Austin ISD

KUT Afternoon Newscast for August 20, 2025: Members of the Texas House are debating a new congressional district map ahead of a vote expected today

Central Texas top stories for August 20, 2025. The map is designed to flip five U.S. House seats from Democrat to Republican in next year’s midterm elections. A federal judge is blocking a new Texas law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom. Liberty Hill ISD plans to ask voters to approve increases to the tax rate this November to make up for a budget shortfall. The men serving as interim UT Austin president and interim UT System Chancellor are now confirmed for those positions. The Zilker Eagle is off the rails again because of a broken axle.

This podcast is made at KUT Public Media Studios. You may have heard that Congress just took back the money it had allocated for public radio. Our organization stands to lose 1.2 million dollars. We’re asking our listeners now to help us make up this shortfall. If you want to help us out, you can make a donation at supportthispodcast.org.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for August 18, 2025: The City of Austin is being sued over its upcoming tax rate election

Central Texas top stories for August 18, 2025. The City of Austin is being sued over its upcoming tax rate election over the language on the ballot. Austin ISD goes back to school tomorrow, but some families have been struggling with enrollment before the big first day. State oil and gas regulators are not adequately ensuring that critical energy facilities are ready for another big winter storm. New Mexico is still feeling the effects of the West Texas measles outbreak.

This podcast is made at KUT Public Media Studios. You may have heard that Congress just took back the money it had allocated for public radio. Our organization stands to lose 1.2 million dollars. We’re asking our listeners now to help us make up this shortfall. If you want to help us out, you can make a donation at supportthispodcast.org.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for August 15, 2025: The man suspected of killing three people this week outside a Target store in North Austin had an extensive criminal history

Central Texas top stories for August 15, 2025. The man suspected of killing three people this week outside a Target store in North Austin had repeated run-ins with law enforcement for alleged assault several times in the last decade. The Austin City Council has passed a $6.3 billion budget for the coming fiscal year. New A-F accountability ratings for public school districts are out today from the Texas Education Agency. Part of a national memorial honoring the victims of AIDS-related illness is coming to downtown Austin.

This podcast is made at KUT and KUTX, which are public radio stations in Austin, Texas. You may have heard that Congress just took back the money it had allocated for public radio. Our organization stands to lose 1.2 million dollars. We’re asking our listeners now to help us make up this shortfall. If you want to help us out, you can make a donation at supportthispodcast.org.

KUT Morning Newscast for August 1, 2025: Austin City Council members signaled they’re interested in putting a tax increase to voters this fall

Central Texas top stories for August 1, 2025. Austin City Council members yesterday signaled they’re interested in putting a tax increase to voters this fall. Major staffing changes at the Austin ISD central administrative office take effect today. State Lawmakers in Texas met in Kerrville yesterday to hear from local officials and residents who survived the July 4th floods. Local officials in areas along the Guadalupe River have for the first time confirmed a 40-minute lag in sending out mass warnings during last month’s deadly floods. A new Westlake Drive Bridge over Loop 360 is scheduled to open as soon as tonight.

KUT News Now is made at KUT Public Media Studios. You may have heard that Congress just took back the money it had allocated for public media. Our organization stands to lose 1.2 million dollars. We’re asking our listeners now to help us make up this shortfall. If you want to help us out, you can make a donation at supportthispodcast.org.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for July 7, 2025: Recovery efforts are just beginning after intense flooding in the Austin area over the weekend

Central Texas top stories for July 7, 2025. The Austin area and the Hill Country are still under a Flood Watch until 7PM. Central Texans are grappling with the effects of deadly, flash flooding that hit the area over the weekend. Among one of the worst-hit communities is Sandy Creek – just outside the Leander city limits. Flooding in Burnet County hit the southern part of that area the hardest. Austin-area school districts are offering support to families following the deadly floods in Kerr and Williamson counties. The City of Austin is extending its waterways ban until noon tomorrow.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for July 2, 2025: The Austin Diocese has a new bishop

Central Texas top stories for July 2, 2025. Bishop Daniel Garcia comes to Central Texas by way of California. Civil rights groups filed a federal lawsuit today challenging a new Texas law requiring every public school classroom to display the Ten Commandments. Austin did not break 100 degrees in all of June. Gas prices continue to drop ahead of the July 4th holiday weekend. CapMetro wants to make it easier to get around on July 4th.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for June 20, 2025: The city of Austin lost nearly 9.3 billion gallons of water last year

