Central Texas top stories for October 1, 2024. The City of Austin has unveiled its most detailed vision yet for the I-35 caps. The federal government is giving borrowers who have defaulted on their student loans extra time to apply for a program that will return them to good standing. A longstanding legal battle over the environmental impact of development in Dripping Springs arrived at the Texas State Supreme Court today. Hays County is a step closer to establishing its own animal center. On the ballot in this fall’s election are half of Austin’s 10 city council seats and the mayor’s office. TxDOT is warning about the increased risk to pedestrians from drivers less able to see them as the days get shorter.
TxDOT
KUT Morning Newscast for September 20, 2024
Central Texas top stories for September 20, 2024. TxDOT is looking to make changes regarding the customer service for TxTag. Eddie Garcia, who’s been serving as Dallas Police Chief, will become Austin’s assistant city manager overseeing public safety. State leaders are looking at expanding rules for automated vehicles. The City of Austin will soon require people to get microchips for their pets.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 9, 2024
Central Texas top stories for September 9, 2024. A new poll finds nearly 80 percent of Texas teachers have seriously thought about leaving the job in the last year. The Austin City Council is considering a resolution that would eliminate the use of harmful chemicals that firefighters are exposed to when they’re on a call. A civil trial started today in federal court in Austin claiming intimidation and harassment by the “Trump Train” in 2020. Travis County employees are set to get a 5 percent raise next year, but some say it’s not enough to keep up with their workload. TxDOT has announced a major environmental study to look at expanding the bridge from Corpus Christi to Padre Island. The Hays County Sheriff’s Office will be ramping up enforcement on US Highway 290 along a stretch between Cedar Valley and Dripping Springs. Sally Duval is highlighting a platform of marijuana legalization. Tropical Storm Francine is expected to make landfall on the Upper Gulf Coast as a hurricane later this week.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for August 7, 2024
Central Texas top stories for August 7, 2024. Most of the Austin area is under a Heat Advisory until tomorrow evening at 8:00. No projects in Texas received funding this week from the U.S. Department of Energy. The ACLU has joined a lawsuit that says the move to change how appeals are handled in Texas violates the state’s constitution. TxDOT’s Bat Boxes hope to make up for bridges that will be demolished for the expansion of I-35. Del Valle ISD welcomed students back today. Ozone Action Day issued for tomorrow.
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.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for July 1, 2024
Central Texas top stories for July 1, 2024. Saharan dust is causing haziness in the sky. Water restrictions remain despite improving lake levels. Reclaiming your abandoned money. People living in the Austin area could see an increase on their gas bills starting next week. APD is making some progress with hiring more officers. TxDOT is asking the public how Texas should spend billions of tax dollars on transportation projects over the next decade. Fireworks safety.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for May 31, 2024
Central Texas top stories for May 31, 2024. The Texas Supreme Court has unanimously rejected a petition by a group of women asking the state to clarify the medical exception to its abortion laws. Attorneys general in 14 states are calling for federal intervention after Governor Greg Abbott pardoned Daniel Perry. The City of Austin is looking at how to pay for projects that help combat climate change. The City of Austin has accepted an 11-million-dollar grant from TxDOT to expand the city’s bike-share program. The City of San Marcos passed an ordinance this month banning single-use beverage containers on the river within city limits and in certain areas of city parks. Hyundai drivers can bring in their vehicles for a free anti-theft upgrade tomorrow at an Austin Police Department office.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for May 30, 2024
Central Texas top stories for May 30, 2024. Austin City Council approves property tax breaks for seniors. Austin city leaders want to make flood insurance more affordable. TxDOT is developing a long-term transportation plan that will determine how billions of tax dollars are spent. Potential for heavy rain in the Austin area tonight. Austin FC signed winger Osman Bukari from Red Star Belgrade. Texas Softball begins their bid for a Women’s College World Series title tonight.
KUT Morning Newscast for March 11, 2024
Central Texas top stories for March 11, 2024. One Austin city manager candidate withdrew from consideration. TxDOT is taking public input on a possible road expansion in southwestern Travis County. U.S. Supreme Court will soon rule on whether Texas state troopers can arrest immigrants who cross into the U.S. Emergency communications for blind and deaf residents. Travis County Parks will start taking reservations today for next month’s total solar eclipse. Williamson County officials are preparing for an increase in visitors and traffic ahead of the total solar eclipse next month. Deep Eddy Pool in Austin is reopening today.
