Austin Signal

A library in Caldwell has become a beacon of hope for adults looking to get their GED or further their education — and volunteers are helping make that possible. The Texas Standard’s Sarah Asch has the story. A look back at major developments in the business world this year and how they’re shaping the Austin […] The post Caldwell library expands adult education classes appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Records in the divorce case for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton have been unsealed after a judge’s order. We’re talking with the Texas Newsroom’s Lauren McGaughy to find out what that means for the case. Travelers at the Austin airport will soon have more options. KUT transportation reporter Nathan Bernier has the details on the newest […] The post Records in Ken Paxton divorce case are unsealed appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Austin has reached a four-year, $63 million contract deal with the city’s firefighters, ending months of negotiations with the Austin Firefighters Association. Calling all bird enthusiasts: Texas Standard’s Raul Alonzo explains what a bird count is, why it matters, and how you can take part. KUTX’s Confucius Jones, one half of hip-hop podcast The Breaks, shares […] The post Austin reaches labor contract deal with city’s firefighters appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Austin faces a high-stakes choice on funding parks over I-35, with city leaders split over how to move forward. It all centers on the question of which highway decks the should city commit to paying for. Catching up with longtime musician Robert Earl Keen, who’s gearing up for his Christmas shows here in Austin. Plus, from […] The post Austin faces a high-stakes choice on funding parks over I-35 appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The state of Texas is collecting information on transgender Texans using data from driver’s licenses — and it’s not clear what exactly that information is being used for. The Texas Newsroom’s investigative reporter and editor, Lauren McGaughy, has the story. The Trump administration is looking to make changes to federal policy that could affect how homeless […] The post State making list of trans Texans using driver’s license data appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The National Weather Service is forecasting warmer and drier-than-normal conditions for the Austin area this winter — but high-impact storms are still possible. What city officials and Austin Energy are doing to keep potential winter storm outages to minimum. Austin music legend Joe Ely has died at 78. Jeff McCord, KUT and KUTX’s former music director, reflects on […] The post How Austin is preparing to keep outages minimal this winter appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Austin Public Health has experienced some federal and city budget cuts this year, and the failure of Proposition Q means some of those holes won’t be filled. We look at the public health landscape in Austin. The old Faulk Central Library in downtown Austin became the Austin History Center, and has been redone after a […] The post A look at the public health landscape in Austin appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A new “bathroom bill” approved by Texas legislators has been in effect across the state for just over a week, requiring people to use public restrooms aligned with the sex they were assigned at birth. But there are still questions about how the law will be enforced, and here in Austin, a lot of it […] The post ‘Bathroom bill’ in effect, but enforcement is unclear appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The light-rail transit line long promised to Austinites could soon clear a major hurdle – and that could give new momentum to a project that’s been dragged down through legal and political resistance. The latest on where the project is headed. Months after a Texas A&M professor was fired for discussing gender identity in a literature […] The post Austin’s light-rail poised to clear major hurdle appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A former Austin Energy employee has been accused of defrauding the city utility of nearly $1 million over the course of six years by falsifying credit card payments to contractors and paying fake vendors that had addresses tied to him or his relatives. The YMCA in downtown Austin wants to expand and renovate, adding housing, restaurants and […] The post Austin Energy employee paid nearly $1 million to fake vendors before resigning, audit says appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Austinites and many others across Texas insured through Blue Cross Blue Shield could lose in-network access to Ascension Seton facilities on Jan. 1 unless the two sides can agree on a new contract. Austin has been a testing ground for autonomous vehicles: Zoox, Texla’s Robotaxi, Waymo. However, Waymo has now issued a software recall after videos […] The post Blue Cross policyholders could lose in-network care at Ascension appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Austin nonprofit LifeWorks has helped nearly three dozen young Austinites stay housed through a cash-assistance pilot program. We hear the story of one person who said the money helped her at a critical time. In Williamson County, folks are looking into where its cities get their water and how they could better work together. Plus: […] The post LifeWorks program helps youth avoid homelessness appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Across the city of Austin, medics are working and responding to emergency calls despite the budget challenges facing the city and Travis County. Voters in Austin resoundingly rejected a property tax increase that officials hoped could be used to supplement area first responders.Now, these departments are adjusting to a future with fewer resources. Plus, the […] The post Travis County medics work to respond to emergencies amid budget challenges appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

