25,049 address it. 184 00:05:25,050 --> 00:05:26,589 The trial has also garnered the 185 00:05:26,590 --> 00:05:28,249 attention of Austinite and filmmaker 186 00:05:28,250 --> 00:05:29,369 Richard Link later. 187 00:05:29,370 --> 00:05:30,609 How did he get connected to this 188 00:05:30,610 --> 00:05:31,079 cause? 189 00:05:31,080 --> 00:05:33,059 Yeah, the 2011 movie, 190 00:05:33,060 --> 00:05:34,999 Bernie, which is a deeply 191 00:05:35,000 --> 00:05:36,839 Texan movie that is also a 192 00:05:36,840 --> 00:05:38,619 very, very dark comedy. 193 00:05:38,620 --> 00:05:40,519 After that movie, he sort of 194 00:05:40,520 --> 00:05:41,839 connected with Bernie's story. 195 00:05:41,840 --> 00:05:43,659 He's advocated for him, and he helps 196 00:05:43,660 --> 00:05:46,379 sort of spur this lawsuit that 197 00:05:46,380 --> 00:05:47,779 started with Bernie. 198 00:05:47,780 --> 00:05:49,359 And since then, he's been moved to 199 00:05:49,360 --> 00:05:50,759 an air-conditioned unit. 200 00:05:50,760 --> 00:05:52,399 But a lot of other folks have joined 201 00:05:52,400 --> 00:05:54,459 because this is a very 202 00:05:54,460 --> 00:05:56,599 novel case because it would require 203 00:05:56,600 --> 00:05:58,699 all prison units to 204 00:05:58,700 --> 00:05:59,699 have air conditioning. 205 00:05:59,700 --> 00:06:01,259 I spoke with him Tuesday outside the 206 00:06:01,260 --> 00:06:02,299 courtroom. 207 00:06:02,300 --> 00:06:03,979 I think they felt legally they 208 00:06:03,980 --> 00:06:07,299 didn't have to, but morally they 209 00:06:07,300 --> 00:06:08,939 probably should have. 210 00:06:08,940 --> 00:06:10,319 You know, think of the millions and 211 00:06:10,320 --> 00:06:12,399 millions of hours of suffering. 212 00:06:12,400 --> 00:06:14,399 Think of all the deaths, all the 213 00:06:14,400 --> 00:06:15,199 illness. 214 00:06:15,200 --> 00:06:16,899 Not just for the incarcerated, but 215 00:06:16,900 --> 00:06:18,899 the state employees who 216 00:06:18,900 --> 00:06:20,239 work there. 217 00:06:20,240 --> 00:06:21,939 Okay Andrew, about 20 seconds left. 218 00:06:21,940 --> 00:06:23,359 If the judge does indeed rule 219 00:06:23,360 --> 00:06:25,259 against TDCJ, how soon 220 00:06:25,260 --> 00:06:26,919 could we see change inside Texas 221 00:06:26,920 --> 00:06:27,929 prisons? 222 00:06:27,930 --> 00:06:29,989 Unclear. Plaintiffs want it by 2029, 223 00:06:29,990 --> 00:06:31,389 but this will likely go to the Fifth 224 00:06:31,390 --> 00:06:32,759 Circuit Court of Appeals. 225 00:06:32,760 --> 00:06:34,179 Alrighty, we have been chatting with 226 00:06:34,180 --> 00:06:36,299 Andrew Weber, he is KUT's Government 227 00:06:36,300 --> 00:06:37,879 Accountability Reporter. 228 00:06:37,880 --> 00:06:38,979 We're going to have a link to his 229 00:06:38,980 --> 00:06:40,719 reporting in today's show notes and 230 00:06:40,720 --> 00:06:43,139 at KUT.org slash 231 00:06:43,140 --> 00:06:43,979 Signal. 232 00:06:43,980 --> 00:06:44,939 Andrew, thanks to you. 233 00:06:44,940 --> 00:06:45,940 Appreciate you, too. 234 00:06:56,670 --> 00:06:58,589 Cancer Research at UT Austin 235 00:06:58,590 --> 00:07:00,509 and MD Anderson Cancer Center 236 00:07:00,510 --> 00:07:02,749 has taken another step forward. 237 00:07:02,750 --> 00:07:03,889 This time, researchers say the 238 00:07:03,890 --> 00:07:05,749 secret may be tricking the 239 00:07:05,750 --> 00:07:06,889 immune system. 240 00:07:06,890 --> 00:07:08,089 For more about that, we are speaking 241 00:07:08,090 --> 00:07:10,289 with KUT's healthcare reporter, 242 00:07:10,290 --> 00:07:11,549 Olivia Aldridge. Howdy, Olivia. 243 00:07:11,550 --> 00:07:12,409 Hi. 244 00:07:12,410 --> 00:07:13,889 So tell us, what have these 245 00:07:13,890 --> 00:07:15,689 researchers found exactly? 246 00:07:15,690 --> 00:07:17,229 Essentially, they discovered that 247 00:07:17,230 --> 00:07:19,089 this new chemotherapy agent 248 00:07:19,090 --> 00:07:21,069 that they were testing appeared to 249 00:07:21,070 --> 00:07:23,249 be causing immune cells to attack 250 00:07:23,250 --> 00:07:25,249 cancer just as they would a cell 251 00:07:25,250 --> 00:07:27,169 infected by a virus, 252 00:07:27,170 --> 00:07:28,629 which could open up a lot of 253 00:07:28,630 --> 00:07:30,229 possibilities for how the science 254 00:07:30,230 --> 00:07:32,369 community approaches cancer research 255 00:07:32,370 --> 00:07:33,509 and treatment. 256 00:07:33,510 --> 00:07:35,349 And your story features one 257 00:07:35,350 --> 00:07:36,409 Jonathan Sessler. 