Stories by Andrew Weber, KUT
Animal advocates re-up calls for the closure of the Austin Aquarium
Animal rights advocates are calling for the Austin Aquarium to shut down. The new push comes after a high-level resignation at the aquarium’s parent company – and years of controversy surrounding the strip mall-based aquarium. In late 2013, the Austin Aquarium…
Austin • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Aug 14, 2024
Lisa Davis confirmed as the next head of the Austin Police Department
Lisa Davis is the new head of the Austin Police Department. City Council approved the nomination of the nearly 32-year law enforcement veteran, who comes to Austin from Cincinnati, to take the helm at APD. Davis’ approval comes after a…
Police • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Aug 7, 2024
Lisa Davis named sole finalist for Austin police chief
Lisa Davis, an assistant chief with Cincinnati’s police force, has been chosen to take over the Austin Police Department, City Manager T.C. Broadnax announced Friday morning. “I have elected to move Chief Davis forward for confirmation by the City Council…
Police • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Aug 2, 2024
Travis County grand jury decides against charging Christopher Taylor with murder again
Austin police officer Christopher Taylor will no longer face prosecution for the fatal shooting of Mike Ramos in 2020. The shooting was a month before the murder of George Floyd, and Ramos’ name was invoked in racial justice protests in…
Police • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Jun 27, 2024
A 'heat dome' is back over Texas. Here's what that means (and why it's the worst).
Last year was a lot. It was the second-hottest summer in Texas. Much of that heat is because, well, Texas is hot as all get-out. Not just some get-out. It’s hot as all get-out. But last year, we thought, was novel: a pressure system,…
Environment • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Jun 10, 2024
Austin police knew 'less-lethal' rounds could seriously injure people. They used them anyway.
Austin police officers shot scores of racial justice protesters in May 2020 with lead-pellet bags used to control crowds. Dozens of people were seriously injured by the so-called “less lethal” ammunition. The city has paid out more than $20 million…
Police • By Andrew Weber, KUT • May 31, 2024
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Travis County has seen a surge of fentanyl overdoses. A new report shows it's not slowing down.
Fentanyl-related overdoses continue to be the leading cause of accidental overdose deaths in Travis County, according to a new report from the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office. In 2023, 279 people died from a fentanyl-related overdose – up from 245…
Public Health • By Andrew Weber, KUT • May 24, 2024
After 79 more arrests, Travis County attorney says continuing to charge protesters is ‘unsustainable’
Seventy-nine people were arrested on UT Austin’s campus during demonstrations Monday against Israel’s war in Gaza, the Travis County Sheriff’s Office said. The most recent arrests began a second week of protests, with pro-Palestinian demonstrators again descending on the university’s south lawn.…
Austin • By Andrew Weber, KUT • May 1, 2024
Travis County tests out program to provide lawyers for low-income defendants at its downtown jail
After years of back and forth, Travis County is taking a small step to provide lawyers for low-income people accused of crimes. A program known as “counsel at first appearance” started in a limited capacity Tuesday, with the county providing…
Travis County • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Apr 24, 2024
Why is someone suing to get Travis County DA José Garza out of office – and what comes next?
A Travis County resident is trying to remove District Attorney José Garza from office. Betsy Dupuis filed a lawsuit Friday under House Bill 17, which allows anyone in a county to try to remove that county’s top prosecutor. Her complaint is similar…
Travis County • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Apr 23, 2024
SXSW is accused of cozying up to ‘war profiteers.’ Musicians are boycotting.
Austin percussionist Thor Harris has been playing South by Southwest since the ramshackle days, when the festival was a platform for up-and-coming musicians hoping to be discovered by music industry insiders. This year, it’s different. “I’ve played hundreds of other…
Austin • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Mar 14, 2024
José Garza pushes aside Jeremy Sylestine in Democratic primary for Travis County district attorney
Incumbent District Attorney José Garza claimed victory Tuesday in the race to keep his job as Travis County district attorney. As of 10 p.m., Garza had a more than 30-point lead over Jeremy Sylestine, picking up 38,379 votes to Sylestine’s…
