Nathan Bernier
@kutnathan.bsky.social
Transportation reporter at Austin NPR station KUT 90.5 FM https://kut.org/nathan I have all my web/X/YouTube/IG posts mirrored here: nathanbernier.com
Austin spent $22 million to renovate the Barton Springs Bathhouse.
Why does it sometimes smell like sewage?
Why is the rotunda locked when it was supposed to open last October?
For #ATXplained, I dug into city emails, contracts and millions in spending.
www.kut.org/austin/2026-...
Why does it sometimes smell like sewage?
Why is the rotunda locked when it was supposed to open last October?
For #ATXplained, I dug into city emails, contracts and millions in spending.
www.kut.org/austin/2026-...
Why is Austin's $22 million Barton Springs bathhouse renovation taking so long?
The city set out to restore the historic gateway to Barton Springs. For our ATXplained project, we take a look at the ballooning costs, finger-pointing and architectural tradeoffs.
www.kut.org
October 8, 2026 at 3:32 PM
Austin spent $22 million to renovate the Barton Springs Bathhouse.
Why does it sometimes smell like sewage?
Why is the rotunda locked when it was supposed to open last October?
For #ATXplained, I dug into city emails, contracts and millions in spending.
www.kut.org/austin/2026-...
Why does it sometimes smell like sewage?
Why is the rotunda locked when it was supposed to open last October?
For #ATXplained, I dug into city emails, contracts and millions in spending.
www.kut.org/austin/2026-...
Austin police may now arrest someone for possession of Delta-8 based only on the label on the packaging.
The policy also cuts the other direction. Cannabis flower or concentrate with a label showing it's under 0.3% Delta-9 THC generally won't be seized.
www.kut.org/business/202...
The policy also cuts the other direction. Cannabis flower or concentrate with a label showing it's under 0.3% Delta-9 THC generally won't be seized.
www.kut.org/business/202...
A Delta-8 label could be enough for an arrest in Austin, even though APD says it's not a priority
A state rule that was reinstated July 31 bans Delta-8, and Austin police said the packaging could establish probable cause for a felony arrest. But APD says cracking down on Delta-8 isn't a "primary o...
www.kut.org
September 17, 2026 at 8:03 PM
Austin police may now arrest someone for possession of Delta-8 based only on the label on the packaging.
The policy also cuts the other direction. Cannabis flower or concentrate with a label showing it's under 0.3% Delta-9 THC generally won't be seized.
www.kut.org/business/202...
The policy also cuts the other direction. Cannabis flower or concentrate with a label showing it's under 0.3% Delta-9 THC generally won't be seized.
www.kut.org/business/202...
Is it legal to possess smokable hemp flower or THCA concentrate in Texas? Or is it a felony?
Kind of an important question considering they were sold legally as recently as June.
DSHS wrote the rule. But they said ask law enforcement, so I did.
www.kut.org/business/202...
Kind of an important question considering they were sold legally as recently as June.
DSHS wrote the rule. But they said ask law enforcement, so I did.
www.kut.org/business/202...
Is possessing smokable hemp flower and concentrate legal in Texas? No one knows
The Texas health department wouldn't say if its newly updated list of highly illegal drugs includes the same hemp flower made legal by state law.
www.kut.org
September 15, 2026 at 2:15 PM
Is it legal to possess smokable hemp flower or THCA concentrate in Texas? Or is it a felony?
Kind of an important question considering they were sold legally as recently as June.
DSHS wrote the rule. But they said ask law enforcement, so I did.
www.kut.org/business/202...
Kind of an important question considering they were sold legally as recently as June.
DSHS wrote the rule. But they said ask law enforcement, so I did.
www.kut.org/business/202...
Austin's Bikeshare service has been shut down since a May 23 fire inside a battery charging room at a CapMetro facility on Ben White.
The same day, a Bikeshare bike caught fire on South Congress.
The role of batteries is being investigated in both.
www.kut.org/transportati...
The same day, a Bikeshare bike caught fire on South Congress.
The role of batteries is being investigated in both.
www.kut.org/transportati...
Investigators examine whether batteries sparked fire that shut down Austin's Bikeshare
Almost 500 electric bikes have been pulled from Austin streets since Memorial Day weekend, with no timeline for their return.
www.kut.org
June 4, 2026 at 5:05 PM
Austin's Bikeshare service has been shut down since a May 23 fire inside a battery charging room at a CapMetro facility on Ben White.
The same day, a Bikeshare bike caught fire on South Congress.