258 00:07:36,410 --> 00:07:37,969 Tell us a little bit about him. 259 00:07:37,970 --> 00:07:39,809 Yes, he has led 260 00:07:39,810 --> 00:07:41,529 this team of chemists at UT. 261 00:07:41,530 --> 00:07:43,209 They've been testing this potential 262 00:07:43,210 --> 00:07:45,149 chemotherapy drug, which they're 263 00:07:45,150 --> 00:07:46,269 calling Compound One. 264 00:07:46,270 --> 00:07:48,129 It essentially stresses 265 00:07:48,130 --> 00:07:50,209 cancer cells by causing this 266 00:07:50,210 --> 00:07:52,269 buildup of toxic molecules. 267 00:07:52,270 --> 00:07:54,249 I'm simplifying it, but. 268 00:07:54,250 --> 00:07:55,099 Thank you 269 00:07:55,100 --> 00:07:57,499 During their experiments with mice, 270 00:07:57,500 --> 00:07:58,899 they saw something unexpected 271 00:07:58,900 --> 00:08:01,059 happening though that they didn't 272 00:08:01,060 --> 00:08:02,779 anticipate, which was that in these 273 00:08:02,780 --> 00:08:04,399 mice, their immune cells were 274 00:08:04,400 --> 00:08:06,259 forming a response and attacking 275 00:08:06,260 --> 00:08:08,559 pre-treated cancer cells. 276 00:08:08,560 --> 00:08:10,319 This is notable because cancer 277 00:08:10,320 --> 00:08:12,399 usually is really good at evading 278 00:08:12,400 --> 00:08:13,539 our immune responses. 279 00:08:13,540 --> 00:08:15,379 The immune system doesn't attack 280 00:08:15,380 --> 00:08:16,859 its own cells usually. 281 00:08:16,860 --> 00:08:18,299 So how do you make the immune system 282 00:08:18,300 --> 00:08:20,269 see these cancer cells as a threat? 283 00:08:20,270 --> 00:08:22,229 And what the researchers believe 284 00:08:22,230 --> 00:08:24,409 is happening with compound one is 285 00:08:24,410 --> 00:08:26,269 it's triggering the immune cells 286 00:08:26,270 --> 00:08:28,209 to activate genes that are 287 00:08:28,210 --> 00:08:29,849 Associated with a protein that 288 00:08:29,850 --> 00:08:31,069 recognizes viruses. 289 00:08:31,070 --> 00:08:32,889 So it's a similar 290 00:08:32,890 --> 00:08:34,269 response as you'd see if you're 291 00:08:34,270 --> 00:08:35,408 infected with something like 292 00:08:35,409 --> 00:08:36,339 COVID-19 293 00:08:36,340 --> 00:08:38,219 Okay, okay, so chemo therapy 294 00:08:38,220 --> 00:08:39,418 traditionally has weakened the 295 00:08:39,419 --> 00:08:41,558 immune system because it kills those 296 00:08:41,559 --> 00:08:42,979 dangerous cells, but also kills 297 00:08:42,980 --> 00:08:44,058 healthy cells. 298 00:08:44,059 --> 00:08:45,579 So as I understand it, this compound 299 00:08:45,580 --> 00:08:47,419 one is helping to 300 00:08:47,420 --> 00:08:49,299 better aim the chemo where it 301 00:08:49,300 --> 00:08:51,539 needs to go, I guess? 302 00:08:51,540 --> 00:08:52,619 Sort of. Okay. 303 00:08:52,620 --> 00:08:54,419 Chemo is good at attacking cells 304 00:08:54,420 --> 00:08:56,579 that are dividing really quickly, 305 00:08:56,580 --> 00:08:58,559 cancer cells do that, but 306 00:08:58,560 --> 00:09:00,159 so do some types of healthy cells 307 00:09:00,160 --> 00:09:02,079 that includes immune cells and 308 00:09:02,080 --> 00:09:03,539 hair cells. 309 00:09:03,540 --> 00:09:04,939 So chemo can weaken your immune 310 00:09:04,940 --> 00:09:06,799 defenses at the same time as it's 311 00:09:06,800 --> 00:09:08,499 killing the cancer. 312 00:09:08,500 --> 00:09:10,419 The questions that Dr. 313 00:09:10,420 --> 00:09:12,059 Sessler and these other scientists 314 00:09:12,060 --> 00:09:13,939 at UT have is, if 315 00:09:13,940 --> 00:09:15,899 we can calibrate the right dose 316 00:09:15,900 --> 00:09:17,819 of chemo, in certain cases, maybe 317 00:09:17,820 --> 00:09:19,809 a lower dose, can we 318 00:09:19,810 --> 00:09:22,209 preserve those immune defenses while 319 00:09:22,210 --> 00:09:23,789 priming the immune system to 320 00:09:23,790 --> 00:09:25,049 actually attack the cancer? 321 00:09:26,050 --> 00:09:27,769 Their hypothesis at this stage is 322 00:09:27,770 --> 00:09:29,629 that maybe there are other chemo 323 00:09:29,630 --> 00:09:31,209 agents that could do this too, not 324 00:09:31,210 --> 00:09:33,029 just this one compound. 325 00:09:33,030 --> 00:09:34,889 And they imagine that this method 326 00:09:34,890 --> 00:09:36,429 could potentially work in 327 00:09:36,430 --> 00:09:38,049 combination with other types of 328 00:09:38,050 --> 00:09:39,709 established immunotherapy out there 329 00:09:39,710 --> 00:09:41,849 that focus on activating 330 00:09:41,850 --> 00:09:43,129 the immune system in cancer 331 00:09:43,130 --> 00:09:43,719 patients. 