UT Austin

New site under consideration for UT Austin medical campus

A future UT Austin academic medical campus – which is set to include an MD Anderson Cancer Center location – was set to be built on the site of the now-demolished Frank Erwin Center. But now the Board of Regents is considering a new location near the Domain.

Cindy Walker might be the most successful Texas songwriter that most Texans have never heard of, with songs recorded by Roy Orbison, Bing Crosby and many others. A new tribute album celebrates Walker’s legacy and aims to help save her Mexia home.

Plus: We’re getting ready for Thanksgiving with things that Texas kiddos are thankful for.

And click this link to sign up in time for KUT’s Thanksgiving Newsletter!

KUT Afternoon Newscast for November 7, 2025: Austin ISD parents urge board to delay school closures plan less than two weeks before vote

Central Texas top stories for November 7, 2025. Austin ISD’s school consolidation plans keep changing less than two weeks before a final vote is scheduled. An air traffic control staffing shortage at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport this afternoon led the FAA to issue a ground delay. UT Austin students and high school students gathered at the State Capitol today to protest what they see as a tilt to the political right in Texas education. There has been at least one traffic death on Texas roads every single day for the last 25 years. The temperature in Austin got higher today than has ever been recorded in November.

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KUT Morning Newscast for November 4, 2025: It’s Election Day, here’s what you need to know before heading to the polls

Central Texas top stories for November 4, 2025. It’s Election Day, here’s what you need to know before heading to the polls. More than 87,000 people in the Austin area are likely to face delays receiving SNAP benefits. A section of the Shoal Creek Trail that runs along North Lamar Boulevard is about to get an upgrade. The UT women’s basketball team opened the season at home with a win.

KUT Morning Newscast for October 31, 2025: AISD is expected to release updates on its school consolidation plan today

Central Texas top stories for October 31, 2025. Today is the last day of early voting. The Austin Independent School District is expected to release updates on its school consolidation plan later today. Some faculty and students at UT’s College of Liberal Arts are fearful about a possible restructuring of departments. Austin’s air traffic controllers are under extra strain during the federal government shutdown. Open enrollment for Affordable Care Act marketplace insurance plans begins tomorrow.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for October 30, 2025: UT Austin’s College of Liberal Arts is facing changes

Central Texas top stories for October 30, 2025. Voter turnout has been ramping up this week in Travis County. Some faculty at UT Austin’s College of Liberal Arts have serious concerns about changes that may be coming. The Butler Trail around Lady Bird Lake is getting some new wayfinding. This colder weather may have more people driving around with lower tire pressure. The heavy rain of last weekend wiped out a wide area of Extreme Drought in the Austin area.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for October 28, 2025: Austin ISD parents have until midnight to chime in on the district’s School Consolidation Plan

Central Texas top stories for October 28, 2025. Today is the deadline for Austin ISD parents to submit comments on the district’s School Consolidation Plan. TxDOT is working to remove all the traffic signals along State Highway 71 between Austin and Interstate 10. Austin Police say the deaths of two people whose bodies were found on Saturday are likely to be related to the heavy rain of the night before. Former Austin City Council member Kathie Tovo is running for a seat in the Texas House. The strongest cold front of the season is moving through this afternoon.

Legal fight over access to East Texas waterway continues

Texas has flagged thousands of registered voters who officials say could be noncitizens. What we know about that claim right now.
For years, Texas Standard has been following the legal battle over a beloved waterway in East Texas. Now, some powerful figures are getting involved in the fight over the Cutoff.
Some leadership changes at UT Austin raise questions about what it means for someone to be removed based on “ideological differences.”
A new book chronicles the history of local police violence during the civil rights struggle in American cities, including Houston. Our conversation with “Police Against the Movement” author Joshua Davis.
Plus, W.F. Strong cracks open the history of Shiner beer.

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 15, 2025: Federal judge halts enforcement of new state law amid free speech lawsuit brought by students

Central Texas top stories for October 15, 2025. A federal judge is blocking UT from enforcing a new state law that students say infringes on their first amendment rights. Early Voting starts Monday in a statewide election. The City of Austin has a new program that partners police with EMS and mental health experts when responding to mental health emergencies. Gas prices are down.

KUT Morning Newscast for October 14, 2025: Austin has less than 30 days to remove its Pride crosswalk and the “Black Artists Matter” mural

Central Texas top stories for October 14, 2025. Austin has less than 30 days to get rid of rainbow crosswalks and the “Black Artists Matter” mural on 11th street to comply with an order from Gov. Greg Abbott. Students and faculty at UT Austin are concerned about some academic programs. Texas State University has once again fired a professor who was first terminated last month. Flights are expected to be on time at ABIA once more.

