Central Texas top stories for August 13, 2025. APD Chief Lisa Davis points to the mental health system after a shooting at a Target in North Austin that left three dead. The Austin City Council could adopt its next budget today. With the deadline approaching, advocates say students without legal status are scrambling to find a way to pay for the first installment for the fall semester at UT Austin. September 4th is the official deadline to apply for FEMA assistance after the July floods. The Texas Senate passed a bill aimed at cracking down on abortion pill prescribers and manufacturers. More Central Texas school districts go back to school today, watch out for traffic.
Lisa Davis
What can unite the DA’s office and APD? ‘Trying to take bad people off the street.’
Travis County District Attorney’s office and the Austin Police Department have butted heads for years over which crimes get prosecuted. In a joint interview with KUT News, Police Chief Lisa Davis and DA José Garza said they’re prioritizing violent crimes — and pushing staff to better cooperate with each other. Andrew Weber reports.
Adult education programs feel the squeeze as federal funds remain on hold
Federal education funding is put on hold, leaving administrators scrambling to evaluate what programs may be affected and what comes next – not just for young students, but Texans in adult education programs as well.
What could rural schools teach the rest of us about how to better get along? New research by the George W. Bush Institute offers insights.
And just in time for July 4th: the Brazilian BBQ smoker many Texas pitmasters are calling the bomb.
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KUT Afternoon Newscast for May 12, 2025: Austin Police won’t cite people for possessing small amounts of marijuana
Central Texas top stories for May 12, 2025. The Austin Police Chief says APD won’t cite people for possessing small amounts of marijuana. A bill making its way through the Texas legislature would outlaw guaranteed income programs. Four people are being treated after saying they were attacked by a fox in San Marcos. Triple digit highs arrive this week.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis talks about her 100-day Action Plan
Last November, then-new Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis released a 100-day Action Plan called “Building Officer and Community Safety and Trust.” Earlier this year, before that 100-day marker, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton talked with Davis about her plans for the Department.
KUT Morning Newscast for November 15, 2024
Central Texas top stories for November 15, 2024. It’s official, Kirk Watson has been reelected as Austin Mayor. APD Chief, Lisa Davis, says she wants the department to retool how it looks at police data. Round Rock has a new fire station. If you’re in Downtown Austin and order takeout through Uber eats, don’t be surprised if your food is delivered by a robot.
KUT Morning Newscast for October 15, 2024
Central Texas top stories for October 15, 2024. Ted Cruz and Colin Allred face off tonight in their only debate ahead of the fall election. Voters will decide this fall whether to approve a new tax rate for AISD. The city of Austin could purchase a building to serve as its new public safety headquarters. Work is underway to tear down a historic building on the University of Texas campus despite activists pushing for preservation. Lisa Davis was officially sworn in as Austin’s Police Chief.
KUT News Now 080624
Central Texas top stories for August 6, 2024. Austin could have a new police chief today. A lawsuit against supporters of then-President Trump’s 2020 reelection campaign is heading to trial in Austin. Changes are coming to Trinity Street and San Jacinto Boulevard: a project will add bus-only lanes. AISD has placed its outgoing chief financial officer on leave. Austin Firefighters Association are calling for solutions to what they call a mental health crisis among firefighters. Lockhart ISD voters will be deciding whether to join Austin Community College’s taxing district in November.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for August 2, 2024
Central Texas top stories for August 2, 2024. Lisa Davis is one step closer to becoming Austin’s next police chief. A community in Southeastern Travis County will finally be getting clean drinking water in their homes for the first time. Venezuelans are protesting in Austin and in places worldwide tomorrow in response to president Nicolás Maduro refusing to provide clear evidence that he won last Sunday’s elections. This is the last day to tell the city what you think should be built on top of I-35 after TxDOT lowers the main lanes through Central Austin. The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services is out with its annual ratings for U.S. hospitals. A couple of local school districts are hosting back-to-school events tomorrow. More Longhorns bringing medals home from Paris.