The role of batteries is being investigated in both.
www.kut.org/transportati...
The same day, a Bikeshare bike caught fire on South Congress.
The role of batteries is being investigated in both.
www.kut.org/transportati...
NEW: TxDOT denies Austin request to keep certain street art including:
• Black Artists Matter mural on 11th
• Pride crosswalk at 4th and Colorado
• TEXAS mural on Guadalupe
• "River" crosswalk on Lake Austin Boulevard
• Traffic circle art at East 22nd and Salina
www.kut.org/transportati...
• Black Artists Matter mural on 11th
• Pride crosswalk at 4th and Colorado
• TEXAS mural on Guadalupe
• "River" crosswalk on Lake Austin Boulevard
• Traffic circle art at East 22nd and Salina
www.kut.org/transportati...
TxDOT denies Austin request to keep 'Black Artists Matter' mural, Pride crosswalk
The state also rejected Austin's request to keep the giant "TEXAS" street painting near the University of Texas at Austin campus and gave the city until June 22 to submit a plan.
www.kut.org
May 20, 2026 at 9:32 PM
NEW: TxDOT denies Austin request to keep certain street art including:
• Black Artists Matter mural on 11th
• Pride crosswalk at 4th and Colorado
• TEXAS mural on Guadalupe
• "River" crosswalk on Lake Austin Boulevard
• Traffic circle art at East 22nd and Salina
www.kut.org/transportati...
• Black Artists Matter mural on 11th
• Pride crosswalk at 4th and Colorado
• TEXAS mural on Guadalupe
• "River" crosswalk on Lake Austin Boulevard
• Traffic circle art at East 22nd and Salina
www.kut.org/transportati...
Lady Bird Lake under I-35 has been narrowed to a 75-foot-wide passage until about 2033.
The Austin Rowing Club says "keep out" buoys don't make clear where to go. The club requested more lighting and signs. TxDOT says they have no plans to add those.
www.kut.org/transportati...
The Austin Rowing Club says "keep out" buoys don't make clear where to go. The club requested more lighting and signs. TxDOT says they have no plans to add those.
www.kut.org/transportati...
Austin boaters concerned over narrow pass on Lady Bird Lake created by I-35 construction
TxDOT says the 75-foot-wide passage is needed to keep boaters away from construction equipment. Some daily lake users say the setup can be confusing from the water.
www.kut.org
May 19, 2026 at 9:02 PM
Lady Bird Lake under I-35 has been narrowed to a 75-foot-wide passage until about 2033.
The Austin Rowing Club says "keep out" buoys don't make clear where to go. The club requested more lighting and signs. TxDOT says they have no plans to add those.
www.kut.org/transportati...
The Austin Rowing Club says "keep out" buoys don't make clear where to go. The club requested more lighting and signs. TxDOT says they have no plans to add those.
www.kut.org/transportati...
When will Delta-8 gummies be banned in Texas now that SCOTX reversed a 2021 temporary injunction that had allowed for their sale?
I asked the Department of State Health Services.
The response I got 45 minutes ago was they're still reviewing the ruling.
I asked the Department of State Health Services.
The response I got 45 minutes ago was they're still reviewing the ruling.
May 5, 2026 at 5:18 PM
When will Delta-8 gummies be banned in Texas now that SCOTX reversed a 2021 temporary injunction that had allowed for their sale?
I asked the Department of State Health Services.
The response I got 45 minutes ago was they're still reviewing the ruling.
I asked the Department of State Health Services.
The response I got 45 minutes ago was they're still reviewing the ruling.
"What is he thinking?!" Mayor Kirk Watson texted a staffer as ATP pursued a $32 million office lease at 100 Congress Ave.
AT KUT Fest, CM Paige Ellis agreed the plan was "tone-deaf," but said the dispute showed Project Connect oversight is working.
www.kut.org/transportati...
AT KUT Fest, CM Paige Ellis agreed the plan was "tone-deaf," but said the dispute showed Project Connect oversight is working.
www.kut.org/transportati...
$32 million office lease proposal for Austin light-rail project was wrong move, council member says
At KUT Fest, Paige Ellis — who's on Austin's city council and CapMetro's board — agreed with Mayor Kirk Watson that ATP's office lease plan was wrong, but said the dispute showed oversight is working.
www.kut.org
May 4, 2026 at 4:13 PM
"What is he thinking?!" Mayor Kirk Watson texted a staffer as ATP pursued a $32 million office lease at 100 Congress Ave.
