Central Texas top stories for October 22, 2025. Austin wasn’t warned that state police would be clearing homeless camps on city land, mayor says. Capital Metro has a new police chief. Travis County is looking into building a commuter rail system from Austin to San Antonio. Early voting turnout has been low.
CapMetro
KUT Afternoon Newscast for October 21, 2025: Austin wasn’t warned that state police would be clearing homeless camps on city land, mayor says
Central Texas top stories for October 21, 2025. Voter turnout on the first day of Early Voting in Travis County was on the light side. Governor Greg Abbott says he’s using state police to clear homeless encampments across Austin. Capital Metro swore in its second-ever police chief this week. Hays County Commissioners voted today to make changes to polling locations to make them more accessible.
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 Morning Newscast for October 21, 2025: CapMetro approves sweeping plan to reshape Austin’s public transit network
Central Texas top stories for October 21, 2025. CapMetro approved a plan to reshape Austin’s public transit network, but not everyone is on board. Monday was the deadline for universities to submit comments to the White House on a funding compact. It’s unclear if UT Austin will sign the document. Neighbors complain about AISD’s new plan to turn former Rosedale School into a six-story apartment complex. Liberty Hill ISD is asking voters to approve a tax rate increase. The Austin area is under disaster declaration due to elevated fire risk.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for October 17, 2025: Thousands of people are expected to join the No Kings Day protest in Downtown Austin this weekend
Central Texas top stories for October 17, 2025. Governor Greg Abbott is bringing in the National Guard and State Troopers to the No Kings Day protest in Downtown Austin. Capital Metro’s board of directors will take a final vote Monday on Transit Plan 2035. Seven groups have filed briefs asking the U.S. Supreme Court to take on the case of Little versus Llano County. Yesterday was Christine DeLisle’s last day as mayor of Leander. Expect lots of traffic around Circuit of the Americas this weekend.
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 Morning Newscast for October 7, 2025: Some AISD parents wonder what would happen to their campus after it closes
Central Texas top stories for October 7, 2025. After AISD released a plan to close 13 schools, some parents are wondering what would happen to the buildings after schools close. A new state law that regulates who can speak on college campuses is shaking up the way one UT Austin group has been operating for decades. CapMetro is preparing to start construction in November for the new North Burnet/ Uptown Station near the Domain. Barton Springs Pool will be closed for most of the day today.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for August 26, 2025: Texas universities could see fewer international students amid immigration crackdown
Central Texas top stories for August 26, 2025. International student enrollment across the country could drop by 40% compared to the last academic year. Capital Metro is getting ready to make big changes to bus and rail service in the city. The City of Austin wants to make sure it’s ready for any flooding as we get closer to one of the rainier times of year. College football is back this weekend. Prices at the gas pumps had been trending down last week, but then they spiked up overnight.
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 July 31, 2025: Newly-drawn congressional district maps released this week by Texas Republicans would set up a showdown for the remaining Democratic seat in the Austin area
Central Texas top stories for July 31, 2025. The newly-drawn congressional district maps released this week by Texas Republicans would have big implications for voters in Travis County. The organizers of Austin’s annual LGBTQ Pride festival say they’re facing a funding shortfall. The Austin City Council is signaling its willingness to ask voters for that approval in November. Renting an electric bike from Capital Metro will cost more starting tomorrow. We have entered the hottest part of the summer in 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 Afternoon Newscast for July 25, 2025: A former Camp Mystic camper recounts the many memories she wears on her wrist
Central Texas top stories for July 25, 2025. It could take weeks for CapMetro to repair railroad tracks damaged by recent flooding. The latest in the City of Austin’s efforts to improve the safety of 6th Street. 15 Texas House Democrats are leaving the state to see how top leaders in blue states are dealing with the sweeping new spending and tax legislation passed by Congress this month. Austin hit triple digit temperatures for the first time since mid-May. A former Camp Mystic camper recounts the many memories she wears on her wrist.
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 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 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 16, 2025: Taylor’s mayor speaks out on social media about his decision not to recognize Taylor Pride’s annual festival
Central Texas top stories for June 16, 2025. Taylor Pride is set to hold its fifth annual music and arts festival this month. Capital Metro’s first police officers began patrolling the transit system today. Austin ISD families with students in elementary and middle school will learn tomorrow how their kids did on the STAAR test.
