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May 31, 2024

Chronicling and celebrating the history of Black rodeos in Texas in the new “Juneteenth Rodeo” photo and essay collection

By: Jennifer Stayton

Austin author Sarah Bird was new to Texas in the 1970’s. She took photojournalism classes at UT- Austin back in the day when taking pictures meant a lot more equipment, film, and time in darkrooms than it does now. Bird got interested in photographing all kinds of Texas events and eventually made her way to all kinds of rodeos. But it was Black rodeos that captured her attention the most. Bird has now compiled those photos and her recollections – and an essay by sports historian Demetrius Pearson – into a book called “Juneteenth Rodeo.” KUT’s Jennifer Stayton talked with Bird recently about her path to the “Soul Circuit” and what she experienced when she got there.


Episodes

October 28, 2025

KUT Morning Newscast for October 28, 2025: The City of Austin released a list of crosswalks and street murals that may have to be removed under Abbott order 

Central Texas top stories for October 28, 2025. The City of Austin released a list of crosswalks and street murals that may have to be removed under Gov. Abbott order, it includes a giant mural that says “TEXAS” on Guadalupe. State Senator Sarah Eckhardt, an Austin Democrat, is running for Congress. Residents of Sandy Creek […]

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October 27, 2025

KUT Afternoon Newscast for October 27, 2025: Austin Democrat Sarah Eckhardt announces she will run for Michael McCaul’s seat in Congress

Travis County voters are turning out during early voting. State Senator Sarah Eckhardt, an Austin Democrat, announced today that she’s running for Congress. Austin ISD is inviting parents to give feedback on its plan to close 13 schools. Austin Energy has a new general manager.

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October 27, 2025

KUT Morning Newscast for October 27, 2025: Tens of thousands of Travis County voters are in suspense

Central Texas top stories for October 27, 2025. It’s the second week of early voting in the November 4th election, and less than 5 percent of registered voters have cast a ballot. Tens of thousands of Travis County voters are in suspense. Data centers in the Austin area are placing considerable strain on the state’s […]

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October 24, 2025

KUT Afternoon Newscast for October 24, 2025: 3.5 million Texans could lose SNAP benefits if government shutdown continues

Texans who rely on SNAP benefits for food may not get them next month if the federal government shutdown continues past Monday. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating nonprofit Foundation Communities and Love Austin Political Action Committee. The southbound main lanes of I-35 are set to be closed tonight and tomorrow night in South Austin. The National Weather Service has the area under a Flood Watch starting tonight at 7:00.

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October 24, 2025

KUT Morning Newscast for October 24, 2025: Main lanes of southbound I-35 in South Austin are expected to be closed tonight and tomorrow night

Central Texas top stories for October 24, 2025. Today’s the last day to apply for a ballot by mail. Main lanes of I-35 in South Austin will be closed tonight and tomorrow night. The Longhorns play Mississippi State tomorrow. The Viva la Vida parade and festival will take place tomorrow in downtown Austin.

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October 23, 2025

KUT Afternoon Newscast for October 23, 2025: City document reveals new details on $25 million boardwalk on Lady Bird Lake

In-person voting has increased each day during the off-year election. School districts in Taylor and Liberty Hill have proposed tax increases on ballots in Williamson County. TxDOT will pay for a boardwalk between South First Street and Congress Avenue to make up for all the parkland it’s taking for the I-35 expansion. After weeks without rain, the dry streak in Central Texas is expected to come to an end this weekend.

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October 23, 2025

KUT Morning Newscast for October 23, 2025: TxDOT will foot the bill for a new boardwalk on Lady Bird Lake’s south shore

Central Texas top stories for October 23, 2025: UT-Austin’s president promises a new core curriculum across all university majors. Williamson County voters will see a number of proposed tax increases in cities and school districts on their ballots this fall along with some city council races. And the Austin area could get some substantial and […]

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October 22, 2025

KUT Afternoon Newscast for October 22, 2025: Tiny home community built to help the homeless celebrates 10 years in Austin, looks to expand

Day two of Early Voting saw slightly higher turnout in Travis County. Austin’s community of tiny homes for people transitioning out of homelessness is marking a decade of operation. Travis County Commissioners are pushing for a passenger rail line along the I-35 corridor. A new record was set this week at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Rain is looking increasingly likely this weekend.

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