AT KUT Fest, CM Paige Ellis agreed the plan was "tone-deaf," but said the dispute showed Project Connect oversight is working.
www.kut.org/transportati...
AT KUT Fest, CM Paige Ellis agreed the plan was "tone-deaf," but said the dispute showed Project Connect oversight is working.
www.kut.org/transportati...
BREAKING: Smokable hemp can stay on store shelves across Texas after Travis County judge grants temporary injunction that also freezes sharply higher licensing and registration fees.
www.kut.org/business/202...
www.kut.org/business/202...
Court order allows smokable hemp to stay on shelves in Texas
A Travis County judge issued a temporary injunction allowed the sale of hemp flower and concentrates and blocking sharply higher state fees charged to businesses that make and sell hemp products.
www.kut.org
May 1, 2026 at 4:29 PM
BREAKING: Smokable hemp can stay on store shelves across Texas after Travis County judge grants temporary injunction that also freezes sharply higher licensing and registration fees.
www.kut.org/business/202...
www.kut.org/business/202...
A not widely reported detail in the lawsuit by Texas hemp companies: Texas medical marijuana company Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation filed a brief siding with the state.
kut.org/business/202...
kut.org/business/202...
April 30, 2026 at 3:49 PM
A not widely reported detail in the lawsuit by Texas hemp companies: Texas medical marijuana company Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation filed a brief siding with the state.
kut.org/business/202...
kut.org/business/202...
Texas hemp stores will have to stop selling smokable forms of cannabis Friday at 5 p.m. unless a judge issues a temporary injunction.
Today is the LAST DAY of that hearing.
I'm in the media room at the Travis County Civil & Family Courts Facility with a clean audio feed. 🧵
Today is the LAST DAY of that hearing.
I'm in the media room at the Travis County Civil & Family Courts Facility with a clean audio feed. 🧵
April 30, 2026 at 2:16 PM
Texas hemp stores will have to stop selling smokable forms of cannabis Friday at 5 p.m. unless a judge issues a temporary injunction.
Today is the LAST DAY of that hearing.
I'm in the media room at the Travis County Civil & Family Courts Facility with a clean audio feed. 🧵
Today is the LAST DAY of that hearing.
I'm in the media room at the Travis County Civil & Family Courts Facility with a clean audio feed. 🧵
Texas hemp stores have less than 48 hours left before they have to stop selling flower, extract and smokable forms of cannabis.
That's unless a Travis County judge issues a temporary injunction.
Day two of the hearing was today. Last day is tomorrow.
www.kut.org/business/202...
That's unless a Travis County judge issues a temporary injunction.
Day two of the hearing was today. Last day is tomorrow.
www.kut.org/business/202...
Texas court weighs whether smokable hemp can stay on shelves after Friday
The Texas hemp industry is asking a judge to suspend some of the state's new rules while businesses challenge the regulations in court.
www.kut.org
April 29, 2026 at 10:17 PM
Texas hemp stores have less than 48 hours left before they have to stop selling flower, extract and smokable forms of cannabis.
That's unless a Travis County judge issues a temporary injunction.
Day two of the hearing was today. Last day is tomorrow.
www.kut.org/business/202...
That's unless a Travis County judge issues a temporary injunction.
Day two of the hearing was today. Last day is tomorrow.
www.kut.org/business/202...
Here's five hours of audio from DAY ONE of the Texas hemp hearing yesterday.
The hemp industry is seeking a temporary injunction that would, among other things, allow for the sale of smokable cannabis products while their lawsuit plays out in court.
youtu.be/DGvQYnioRo8
The hemp industry is seeking a temporary injunction that would, among other things, allow for the sale of smokable cannabis products while their lawsuit plays out in court.
youtu.be/DGvQYnioRo8
[AUDIO] Texas Hemp Temporary Injunction Hearing | Day One
YouTube video by Nathan Bernier
youtu.be
April 29, 2026 at 3:47 PM
Here's five hours of audio from DAY ONE of the Texas hemp hearing yesterday.
The hemp industry is seeking a temporary injunction that would, among other things, allow for the sale of smokable cannabis products while their lawsuit plays out in court.
youtu.be/DGvQYnioRo8
The hemp industry is seeking a temporary injunction that would, among other things, allow for the sale of smokable cannabis products while their lawsuit plays out in court.
youtu.be/DGvQYnioRo8
I'm at Travis County district court for DAY TWO of a hearing over the new Texas hemp regulations.
I'll be posting more updates below from the "media room" at Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility. I have a clean audio feed but can't see the courtroom.
