Central Texas top stories for June 24, 2025. A bill that failed this legislative session has thrown a wrench in Travis County’s plan to build a mental health diversion center for people accused of non-violent crimes. Governor Greg Abbott has called a special session of the Texas Legislature to address a number of the more than two-dozen bills he vetoed outright. The concrete truck driver arrested in the deadly Hays CISD school bus crash last year has pleaded guilty. A Travis County District Judge has ruled that a Hays County $440 million road bond approved by voters in November is now void.
89th Texas Legislative Session
Waco adult education program faces budget uncertainty under DOGE cuts
State lawmakers passed several bills affecting how Texans vote. What that means at the ballot box.
Among the allegations detailed in a lawsuit about conditions inside immigrant detention centers in Texas holding families: fighting for drinking water and children denied medical care.
Why an effort by a Las Vegas company to legalize gambling in the Lone Star State failed.
How cuts to federal funding will affect adult learning programs. The Standard’s Sarah Asch reports from Waco.
And: some good news for endangered sea turtles this nesting season on the Texas coast.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
KUT Afternoon Newscast for June 23, 2025: Governor Greg Abbott has vetoed Senate Bill 3, which would have banned consumable THC products in Texas
Central Texas top stories for June 23, 2025. Governor Greg Abbott vetoed 26 bills and signed more than 11 hundred into law, including the Life of the Mother Act. ACC’s District Board of Trustees plans is joining a lawsuit challenging the end of the Texas Dream Act. Homes in Austin sold for an average of just under $600,000 last month. Austin ISD has two virtual community meetings this week on the school consolidation process to save money.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for June 19, 2025: Annual Juneteenth celebrations across Austin buzz with energy, joy and reverence
Central Texas top stories for June 19, 2025. Juneteenth celebrated across Austin area, marking 160 years since Union troops arrived in Galveston with the news of emancipation. Austin is losing even more water to leaky city pipes than previously thought. Austin conspiracy theorist Alex Jones accused of hiding money from Sandy Hook families. Texas bills on religion in public schools await Gov. Abbott’s signature as Sunday deadline looms
KUT Afternoon Newscast for June 18, 2025: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is demanding the city of Austin stop contracting with anti-gun companies
Central Texas top stories for June 18, 2025. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sent a letter to the city of Austin demanding they cease contracting with anti-gun companies. CapMetro’s police chief is leaving the transit agency. Governor Greg Abbott says he’s still on the fence about whether he’ll sign or veto a bill that would ban consumable products containing THC. Austin paramedic Selena Xie announced today that she’s running for a seat on the Austin City Council. Travis County residents are invited to hear updates tonight on the county’s progress building a mental health diversion center.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for June 10, 2025: Austin police arrested 8 protestors following demonstrations downtown against President Trump’s immigration crackdown
Central Texas top stories for June 10, 2025. Austin police arrested 8 protestors Monday night following demonstrations downtown against President Trump’s immigration crackdown. Hays County Commissioners voted unanimously to pass a resolution for the humane treatment of immigrants. A bill headed to Governor Abbott’s desk would raise the threshold needed for property owners to protest a neighbor’s construction plans. The City of Austin’s offering grants to local organizations working on food, climate equity and resilience.
Data centers may start creating their own power plants
Gina Ortiz Jones made history over the weekend, becoming San Antonio’s first openly lesbian mayor and only the third woman to hold the office.
An assault case is exposing deeper failures in Texas group homes.
With the rise of data centers across Texas, a push for private power plants run by natural gas.
The new documentary “Sally” explores the private life of public space hero Sally Ride. We’ll talk to writer and director Cristina Costantini.
And: Diving into the history of Adolph Hofner, the Texas-born bandleader who popularized Czech music and made it swing.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Trade tensions with Mexico could drive up tomato prices
For the first time since Texas’ measles outbreak at the start of the year, there are no new reported cases. We’ll get an update on efforts to contain the disease.
A new report in The Guardian reveals pressure from Immigration and Customs Enforcement leadership to ramp up arrests, even of people not originally targeted.
Flag football is helping to tackle a gender gap in youth sports, getting a boost in Texas from none other than the NFL.
A simmering trade dispute could make tomatoes more expensive at the grocery store.
And: The week in politics with the Texas Tribune.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
Why ranchers are ‘absolutely terrified’ of the New World screwworm’s return
A old law suddenly no more: a judge strikes down in-state tuition for undocumented students in Texas.
What changes can Texans expect for energy and the environment after this week’s conclusion of the 89th Texas Legislature?
After the Smokehouse Creek Fire scorched over 1 million acres, lawmakers also passed a slate of wildfire preparedness bills.
The devastating New World screwworm, eliminated from North America decades ago, are on their way back. The Standard’s Michael Marks talked to ranchers who remember what it was like to fight them.
And: Texas sheriffs could be required to help enforce federal immigration law.
Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org
KUT Afternoon Newscast for June 3, 2025: An effort to crack down on doctors prescribing abortion pills to Texas women from out of state fails
Central Texas top stories for June 3, 2025. The Texas Legislative Session has ended, and so have lawmakers’ hopes of passing scores of bills into law. A boil water notice is in effect for parts of Travis and Hays counties. Texas law enforcement may soon be required to take a larger role in immigration enforcement. Travis County leaders raised a pride flag today for the fifth year in a row. An effort has failed to re-name I-35 in Travis County after President Donald Trump.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for June 2, 2025: Last week’s storms brought flooding, hail, and much needed rain to Austin
Central Texas top stories for June 2, 2025. People are still recovering after last week’s storms brought flooding, damaging winds and hail to parts of Austin. A bill that would ban consumable THC products is on the governor’s desk. Austin residents can now recycle food and beverage cartons and coated paper products. Texas Women’s Rowing took third place at this year’s NCAA Championship in New Jersey over the weekend. Texas softball is going back to the Women’s College World Series final.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for May 30, 2025: Austin youth choir finds its voice through community at inaugural performance
Central Texas top stories for May 30, 2025. More than 7,400 Austin Energy customers are still without power. CommUnity Care has a new CEO. A bill that originally proposed making it easier to evict renters in Texas has been pared back significantly and is nearing final approval. The Pano Youth Choir is open to anyone in sixth through 12th grade — regardless of experience.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for May 29, 2025: City of Austin crews are in full recovery mode after last night’s storm that killed one person
Central Texas top stories for May 29, 2025. The National Weather Service says it was a microburst during the storm yesterday evening that knocked down so many trees and power lines. Last night’s storm killed one person, flooded roads and businesses, and left tens of thousands of people without power. Room Service Vintage is one of many local businesses damaged by last night’s storm. There’s some improvement in drought conditions in Central Texas. Texas lawmakers are staring down a deadline to get bills passed before the session ends Monday.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for May 26, 2025: A bill that would ban THC products is headed to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk
Central Texas top stories for May 26, 2025. Hundreds of Austinites employed at local cannabis shops could lose their jobs. Austin ISD officials are recommending another $44 million worth of cuts. Barton Springs Pool will close an hour earlier every day starting June 1st. The Zilker Eagle Mini Train will be closed for at least a few days after someone drove across the train tracks.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for May 23, 2025: Lessons learned in the ten years since the last big Memorial Day flood in Austin
Central Texas top stories for May 23, 2025. We are in what is historically the rainiest time of year in the Austin area. A school-aged child from Leander has tested positive for measles. A bill moving through the Texas Legislature could make it easier for food truck owners to operate across the state.
KUT Morning Newscast for May 23, 2025: Austin is moving forward with plans to put parks on top of I-35
Central Texas top stories for May 23, 2025. A child from Leander has tested positive for measles. Austin is moving forward with plans to put parks on top of I-35 after TxDOT lowers and widens the highway. Austin ISD trustees are expected to vote this fall on which campuses to close during the 2026-27 school year. Texas lawmakers are weighing a measure to allow more state employees to work from home. Advocates across the state say hefty regulations are making it difficult for food truck owners to make a profit. Several City of Austin offices will be closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day. Transportation officials are encouraging travelers to be ready for longer wait times at the airport and traffic congestion this holiday weekend.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for May 22, 2025: School districts across the state continue anxiously awaiting the fate of House Bill 2
Central Texas top stories for May 22, 2025. HB2 would dedicate an additional $8 billion to Texas public schools. The Texas Legislature has passed a bill that restricts local governments from using public funds to support women seeking out-of-state abortions. The Texas House has voted to enact a complete ban on consumable products containing THC. Austin FC will face the San Jose Earthquakes in the semi-final round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for May 16, 2025: State lawmakers have yet to pass a bill to increase public school funding
Central Texas top stories for May 16, 2025. 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.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for May 12, 2025: Austin Police won’t cite people for possessing small amounts of marijuana
Central Texas top stories for May 12, 2025. The Austin Police Chief says APD won’t cite people for possessing small amounts of marijuana. A bill making its way through the Texas legislature would outlaw guaranteed income programs. Four people are being treated after saying they were attacked by a fox in San Marcos. Triple digit highs arrive this week.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for May 8, 2025: Texas could soon have a formal remote work policy for state agencies
Central Texas top stories for May 8, 2025. A bill that would set up guardrails for state agencies allowing staff to work from home is heading to the Texas Senate. Tomorrow’s the last day for people to give feedback on what Austin should prioritize in its upcoming budget. Mosquitoes may be getting ready for their spring debut. The Austin city council is looking to designate Palm Park as city parkland. The City of Georgetown has launched a new on-demand transportation service for its residents. The Texas softball team begins their first SEC championship tournament today.