Major changes at one of the state’s flagship universities, with UT Austin consolidating seven departments focused on ethnic and gender studies into two new ones.
Five years since Winter Storm Uri and a massive blackout that led to investigations and a rethink of how the state manages the power grid. What’s changed? A look back.
The Standard’s Michael Marks on a new pest hitting rice growers at a very bad time.
Hi, how are you? A new exhibit focuses on the life and legacy of the artist Daniel Johnston, who became a Texas cultural icon.
Plus, the week in politics with the Texas Tribune.
winter
Austin warming shelter’s lack of nutritious food draws concern
Nighttime temperatures in Austin won’t be cold enough this week to warrant the opening of warming shelters, but last month’s prolonged freeze did highlight the lack of nutritious food being served at one refuge in town. We’ll hear from someone who’s taken shelter there and the people helping to fill the need.
Travis County District Attorney José Garza is joining a group of DA’s banding together to hold federal officers accountable to the rule of law. We’ll look at what brought them together, and the complicated process that the project is hoping to tackle.
And a new photo exhibit at the Austin Central Library celebrates Black-owned businesses in Austin, and their role in preserving the city’s cultural history.
Austin police cooperation with ICE faces renewed scrutiny
An update on this weekend’s winter storm – the lingering aftereffects, and when to expect things to get back to “normal.”Though the worst may be over, many extreme cold advisories have been issued statewide today, and frozen precipitation is making many secondary roads treacherous. We’ll have an update, plus a look at the storm’s impact on the power grid.Despite hazardous driving conditions, an important political debate went on as scheduled Saturday: A showdown between the top two Democrats running for a U.S. senate seat from Texas. We’ll have a recap of the Georgetown debate between U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and State Rep. James Talarico. Also, questions about local law enforcement cooperation with ICE in Austin.
The latest on the freeze heading towards Austin
The forecast continues to evolve as an arctic cold front heads towards the Austin area this weekend. Temperatures are forecast to remain below freezing starting Saturday night in Central Texas and could stay that way through Monday. We’ll have the latest forecasts and updates from city officials.
Austin Community College’s free tuition pilot program ballooned to nearly 10,000 students this academic year. We’ll look at the students who are being impacted and the things they’re learning about.
Huston-Tillotson University’s Jazz Orchestra is among the top bands in the country. We’ll hear about their competition last weekend in New York.
Plus, photojournalism collides with original songwriting in the new project “Witness.” We share a special sneak listen.
Arctic front bears down on Austin, Central Texas
An arctic cold front is approaching Austin and Central Texas. The National Weather Service has already issued an Extreme Cold Watch and a Winter Storm Warning for the weekend. We’ll have more about the latest forecasts and the ways for you to be prepared.
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement operations have continued in Central Texas. KUT News has obtained video of one such incident in Kyle. As these operations increase, so does the concern for public safety amid reports of slack hiring practices and training regulations for ICE officers. Speaking with Austin Signal is Alain Stephens, investigative reporter for the Intercept covering gun violence, arms trafficking, and federal law enforcement.
Plus, it’s Hi, How Are You Day in Austin. We’ll share how you can celebrate.
Former Uvalde officer acquitted in first criminal trial tied to shooting
Texans prepare for a major winter storm, projected to be the most severe since the deadly winter storm of 2021. We’ll get an update on preparations by state officials in what promises to be the first real test of the power grid since Winter Storm Uri five years ago.
A Uvalde school police officer, the first law enforcement official to be charged in connection with the Robb Elementary School shooting, has been acquitted by a jury.
Also, the death of Cuban immigrant at an El Paso detention center has now been ruled a homicide.
What to know as arctic front heads to Texas
Freezing temperatures and ice are in the forecast for much of Texas. We’ll go over what you need to know to feel prepared.
An investigation into jail deaths in Tarrant County finds a common denominator: A lieutenant who looked on.
Drone delivery could soon be coming to your front porch. We’ll cover the companies embracing the technology and the challenges it brings.
The new PBS documentary, “American Sons,” highlights the lives of Marines who served together in Afghanistan and how they remember their brother from San Antonio who was killed in action.
Texas author Sarah Bird shares her thoughts on news about President Trump’s push to acquire Greenland.
And a new facility hopes to inspire folks of all ages in Waco.
Trump’s first executive orders focus on immigration
Much of Texas is dealing with dangerously cold temperatures and conditions that make travel hazardous. How the state is coping – plus a look at the power grid.
President Trump declared an emergency on the U.S.-Mexico border and issued several executive orders on immigration. We’ll delve into the details.
A look at the life and legacy of Cecile Richards: The former president of Planned Parenthood, and a major force in Texas and national politics, has died of brain cancer at 67.
Plus: Texas Standard intern Yoali Rodríguez reports on the designers working to make El Paso a new fashion hub.
Health and Human Services Commission employees accused in data breach
Parts of Texas that seldom see snow may well see frozen precipitation blanketing beaches tomorrow. We’re keeping watch.
