Best United Way Of King County Podcasts (2025)

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Fighting for Your Civil Liberties 28:12

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1d ago28:12

28:12

Send us a text Good news happens. This week’s episode features a conversation with Michele Storms, the executive director of the ACLU of Washington. Since 1935, the ACLU of Washington has served as one of our state’s most formidable civil rights and civil liberties organizations. Much of its work aligns with United Way of King County’s efforts to a…

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KUT Morning Newscast for July 15, 2025: Austin City Manager proposed a $6.3 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year 4:47

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Central Texas top stories for July 15, 2025. The Austin area is still under a Flood Watch until 1 p.m. today. Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax released a proposed budget of $6.3 billion for the 2026 fiscal year. AISD is working on a plan to close certain campuses to reduce its multimillion-dollar budget deficit. Travis County opened a Volunteer Re…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for July 14, 2025: Mexican volunteers rushed in to help after floods in Texas. Some want to continue recovery efforts 8:37

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Central Texas top stories for July 14, 2025. A Flood Watch has been extended until tomorrow morning at 7:00 for the Austin area and west into the Hill Country. The Lower Colorado River Authority opened four flood gates this afternoon at Buchanan Dam. Debris pickup services in the northwest Travis County neighborhood near Big Sandy Creek started tod…

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Austin-area home for disabled Texans begins recovery after losing ‘office mom’ in flooding 4:53

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Sherry Richardson, 64, was considered the “office mom” at Hope House, a long-term residential home for children and adults with disabilities in Liberty Hill. The post Austin-area home for disabled Texans begins recovery after losing ‘office mom’ in flooding appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.…

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KUT Morning Newscast for July 14, 2025: Leander vigil honors flood victims as community grapples with grief 5:56

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Central Texas top stories for July 14, 2025. A flood watch is still in effect for Central Texas until 9 tonight. A candlelight vigil in Leander this weekend helped people grapple with the grief caused by deadly floods in Central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend. Congregants from churches across Kerrville, in Central Texas, are preparing for a …

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for July 11, 2025: A bill to provide more money to counties for alert systems is getting another chance 10:13

4d ago10:13

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Central Texas top stories for July 11, 2025. Texas state lawmakers are looking at whether they could have done more to make the state ready for floods. Texans are doing what they can to help people recover from the deadly and destructive flooding. The Presidential Disaster Declaration has been expanded to include counties in the Austin area. A memb…

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Stuffed animals are strewn across flood-ravaged Texas. People are trying to get them to their owners.

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Many of the flood victims were children. They left behind their stuffed animals. KUT’s Audrey McGlinchy reports. The post Stuffed animals are strewn across flood-ravaged Texas. People are trying to get them to their owners. appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.By KUT & KUTX Studios

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KUT Morning Newscast for July 11, 2025: Cedar Park residents hold a vigil for the flood victims from the Austin area 4:58

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Central Texas top stories for July 11, 2025. Texas House and Senate established flood and disaster committees ahead of the special session. Cedar Park residents held a vigil to honor the lives lost in the Austin area floods last week. The Central Texas Food Bank opened satellite sites to help those affected by flooding. Education advocates are reli…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for July 10, 2025: A new resource center opened today in northwest Travis County 3:58

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Central Texas top stories for July 10, 2025. The resource center is offering people help with putting their lives back together. The Central Texas Food Bank is opening satellite sites in neighboring counties affected by flooding. A program that assesses Austin’s air for biological threats will continue despite uncertainty about federal funding. Wil…

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KUT Morning Newscast for July 10, 2025: After deadly flooding in Central Texas, questions are raised about the region’s emergency notification systems 6:12

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Central Texas top stories for July 10, 2025. As recovery efforts continue after flooding in the Texas Hill Country, officials in Kerr County have yet to answer questions about how the emergency alert system was used. The aftermath of deadly flooding in the Austin-area has raised questions about how effective the region’s notification systems are. T…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for July 9, 2025: The City of Austin is providing staff and resources to help communities in need in the wake of the deadly flooding 4:43

