Katy McAfee

New CDC childhood vaccine guidance raises questions

Earlier this month, the CDC reduced the number of recommended vaccines for children. The change has flummoxed some parents and pediatricians in the Austin area. We’ll listen to some of the questions they’ve been asking.

It’s been more than six months since deadly flooding killed more than 130 people across Central Texas and the Hill Country. Recovery is still a long way down the road. We’ll have an update from some of the folks still working through that process.

Plus, the ATX Free Fridge Project has been filling in gaps in food access across the Austin area for more than half a decade, but the project itself could use a little love and help these days.

And with a new year comes new art in the public domain. We’ll find out what’s been added in 2026.

HOPE Outdoor Gallery reopens at new location

The Sobering Center in Austin has provided an alternative to jail or hospitalization since 2018. Now, it’s looking to help folks build a new journey beyond a one-night respite.

After many delays, the HOPE Outdoor Gallery is finally back open. The new 6,000-foot space is working to maintain the try-anything vibe that made its original spot so very Austin.

Plus: Businesses in downtown Austin are looking to attract more shoppers and more dollars to their stores this holiday season – and one way they’re trying to do that is with half-priced Uber rides.

Texas appeals as its redistricting map is temporarily blocked

A federal court has ruled that the redistricting passed by Texas Republicans – a map that was set to eliminate one of Travis County’s two Democratic-held seats – cannot be used in next year’s midterm elections. The ruling was quickly appealed by Gov. Greg Abbott. We’ll get the latest from The Texas Newsroom.

We’ll also hear from Congressman Lloyd Doggett, who plans to run for reelection following the ruling from the federal court.

And: Travis County commissioners are facing a lawsuit over a 9.12% property tax increase they approved in September amid a disaster declaration.

AISD updates consolidation plan, now only closing 10 schools

The Austin Independent School District announced changes this week to its plans to shutter campuses across the city as AISD looks for ways to save money. The consolidation plan started with 13 schools slated for the chopping block. Now, that number has been dwindled down, and some AISD parents are frustrated by what they consider the wishy-washy way the plans have been rolled out.

KUT’s Katy McAfee was at last night’s district school board meeting and she joins us to share the latest updates.

Plus, it’s a busy weekend of happenings with Rock The Park and the Austin Studio Tour.

And Maile Carballo talks about student media KVRX’s efforts to raise funds. You can find how to donate here.

Central Texas Food Bank braces for increased demand

The Central Texas Food Bank is preparing to help more folks with food assistance amid the government shutdown and ahead of the upcoming holiday season. Beth Corbett, the food bank’s vice president of government affairs and advocacy, shares more about their plans to handle the increased demand. Find out how you can help or get help during the SNAP delay here.

It’s Election Day, and Austin voters will give the final say on Prop Q, a proposed property tax rate increase that would result in more than $100 million dollars for city services. Statewide, Texans are considering 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution. KUT’s Katy McAfee brings us the latest from the polls.

KUT Morning Newscast for August 16, 2024

Central Texas top stories for August 16, 2024. Violent crime in Austin is down compared to last year. A new rule lowering the amount of land required to build a home in Austin goes into effect today. Travis County Constables want to hire more deputies to patrol what they call traffic “hot spots,” but the budget is tight. AISD says its chief financial officer, Ed Ramos, was reinstated Thursday. Travis County has seen a steady rise in new HIV diagnoses since 2020, they are launching a campaign to end the epidemic. There’s a new cooling center in Austin, it’s located in the Trinity Center on East 7^th street.