332 00:09:43,720 --> 00:09:44,779 And this is something he's been 333 00:09:44,780 --> 00:09:46,479 working on for at least a decade, 334 00:09:46,480 --> 00:09:47,419 correct? 335 00:09:47,420 --> 00:09:47,989 That's right. 336 00:09:47,990 --> 00:09:49,509 Okay, and and they published their 337 00:09:49,510 --> 00:09:51,149 findings recently in a peer-reviewed 338 00:09:51,150 --> 00:09:52,969 journal That means other folks 339 00:09:52,970 --> 00:09:54,589 in the field can try to build on 340 00:09:54,590 --> 00:09:55,469 what they're currently doing, 341 00:09:55,470 --> 00:09:56,189 correct? 342 00:09:56,190 --> 00:09:58,269 Yes. So it's been 10 years, 343 00:09:58,270 --> 00:10:00,069 but it's still early research. 344 00:10:00,070 --> 00:10:01,449 Right now they have promising 345 00:10:01,450 --> 00:10:03,529 results and experiments done on 346 00:10:03,530 --> 00:10:05,429 mice. So, it's a long way from 347 00:10:05,430 --> 00:10:07,129 being applied in a clinical setting 348 00:10:07,130 --> 00:10:09,049 with actual cancer 349 00:10:09,050 --> 00:10:10,050 patients. 350 00:10:10,670 --> 00:10:12,029 But they want others in the 351 00:10:12,030 --> 00:10:13,589 chemistry and oncology communities 352 00:10:13,590 --> 00:10:15,509 to take a look and test their 353 00:10:15,510 --> 00:10:17,509 hypothesis and also maybe 354 00:10:17,510 --> 00:10:19,469 look at any observations from their 355 00:10:19,470 --> 00:10:21,289 own clinical practices that might 356 00:10:21,290 --> 00:10:22,839 align with these findings. 357 00:10:22,840 --> 00:10:23,959 Okay, so it sounds like there's 358 00:10:23,960 --> 00:10:25,379 still a fair amount of work to be 359 00:10:25,380 --> 00:10:26,959 done in the development of this 360 00:10:26,960 --> 00:10:28,579 chemotherapy drug. 361 00:10:28,580 --> 00:10:29,939 So now I'm going to ask you the 362 00:10:29,940 --> 00:10:30,819 obvious question. 363 00:10:30,820 --> 00:10:32,699 How long before people might be 364 00:10:32,700 --> 00:10:34,699 able to actually use this? 365 00:10:34,700 --> 00:10:36,159 They told me they're thinking about 366 00:10:36,160 --> 00:10:38,059 it like probably another 10 years. 367 00:10:38,060 --> 00:10:39,239 OK. 368 00:10:39,240 --> 00:10:40,679 But you know, this is a kind of a 369 00:10:40,680 --> 00:10:42,679 good example of how all of this 370 00:10:42,680 --> 00:10:44,499 research that happens at UT and MD 371 00:10:44,500 --> 00:10:46,499 Anderson all the time 372 00:10:46,500 --> 00:10:47,939 happens. 373 00:10:47,940 --> 00:10:49,619 This is this is what's going on 374 00:10:49,620 --> 00:10:50,879 behind the scene with medical 375 00:10:50,880 --> 00:10:52,039 research. 376 00:10:52,040 --> 00:10:53,819 And it's all happening right here in 377 00:10:53,820 --> 00:10:54,789 our backyard. 378 00:10:54,790 --> 00:10:56,529 Very cool. We have been speaking to 379 00:10:56,530 --> 00:10:58,369 KUT's healthcare reporter, 380 00:10:58,370 --> 00:10:59,349 Olivia Aldridge. 381 00:10:59,350 --> 00:11:00,989 We're gonna have a link to her story 382 00:11:00,990 --> 00:11:02,569 in our podcast, Show Notes, and at 383 00:11:02,570 --> 00:11:04,709 kut.org slash signal. 384 00:11:04,710 --> 00:11:06,069 Some great photos in there of 385 00:11:06,070 --> 00:11:07,649 scientists looking like scientists, 386 00:11:07,650 --> 00:11:09,089 you know. If I was gonna have a 387 00:11:09,090 --> 00:11:10,770 photo of me doing a journalism, it 388 00:11:10,771 --> 00:11:12,509 would be what I'm doing right now, 389 00:11:12,510 --> 00:11:13,549 talking to this microphone. 390 00:11:13,550 --> 00:11:15,389 So check out that story, as well 391 00:11:15,390 --> 00:11:16,769 as the reporting from Andrew. 392 00:11:16,770 --> 00:11:18,090 Olivia, thanks for talking with us. 393 00:11:30,660 --> 00:11:31,919 And thank you out there for spending 394 00:11:31,920 --> 00:11:33,599 part of your Thursday. 395 00:11:33,600 --> 00:11:35,619 Yes, it's Thursday here with us on 396 00:11:35,620 --> 00:11:36,939 Austin Signal. 397 00:11:36,940 --> 00:11:39,139 We are proud to be community powered 398 00:11:39,140 --> 00:11:40,139 public radio. 399 00:11:40,140 --> 00:11:41,739 Coming up after the break, we're 400 00:11:41,740 --> 00:11:43,699 gonna take you on a catio tour of 401 00:11:43,700 --> 00:11:45,079 Austin. What's more Austin than a 402 00:11:45,080 --> 00:11:46,219 catiotour? 403 00:11:46,220 --> 00:11:47,279 Well, come find out. 404 00:11:47,280 --> 00:11:48,539 That is coming up next. 405 00:11:48,540 --> 00:11:50,379 It's right here on Austin signal. 