The firing of KUT's general manager this week has unleashed criticism against University of Texas administrators and raised questions about the future of the broadcaster.

Why it matters: The decades-old relationship between UT and KUT hangs in the balance amid a turbulent time for public broadcasters — including attacks and funding cuts by the Trump administration.

• Nationwide, some universities have pulled support for radio stations that operate from their campuses.

The latest: Debbie Hiott's firing came after she pushed back on the university's last-minute decision to kick much of the inaugural KUT Festival off campus over what administrators said were security concerns.

• The school told Hiott she was being let go because of her "insufficient planning" of the festival and her public comments about the move, she told the American-Statesman.
• The Statesman reported yesterday that UT provost William Inboden had played a role in drafting messaging over the KUT Fest decision.

Zoom in: Neena Satija, investigative reporter and editor at the Texas Newsroom, a public radio partnership, said on air that she and other reporters are seeking to learn more about the implications of Hiott's firing.

• "We have a lot of questions. I think we are interested in what's going to happen to the station. What's the future of KUT?" she said.

Context: The university provides office space for KUT, as well as its sister station, KUTX, and handles its payroll.

• KUT staffers get UT's generous employment benefits. The radio station is editorially independent from the university, and about 86% of its revenue comes from community support and sponsorships.

What they're saying: "The White House, and now UT, are trying to crack down on those they think are disobedient," U.S. Rep. Greg Casar (D-Austin) said this week.

• "This incident ... could be a catalyst for a campaign to take KUT out of UT for good," Brenda Thompson, an Austin communications specialist, posted on Facebook.

A UT spokesperson declined to respond to questions from Axios about whether the university had any plan to sever its relationship with the radio station or whether politics played any role in the decision to force the festival off campus.

More about public radio stations and universities

After nearly three decades serving Texas comfort food in East Austin, Hoover Alexander says the decision to close Hoover's Cooking came down to business realities and changing priorities.

Driving the news: On Monday, customers gathered for "Hoova' Palooza," a farewell celebration where Mayor Kirk Watson presented Alexander with a key to the city in recognition of the restaurant's impact on Austin.

The big picture: Alexander tells Axios sales "never fully recovered from the impact of COVID," and the restaurant also faced ongoing challenges finding and retaining staff.

We spoke with Alexander about what he'll miss most and what's next.

This interview has been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.

What's the hardest part of closing?

"Ironically, one of the hardest parts of closing the restaurant has been the overwhelming response since the announcement became public. We have experienced a surge of customers, including many who had not visited us in years..."

Do you have any ideas about what will come next for you?

"... I ain't done yet — and Hoover's Cooking ain't done yet."

• Among the possibilities we are exploring is operating as a ghost kitchen focused on takeout, pickup, and delivery. ...
• We are also looking at continuing our catering operations, though with a more focused and streamlined menu."

The bottom line: "The next chapter may look different, but it is still being written."

Two more questions

💼 Cedar Park-based Texas Materials says it aims to double its headcount as it expands at a new headquarters. (Austin Business Journals 🔒)

💰 The Austin airport landed a $90 million federal award to help build a tunnel for its planned second concourse. (KXAN)

🕯️ Capital Factory founder Joshua Baer, a force in Austin's startup scene, died Tuesday night in a private plane crash in Laredo. Baer was the only fatality among the plane's six passengers. (Austin American-Statesman)

"Joshua was a fearless leader, a brilliant partner, and a dear friend to so many of us. While we are devastated by this unimaginable loss, Josh built an incredibly resilient organization and team. Capital Factory remains fully operational, and we are completely committed to continuing his mission of backing unstoppable founders."

Here's what's on deck this weekend.

Friday

🎉 Celebrate Juneteenth with a fun run at 8:30am, followed by the parade and festival. Parade begins at Leona Street and East MLK Jr. Boulevard. 10am-noon, Free.

🎤 Catch A$AP Rocky on his "Don't Be Dumb" world tour at Moody Center. 8:30pm, $74.

Saturday

🍗 Grab a barbecue plate and enjoy music at the George Washington Carver Museum's Juneteenth event. 11am-4pm, free.

🎨 Get creative at the Carver Branch library's Juneteenth celebration, with arts and crafts for all ages and a community art gallery. 11:30am-4pm, free.

Sunday

🎸 Rock out on 5 Seconds of Summer's Moody Center tour stop. 8pm, $43.

At least 33 states and D.C. will give most state government workers a paid day off Friday for Juneteenth this year, according to the Pew Research Center.

Why it matters: States differ considerably on how to mark the day when enslaved Black people in Galveston learned they were free.

Catch up quick: Texas made Juneteenth a permanent holiday in 1980, but most other states didn't act until 2020 or later.

• Juneteenth was signed into law as a federal holiday in 2021.