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Central Texas top stories for July 9, 2025. Burnet County authorities released the identities of four people lost to the flooding. The number of dead in the Hill Country has climbed to 95 on day six of search and recovery efforts, with more than 160 still missing. Austin firefighters are deciding this week if they support the leadership of Fire Chi…

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KUT Morning Newscast for July 9, 2025: Governor Greg Abbott says flood recovery assistance will now top special session agenda 4:30

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State lawmakers meet in Austin starting July 21. The Round Mountain Baptist Church in Leander is serving as a hub and shelter for people hit hard by recent floods and will continue for as long as needed. And the recent floods have sparked conversations about outdoor warning systems; hear how sirens in San Marcos help keep residents informed. The po…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for July 8, 2025: An internal fire department policy prevented Austin firefighters from deploying before historic flooding in the Hill Country 8:19

7d ago8:19

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Central Texas top stories for July 8, 2025. Austin firefighters say they could have been deployed before historic flooding in the Hill Country. The search continues in the Austin area for people missing after the flooding. Authorities in Kerr County are asking people to limit travel as search and recovery efforts continue following the deadly flood…

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KUT Morning Newscast for July 8, 2025: Officials warn of public health and safety impacts following heavy rains and flooding 5:41

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Travis County officials are still searching for several people missing after catastrophic flooding tore through the northwestern part of the county over the weekend. Texas Governor Greg Abbott plans to put disaster response on the agenda for the upcoming legislative special session. And after years of turmoil, the Austin Police Department says its …

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for July 7, 2025: Recovery efforts are just beginning after intense flooding in the Austin area over the weekend 4:46

8d ago4:46

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Central Texas top stories for July 7, 2025. The Austin area and the Hill Country are still under a Flood Watch until 7PM. Central Texans are grappling with the effects of deadly, flash flooding that hit the area over the weekend. Among one of the worst-hit communities is Sandy Creek – just outside the Leander city limits. Flooding in Burnet County …

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KUT Morning Newscast for July 7, 2025: The Hill Country and Austin area continue searching for victims and grieving after weekend flash flooding 6:19

8d ago6:19

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At least eleven people were killed in flooding in Burnet, Travis and Williamson counties with others still missing. Mourners in West Austin gathered Sunday night to remember the flood victims – including a neighborhood elementary school student. And the rain is not over yet; a flood watch is in effect until 7:00 p.m. Monday. The post KUT Morning Ne…

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Play Ball (Beyond Borders)! 35:30

8d ago35:30

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Send us a text Good news happens. In this episode, we’re talking baseball with Bookie Gates of Baseball Beyond Borders, a Kent-based organization that provides baseball and softball access for communities of color. United Way of King County is proud to support Baseball Beyond Borders and its efforts to help student-athletes of color connect their p…

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What can unite the DA’s office and APD? ‘Trying to take bad people off the street.’ 5:10

11d ago5:10

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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. The post What ca…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for July 3, 2025: Hays County officials demand answers from law enforcement about raid near Dripping Springs 4:03

12d ago4:03

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Central Texas top stories for July 3, 2025. It’s been three months since the arrests of more than 40 people authorities said were connected to a Venezuelan gang. It’s a busy day at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The Travis County Fire Marshal wants people to go to a professional fireworks show instead of lighting their own. Leander Police …

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After years of dysfunction, Austin Police and the Travis County DA say they’re trying to mend fences 5:28

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District Attorney José Garza campaigned on a promise to prosecute police officers — whom he now must work with to prosecute other crimes. KUT’s Andrew Weber reports on how the Austin Police and Travis County District Attorney’s office are trying to work together. The post After years of dysfunction, Austin Police and the Travis County DA say they’r…

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KUT Morning Newscast for July 3, 2025: A report from Zillow says Austin is the most affordable city for renters 5:30