406 00:12:00,190 --> 00:12:02,009 This is Austin Signal, welcome 407 00:12:02,010 --> 00:12:03,149 back. 408 00:12:03,150 --> 00:12:05,109 Every year billions of migrating 409 00:12:05,110 --> 00:12:06,949 birds pass through Texas, but 410 00:12:06,950 --> 00:12:08,829 not all of them make it to their 411 00:12:08,830 --> 00:12:10,109 destination. 412 00:12:10,110 --> 00:12:12,029 That's for many reasons, but one of 413 00:12:12,030 --> 00:12:13,809 them is cats. 414 00:12:13,810 --> 00:12:15,849 They are adorable, yes, but prolific 415 00:12:15,850 --> 00:12:17,709 hunters, and it's estimated that 416 00:12:17,710 --> 00:12:19,609 each year they kill more than two 417 00:12:19,610 --> 00:12:21,369 billion birds across the United 418 00:12:21,370 --> 00:12:22,509 States. 419 00:12:22,510 --> 00:12:23,849 An Austin Bird Conservation 420 00:12:23,850 --> 00:12:25,609 Nonprofit hosts an event aimed at 421 00:12:25,610 --> 00:12:27,829 preventing some of these deaths. 422 00:12:27,830 --> 00:12:30,049 Sean Saldana from the Texas Standard 423 00:12:30,050 --> 00:12:31,969 takes us on a caddio 424 00:12:31,970 --> 00:12:32,970 tour. 425 00:12:36,760 --> 00:12:38,319 I'm in Jacob Smigel's backyard, and 426 00:12:38,320 --> 00:12:39,779 we're standing in front of a 10-foot 427 00:12:39,780 --> 00:12:41,619 wooden frame that is covered 428 00:12:41,620 --> 00:12:42,759 in wire. 429 00:12:42,760 --> 00:12:44,579 It's got about 10,000 staples 430 00:12:44,580 --> 00:12:46,439 in it that I put in there, too. 431 00:12:46,440 --> 00:12:48,259 There's a slanted middle roof, a 432 00:12:48,260 --> 00:12:49,839 catwalk that extends out to a nearby 433 00:12:49,840 --> 00:12:51,739 tree, and a tiny pet door for 434 00:12:51,740 --> 00:12:53,099 his three kitties. 435 00:12:53,100 --> 00:12:54,239 I feel like I know people who 436 00:12:54,240 --> 00:12:55,679 wouldn't invest this much in their 437 00:12:55,680 --> 00:12:58,299 children, much less their cats. 438 00:12:58,300 --> 00:13:00,079 You know, I didn't want to go 439 00:13:00,080 --> 00:13:01,839 overboard. What he's showing me is a 440 00:13:01,840 --> 00:13:03,999 catio, an outdoor but enclosed 441 00:13:04,000 --> 00:13:05,709 space for cats. 442 00:13:05,710 --> 00:13:07,569 It's the same concept as yard time 443 00:13:07,570 --> 00:13:09,549 for prisoners, and Smygle introduced 444 00:13:09,550 --> 00:13:11,509 me to one of the inmates. 445 00:13:11,510 --> 00:13:12,510 Hi Quinn. 446 00:13:15,320 --> 00:13:15,649 She's pushing. 447 00:13:15,650 --> 00:13:17,369 Microphone away. 448 00:13:17,370 --> 00:13:19,189 Quinn is a six-month-old tabby 449 00:13:19,190 --> 00:13:21,049 who was sunbathing for our entire 450 00:13:21,050 --> 00:13:23,009 interview like a total diva. 451 00:13:23,010 --> 00:13:24,129 And there are about a dozen people 452 00:13:24,130 --> 00:13:26,249 here to see her and this massive 453 00:13:26,250 --> 00:13:28,229 catio, like Rebecca Wells 454 00:13:28,230 --> 00:13:30,009 and her friend Lexi Somerville. 455 00:13:30,010 --> 00:13:32,029 We both have orange cats, which we 456 00:13:32,030 --> 00:13:32,989 have a theory. I don't know if 457 00:13:32,990 --> 00:13:33,809 you've heard of the orange cat 458 00:13:33,810 --> 00:13:34,619 theory. 459 00:13:34,620 --> 00:13:36,359 Yeah, they all share a brain cell. 460 00:13:36,360 --> 00:13:38,299 Yes, exactly! 461 00:13:38,300 --> 00:13:39,679 But Smygle and his family are the 462 00:13:39,680 --> 00:13:41,519 final stop on a citywide tour put 463 00:13:41,520 --> 00:13:43,339 on by Travis Audubon, where 464 00:13:43,340 --> 00:13:45,759 Kaylee Zazoula is program director. 465 00:13:45,760 --> 00:13:47,479 If anyone is listening to this and 466 00:13:47,480 --> 00:13:49,319 they think, why does Travis Audobon 467 00:13:49,320 --> 00:13:51,339 hate cats, what would your 468 00:13:51,340 --> 00:13:52,340 response to that be? 469 00:13:53,270 --> 00:13:54,469 We love cats. 470 00:13:54,470 --> 00:13:57,329 We think cats are great pets. 471 00:13:57,330 --> 00:13:59,829 This is us trying to 472 00:13:59,830 --> 00:14:01,709 speak to cat owners and 473 00:14:01,710 --> 00:14:03,589 think about the effects 474 00:14:03,590 --> 00:14:05,449 that keeping your cats 475 00:14:05,450 --> 00:14:07,269 outdoors can have on wildlife. 476 00:14:07,270 --> 00:14:09,149 They do this event because it's 477 00:14:09,150 --> 00:14:11,049 impossible for cats like Quinn to 478 00:14:11,050 --> 00:14:12,889 turn off their hunting instinct. 