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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.

The post KUT Afternoon Newscast for February 27, 2025: Austin is postponing changes to it’s rules for short-term rentals. appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Since the pandemic, things in downtown Austin just haven’t been the same. Seeing more empty buildings downtown is affecting businesses like restaurants, coffee shops and even parking garages. KUT’s Luz Moreno-Lozano reports how businesses are trying to adapt and the city and its partners are trying to help.

The post Office vacancies in downtown Austin are at an all-time high, affecting other businesses. appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Central Texas top stories for February 27, 2025. The city of Austin has created a new office that will house its music, arts, culture and entertainment departments under one roof. Without consistent rain, flowers that bloom in the spring might not make a big showing this year. LTISD has a new Interim Superintendent.  

The post KUT Morning Newscast for February 27, 2025: Austin will have a new Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Central Texas top stories for February 26, 2025. A new text scam asks people to pay overdue toll bills. The Texas Senate Committee on Health and Human Services wants to “Make Texas Healthy Again” with a slate of bills in the Texas Legislature. San Marcos wants feedback on downtown parking options. The early spring weather rolls on this weekend after a brief cold front tomorrow.

The post KUT Afternoon Newscast for February 26, 2025: Austin’s police oversight measures are being targeted by Texas lawmakers. appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

For years, Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk was politically neutral or even leaned left. Now, he’s aligned himself with the conservative right and is also the face of the dramatic cuts being made by the Department of Government Efficiency. The Texas Newsroom’s Lauren McGaughy talked to Tesla drivers in Texas, some are feeling alienated. 

The post As Elon Musk veers right, some Tesla drivers in Texas are saying ‘hell no’  appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Gov. Greg Abbott named raising teacher pay as one of seven emergency items for this legislative session. The push for higher salaries comes as most teachers in the state weigh whether staying in the profession is worth it. KUT’s Becky Fogel reports on the three different methods for giving teachers a raise 

The post Basically everyone agrees Texas teachers need a raise. The question is how to do it.  appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Central Texas top stories for February 26, 2025. Travis County has enough staff to operate a “counsel at first appearance” program every day from 2 to 11. The Austin City Council is preparing to vote on changes to short-term rental regulations this week. Starting Saturday, new parking fines and violations will take effect in Austin.

The post KUT Morning Newscast for February 26, 2025: New parking fines take effect in Austin this Saturday appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Central Texas top stories for February 25, 2025. Travis County leaders are pitching in $1 million to Austin Community Foundation’s Housing Accelerator Loan Fund. Congressman Greg Casar launched the Tax the Greedy Billionaires Coalition today. Round Rock ISD officials are working to balance the district’s budget. Two Austin-area high schools are in the UIL Girls Basketball State Semifinals tonight.

The post KUT Afternoon Newscast for February 25, 2025: The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization is developing a plan to make roads in Central Texas safer. appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Central Texas top stories for February 25, 2025. After a possible measles exposure in Hays County, health leaders say it’s a good time to check your vaccination status. Round Rock ISD is working to balance its budget. UT women’s basketball team is number one on the Associated Press Top 25 poll. Legislation in the statehouse would increase salaries for teachers for the first time in years, but some educators aren’t convinced.

The post KUT Morning Newscast for February 25, 2025: Public health leaders say it’s a good time to check your measles vaccination status. appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Central Texas top stories for February 24, 2025. Matt Mackowiak is stepping down as head of the Travis County Republican Party. Measles continues to spread in Texas. Big Medium is shutting down. The City of Austin is planning for the city’s next budget. Austin FC opened the 2025 season with a victory against Sporting Kansas City.

The post KUT Afternoon Newscast for February 24, 2025: Many Austin-based IRS employees were fired in the thick of tax season. appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.