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 way the plans have been rolled out.

KUT’s Katy McAfee was at last night’s district school board meeting and she joins us to share the latest updates.

Plus, it’s a busy weekend of happenings with Rock The Park and the Austin Studio Tour.

And Maile Carballo talks about student media KVRX’s efforts to raise funds. You can find how to donate here.

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 General Manger Debbie Hiott to talk more about how the festival will build on the community that has powered the station for decades.

Plus, the Tacos of Texas podcast is nearing the completion of its fifth season – “El Cinco.” The team behind the podcast join us to talk about the work that’s gone into this season and their upcoming Taco Party.

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 Florida investment firm has been called off, the latest twist in what’s been a chaotic year for the popular queer bar.

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 SNAP delay here.

It’s Election Day, and Austin voters will give the final say on Prop Q, a proposed property tax rate increase that would result in more than $100 million dollars for city services. Statewide, Texans are considering 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution. KUT’s Katy McAfee brings us the latest from the polls.

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 County and the proposed constitutional amendments. Plus what you need to know for election day.

Texas Standard’s Sarah Asch explores adult education programs across Texas that are working to help immigrants find jobs relevant to their professional experience from before they came to the U.S.

Plus: Austin FC is out of the playoffs after a weekend loss to LAFC.

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 to embrace the darkness. KUTX’s Laurie Gallardo talks with Texas Standard’s Angela Kocherga about the goth scene in Texas and the Latine community.

Plus: Exploring one more horror movie filmed in Central Texas: “Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation” with Matthew McConaughey.

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 Limits after this weekend’s UT-Vanderbilt game.

Texas Standard has been exploring horror movies with Texas ties – today it’s “Grindhouse,” filmed in Austin.

What is Latin music? Austin musician Carrie Rodriguez is still exploring that question through her “Laboratorio” concert series and shares more about the old-timey radio show she’s planning.

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 country. The Texas Newsroom’s Mose Buchele joins us with more.

Austin FC enters the playoffs today at LAFC. We’ll have more on what to watch out for with KUT’s Jimmy Maas.

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.

Meanwhile, the city is facing a deadline to remove painted crosswalks and street murals or risk losing state and federal money for future transportation projects. KUT’s Nathan Bernier has an update on which artwork could be affected.

Plus, ATXplained Live is tomorrow! Get into the spirit with a story about the man who used to recite poetry before Austin concerts.

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 this week, we’ll take a look at one ’90s teen horror movie filmed right here in town: “The Faculty.”

Matthew Odam, longtime restaurant critic at theAustin American-Statesman, stops by to chat about the latest edition of his dining guide to the best restaurants in town.

The post 3.5 million Texans could lose their SNAP benefits appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.