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.
Austin State Hospital
KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 5, 2024
Central Texas top stories for September 5, 2024. Firefighters in Leander are looking to negotiate benefits, pay and other working conditions within the city’s fire department. Some state lawmakers, local leaders and activists are calling out what they’re calling voter intimidation after millions of people were removed from Texas voter rolls. A federal court has approved a settlement between Austin ISD and Disability Rights Texas. Texas lawmakers say they aim to expand on plans from the last legislative session to boost funding for mental health hospitals. A mosquito trap in Georgetown has tested positive for the West Nile Virus. Recent rain has helped the drought picture in the Hill Country. The top-ranked Texas Volleyball team has their home opener tonight at Gregory Gym.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for January 30, 2024
Central Texas top stories for January 30, 2024. Texas Supreme Court hears arguments on the latest lawsuit stemming from the 2021 blackout. The city of Austin is considering changing euthanasia rules for dangerous dogs. Austin State Hospital now has an estimated opening day. Researchers at the University of Texas announce opioid alternative breakthrough. A million more Texans now have health insurance through the affordable care act. Gas prices are on the rise.
Austin State Hospital: Then & Now
The second installment of Mind of Texas dives headfirst into Austin State Hospital’s oral history project with UT professor emeritus Dr. King Davis and historic preservation coordinator D.D. Clark to learn what state hospital archives teach us about mental health and equity today.
In part two, peer support specialist Parker LaCombe chimes in with her experiences on state hospitals and mental health field – both in terms of receiving and offering services.