KUT Morning Newscast for May 29, 2025: One person dead and multiple water rescues after last night’s storm.
Central Texas top stories for May 29, 2025. Last night’s storms left one person dead and extensive damage across the city of Austin. Thousands of Austin Energy customers are without power this morning due to last night’s storm. Two bills in the Texas legislature that could have brought Austin’s light-rail plans to a halt appear to be dead. A bill restricting how much land builders can set aside for homes in new neighborhoods looks poised to pass the Texas legislature.
KUT Morning Newscast for May 15, 2025: The city of Austin is dedicating hundreds of thousands of dollars to support families experiencing homelessness
Central Texas top stories for May 15, 2025. Austin’s Homeless strategy office has $300,000 to give to groups helping families exit or avoid homelessness. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has settled a lawsuit he filed against the Travis County Commissioners Court last September. The ongoing heat wave in the Austin area can be dangerous for pets. Look out for more cyclists on your morning and afternoon commutes tomorrow as the city of Austin celebrates “Bike to Work Day.”
KUT Afternoon Newscast for May 14, 2025: The Austin area is under an Extreme Heat Warning for the first time this year
Central Texas top stories for May 14, 2025. The Austin area is under an Extreme Heat Warning until 9 o’clock tonight. Austin ISD is considering plans to consolidate campuses to save money. CapMetro’s commuter train station near the Domain is back on track after delays and ballooning costs.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for April 30, 2025: Fire departments across the Austin area are preparing for wildfire season.
Central Texas top stories for April 30, 2025. Fire departments are preparing to battle suburban wildfires. WestJet is canceling plans to run direct flights from Austin to Vancouver starting in May. Renting an electric bike from Capital Metro will cost you more starting in August. The City of Austin is asking people for input on what city services, programs and investments matter most to them. The Austin Record Convention returns to the Palmer Events Center this weekend.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for March 27, 2025: Remembering former Austin Mayor and Texas State Comptroller Carole Keeton.
Central Texas top stories for March 27, 2025. Friends, family, former colleagues and a lot of everyday folks are remembering Carole Keeton and her long life of service to Austin and the State of Texas. CapMetro says it doesn’t know how much money was lost from a malfunction in its fare collection system. Updated wildfire risk maps for Austin could impact affordability. The Austin area has been getting some much-needed rain. Austin ISD students and staff get a break from school on Monday.
What is light-rail?
Austin’s transportation system is getting a big upgrade. But is light-rail better than a bus? KUT’s Nathan Bernier breaks it all down. You can leave your comment on the projects detailed impact study at ATPTX.org.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for March 4, 2025: Opioid overdoses in Austin are declining.
Central Texas top stories for March 4, 2025. The Austin area is under a Red Flag Warning until 9:00 tonight. There’s been a drop in opioid overdoses in the Austin area. An exit on southbound I-35 will close permanently tonight as part of a major expansion of the interstate. Average rents in the Austin area fell again last month. Some CapMetro customers are struggling with a new app. Uber customers in Austin can now catch rides in a self-driving vehicle.
KUT Morning Newscast for March 4, 2025: A Red Flag Warning is in effect today in the Austin area.
Central Texas top stories for March 4, 2025. A Red Flag Warning is in effect today from 8AM until 9PM, Williamson and Travis County have a burn ban in effect. Capital Metro has rolled out a new system to pay your fare on the bus or train. Rent prices keep going down. An Austin-area space start-up has made history as the first private company to achieve a fully successful, soft-landing on the moon.
A year after the Smokehouse Creek Fire
One year later, how are people in the Panhandle managing recovery after the biggest wildfire in Texas history?
The impact of DOGE cuts hits national parks in Texas, including a historical park in San Antonio. Jack Morgan of Texas Public Radio has more.
Capital Metro, Austin’s transit agency, saw its payment system collapse for about a month in 2024. We’ll hear what went wrong, and what’s happening now.
And: With egg prices going up, have you considered raising your own chickens? Lots of Texans have – but you might want to think twice.