KUT Morning Newscast for October 9, 2025: Former UT lecturer’s lingering charges from pro-Palestinian protest dismissed

Central Texas top stories for October 9, 2025. If AISD goes ahead with the consolidation plan, it would reshape some of the most valuable public land across the city. Travis County prosecutors have dropped all remaining charges against a former UT lecturer who was arrested in last year’s pro-Palestinian demonstrations. A judge dismissed a lawsuit that tried to stop a controversial data center from being built on restricted land. The Austin City Council today is set to vote on buying a new property to serve as a city-owned housing navigation center.

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 Morning Newscast for October 6, 2025: A lawsuit against a homeless service provider in South Austin is heading to court today

Central Texas top stories for October 6, 2025. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says the Sunrise Community Church is a danger to neighbors and nearby Joslin Elementary School. Today is the last day for Texans to register to vote in the election this fall. The Longhorns fell to the Florida Gators this weekend. The southbound main lanes of I-35 at State Highway 29 in Georgetown will continue to be closed at night through Thursday.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for October 2, 2025: UT Austin among nine universities asked to sign new ‘compact’ by Trump White House

Central Texas top stories for October 2, 2025. UT Austin is one of nine universities the Trump administration is asking to sign an agreement the administration says would give the schools an advantage in accessing federal funds. Advocates want to raise awareness about Texas’ Safe Haven laws. Travis County is introducing a new program to allow jail inmates to receive care via telehealth. Drought conditions are spreading in the Austin area.

KUT Morning Newscast for October 2, 2025: UT Austin is one of the nine universities the White House asked to sign agreement to get funding advantage

Central Texas top stories for October 2, 2025. UT Austin is one of nine universities the Trump administration is asking to sign a ten-point contract in exchange of giving the schools priority in accessing federal funds. Travis County and local public health provider Central Health have announced a new program to offer virtual medical care to Travis County jail inmates. If you’re traveling this month, know that ABIA is expected to be very busy. Austin FC lost their chance to win their first major trophy.

KUT Morning Newscast for September 30, 2025: Taylor residents showed up in court to oppose a proposed data center

Central Texas top stories for September 30, 2025. Austin Police shared new details yesterday on how they found a new suspect in the 1991 ‘Yogurt Shop Murders.’ Taylor residents made a big showing at a court hearing yesterday to oppose a proposed data center. Texas Football will be back in action this Saturday, this time on the road. The Texas Commission on Environmental quality declared today an Ozone Action Day in the Austin area.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 25, 2025: Fantastic Fest – Austin’s weirdest, wildest film festival – goes medieval

Central Texas top stories for September 25, 2025. The Texas Attorney General’s office has responded to a lawsuit brought by UT students. The City of Austin is now holding off on the idea of installing cameras that use artificial intelligence around parks and other green spaces. The U.S. Department of Education’s decision not to distribute already-appropriated funds to Hispanic-Serving Institutions is costing Texas colleges and universities nearly 60 million dollars. Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver signs a contract extension. Drought is spreading in the Austin area. Fantastic Fest is celebrating its twentieth anniversary this week.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 12, 2025: Austin Police identify Zilker Park shooting suspect, who allegedly left his girlfriend ‘brain dead’

Central Texas top stories for September 12, 2025. The Austin Police Department has identified the man accused of shooting a police officer and another person Wednesday morning near Zilker Park. UT Austin students are trying to get the word out about a new law they say limits free speech on campus. Central Health has given initial approval to a new budget and tax rate. The City of Austin is launching a program to remove graffiti from private properties. Gas prices went down overnight, but not by much.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 11, 2025: Austin police canceled a shelter-in-place order while a shooter was on the loose

Central Texas top stories for September 11, 2025. People in parts of Austin were told Wednesday morning just after 6:30 that a man who shot a police officer and another person near Zilker Park was no longer a threat, but he still was. Central Health has given initial approval to a new budget and tax rate. Property owners running short-term rentals in Austin will have to follow new rules adopted by the Austin City Council today. The Longhorns volleyball team got their second win against a top ten team this week.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 9, 2025: A local group is launching a campaign opposing the City of Austin’s proposed property tax increase

Central Texas top stories for September 9, 2025. The Save Austin Now political action committee is launching a campaign opposing the City of Austin’s proposed property tax increase. A new Texas law is blocking a local organization that provides first aid during public protests from events on the UT campus. Hormone replacement therapy will no longer be available for UT Austin students seeking gender affirming care from campus clinics. A group of locals is urging Travis County to break its tax rebate deal with Tesla. The recent slide we’ve been seeing in gas prices has come to an abrupt end. Tomorrow is an Ozone Action Day.