479 00:14:12,890 --> 00:14:15,229 She thinks my 480 00:14:15,230 --> 00:14:16,989 fuzzy microphone is a toy. 481 00:14:16,990 --> 00:14:18,069 Oh, she's biting it. 482 00:14:18,070 --> 00:14:19,649 Cats are known to hunt more than 483 00:14:19,650 --> 00:14:21,469 2,000 species, and have 484 00:14:21,470 --> 00:14:23,089 been linked to the extinction of 40 485 00:14:23,090 --> 00:14:24,419 types of birds. 486 00:14:24,420 --> 00:14:26,619 Cats would be particularly 487 00:14:26,620 --> 00:14:28,459 problematic for species 488 00:14:28,460 --> 00:14:30,339 that spend time near 489 00:14:30,340 --> 00:14:31,659 the ground. 490 00:14:31,660 --> 00:14:33,759 So think larks barrows 491 00:14:33,760 --> 00:14:36,279 here in central Texas or 492 00:14:36,280 --> 00:14:37,989 ground nesting birds in particular. 493 00:14:37,990 --> 00:14:39,769 Grant Sizemore is with the American 494 00:14:39,770 --> 00:14:41,609 Bird Conservancy, and he 495 00:14:41,610 --> 00:14:43,249 explains that cats don't even need 496 00:14:43,250 --> 00:14:45,809 to kill to disrupt an ecosystem. 497 00:14:45,810 --> 00:14:46,989 They do this through something 498 00:14:46,990 --> 00:14:49,339 called the ecology of fear. 499 00:14:49,340 --> 00:14:51,219 When a cat is nearby a nest, even if 500 00:14:51,220 --> 00:14:53,519 the cat doesn't directly attack 501 00:14:53,520 --> 00:14:55,619 that nest, it causes 502 00:14:55,620 --> 00:14:57,139 a change in the behavior of the 503 00:14:57,140 --> 00:14:57,869 adult bird. 504 00:14:57,870 --> 00:14:59,749 When cats are around, birds have 505 00:14:59,750 --> 00:15:01,629 to focus on not getting eaten, 506 00:15:01,630 --> 00:15:03,489 which takes time away from other 507 00:15:03,490 --> 00:15:04,349 activities. 508 00:15:04,350 --> 00:15:05,409 And they're not spending that time 509 00:15:05,410 --> 00:15:06,469 feeding their young. 510 00:15:06,470 --> 00:15:07,749 This year's Catio Tour had an 511 00:15:07,750 --> 00:15:10,109 estimated 350 attendees, 512 00:15:10,110 --> 00:15:11,719 like Rachel and Jonah Jackson. 513 00:15:11,720 --> 00:15:13,039 We have three cats, they're all 514 00:15:13,040 --> 00:15:14,619 named after food. 515 00:15:14,620 --> 00:15:16,719 There is Marshmallow, 516 00:15:16,720 --> 00:15:18,659 Peanut, and Rotten Banana. 517 00:15:18,660 --> 00:15:21,019 That's cute that 518 00:15:21,020 --> 00:15:22,589 you've named your cat Rotten. 519 00:15:22,590 --> 00:15:24,289 I was going to say, we had trouble 520 00:15:24,290 --> 00:15:26,149 with her and then she grew 521 00:15:26,150 --> 00:15:27,209 into her name. 522 00:15:27,210 --> 00:15:29,249 The Jacksons are not birders. 523 00:15:29,250 --> 00:15:30,869 They are catio-curious, and they are 524 00:15:30,870 --> 00:15:33,069 using today to gather inspiration. 525 00:15:33,070 --> 00:15:34,269 We have a little pergola in the 526 00:15:34,270 --> 00:15:35,329 backyard and it's just occurring to 527 00:15:35,330 --> 00:15:36,609 me that maybe we could route them 528 00:15:36,610 --> 00:15:38,169 over there and run them around, you 529 00:15:38,170 --> 00:15:39,170 know. 530 00:15:39,970 --> 00:15:41,769 The Jacksons are just looking for a 531 00:15:41,770 --> 00:15:43,449 home project and to keep their 532 00:15:43,450 --> 00:15:44,849 kitties safe. 533 00:15:44,850 --> 00:15:46,049 Because cats that spend time 534 00:15:46,050 --> 00:15:48,169 outdoors sometimes wander off and 535 00:15:48,170 --> 00:15:49,369 turn into lunch. 536 00:15:49,370 --> 00:15:50,649 It protects them from coyotes, which 537 00:15:50,650 --> 00:15:51,869 we have a lot of. 538 00:15:51,870 --> 00:15:53,269 Nicolette Pink is married to Jacob 539 00:15:53,270 --> 00:15:55,029 Smeigel, whose catio we've been 540 00:15:55,030 --> 00:15:55,969 admiring. 541 00:15:55,970 --> 00:15:57,469 She told me about a Bengal cat they 542 00:15:57,470 --> 00:15:58,549 once had. 543 00:15:58,550 --> 00:16:00,189 Anytime he could, he would slip out 544 00:16:00,190 --> 00:16:01,809 of the house and explore the shrubby 545 00:16:01,810 --> 00:16:03,889 limestone of central Texas. 546 00:16:03,890 --> 00:16:06,239 Then one day, he didn't come back. 547 00:16:06,240 --> 00:16:08,389 The Bengal met his fate. 548 00:16:08,390 --> 00:16:09,959 Oh, really? 549 00:16:09,960 --> 00:16:10,960 Oh, I'm so sorry to hear. 550 00:16:12,000 --> 00:16:13,779 Catios make sure that kitties like 551 00:16:13,780 --> 00:16:15,719 Quinn and her twin sister Clover can 552 00:16:15,720 --> 00:16:18,579 enjoy the outdoors and stay safe. 553 00:16:18,580 --> 00:16:20,119 And if it weren't for this event, 554 00:16:20,120 --> 00:16:21,259 neither of them would be here right 555 00:16:21,260 --> 00:16:21,679 now. 556 00:16:21,680 --> 00:16:23,599 I met the foster for these 557 00:16:23,600 --> 00:16:25,499 about four years ago on the 558 00:16:25,500 --> 00:16:27,339 catio tour. She came here. 559 00:16:27,340 --> 00:16:28,879 I met her. I kept her in the back of 560 00:16:28,880 --> 00:16:30,599 my mind because I knew she rescued. 