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Texans weigh in on how to spend the state’s $24 billion surplus

If Texans were in charge of the state’s budget, how would they spend the money? A new survey from the Hobby School of Public Affairs sheds light on priorities.

We know many state lawmakers are prioritizing a school voucher effort that would give money for private education directly to families – and the proposal has moved forward in the Senate.

Some Texas business are already feeling indirect impacts of deportation efforts.

And: With Texas attracting more data centers, -what’s being done to ensure the energy grid can handle it?

KUT Morning Newscast for January 29, 2025

Central Texas top stories for January 29, 2025. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has arrested undocumented migrants in Austin and across the country in recent days, that includes people without criminal backgrounds. A federal judge temporarily paused a funding freeze put in place by Trump’s administration, the freeze could affect local non-profits. A temporary fix was made to Longhorn Dam after a gate got stuck, dropping Lady Bird Lake water level by two feet.

Abbott wants feds to cover Texas’ border costs

Gov. Greg Abbott wants the federal government to reimburse the state for more than $11 billion spent on Operation Lone Star, and some lawmakers from both sides of the aisle support the request.

Texas leads the nation in wind energy jobs, but a White House executive order to pause new wind projects has some in the industry concerned.

As the Trump administration ramps up deportations of unauthorized immigrants, many farmers are bracing for the impact on agriculture.

Luring Buc-ee’s beyond Texas: Cities across the U.S. are offering the company tax breaks and other big incentives.

And: New state data shows a growing number of minors are traveling out of state for abortions.

This Is My Thing: Lightsaber Choreography!

As members of the nonprofit Saber Guild, Addie and Ben Ruth share a love of lightsabers, Jedi robes, and lightsaber choreography.

Reflections from three Holocaust survivors in Texas

President Trump’s long-promised deportation raids get underway in Texas and in other parts of the country. Today, what we know about the weekend operations and what we’re learning.

On this International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Texas Standard’s Sarah Asch brings us the voices and memories of survivors living in Texas.

And: The Texas Senate has unveiled a bill to create a school voucher plan. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey gets us caught up on the plan ahead of a public hearing on Tuesday.

Frenemies?

What is the issue between old friends, and artists, Jim Jones and Cam’ron? Also we discuss rappers cozying up to Trump’s new presidency.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for January 24, 2025

Central Texas top stories for January 24, 2025. We don’t have a freeze in the forecast for Austin for the first time in almost a week. The city of Lockhart is not codifying an amendment approved by voters to decriminalize marijuana. Austin is no longer the city in Texas with the highest rent prices.

Will Corpus Christi’s water restrictions be enough to stem emergency?

A dramatic move at the Texas Capitol upends a decades-long tradition of power sharing as conservative Republicans succeed in banning Democrats from chairing legislative committees.

The end of the CBP One program for asylum-seekers following President Donald Trump’s inauguration has left many with questions about their future.

And: Growing demand and industrial expansion have left Corpus Christi facing a water emergency.

KUT Morning Newscast for January 22, 2025

Central Texas top stories for January 22, 2025. The winter storm is behind us, but cold weather lingers as Austin sees the coldest temperatures registered this winter. Reproductive rights activists are considering how to move their cause forward in Texas. The median sales price of a home in Austin rose last month.

Trump’s first executive orders focus on immigration

Much of Texas is dealing with dangerously cold temperatures and conditions that make travel hazardous. How the state is coping – plus a look at the power grid.

President Trump declared an emergency on the U.S.-Mexico border and issued several executive orders on immigration. We’ll delve into the details.

A look at the life and legacy of Cecile Richards: The former president of Planned Parenthood, and a major force in Texas and national politics, has died of brain cancer at 67.

Plus: Texas Standard intern Yoali Rodríguez reports on the designers working to make El Paso a new fashion hub.

KUT Morning Newscast for January 21, 2025

Central Texas top stories for January 21, 2025. The Austin area is covered in snow this morning, some areas of the city got more snow than others. School districts are closed, and some City services will operate under modified schedules. Sales prices on homes in the Austin area rose, which is rare for this time of year.

KUT Morning Newscast for January 20, 2025

Central Texas top stories for January 20, 2025. We might get some snow in the Austin area, but it might not linger for too long. Here’s how to protect your pipes from freezing weather. City closures are expected in observance of MLK day today and due to the winter storm tomorrow.

KUT Morning Newscast for January 17, 2025

Central Texas top stories for January 17, 2025. Another artic blast is heading to the Austin area this weekend. A UT professor is being inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Parker Woodland: “The Reckoning (Last Sunset Remix)”

We’re halfway through Love Austin Music Month, so let’s check-in. How have you shown your love for Austin music so far? If you’re feeling behind, fear not, here are two opportunities to get your live music fix pronto.

Austin power trio Parker Woodland have never shied away from expressing their discontent with the world, sometimes incorporating church chorus-inspired harmonies to drive home that things like faith and disappointment aren’t mutually exclusive.

But their latest single is a far darker feat than the trio’s archives. The well of patience is gone as are the days of politely appealing through simple humanity. The die is cast, and the reckoning demands answers and change.

you see Parker Woodland twice this week: tonight at their Hotel Vegas residency show at 6PM with trio Brian, and this Saturday night at the 11^th Annual Sonic Guild Ball at the Long Center.

KUT Morning Newscast for January 16, 2025

Central Texas top stories for January 16, 2025. DPS is trying to improve the process for Texans to get a driver’s license. The City of Austin is opening 6^th Street to vehicle traffic, after decades of weekend closures. The Austin Transit Partnership is holding its first public meeting to answer questions about the plans for a new light-rail system.

KUT Morning Newscast for January 15, 2025

Central Texas top stories for January 15, 2025. The City of San Marcos has completed a project to protect its residents against flood damage. The City of Leander is asking its residents and local businesses to save water. The Eanes Independent School District will be closing one of its six elementary campuses as part of an effort to save money.

This Is My Thing: Pole Dancing!

Seven years ago, Fabiana Meléndez Ruiz fell in love with pole dancing as a form of exercise and self-expression. Now she’s at the pole studio four days a week.

KUT Morning Newscast for January 14, 2025

Central Texas top stories for January 14, 2025. Hotter and drier weather puts Austin at risk of wildfires. UT Austin will use artificial intelligence to help diagnose and treat disease.

KUT Morning Newscast for January 13, 2025

Central Texas top stories for January 13, 2025. Advocates hope Texas lawmakers will help launch a federal food assistance program this summer. Austin unveils how a light-rail could change the city; a new report is out. Three Texas Longhorn football players announced they are heading to the National Football League draft in April.

KUT Morning Newscast for January 10, 2025

Central Texas top stories for January 10, 2025. City staff and unhoused Austinites say recent changes to the cold weather shelters have been a success. A group in the San Marcos area is helping unhoused people during this cold weather snap. Texas plays Ohio State tonight at the Cotton Bowl.