12d ago5:30

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Central Texas top stories for July 3, 2025. The Austin Independent School District is holding workshops to get feedback on its campus consolidation process. Zillow recently named Austin the most affordable major city for renters. The city of Manor doesn’t have its own emergency room or hospital, but that’s set to change soon. Some City of Austin of…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for July 2, 2025: The Austin Diocese has a new bishop 4:04

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Central Texas top stories for July 2, 2025. Bishop Daniel Garcia comes to Central Texas by way of California. Civil rights groups filed a federal lawsuit today challenging a new Texas law requiring every public school classroom to display the Ten Commandments. Austin did not break 100 degrees in all of June. Gas prices continue to drop ahead of the…

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Austin’s first LGBTQ+ couples to marry celebrate their 10th anniversaries 4:04

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A decade after the landmark Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage, Austin lovebirds returned to the spot where they became husbands and wives. KUT’s Katy McAfee was there and talked to couples who got married ten years ago. The post Austin’s first LGBTQ+ couples to marry celebrate their 10th anniversaries appeared first on KUT & KUTX …

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Wealthy families are buying homes to get in-state tuition at Texas universities 7:08

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Texas lets out-of-state students buy homes to get in-state tuition. KUT’s Audrey McGlinchy says the law has fed a growing industry of families buying condos in cash, holding onto them for a couple years and then selling to the next out-of-state family. The post Wealthy families are buying homes to get in-state tuition at Texas universities appeared…

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KUT Morning Newscast for July 2, 2025: The Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center could be relocating soon 4:14

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Central Texas top stories for July 2, 2025. Advocacy groups say efforts to support migrant children and students learning English could be in peril because of delay in federal funding. The Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center in Austin could be relocating soon. Austin didn’t see any 100-degree days during June; it’s the first time since 2019. A water…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for July 1, 2025: APD Chief Lisa Davis and DA José Garza say their offices are working closely together to reduce crime – and mend fences 9:17

14d ago9:17

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Central Texas top stories for July 1, 2025. Austin’s police force and Travis County’s top prosecutor haven’t been on the best terms for the last five years. A storm in May left tens of thousands of Austin residents without power and with damaged homes and businesses. More than half of deaths in Travis County are caused by a chronic disease like can…

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KUT Morning Newscast for July 1, 2025: Report shows racial disparities in how Austinites are affected by chronic diseases. 4:12

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Central Texas top stories for July 1, 2025. Texas Democrat Colin Allred announced he’s running for U.S. Senate in 2026. A new report from Austin Public Health shows racial disparities in how residents are affected by chronic diseases. Williamson County is getting more than a million dollars in state funding to launch a new program aimed at keeping …

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for June 30, 2025: The Texas State Board of Education has voted to renew approval of a Native Studies course 4:12

15d ago4:12

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Central Texas top stories for June 30, 2025. The move from the Republican-controlled Board of Education lets public school students take American Indian/Native Studies for state credits. Hotter weather is ahead as we enter July and approach the historically hottest time of year. An Austin builder is looking at putting in some additional safety meas…

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A Conversation with the State Attorney General 25:45

15d ago25:45

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Send us a text This week's episode is a conversation with Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown. Hourglass met with the attorney general on Friday, just moments after the US Supreme Court ruled against an injunction that prohibited the White House from limiting birthright citizenship in the U.S. Earlier this year, Brown led a lawsuit challen…

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KUT Morning Newscast for June 30, 2025: The city of Austin is dismissing an ethics violation complaint against former interim City Manager Jesús Garza 2:59

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The city’s ethics review commission dismissed the claim after a hearing, saying they did not have enough information to proceed with a final hearing. The Austin Independent School District is preparing to roll out a new cellphone policy to comply with a law the Texas Legislature passed this year. The post KUT Morning Newscast for June 30, 2025: The…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for June 27, 2025: Austin Water is providing more details about what caused a massive increase in the amount of treated water that’s leaked from its distribution system 4:07