561 00:16:30,600 --> 00:16:31,559 And then when I was ready to get 562 00:16:31,560 --> 00:16:33,379 more cats, I reached out to her 563 00:16:33,380 --> 00:16:35,319 and we adopted these 564 00:16:35,320 --> 00:16:36,209 two from her. 565 00:16:36,210 --> 00:16:37,969 Quinn and Clover barely acknowledge 566 00:16:37,970 --> 00:16:39,089 the crowd. 567 00:16:39,090 --> 00:16:40,869 Inside the catio, they are just 568 00:16:40,870 --> 00:16:42,089 relaxing. 569 00:16:42,090 --> 00:16:43,969 Outside, they're ruthless 570 00:16:43,970 --> 00:16:46,389 predators and easy prey. 571 00:16:46,390 --> 00:16:48,070 In Austin, I'm Sean Saldana. 572 00:16:57,550 --> 00:16:59,549 Traffic is one of the constants 573 00:16:59,550 --> 00:17:01,449 of life here in Austin, and now 574 00:17:01,450 --> 00:17:02,969 the surrounding area too. 575 00:17:02,970 --> 00:17:05,169 That's just the way it is. 576 00:17:05,170 --> 00:17:07,229 But every so often, there's 577 00:17:07,230 --> 00:17:08,669 something that breaks the monotony 578 00:17:08,670 --> 00:17:10,689 of the brake lights. 579 00:17:10,690 --> 00:17:12,608 A sign off in the distance that 580 00:17:12,609 --> 00:17:14,909 reads, Baby Yoda uses 581 00:17:14,910 --> 00:17:16,348 a car seat. 582 00:17:16,349 --> 00:17:18,209 Be safe, he will. 583 00:17:18,210 --> 00:17:19,588 Baby Yoda is actually here in 584 00:17:19,589 --> 00:17:20,929 studio, but I'm not gonna talk to 585 00:17:20,930 --> 00:17:22,509 him anymore because someone asked 586 00:17:22,510 --> 00:17:24,549 our ATXplain project, who 587 00:17:24,550 --> 00:17:25,939 is behind these? 588 00:17:25,940 --> 00:17:27,959 Sometimes clever signs reminding 589 00:17:27,960 --> 00:17:30,659 you to be safe on the road. 590 00:17:30,660 --> 00:17:32,699 Former KUT reporter Samuel King 591 00:17:32,700 --> 00:17:33,779 has the story. 592 00:17:35,480 --> 00:17:37,439 Like many Austinites, UT student 593 00:17:37,440 --> 00:17:39,439 Evan Hearn spends a lot of time 594 00:17:39,440 --> 00:17:40,479 on the road. 595 00:17:40,480 --> 00:17:41,919 I live up north. 596 00:17:41,920 --> 00:17:43,259 And so I'm a student and I have a 597 00:17:43,260 --> 00:17:44,439 couple jobs. 598 00:17:44,440 --> 00:17:46,719 So I'm constantly either in 599 00:17:46,720 --> 00:17:48,699 the car or on the bus, you know, 600 00:17:48,700 --> 00:17:50,059 going one way or another. 601 00:17:50,060 --> 00:17:52,039 All that time on the road, stuck 602 00:17:52,040 --> 00:17:53,839 in traffic, could make Hearn and 603 00:17:53,840 --> 00:17:55,369 other drivers go mad. 604 00:17:55,370 --> 00:17:56,439 You know you hate 605 00:17:56,440 --> 00:17:57,839 everything about your life in that 606 00:17:57,840 --> 00:17:59,359 moment you hate everybody around you 607 00:17:59,360 --> 00:18:01,339 but then it appears like a beacon of 608 00:18:01,340 --> 00:18:03,199 call sign reminding you that 609 00:18:03,200 --> 00:18:04,839 you're not a candle so don't drive 610 00:18:04,840 --> 00:18:07,019 lit or designate a driver 611 00:18:07,020 --> 00:18:07,959 be vo the 612 00:18:07,960 --> 00:18:09,659 Around the holidays there's always 613 00:18:09,660 --> 00:18:11,379 like some sort of pun that they do 614 00:18:11,380 --> 00:18:12,619 like it's a really there's always 615 00:18:12,620 --> 00:18:14,039 like no offense to the guy but it's 616 00:18:14,040 --> 00:18:15,479 they're really lame like sort of dad 617 00:18:15,480 --> 00:18:17,479 puns that they that they do about 618 00:18:17,480 --> 00:18:19,239 like Easter or like Christmas or the 619 00:18:19,240 --> 00:18:20,229 Fourth of July or whatever 620 00:18:20,230 --> 00:18:22,049 Evan wondered who is behind the 621 00:18:22,050 --> 00:18:23,749 messages on the electronic signs 622 00:18:23,750 --> 00:18:25,009 along Austin's roads. 623 00:18:25,010 --> 00:18:26,649 Who is this mythical, omniscient 624 00:18:26,650 --> 00:18:28,589 person or dad algorithm 625 00:18:28,590 --> 00:18:30,589 who spits out bad jokes 626 00:18:30,590 --> 00:18:31,889 and good advice? 