I'll be posting more updates below from the "media room" at Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility. I have a clean audio feed but can't see the courtroom.
April 29, 2026 at 3:12 PM
I'm at Travis County district court for DAY TWO of a hearing over the new Texas hemp regulations.
I'll be posting more updates below from the "media room" at Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility. I have a clean audio feed but can't see the courtroom.
I'll be posting more updates below from the "media room" at Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility. I have a clean audio feed but can't see the courtroom.
I'm at Travis County district court for a hearing over the new Texas hemp regulations. Hemp businesses are asking for a temporary injunction to keep blocking parts of the rules while their lawsuit plays out.
I'll be posting some updates below.
I'll be posting some updates below.
April 28, 2026 at 2:50 PM
I'm at Travis County district court for a hearing over the new Texas hemp regulations. Hemp businesses are asking for a temporary injunction to keep blocking parts of the rules while their lawsuit plays out.
I'll be posting some updates below.
I'll be posting some updates below.
Smokable hemp products can be legally sold in Texas at least through May 1. A temporary restraining order had been set to expire Friday. It's now extended.
A hearing on a temporary injunction of new state rules is now set for April 28-30.
Background: www.kut.org/business/202...
A hearing on a temporary injunction of new state rules is now set for April 28-30.
Background: www.kut.org/business/202...
Judge blocks new state rules that ban sale of smokable hemp
A Travis County judge agreed with plaintiffs that some of the rules that took effect March 31 were causing irreparable harm.
www.kut.org
April 22, 2026 at 3:07 PM
Smokable hemp products can be legally sold in Texas at least through May 1. A temporary restraining order had been set to expire Friday. It's now extended.
A hearing on a temporary injunction of new state rules is now set for April 28-30.
Background: www.kut.org/business/202...
A hearing on a temporary injunction of new state rules is now set for April 28-30.
Background: www.kut.org/business/202...
Smokable hemp products can be sold again in Texas for now.
A Travis County judge today granted a temporary restraining order against some of the new hemp regulations that took effect March 31.
The order leaves in place sharply higher annual fees for businesses.
www.kut.org/business/202...
A Travis County judge today granted a temporary restraining order against some of the new hemp regulations that took effect March 31.
The order leaves in place sharply higher annual fees for businesses.
www.kut.org/business/202...
Judge blocks new state rules that ban sale of smokable hemp
A Travis County judge agreed with plaintiffs that the some of the rules that took effect March 31 were causing irreparable harm.
www.kut.org
April 10, 2026 at 9:52 PM
Smokable hemp products can be sold again in Texas for now.
A Travis County judge today granted a temporary restraining order against some of the new hemp regulations that took effect March 31.
The order leaves in place sharply higher annual fees for businesses.
www.kut.org/business/202...
A Travis County judge today granted a temporary restraining order against some of the new hemp regulations that took effect March 31.
The order leaves in place sharply higher annual fees for businesses.
www.kut.org/business/202...
Texas hemp businesses hope a Travis County judge issues a temporary restraining order allowing smokable cannabis to be sold as soon as this weekend.
The hearing is on Friday.
More about the lawsuit: www.kut.org/business/202...
The hearing is on Friday.
More about the lawsuit: www.kut.org/business/202...
Texas hemp companies sue over smokable cannabis ban and higher fees
Companies seek immediate pause of rules, accusing Texas regulators of effectively banning smokable products, raising fees beyond what's allowed and sidestepping rulemaking requirements.
www.kut.org
April 8, 2026 at 11:13 PM
Texas hemp businesses hope a Travis County judge issues a temporary restraining order allowing smokable cannabis to be sold as soon as this weekend.
The hearing is on Friday.
More about the lawsuit: www.kut.org/business/202...
The hearing is on Friday.
More about the lawsuit: www.kut.org/business/202...
LAS Vegas Airport LIVE 24/7 with views of 26R & 26L
YouTube video by Flightradar24
www.youtube.com
April 2, 2026 at 3:24 PM
The Texas ban on smokable hemp takes effect today.
Can consumers still buy online from out-of-state?
State regulators say no. Cannabis attorneys say yes, but acknowledge it's a legal gray area.
www.kut.org/business/202...
Can consumers still buy online from out-of-state?
State regulators say no. Cannabis attorneys say yes, but acknowledge it's a legal gray area.
www.kut.org/business/202...