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Central Texas top stories for June 27, 2025. The city lost nearly 9.3 billion gallons in 2024. Job Corps in San Marcos was set to shut down next week, but will remain open temporarily. Tomorrow is Austin Public Health’s Take a Loved One for a Check-up Day. Taylor Pride will hold its fifth annual music and arts festival tomorrow from 4-10 p.m. at He…

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KUT Morning Newscast for June 27, 2025: AISD will head into the next fiscal year with a $20 million budget deficit 4:32

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Central Texas top stories for June 27, 2025. The Austin Independent School District’s board of trustees approved next year’s budget; after making cuts, there’s a $20 million budget deficit. The board also approved the turnaround plans for AISD’s middle schools. Personal cell phones are not allowed in AISD classrooms anymore. Williamson County will …

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for June 26, 2025: Floating the San Marcos river will get a little pricier for out-of-towners 4:21

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Central Texas top stories for June 26, 2025. Some changes are coming to San Marcos parks for those looking to cool off in the river this summer. State Senator Joan Huffman has entered the race for Texas attorney general. Animal shelters across the Austin area are holding a “name your price” event this weekend. The Austin Parks and Recreation board …

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KUT Morning Newscast for June 26, 2025: Lionel Messi will play in Austin for the first time 4:33

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Central Texas top stories for June 26, 2025. State agencies can now develop their own telework plans, after Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill into law late last week. Austin area nonprofits are trying to re-home pets ahead of the 4th of July holiday. Lionel Messi will play in the Major League Soccer All-Star Game that is set to take place at Q2 St…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for June 25, 2025: The Carver Museum is teaching people how to track their family history 4:40

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Central Texas top stories for June 25, 2025. The Carver Museum in Austin is teaching people how to track their family history. Austin City Council is considering a proposal to add a park maintenance fee to utility bills. Georgetown has adopted a set of new rules banning behavior related to homelessness. The City of San Marcos is losing its electric…

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KUT Morning Newscast for June 25, 2025: ACC sues the DOJ to challenge the end of the Texas Dream Act 5:21

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Central Texas top stories for June 25, 2025. The Austin Community College District’s Board of Trustees joined a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton challenging the end of the Texas Dream Act. The Austin Independent School District is asking the public for feedback on the criteria it’s using to evalua…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for June 24, 2025: Travis County is eyeing several buildings downtown for a planned mental health diversion center 3:29

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Central Texas top stories for June 24, 2025. A bill that failed this legislative session has thrown a wrench in Travis County’s plan to build a mental health diversion center for people accused of non-violent crimes. Governor Greg Abbott has called a special session of the Texas Legislature to address a number of the more than two-dozen bills he ve…

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KUT Morning Newscast for June 24, 2025: Housing bills are set to become new laws 3:50

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Central Texas top stories for June 24, 2025. Several bills related to housing in Texas are now officially set to become law on September 1st. The city of Hutto is forming a new commission focused on making local government more efficient. There’s a career fair for Austinites looking for jobs in infrastructure and skilled trades. The post KUT Mornin…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for June 23, 2025: Governor Greg Abbott has vetoed Senate Bill 3, which would have banned consumable THC products in Texas 4:36

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Central Texas top stories for June 23, 2025. Governor Greg Abbott vetoed 26 bills and signed more than 11 hundred into law, including the Life of the Mother Act. ACC’s District Board of Trustees plans is joining a lawsuit challenging the end of the Texas Dream Act. Homes in Austin sold for an average of just under $600,000 last month. Austin ISD ha…

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For Parents and Children, It’s a Plus! 21:52

22d ago21:52

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Send us a text Good news happens. This episode is about ParentChild+, a national organization with local affiliates that works with parents, toddlers, communities, and caregivers to support children’s early learning. We’ll chat about ParentChild+ with United Way Community Impact Manager Whitney Nakamura and Elisa Jimenez of El Centro De La Raza, a …

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KUT Morning Newscast for June 23, 2025: Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes THC ban 5:56