627 00:18:31,890 --> 00:18:33,349 If the sign is telling me, like if 628 00:18:33,350 --> 00:18:35,469 the sign is calling me out on 629 00:18:35,470 --> 00:18:37,209 my bad driving, I should probably 630 00:18:37,210 --> 00:18:38,129 calm down. I'm gonna get home 631 00:18:38,130 --> 00:18:39,129 eventually, so. 632 00:18:39,130 --> 00:18:40,949 Well, who that person is, and it is 633 00:18:40,950 --> 00:18:43,309 a person, not a robot, yet, 634 00:18:43,310 --> 00:18:44,569 depends on the road. 635 00:18:44,570 --> 00:18:46,109 The big highways, it's someone from 636 00:18:46,110 --> 00:18:47,909 TxDOT. On the toll roads, it could 637 00:18:47,910 --> 00:18:49,449 be someone from the Central Texas 638 00:18:49,450 --> 00:18:51,349 Regional Mobility Authority. 639 00:18:51,350 --> 00:18:53,269 On city streets like Lamar and Cesar 640 00:18:53,270 --> 00:18:55,109 Chavez, it's a team from the city 641 00:18:55,110 --> 00:18:56,269 of Austin. 642 00:18:56,270 --> 00:18:58,169 Engineer Joshua Batpuria is on 643 00:18:58,170 --> 00:18:58,949 that team. 644 00:18:58,950 --> 00:19:00,789 He isn't a dad, but he 645 00:19:00,790 --> 00:19:03,039 takes pride in his dad joke. 646 00:19:03,040 --> 00:19:04,779 I enjoy it, but my coworkers 647 00:19:04,780 --> 00:19:06,599 sometimes get a little bit tired of 648 00:19:06,600 --> 00:19:07,799 it, so they just retreat to their 649 00:19:07,800 --> 00:19:08,800 corner. 650 00:19:09,600 --> 00:19:11,039 Oh, so you make bad jokes in person, 651 00:19:11,040 --> 00:19:12,739 too. I do, I do. 652 00:19:12,740 --> 00:19:14,179 Only the best reach the signs, I 653 00:19:14,180 --> 00:19:15,180 would say. 654 00:19:15,840 --> 00:19:17,359 Or worse, it depends on how you 655 00:19:17,360 --> 00:19:18,128 define it. 656 00:19:18,129 --> 00:19:19,629 Thankfully, he doesn't always have 657 00:19:19,630 --> 00:19:20,669 the final say. 658 00:19:20,670 --> 00:19:21,829 It's a group effort. 659 00:19:21,830 --> 00:19:23,669 There's a whole team whose job it is 660 00:19:23,670 --> 00:19:24,959 to come up with these signs. 661 00:19:24,960 --> 00:19:25,859 We would come up with something 662 00:19:25,860 --> 00:19:27,099 simple that everybody understands 663 00:19:27,100 --> 00:19:29,059 like a 664 00:19:29,060 --> 00:19:30,459 Drake reference or Matthew 665 00:19:30,460 --> 00:19:31,779 McConaughey reference and from there 666 00:19:31,780 --> 00:19:33,679 we would just come up a rhyme 667 00:19:33,680 --> 00:19:34,959 or something simple that we could be 668 00:19:34,960 --> 00:19:37,119 like oh this is a quick 15 669 00:19:37,120 --> 00:19:38,559 words that people would laugh at but 670 00:19:38,560 --> 00:19:39,899 then it would also stick the memory 671 00:19:39,900 --> 00:19:40,619 in their head. 672 00:19:40,620 --> 00:19:42,379 It's harder than it sounds. 673 00:19:42,380 --> 00:19:44,179 In 2017, the city asked people to 674 00:19:44,180 --> 00:19:45,959 come up with their own signs. 675 00:19:45,960 --> 00:19:47,999 And while 15 submissions made the 676 00:19:48,000 --> 00:19:50,859 cut, hundreds more were rejected, 677 00:19:50,860 --> 00:19:52,839 including one saying, cars don't 678 00:19:52,840 --> 00:19:55,139 cuddle. Leave some room. 679 00:19:55,140 --> 00:19:57,359 And everyone yearns for signaled 680 00:19:57,360 --> 00:19:58,239 turns. 681 00:19:58,240 --> 00:20:00,059 Joshua's boss, Jen Duthie, says it's 682 00:20:00,060 --> 00:20:01,699 not always fun and games. 683 00:20:01,700 --> 00:20:03,519 Duthy says even the signs with jokes 684 00:20:03,520 --> 00:20:05,779 actually serve a serious purpose. 685 00:20:05,780 --> 00:20:07,599 They remind people the signs are 686 00:20:07,600 --> 00:20:09,469 there. And they often display 687 00:20:09,470 --> 00:20:11,429 serious messages like the recent 688 00:20:11,430 --> 00:20:13,309 signs aimed at reducing traffic 689 00:20:13,310 --> 00:20:14,189 fatality. 690 00:20:14,190 --> 00:20:15,849 So we do get questions sometimes, 691 00:20:15,850 --> 00:20:17,809 you know, why are we putting these 692 00:20:17,810 --> 00:20:19,609 somewhat silly messages up there, 693 00:20:19,610 --> 00:20:21,749 but they always have a 694 00:20:21,750 --> 00:20:22,829 key point that we're trying to get 695 00:20:22,830 --> 00:20:23,519 across. 696 00:20:23,520 --> 00:20:25,219 Even if you haven't eaten at El 697 00:20:25,220 --> 00:20:27,179 Arroyo on West Fifth, you probably 698 00:20:27,180 --> 00:20:28,959 know their other claim to fame, 699 00:20:28,960 --> 00:20:30,039 funny signs. 700 00:20:30,040 --> 00:20:31,919 And they apparently felt Bapuria and 701 00:20:31,920 --> 00:20:33,659 the other road sign artists were 702 00:20:33,660 --> 00:20:35,659 edging in on their turf. 703 00:20:35,660 --> 00:20:37,559 El Arroyo made one of their signs 704 00:20:37,560 --> 00:20:39,399 that said, who's the intern 705 00:20:39,400 --> 00:20:41,279 trying to steal our marquee 706 00:20:41,280 --> 00:20:41,589 thunder? 