We’re getting deeper into the holiday season and that brings flu season along with your yuletide festivities. Medical experts have said this flu season will be an active one. They’re reminding folks to get their flu shot before sickness ruins your holiday plans. Plus, the performance “Black Divas” is coming back to Austin this weekend. The piece […] The post Medical experts have said this flu season will be an active one appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A college student flying to Austin was detained and deported by immigration authorities. She was trying to surprise her family for the Thanksgiving holiday. Now she’s having to finish her semester of college in a different country. Her lawyer says her deportation went against a federal court order. We’ll have more about the reason for […] The post Student deported after boarding a flight to Austin appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The so-called “bathroom bill” aimed at restricting transgender Texans’ access to some restrooms goes into effect this week. Republicans in the Legislature have been trying to enact such a measure for more than a decade; opponents are worried its unclear guidance on enforcement could cause cause public harassment. There’s an upcoming benefit concert for Austin musician Rich Brotherton. We’ll […] The post ‘Bathroom bill’ targeting trans Texans goes into effect this week appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The Sobering Center in Austin has provided an alternative to jail or hospitalization since 2018. Now, it’s looking to help folks build a new journey beyond a one-night respite. After many delays, the HOPE Outdoor Gallery is finally back open. The new 6,000-foot space is working to maintain the try-anything vibe that made its original spot […] The post HOPE Outdoor Gallery reopens at new location appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The pits are lit, the speakers have been turned up to 11, and there’s a buzz across the Forty Acres. The Longhorn-Aggie Lone Star Showdown returns to Royal-Memorial Stadium today, and this season hasn’t gone as some Texas fans might’ve expected. Could a win over undefeated Texas A&M be enough to chalk the year up […] The post Longhorns vs. Aggies football returns to Austin appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Nearly five months after deadly July flooding, families in the Sandy Creek area of Travis County are still dealing with the cleanup and recovery of their properties and their lives. We’ll hear the story of one family that’s approaching a Thanksgiving that looks very different from years past. Plus: A roundup of UT sports ahead of Friday’s […] The post As holidays arrive, Sandy Creek flood survivors still rebuilding appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A future UT Austin academic medical campus – which is set to include an MD Anderson Cancer Center location – was set to be built on the site of the now-demolished Frank Erwin Center. But now the Board of Regents is considering a new location near the Domain. Cindy Walker might be the most successful Texas songwriter […] The post New site under consideration for UT Austin medical campus appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The Austin Independent School District has passed a plan that will close 10 schools as it works to reduce a multimillion-dollar budget deficit and empty seats at many campuses. We talk more about the plan, the vote — which came after weeks of community meetings and protests — and what happens next. State officials recently released a […] The post Austin ISD approves plan to close 10 schools appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The City of Austin cut $95 million from its budget, shrinking funding to parks, homelessness services and more after voters rejected Prop Q. We’ll get into how these cuts may impact you. With recent rain and an overnight flood watch in Travis, Williamson, and Hays counties, many residents are reminded of the July 4 floods and […] The post After Prop Q fallout, Austin cuts $95 million from budget appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Open enrollment for insurance plans purchased through the Affordable Care Act marketplace started this month. Millions of Texans currently use a marketplace plan, and here in Austin, folks are navigating uncertainty as premiums rise and federal subsidies expire. State officials finally released a hoard of documents and emails between Elon Musk and Gov. Greg Abbott’s office – […] The post Texans consider ACA enrollment options amid rising premiums appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A federal court has ruled that the redistricting passed by Texas Republicans – a map that was set to eliminate one of Travis County’s two Democratic-held seats – cannot be used in next year’s midterm elections. The ruling was quickly appealed by Gov. Greg Abbott. We’ll get the latest from The Texas Newsroom. We’ll also […] The post Texas appeals as its redistricting map is temporarily blocked appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Austin City Council members are working to finalize a city budget – and they’ll have to find ways to trim after voters resoundingly rejected a proposed tax rate increase that would’ve generated more than $100 million. The Austin Independent School District will vote this week on shuttering campuses and reassigning some students to different schools […] The post Austin City Council works to finalize budget after Prop Q failure appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Whooping cough – particularly dangerous to infants and young children – is a growing concern, with Austin continuing to confirm cases amid a statewide surge. Texas teens faced more barriers to getting an abortion than other age groups after the state’s six-week abortion ban went into effect in 2021. A new study looks at the impact on […] The post Whooping cough cases rise in Austin appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The government shutdown may be over, but its impacts are still being felt across the country – including at Austin’s airport, which was already dealing with an air traffic controller shortage prior to the 43-day shutdown. Foreign exchange students in Texas schools could be prohibited from participating in varsity athletics in the near future after […] The post Shutdown is over, but airport delays are still expected appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Looking for a smooth commute? KUT transportation reporter Nathan Bernier shares the best days to get on the road in Austin. The Austin Studio Tour continues this weekend at galleries, studios and homes around the city. With so much to look at, wouldn’t it be helpful to be chauffeured around to take in some of Austin’s best art? We […] The post Want to avoid traffic in Austin? Try commuting on Mondays appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The Austin City Council will meet to start the process of making cuts to the city budget after voters struck down Proposition Q, a controversial property tax increase. These cuts could affect parks, public health programs, emergency medical services and more. KUT City Hall reporter Luz Moreno-Lozano shares more. KUTX’s Maile Carballo has the details on […] The post After Prop Q fails, city leaders propose budget cuts appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Four months after the deadly flooding that ran through Central Texas, lawsuits are being levied against the groups in charge of Camp Mystic in the Hill Country. Families of those killed in the flooding say the people responsible ignored warnings and years of past floods. We have the latest about the lawsuits. Plus, we hear some […] The post Camp Mystic faces lawsuit from parents of flood victims appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Organizations are working to bridge the digital divide in Texas and across the country, but that work has been made more difficult since the Trump administration withheld funds to assist programs aimed at getting underserved people online. Texas Standard’s Shelly Brisbin has more on how these groups and local governments are planning for a future without […] The post How the Digital Equity Act helped before funding was cut appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The Austin Independent School District announced changes this week to its plans to shutter campuses across the city as AISD looks for ways to save money. The consolidation plan started with 13 schools slated for the chopping block. Now, that number has been dwindled down, and some AISD parents are frustrated by what they consider the wishy-washy […] The post AISD updates consolidation plan, now only closing 10 schools appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A long-running storytelling event in Austin’s Hyde Park neighborhood is pairing personal stories with curated musical selections. We’ll have more about the shows and how you can find them. And KUT announced today that it is launching a festival of its own that’ll bring together the best of Austin’s music, arts, food and more. We’ll speak with KUT/KUTX […] The post KUT announces community festival in May appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Austin voters overwhelmingly rejected Prop Q, a proposed property tax rate increase. KUT’s Andrew Weber breaks down what happened – and where city officials will look next for reductions in spending. In other election news, Texans approved 17 amendments to the state constitution, touching on taxes, education, infrastructure and more. And: The sale of Cheer Up Charlies to a […] The post Austin voters reject Prop Q property tax rate increase appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The Central Texas Food Bank is preparing to help more folks with food assistance amid the government shutdown and ahead of the upcoming holiday season. Beth Corbett, the food bank’s vice president of government affairs and advocacy, shares more about their plans to handle the increased demand. Find out how you can help or get help during the […] The post Central Texas Food Bank braces for increased demand appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Voters tomorrow will have one last chance to make their voice heard this election. One state constitutional amendment on the ballot – Prop 14 – would commit $3 billion to fund the new Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. We’ll get the details from KUT’s Olivia Aldridge. Check out KUT’s Voter guides for Travis County, Williamson […] The post How state Prop 14 could help fund Texas dementia research appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Austin ISD has some changes to its school consolidation plan. KUT’s Kailey Hunt brings us the latest updates. The Michelin Guide this week honored more Texas restaurants, including Mercado Sin Nombre, a small, outdoor coffee and breakfast shop in East Austin recognized for making quality food at a quality price. Halloween is the perfect time […] The post Coffee shop Mercado Sin Nombre recognized by Michelin Guide appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texans are voting on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution – and one of them involves voting itself. Joshua Blank from the Texas Politics Project joins us for a chat on Proposition 16, which clarifies citizenship as a requirement to cast a ballot. KUTX’s Maile Carballo talks the Beach Boys coming to Longhorn City […] The post What is Latin music? Carrie Rodriguez explores with ‘Laboratorio’ series appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