Seven employees of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission have been fired for improperly accessing, and in some cases, stealing, from the accounts of thousands of Texans receiving public assistance.
And: TikTok went dark for U.S. users on Saturday night, hours before a ban on the service was due to take effect. But on Sunday, the service returned, with a message crediting President-elect Trump, who said he would delay the ban. We’ll have the latest.
Remembering Melinda Wickman Swearingen, ‘the Annie Leibovitz of outlaw country’
It’s Republicans vs. Republicans to decide the speaker’s race in the Texas House of Representatives.
Photographer Melinda Wickman Swearingen, who died earlier this year, captured evocative images of outlaw country musicians. Her work will soon be on display at the Wittliff Collections at Texas State University.
And: What’s the deal with these mysterious drones? Should we be worried? Omar Gallaga has answers.
Big Bend seeks artists to capture park’s rugged beauty
Last night’s chill has many Texans asking how the state’s power grid is looking for the winter. How much has changed since the freeze and blackouts of February 2021? Mose Buchele of KUT News has been keeping tabs.
The Texas legislative session hasn’t even started, yet more than one representative claims to be the de facto speaker-elect of the House. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey joins us with the latest.
Calling all creatives: Big Bend National Park is accepting applications for its artist-in-residence program.
And: What’s in your mug? Mando Rayo, host of the Tacos of Texas podcast, has winter tips for cozy sips.
Cold snap grips West Texas and the borderlands
What possible cuts to Medicaid under the new Trump administration could mean in Texas, which already limits coverage.
A cold front is blowing through El Paso, bringing high winds and freezing temperatures.
Princeton’s growing pains have led to tension in its mayoral runoff election.
Most of those involved in high-speed chases by state troopers going after suspected smugglers are teens and young drivers. An interview with one of those behind the wheel.
And: We’ll take a look at the two Texas teams that made it into the college playoffs, the Texas Longhorns and the SMU Mustangs.
KUT Morning Newscast for December 05, 2024
Central Texas top stories for December 05, 2024. Police officer Christopher Taylor was fired from the Austin Police Department after being convicted for the fatal shooting of Mauris DeSilva. Rent prices keep going down in Austin. There are no traces of forever chemicals in the city’s drinking water. Make sure you are ready for a cold winter this year.
How to prepare for the fall/winter gardening season in Texas
What effect is Texas’ booming population having on how the state’s moving politically? Some signs as we approach November.
A Texas company faces federal allegations of a price-fixing conspiracy pushing up rents across the U.S.
Want to grow a veggie garden this fall? An expert shares tips for choosing plants, protecting from freezes & more.
Two astronauts are stranded in space until next year, way beyond initial plans for their mission. A former astronaut weighs in on what’s happened and what comes next.
And: Remembering groundbreaking DJ Steve Crosno, who helped make El Paso’s music culture the rich scene it is today.
KUT Afternoon Newscast for February 29, 2024
Central Texas top stories for February 29, 2024. Cornyn’s bid for Republican Leader in the Senate. How to protect your home from wildfires. Free library cards for people who live in the extraterritorial jurisdiction. The City of Georgetown has begun the process of upgrading its water metering systems. Winter’s last gasp. Talarico on school chaplain law. Dripping Springs gets a new skate park.
Food safety & tree protection tips as Texas awaits an arctic blast
Most parts of Texas are preparing for a big freeze as an arctic front moves in. We’ll have the latest on what to expect, plus how to prepare your trees to survive a Texas winter and tips on food and food safety in case the power goes out.
The U.S., U.K. and other allies have launched retaliatory airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen; some fear it could expand global tensions and widen the conflict ongoing in Gaza. A UT expert on global studies weighs in.
Plus: The week in politics with The Texas Tribune.
Does drone medical help offer hope for rural Texans?
A court rules that Texas power generators do not have a responsibility to provide power in emergencies, like the winter storm of 2021. Mose Buchele of KUT Austin has more on what this means.
Understanding Pope Francis’ decision to permit Catholic church officials to bless same-sex marriages.
The Securities and Exchange Commission, more used to white-collar crime enforcement, wades into Texas cattle country to bust up what it calls a Ponzi scheme.
And: For West Texans far from medical facilities, some help zooms in by way of drones.
Celebrating a century of Texas state parks
Dozens of Texas school districts have sued to stop changes in the A-F grading system used to evaluate schools.
The manager of the state’s power grid is out with a new forecast for winter. How prepared is Texas for another statewide freeze like 2021?
Israel, Hamas and disinformation on social media: Tech expert Omar Gallaga joins us with more.
New numbers in the race for mayor of Texas’ biggest city.
And a new book written by longtime Texas conservationist George Bristol, “Texas State Parks: The First 100 Years,” tells the story of how the state’s parks began.
Texas Spring
The weather does not always perfectly align with the changes in season. And, in Texas, those seasonal highs and lows are often very dramatic. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
What the cold wrought
Texas is still picking up the pieces from another devastating February freeze. Some of the primary victims this round were trees big and small. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.