KUT Morning Newscast for February 20, 2024
Central Texas top stories for February 20, 2024. Early voting in the March 5th primaries starts today. Home prices in and around Austin continue to drop. EPA announced tighter regulations on how much soot is allowed in the air. TxDOT is holding open houses this week to determine future projects along the I-35 corridor.
KUT Morning Newscast for January 30, 2024
Central Texas top stories for January 30, 2024. Austin residents raise concerns over a new proposed music venue. Animal advocates push back on proposed changes to Austin’s rules around dangerous dogs. Money distributed by Austin’s guaranteed income mostly went to housing. TxDOT seeks public input on proposed 290 expansion in Dripping Springs.
KUT Morning Newscast for January 03, 2024
Central Texas top stories for January 03, 2024. Austin police are expanding its crime data dashboard. FM812 expansion plans. Holiday virus trends. Christmas tree recycling.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for November 8, 2023
Central Texas top stories for November 8, 2023. Hays County election results. Pflugerville ISD new tax rate. Williamson County bond election results. Jurors deliberating in Christopher Taylor trial. Domestic violence rates in Travis County. Pflugerville ISD medical learning lab. Smart Freight Corridor. Longhorns basketball.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for October 19, 2023
Central Texas top stories for October 19, 2023. Land rule changes to improve childcare access. Austin City Council weighs in on I-35 expansion. Potential airport name change. Austin city manager search firm confirmed. Gas prices.
‘Death Star bill’ could destroy local protections for renters
As police departments across the nation back off dangerous high-speed car chases, the trend in Houston is running the opposite direction.
Texas is about to pull out of a multi-state partnership designed to curb voter fraud. Why, and who’s behind the shift?
There’s a hearing tomorrow in a challenge brought by several cities to a new Texas law barring local governments from passing ordinances on labor, agriculture, finance – and even the rights of renters.
Also, Texas author LaToya Watkins on her new book, “Holler, Child,” cited by many critics as one of the most highly anticipated of 2023.
Railroad Commission approves South Texas coal mine expansion
In the first Republican debate of the new presidential election season, an issue top of mind for Texans – border policy – takes center stage.
The Texas Department of Transportation is giving a final green light to a highway expansion in downtown Austin that would add at least four lanes and get rid of the road’s existing upper decks.
There’s pushback on solar development in rural northeast Texas.
Energy regulators greenlit a 12,000-acre expansion of a South Texas coal mine on Tuesday, despite locals’ environmental concerns.
And with strays being turned away by many animal shelters, a first-time cat owner – the Standard’s Sean Saldaña – reflects on his first month with his new pet.
Roads to Everywhere
(Episode 2) I-35 is more than a road. It’s been sculpting Austin’s housing scene for more than 60 years, encouraging endless sprawl and making gridlock a lifestyle. Take a drive with us through the highway’s history.
Breaking down the saga at the Dallas Zoo
School vouchers, now styled as school choice, are back before state lawmakers. They have been rejected in the past, but will this year be different? Senate Bill 8 would provide Texas parents with an education account, taxpayer money that could be used to send students to private school. And the bill has special features designed to win over traditionally reluctant rural Republicans.
The Houston Independent School district braces for the implications of a state takeover.
Jamie Landers of the Dallas Morning News has put together a fuller picture of what happened with a string of crimes at the Dallas Zoo.
And seven Texas teams are spicing up March Madness on the men’s side.
KUT Morning Newscast for March 7, 2023
Central Texas top stories for March 7, 2023. I-35 expansion public comment deadline. Austin ISD superintendent town halls. Williamson County ice storm recovery efforts. Austin FC.
KUT Morning Newscast for February 24, 2023
Central Texas top stories for February 24, 2023. Pflugerville ISD will not close schools. TxDOT I-35 expansion plans. Cap-Metro rail service interruption. Central Health demographic report. Jacobs Well closed. Austin FC season opener.