Central Texas top stories for June 20, 2025. The city of Austin lost enough water to fill Lady Bird Lake four times over. Governor Greg Abbott has until Sunday to take action on a bill that would ban consumable hemp products containing THC. Tesla’s fleet of driverless robotaxis is set to hit Austin streets this Sunday. Governor Greg Abbott is expected to sign a bill by Sunday that would limit land sales to non-citizens from several countries. Austin ISD will cut more than 20 percent of positions at its Central Office. The Moody Center is hosting gamers from across the world this weekend at the BLAST.tv Austin Major.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for June 17, 2025: Local and state officials reflect on what’s changed in the three years since Roe v. Wade was overturned

Central Texas top stories for June 17, 2025. Local and state officials gathered outside the Texas Capitol this morning to reflect on what’s changed since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade was overturned three years ago. Austin ISD elementary and middle school students made gains in reading on their springtime STAAR tests. Austin has opened a daytime cooling center for people experiencing homelessness.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for June 11, 2025: The Texas National Guard is ready to respond to protests in Austin this weekend

Central Texas top stories for June 11, 2025. The City of Austin has been notified that the Texas National Guard will be ready to respond this weekend to scheduled protests. Austin and Travis County leaders are celebrating improvements in the local response to the opioid crisis. A judge on Tuesday upheld an Austin vote on redevelopment along the shores of Lady Bird Lake. A vote on a proposal to improve three Austin ISD middle schools that have received failing grades from the state has been delayed.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for May 27, 2025: Firefly Aerospace plans to send another spacecraft to the lunar surface as part of an international mission

Central Texas top stories for May 27, 2025. Cedar Park’s Firefly Aerospace made history when it successfully landed its Blue Ghost spacecraft on the moon’s surface earlier this year. A middle school in East Austin will be getting a mental health center as part of a plan to modernize the campus. Travis County is offering free training for anyone wanting to learn how to administer Narcan. More rain is on the way this week.

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 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 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.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for May 6, 2025: Arts organizations in and around Austin are facing an uncertain future

Central Texas top stories for May 6, 2025. Austin Public Health is warning about possible exposure to measles. Arts organizations in Austin could lose funding with the National Endowment for the Arts terminating grants nationwide. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has accused Austin ISD of violating a state law that bans instruction on critical race theory in public schools. Starting tomorrow, your driver’s license needs REAL ID for domestic flights.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for May 5, 2025: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating Austin ISD for allegedly teaching ‘critical race theory’

Central Texas top stories for May 5, 2025. Stormy weather today in the Austin area. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says his office is investigating the Austin Independent School District. What an “omega block” is and why it’s bringing rain to the area. The Trump administration is resuming collections today on defaulted federal student loans. The University of Texas softball team will be part of the SEC Softball Tournament for the first time.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for April 11, 2025: Austin ISD has until the end of this month to submit a turnaround plan for Dobie Middle School.

Central Texas top stories for April 11, 2025. AISD is weighing what to do about a campus that has received low accountability ratings from the TEA. APD is heading to court over the 2021 shooting of a man in South Austin. Two filmmakers with Austin connections are among the contenders for this year’s top prize at the Cannes Film Festival. The 15th annual Longhorn run is tomorrow.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for April 4, 2025: Austin ISD could close Dobie Middle School to avoid a state takeover of the entire district.

Central Texas top stories for April 4, 2025. Authorities say dozens of people arrested in Hays County this week are connected to a Venezuelan gang. Austin ISD is considering closing Dobie Middle School because it has received too many failing grades from the state. The Texas women’s basketball team will play defending national champion South Carolina tonight for a spot in the NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship game. Texas DPS says there may be delays in getting an emissions inspection right now. Several roads will be closed Sunday for the annual Statesman Cap10k.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for April 2, 2025: Austin-area teens are teaching their peers how to get involved in the political process.

Central Texas top stories for April 2, 2025. Homelessness is on the rise among people under the age of 25. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is close to deciding whether to challenge Senator John Cornyn in next year’s primary election. Save Our Springs is suing in state court over the plan to expand MoPac through South Austin. Firefly Aerospace is working with NASA on a mission to increase understanding of severe weather patterns on Earth. An opportunity is coming up this week to get your pet spayed or neutered free of charge.