There’s lots to consider on your ballot, from state constitutional amendments to tax rate increases for cities and school districts. Travis County Clerk Dyana Limon-Mercado shares some dos and don’ts for heading to the polls. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is removing people from Austin jails more frequently as the Trump administration ramps up enforcement across […] The post ICE enforcement is ramped up at county jails appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Prop Q has brought out early voters in numbers that are higher than usual for an off-year election. The proposed tax rate increase, Austin officials say, would raise money to improve local parks, safety and homelessness. How much would that cost that homeowners? KUT government accountability reporter Andrew Weber breaks it down ahead of Election Day. […] The post How much would Prop Q cost homeowners in Austin? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The federal government has been shut down for 27 days, and if it continues, more than3.5 million people in Texas – including 1.7 million children – will lose access to their SNAP benefits to help pay for groceries. KUT’s Olivia Aldridge shares more on what that will mean for Texans facing food insecurity. Ahead of Halloween […] The post 3.5 million Texans could lose their SNAP benefits appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

There’s a lot on the November ballot, from proposed property tax increases to state constitutional amendments. KUT’s Katy McAfee walks us through what Travis County voters will see. Is something radioactive lurking in the walls of the state Capitol? KUT’s Juan Diego Garcia grabbed a geiger counter and went exploring for ATXplained. Plus: A look […] The post What Travis County voters need to know this election appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Austin is getting a new boardwalk on Lady Bird Lake – though when is still up in the air. KUT transportation reporter Nathan Bernier has the latest on the $25 million upgrade. A new exhibit at Texas State University, “The Selena Effect,” spotlights the Queen of Tejano’s fashion through the eyes of her friend and longtime designer, […] The post Austin will be getting a new $25 million boardwalk on Lady Bird Lake appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Austinites aren’t the only Texans weighing proposed tax rate increases at the ballot box this year. In Williamson County, the Taylor and Liberty Hills school districts are asking voters for more dollars. KUT’s Kailey Hunt has a breakdown. We’re one week out from KUT’s ATXplained Live show at the Bass Concert Hall. We’ll talk with […] The post Williamson County voters to weigh in on proposed tax rate increases appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

With early voting underway, Austin’s Prop Q is front and center for many folks – and was the subject of an ethics complaint against a resident who created a website aiming to take down the ballot item. KUT’s Andrew Weber breaks it down. What Gov. Greg Abbott’s latest announcement of Austin cleanup efforts means for the […] The post Anti-Prop Q website raises ethics questions appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A Travis County judge has signed off on a local disaster declaration to give the county access to resources and respond quickly to wildfires when and if they pop up this season. KUT’s Luz Moreno-Lozano joins us to talk preparedness. An estimated 20,000 people attended Austin’s ‘No Kings’ rally on Saturday as part of planned […] The post ‘No Kings’ rally draws 20,000 protesters in Austin appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Early voting in this year’s elections starts Monday and here in Texas, you’ll have your choice on adding 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey joins us with more. The San Antonio Spurs have made Austin their home for a couple of games in each of the past few seasons. […] The post Downtown Austin’s Hideout Theatre moves after 26 years appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Early voting starts Monday for the Nov. 4 election, and the discussion in Austin is centered around Proposition Q, a proposed tax rate increase. The city of Austin wants to use those dollars for more services in the city, but not everyone is convinced. KUT City Hall reporter Luz Moreno-Lozano explains. Texans’ ballots will also […] The post What to look for on your ballot as early voting starts next week appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Austin and Travis County law enforcement are left in the dark when ICE conducts raids in the area – and though Austin officials say that’s not unusual, other places like Harris County are given a heads up. Why the different practices? KUT’s Mose Buchele looks into this. As a once-disruptor of the music industry looks to […] The post ICE lets certain jurisdictions know about their raids, but Austin isn’t one of them appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Students, parents and staff from the Austin Independent School District had their first opportunity to address the school board about the district’s school consolidation proposal. The board plans to vote on the decision next month, and some folks are pleading for more time to voice their concerns. ACL Fest has come and gone, but you […] The post Parents ask for more time as AISD plans November vote on school closures appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.