YMCA

Austin Energy employee paid nearly $1 million to fake vendors before resigning, audit says

A former Austin Energy employee has been accused of defrauding the city utility of nearly $1 million over the course of six years by falsifying credit card payments to contractors and paying fake vendors that had addresses tied to him or his relatives.

The YMCA in downtown Austin wants to expand and renovate, adding housing, restaurants and office space – but some nearby residents are concerned about how the project could affect the neighborhood. We’ll hear about the proposal and next steps.

The Christmas season has arrived, but for a bar in North Austin, every day is Christmas. What’s the reason behind it?

Ben Kweller on grief, music and ‘Cover the Mirrors’

As Texas lawmakers move to consider regulations on THC products, what’s legal, and what’s not? KUT News reporter Nathan Bernier joins us to break it down.

As many see the future of energy as cleaner renewables, why many in the city of Port Arthur are pinning their hopes for a comeback – on oil.

At the Austin YMCA, adults are conquering their fear of water and gaining life-saving skills through swim lessons designed just for them. Texas Standard producer Sarah Asch has the story.

Plus: Two years after the death of his teenage son, a father’s musical journey to find healing: Our conversation with Dripping Springs-based musician Ben Kweller.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for February 28, 2025: Austin has its first known measles case since 2019.

Central Texas top stories for February 28, 2025. The measles case in Austin appears to be unrelated to the outbreak in West Texas. The Austin ISD School Board voted last night to approve leasing office space to The Greater Austin YMCA. Firefly Aerospace is preparing for its lunar lander to land on the moon this weekend. Volunteers are needed for tomorrow’s annual Great Texas River Cleanup in San Marcos.

KUT Morning Newscast for February 28, 2025: AISD’s vaccination rate for incoming kindergarteners is below target.

Central Texas top stories for February 28, 2025. As the measles outbreak in West Texas continues to raise concerns throughout the state, AISD’s vaccination rate for incoming kindergarteners is below target. The Greater Austin YMCA will lease office space from AISD to help decrease the school district’s $10 million budget deficit. Texas Women’s basketball team beat Mississippi State 68-64.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for February 27, 2025: Austin is postponing changes to it’s rules for short-term rentals.

Central Texas top stories for February 27, 2025. Construction on the I-35 expansion’s second phase will begin soon. The City of Austin is unifying offices that provide resources to artists and creatives. Austin ISD may lease space in its administrative office to help chip away at its budget deficit. This year’s bluebonnet season could be hindered by drought conditions. The Texas Women’s basketball team has their final conference road game of the regular season tonight.

KUT Afternoon Newscast for February 13, 2025: Austin led the country in affordable housing builds last year.

Central Texas top stories for February 13, 2025. There’s more affordable housing in Austin than there used to be. How the city of Austin decides to open cold weather shelters. A new childcare facility run by the YMCA is opening in Southeast Austin next month. The Texas Women’s basketball team looks to extend their eight-game winning streak tonight.

KUT Morning Newscast for February 13, 2025: Demonstrators gathered on UT campus to protest Trump’s immigration policies.

Central Texas top stories for February 13, 2025. Around a hundred demonstrators gathered on the UT Austin campus Wednesday afternoon to protest reported sightings of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on campus. Say so far, City of Austin programs have not been affected by federal and state orders related to freezing grants and loans, but some programs could be affected in the future. Austin City Council might change to mailing parking tickets. A new child care facility is looking to help lower costs in the Austin area.

Eric and Katrina Brooks owners of Black Pearl Books

In this episode of Black Austin Matters, hosts Lisa and Rich converse with Eric and Katrina Brooks, the owners of Black Pearl Books. Together, they reflect on their meeting at Clark Atlanta University, emphasize the significance of black representation in literature, stress the value of reading, and share their efforts to combat book bans.

KUT Morning Newscast for September 13, 2022

Central Texas top stories for September 13, 2022. Austin Animal Center intake restrictions. Housing insecurity among students. AISD repurposing facilities. State Highway 45 Hays County expansion. Austin Municipal Court closure. YMCA refugee Welcoming Week.