89th Texas Legislative Session

KUT Afternoon Newscast for February 7, 2025: InfoWars will not be auctioned

Central Texas top stories for February 7, 2025. Austin-based conspiracy theorist Alex Jones was back in court this week. Texas lawmakers are looking at another increase in the homestead exemption. Some business owners on 6th street are welcoming recent changes that now allow vehicle traffic on the road. Texas State Technical College is expanding its campus in East Williamson County. The second southbound MoPac exit to Steck Avenue will be closed for up to three months starting next week.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for February 5, 2025: Hundreds gathered at the Texas Capitol to protest the Trump Administration.

Central Texas top stories for February 5, 2025. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered on the Texas Capitol grounds today to protest the Trump administration. The Texas Senate is debating on a bill to spend public money on private schools. Uber customers can sign up to get a ride in a self-driving vehicle starting today. Gas prices have continued their climb in the Austin area. Drizzle and cloud cover around the Austin area kept temperatures in the 70’s today.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for February 4, 2025: Austin is revamping its Live Music Fund.

Central Texas top stories for February 4, 2025. Austin may be making some changes to its Live Music Fund. Texas Governor Greg Abbott wants the state legislature to secure the future of the Texas water supply. Rent prices in the Austin area fell again last month. Austin Community College will begin offering classes in Lockhart this month. There’s been a sudden jump in gasoline prices in the Austin area.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for February 3, 2025: New rules for mining crypto.

Central Texas top stories for February 3, 2025. New rules are now in effect for crypto-currency mining in Texas. Austin ISD’s Board of Trustees is taking stock of bills that could impact public education funding. Texas House Democrats are calling on the governor to put public schools ahead of school vouchers. The City of Austin is looking to make some changes at parks, trails and greenbelts to prevent vehicle break-ins. Work is now starting to convert an abandoned railroad line in South Austin into a 6.5 mile trail. The weather rollercoaster continues.

Texas secures land for a new state park

A bird flu outbreak noted early in Texas is now a national issue, and concerns are rising about what the federal government plans to do.

From property taxes to THC and more, Lt Gov. Dan Patrick outlines the first batch of 40 legislative priorities for the current Texas legislative session.

Why a fight over mass transit it Dallas could wind up a matter for state lawmakers to untangle.

And: The state has finalized the purchase of a 2,000-acre tract along the Colorado River in Burnet County, next to Colorado Bend State Park.

KUT Morning Newscast for January 24, 2025

Central Texas top stories for January 24, 2025. Some educators are appealing to state lawmakers for more school funding. San Marcos officials say they previously underestimated how quickly the local population and water demand would grow. Texas Democrats lost more power at the state Capitol this week.

KUT Morning Newscast for January 23, 2025

Central Texas top stories for January 23, 2025. UT Austin students held an on-campus rally yesterday against President Donald Trump’s administration. Overnight cold weather shelters in Austin will be open again tonight. Officials at Austin Bergstrom International airport are still trying to attract a nonstop flight to somewhere in Eastern Asia. The Texas Senate and House have each unveiled their state budget proposals for the next two years.

Health and Human Services Commission employees accused in data breach

Parts of Texas that seldom see snow may well see frozen precipitation blanketing beaches tomorrow. We’re keeping watch.

Seven employees of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission have been fired for improperly accessing, and in some cases, stealing, from the accounts of thousands of Texans receiving public assistance.

And: TikTok went dark for U.S. users on Saturday night, hours before a ban on the service was due to take effect. But on Sunday, the service returned, with a message crediting President-elect Trump, who said he would delay the ban. We’ll have the latest.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for January 14, 2025

Central Texas top stories for January 14, 2025. This is the first day of the Texas Legislature’s new session. The City of Austin is looking to crack down and better regulate those short-term rentals. A new laboratory at UT Austin will use artificial intelligence to aid in disease diagnosis and treatment. Travis County wants to hear from you on how to improve the county’s 27 parks. We have a warming trend ahead this week before the next cold snap.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for January 13, 2025

Central Texas top stories for January 13, 2025. New city rules mean overnight shelters in Austin have been open more often this winter. Advocates hope Texas lawmakers will allocate funding to help launch a federal food assistance program. A judge has dismissed the charge against a former UT Austin lecturer who was arrested during campus protests last spring. Sebastián Driussi is missing from Austin FC’s pre-season training. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is getting another expansion.

KUT Morning Newscast for January 2, 2025

Central Texas top stories for January 2, 2025. A proposal to boost the number of lanes on MoPac through South Austin will be open to public comment for an extra month. State lawmakers are reigniting an effort to allow the State of Texas to take control of Austin. Texas moves on to the College Football Playoff semifinals. The IRS is hiring in Austin ahead of tax season.

Inside the Conjunto Music Hall of Fame & Museum

At least five bills have been filed in the Texas Legislature so far to require Texas voters to show proof of citizenship. A look at the implications.

How education could take center stage in the upcoming 89th Texas legislative session.

Attorney General Ken Paxton files a motion to prevent testimony at the Capitol from death row inmate Robert Roberson.

And: Kristen Cabrera visits the Conjunto Music Hall of Fame & Museum for the Texas Museum Map project.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for November 12, 2024

Central Texas top stories for November 12, 2024. Noted conspiracy theorist Alex Jones’ property is being auctioned off tomorrow. Opioid related deaths have continued to rise in Travis County. Today is the first day Texas lawmakers can file bills for the upcoming legislative session. The Central Texas Food Bank is giving out 30,000 turkeys to people in need this holiday season. Austin eateries led the pack with seven Michelin Stars in the first Texas edition of the Michelin Guide.