707 00:20:41,590 --> 00:20:43,729 And I was just like minorly 708 00:20:43,730 --> 00:20:45,689 offended because on the one hand 709 00:20:45,690 --> 00:20:46,669 I was like, we're not a textile 710 00:20:46,670 --> 00:20:48,569 intern, I work with signals, I'm 711 00:20:48,570 --> 00:20:49,689 an engineer. 712 00:20:49,690 --> 00:20:51,589 On the other hand, I was, like, 713 00:20:51,590 --> 00:20:53,029 hey, I got featured on a lot of 714 00:20:53,030 --> 00:20:54,829 a little bit, so I'll take that as a 715 00:20:54,830 --> 00:20:56,729 win. If the jokes get you to notice 716 00:20:56,730 --> 00:20:58,609 the signs, then maybe you'll get the 717 00:20:58,610 --> 00:20:59,669 message they're trying to get 718 00:20:59,670 --> 00:21:00,649 across. 719 00:21:00,650 --> 00:21:02,589 After learning the method behind the 720 00:21:02,590 --> 00:21:04,489 madness, Evan Hearn sure thinks 721 00:21:04,490 --> 00:21:04,979 so. 722 00:21:04,980 --> 00:21:06,719 We can agree that objectively people 723 00:21:06,720 --> 00:21:08,339 who block the box are the worst kind 724 00:21:08,340 --> 00:21:10,399 of people, so maybe by seeing 725 00:21:10,400 --> 00:21:12,639 the sign they will sort 726 00:21:12,640 --> 00:21:13,819 of rethink what they're doing, so 727 00:21:13,820 --> 00:21:15,960 that's like an actual impactful, 728 00:21:17,040 --> 00:21:18,499 like impactful in the real world 729 00:21:18,500 --> 00:21:19,500 sort of situation. 730 00:21:23,640 --> 00:21:25,119 Samuel King, KUT News. 731 00:21:35,370 --> 00:21:37,569 That story was originally part 732 00:21:37,570 --> 00:21:39,489 of an ATXplained live show 733 00:21:39,490 --> 00:21:42,089 back at the Paramount Theater. 734 00:21:42,090 --> 00:21:43,989 Our next one with brand new stories 735 00:21:43,990 --> 00:21:45,609 is coming up on May 21st. 736 00:21:45,610 --> 00:21:47,589 This one is happening at the Bass 737 00:21:47,590 --> 00:21:49,029 Concert Hall. 738 00:21:49,030 --> 00:21:50,289 You can get your tickets at 739 00:21:50,290 --> 00:21:52,309 TexasPerformingArts.org 740 00:21:52,310 --> 00:21:53,829 and I gotta say that the 741 00:21:53,830 --> 00:21:55,709 anticipation is beginning to build 742 00:21:55,710 --> 00:21:57,589 in the newsroom about this upcoming 743 00:21:57,590 --> 00:21:59,229 show. Now I don't have any 744 00:21:59,230 --> 00:22:00,409 permission to tell you anything 745 00:22:00,410 --> 00:22:03,349 about what's going to happen EXCEPT 746 00:22:03,350 --> 00:22:04,929 that it's gonna be a great night, a 747 00:22:04,930 --> 00:22:06,169 community here in Austin. 748 00:22:06,170 --> 00:22:07,569 If you've never been to an A.T. 749 00:22:07,570 --> 00:22:10,149 Explained live show, it is, 750 00:22:10,150 --> 00:22:11,509 first off, it's just a really great 751 00:22:11,510 --> 00:22:13,589 night of storytelling, but I 752 00:22:13,590 --> 00:22:15,129 feel, and I hear so many people 753 00:22:15,130 --> 00:22:16,969 saying I feel better connected to my 754 00:22:16,970 --> 00:22:18,609 community after I go to one of these 755 00:22:18,610 --> 00:22:20,389 shows. And if you just heard Sam's 756 00:22:20,390 --> 00:22:21,989 story right there, you know why that 757 00:22:21,990 --> 00:22:24,069 is. You just get that connection 758 00:22:24,070 --> 00:22:25,969 to the person, and when you go to 759 00:22:25,970 --> 00:22:27,469 an AT Explained Live Show, you get 760 00:22:27,470 --> 00:22:29,429 that collection to your entire 761 00:22:29,430 --> 00:22:30,749 community. Again, the show is 762 00:22:30,750 --> 00:22:32,549 happening May 21st. 763 00:22:32,550 --> 00:22:33,529 Get your tickets at 764 00:22:33,530 --> 00:22:36,609 texasperformingarts.org. 765 00:22:36,610 --> 00:22:38,429 Well, that is it for today's show. 766 00:22:38,430 --> 00:22:39,629 We're gonna have more about the 767 00:22:39,630 --> 00:22:41,649 stories that we shared with you in 768 00:22:41,650 --> 00:22:43,369 our podcast Show Notes, and you can 769 00:22:43,370 --> 00:22:45,189 always find more from us 770 00:22:45,190 --> 00:22:47,609 at kut.org 771 00:22:47,610 --> 00:22:49,409 slash signal. 772 00:22:49,410 --> 00:22:50,909 Rayna Sevilla is our technical 773 00:22:50,910 --> 00:22:52,709 director, Kristen Cabrera is our 774 00:22:52,710 --> 00:22:54,429 managing producer, and I'm your 775 00:22:54,430 --> 00:22:55,889 host, Jerry Quijano. 776 00:22:55,890 --> 00:22:56,889 Thank you for being with us. 777 00:22:56,890 --> 00:22:57,890 Have a great day.