22d ago5:56

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Central Texas top stories for June 23, 2025. Texas Governor Greg Abbott vetoed a bill to ban products containing THC. Texas’s health system is ranked very low compared to other states. Musicians and music venues are at risk of losing unclaimed grants. Homes in Austin are selling for less but taking longer to sell compared to this time last year. A …

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for June 20, 2025: The city of Austin lost nearly 9.3 billion gallons of water last year 5:54

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Central Texas top stories for June 20, 2025. The city of Austin lost enough water to fill Lady Bird Lake four times over. Governor Greg Abbott has until Sunday to take action on a bill that would ban consumable hemp products containing THC. Tesla’s fleet of driverless robotaxis is set to hit Austin streets this Sunday. Governor Greg Abbott is expec…

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KUT Morning Newscast for June 20, 2025: AISD cuts central office staff by 20% to reduce budget deficit 5:10

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Central Texas top stories for June 20, 2025. The Austin Independent School District will cut 20% of its central office staff. The city of Austin is training Austinites so they can issue parking tickets on their own. Advocates are warning that potential cuts to federal financial aid will make it harder for low-income students in Texas to access high…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for June 19, 2025: Annual Juneteenth celebrations across Austin buzz with energy, joy and reverence 4:00

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Central Texas top stories for June 19, 2025. Juneteenth celebrated across Austin area, marking 160 years since Union troops arrived in Galveston with the news of emancipation. Austin is losing even more water to leaky city pipes than previously thought. Austin conspiracy theorist Alex Jones accused of hiding money from Sandy Hook families. Texas bi…

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KUT Morning Newscast for June 19, 2025: Austin’s Alex Jones is facing another lawsuit related to the families of the Sandy Hook school shooting 4:04

26d ago4:04

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Central Texas top stories for June 19, 2025. Every year Austin’s water utility loses around 7 billion gallons of treated water because of leaks in the system. Alex Jones is facing another lawsuit related to his defamation of victims of the Sandy Hook school shooting. Expect some closures around the city because of Juneteenth celebrations. The post …

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for June 18, 2025: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is demanding the city of Austin stop contracting with anti-gun companies 3:52

27d ago3:52

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Central Texas top stories for June 18, 2025. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sent a letter to the city of Austin demanding they cease contracting with anti-gun companies. CapMetro’s police chief is leaving the transit agency. Governor Greg Abbott says he’s still on the fence about whether he’ll sign or veto a bill that would ban consumable pr…

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KUT Morning Newscast for June 18, 2025: APD says they’re prepared for a potentially long summer of protests 4:29

27d ago4:29

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Central Texas top stories for June 18, 2025. The Austin Police Department says they have maintained a delicate balance during recent demonstrations. Business leaders are reacting to the Trump Administration’s decision to continue immigration enforcement in critical industries. Travis County Commissioners passed a resolution calling for constitution…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for June 17, 2025: Local and state officials reflect on what’s changed in the three years since Roe v. Wade was overturned 4:03

28d ago4:03

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Central Texas top stories for June 17, 2025. Local and state officials gathered outside the Texas Capitol this morning to reflect on what’s changed since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade was overturned three years ago. Austin ISD elementary and middle school students made gains in reading on their springtime STAAR tests. Austin has …

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KUT Morning Newscast for June 17, 2025: Austin city leaders are looking to make cuts to the city budget 3:33

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Central Texas top stories for June 17, 2025. Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed three tax break bills into law yesterday. Austin, Travis County and Austin ISD are looking at ways to be more efficient with taxpayer dollars. Eanes ISD will start looking for a new superintendent. The post KUT Morning Newscast for June 17, 2025: Austin city leaders are …

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for June 16, 2025: Taylor’s mayor speaks out on social media about his decision not to recognize Taylor Pride’s annual festival 3:01

29d ago3:01

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Central Texas top stories for June 16, 2025. Taylor Pride is set to hold its fifth annual music and arts festival this month. Capital Metro’s first police officers began patrolling the transit system today. Austin ISD families with students in elementary and middle school will learn tomorrow how their kids did on the STAAR test. The post KUT Aftern…