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May 23, 2024

Civics 101: Taking the temperature of Texans

By: Ben Philpott

All this week the KUT News team is working on stories that explain how some of our local governments and systems work. We’re calling the series Civics 101. But for next story we’re going to move away from explaining how something works and focus on what people are thinking. KUT’s Jerry Quijano talked with Nathaniel Wright from the Texas Lyceum about the group’s annual poll that tries to gauge where Texans stand on a number of issues.


Episodes

May 19, 2025

KUT Afternoon Newscast for May 19, 2025: APD’s automated license plate readers are helping police crack down on crime, but there’s room for improvement

It’s been just over a year since APD started an automated license plate reader program to help find people with outstanding arrest warrants. The City of Kyle wants to improve its emergency services for its more vulnerable residents. A new AI data center is planned for a location just south of San Marcos. Texas softball will play this week for a chance to compete in the women’s College World Series.

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May 19, 2025

KUT Morning Newscast for May 19, 2025: A bill currently before Congress would cut over 600 billion dollars in federal Medicaid spending

How the potential cuts to Medicaid spending could affect Texas. A new Artificial Intelligence data center is planned for the San Marcos area. Today is the last day for Travis County residents and park visitors to give feedback on the 2026 Travis County Parks Comprehensive Plan. Scottie Scheffler has solidified his position as the world’s top ranked golfer.

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May 16, 2025

KUT Afternoon Newscast for May 16, 2025: State lawmakers have yet to pass a bill to increase public school funding

Austin and counties to the south are under a Heat Advisory until tonight. Austin-area public education advocates say the current proposal being debated by lawmakers does not do enough to help schools. A case involving the City of Austin and a proposed redevelopment along Lady Bird Lake was heard in court this week. Travis County is shifting to a new way to let people know about burn bans and wildfire danger.

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May 16, 2025

KUT Morning Newscast for May 16, 2025: Four out of 10 Austinites don’t feel safe in the city

A new report from the Austin Police Department shows four out of 10 Austinites don’t feel safe in the city. The effort to combine the San Marcos public transit system with Texas State’s is facing delays. Austin celebrates “Bike to Work Day” today.

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May 15, 2025

KUT Afternoon Newscast for May 15, 2025: It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity

The National Weather Service is issuing a Heat Advisory for tomorrow afternoon. You may want to pay less attention to that air temperature and more attention to the heat index. This week’s heat wave can put dogs at risk. Austin is now the fifth most populous city in Texas. Texas baseball will close out the regular season on the road with three games against Oklahoma.

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May 15, 2025

KUT Morning Newscast for May 15, 2025: The city of Austin is dedicating hundreds of thousands of dollars to support families experiencing homelessness

Austin’s Homeless strategy office has $300,000 to give to groups helping families exit or avoid homelessness. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has settled a lawsuit he filed against the Travis County Commissioners Court last September. The ongoing heat wave in the Austin area can be dangerous for pets. Look out for more cyclists on your morning and afternoon commutes tomorrow as the city of Austin celebrates “Bike to Work Day.”

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May 14, 2025

KUT Afternoon Newscast for May 14, 2025: The Austin area is under an Extreme Heat Warning for the first time this year

The Austin area is under an Extreme Heat Warning until 9 o’clock tonight. Austin ISD is considering plans to consolidate campuses to save money. Capital Metro’s commuter train station near the Domain is back on track after delays and ballooning costs.

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May 14, 2025

KUT Morning Newscast for May 14, 2025: The earliest triple-digit day in Austin in 40 years

The first Extreme Heat Warning of the year for the Austin area. Traffic volumes on Austin’s highways climbed after state employees were ordered back to the office full-time. Georgetown’s animal shelter will merge with Williamson County’s regional animal shelter.

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