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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 Chief Joel Baker after controversy surrounding firefighters’ deployment during last week’s historic flooding. TxDOT’s invoking emergency powers to replace a bridge that got washed out by the floods in northwest Travis County.

The post 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 appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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 post KUT Morning Newscast for July 9, 2025: Governor Greg Abbott says flood recovery assistance will now top special session agenda appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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 flooding. Austin Pets Alive says it’s taken in over 200 hundred cats and dogs because of the flooding. Travis County Commissioners voted today to extend the local disaster declaration until further notice. The Environmental Protection Agency is taking public input on a plan to let Texas regulators oversee the state’s carbon storage wells.

The post KUT Afternoon Newscast for July 8, 2025: An internal fire department policy prevented Austin firefighters from deploying before historic flooding in the Hill Country appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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 staff of 911 operators is nearly full.

The post KUT Morning Newscast for July 8, 2025: Officials warn of public health and safety impacts following heavy rains and flooding appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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 hit the southern part of that area the hardest. Austin-area school districts are offering support to families following the deadly floods in Kerr and Williamson counties. The City of Austin is extending its waterways ban until noon tomorrow.

The post KUT Afternoon Newscast for July 7, 2025: Recovery efforts are just beginning after intense flooding in the Austin area over the weekend appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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 Newscast for July 7, 2025: The Hill Country and Austin area continue searching for victims and grieving after weekend flash flooding appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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 can unite the DA’s office and APD? ‘Trying to take bad people off the street.’ appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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 have unveiled a new “microchip scanning station” for lost pets. Starting tomorrow, parking at Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park will be limited through the holiday weekend.

The post KUT Afternoon Newscast for July 3, 2025: Hays County officials demand answers from law enforcement about raid near Dripping Springs appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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’re trying to mend fences appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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 offices and facilities will be closed tomorrow for the July 4th holiday.  

The post KUT Morning Newscast for July 3, 2025: A report from Zillow says Austin is the most affordable city for renters appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.