Texas' ban of smokable hemp takes effect, leaving out-of-state sales in legal gray area
Texas says new rules banning sales of smokable hemp also apply to out-of-state companies. But cannabis lawyers question the rules and Austin police won't confiscate hemp if you have the packaging.
www.kut.org
March 31, 2026 at 2:43 PM
The Texas ban on smokable hemp takes effect today.
Can consumers still buy online from out-of-state?
State regulators say no. Cannabis attorneys say yes, but acknowledge it's a legal gray area.
www.kut.org/business/202...
Can consumers still buy online from out-of-state?
State regulators say no. Cannabis attorneys say yes, but acknowledge it's a legal gray area.
www.kut.org/business/202...
Reposted by Nathan Bernier
The Texas Newsroom has obtained videos of an immigration operation last summer in East Austin. It involved the arrests of five workers near a construction site. We wondered what the tapes said about how state police and ICE work together in Texas. 1/
www.kut.org/crime-justic...
www.kut.org/crime-justic...
15 minutes from start to finish: How traffic stops turn into ICE busts in Austin
Police recordings of an immigration enforcement operation in East Austin show how quickly and quietly people are taken into federal custody when state police partner with ICE.These videos, obtained th...
www.kut.org
March 24, 2026 at 2:32 PM
The Texas Newsroom has obtained videos of an immigration operation last summer in East Austin. It involved the arrests of five workers near a construction site. We wondered what the tapes said about how state police and ICE work together in Texas. 1/
www.kut.org/crime-justic...
www.kut.org/crime-justic...
The long TSA lines at Austin's airport are being seized upon by both Republicans and Democrats as proof of why the other side should compromise in the government shutdown.
Both sides also say ABIA's lines are not being caused by the government shutdown.
www.kut.org/transportati...
Both sides also say ABIA's lines are not being caused by the government shutdown.
www.kut.org/transportati...
Lines at Austin's airport not caused by government shutdown, Republican and Democratic lawmakers say
Politicians from both major parties are blaming each other for holding unpaid TSA officers "hostage" in negotiations over government funding. But they say few TSA workers at Austin's airport are calli...
www.kut.org
March 17, 2026 at 5:22 PM
The long TSA lines at Austin's airport are being seized upon by both Republicans and Democrats as proof of why the other side should compromise in the government shutdown.
Both sides also say ABIA's lines are not being caused by the government shutdown.
www.kut.org/transportati...
Both sides also say ABIA's lines are not being caused by the government shutdown.
www.kut.org/transportati...
Buda approves new H-E-B location north of Main Street (on former landfill site) that will include drive thru BBQ and garden center.
Story by KUT’s Leigh Walden: www.kut.org/community/20...
Story by KUT’s Leigh Walden: www.kut.org/community/20...
March 13, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Buda approves new H-E-B location north of Main Street (on former landfill site) that will include drive thru BBQ and garden center.
Story by KUT’s Leigh Walden: www.kut.org/community/20...
Story by KUT’s Leigh Walden: www.kut.org/community/20...
Patrick Rose says he will resign as chair of Austin's Airport Advisory Commission at 6 p.m. today. Rose said he has other civic duties that will take up his time.
This is an unpaid, volunteer position. Members are appointed by City Council. Rose was appointed by Mayor Watson.
This is an unpaid, volunteer position. Members are appointed by City Council. Rose was appointed by Mayor Watson.
March 11, 2026 at 8:55 PM
Patrick Rose says he will resign as chair of Austin's Airport Advisory Commission at 6 p.m. today. Rose said he has other civic duties that will take up his time.
This is an unpaid, volunteer position. Members are appointed by City Council. Rose was appointed by Mayor Watson.
This is an unpaid, volunteer position. Members are appointed by City Council. Rose was appointed by Mayor Watson.
Starting May 21, Canadian carrier Porter Airlines will fly nonstop from Austin to Toronto.
Right now, only Air Canada covers that route. This is Porter's first time in Texas.
Porter claims to operate "one of the world’s most environmentally-sustainable aircraft fleet."
Right now, only Air Canada covers that route. This is Porter's first time in Texas.
Porter claims to operate "one of the world’s most environmentally-sustainable aircraft fleet."
March 11, 2026 at 8:20 PM
Starting May 21, Canadian carrier Porter Airlines will fly nonstop from Austin to Toronto.
Right now, only Air Canada covers that route. This is Porter's first time in Texas.
Porter claims to operate "one of the world’s most environmentally-sustainable aircraft fleet."
Right now, only Air Canada covers that route. This is Porter's first time in Texas.
Porter claims to operate "one of the world’s most environmentally-sustainable aircraft fleet."