Austin removed three experimental crosswalks from neighborhood streets Wednesday after federal officials shut down a safety study, a decision that followed the Trump administration’s push to eliminate what it calls “political messaging” from America’s roads. The three crossings were among 15 decorative pavement markings the city recently identified as potentially subject to state scrutiny. City officials concluded a sixteenth […]
KUT News
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Government
Austin ended its license plate reader program. Then the police department found a loophole.
Austin police are still using license plate reader technology months after the Austin City Council ended the city’s program over privacy concerns. A KUT investigation found the Austin Police Department accessed data from Flock Safety license plate readers maintained by neighboring law enforcement agencies within the last month. The access skirts the city’s push to […]
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Government
Austinites demand police, city leaders do more to resist ICE
A public meeting billed as a “conversation” about Austin Police and immigration enforcement sounded more like a protest for much of Thursday night, as shouting and heckling laid bare a community divide over how forcefully the progressive city of Austin should resist the Trump administration’s deportation push. The meeting was held to address policy changes the […]
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Government
City of Austin employees raked in $143 million in overtime last year
Austin workers were paid more than $143 million in overtime last year, according to city payroll data obtained by KUT News. The payouts are nothing new, but show the city has relied more and more on overtime spending over the last few years, particularly for police, fire and emergency medical services. That spending could come […]
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Growth & Development
Austin’s light-rail plans get environmental clearance from Trump administration
Austin’s long-delayed light-rail project just got a crucial green light from the Trump administration, clearing a major checkpoint after years of lawsuits and political fights over the city’s 9.8-mile starter system. If built, the light-rail line would have 15 stations and all-electric trains arriving as frequently as every five minutes with service estimated to start in 2033. […]
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Growth & Development
Austin’s airport to add 32 gates as part of expansion
The city revealed the plans after locking down long-term leases with the seven biggest airlines at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
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Growth & Development
Expanded sidewalks, fewer car lanes: Austin recommends plan to redesign Sixth Street
The updated design includes expanded sidewalks on both sides and a curbside access lane for deliveries and rideshare drop-offs.
