Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025:
The Texas Lottery Commission’s been abolished, but the games aren’t going away
After months of controversy, the 32-year-old Texas Lottery Commission is formally abolished, with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation assuming control of the $8 billion lottery. Lawmakers cited questions over recent multimillion-dollar jackpots and alleged lax oversight.
What changes are ahead? Texas Tribune reporter Ayden Runnels joins Texas Standard with a look.
Texas AI child-abuse law raises anime questions
More than 830 new Texas laws just took effect, including Senate Bill 20 targeting AI-generated child sexual abuse material. The measure passed with broad bipartisan support, but its reach is prompting confusion: Could some stylized or animated content be swept in?
Supporters say enforcement is clear, but critics warn of gray areas. Texas Public Radio’s Jack Morgan reports.
Americans are moving less than ever
U.S. residential mobility has fallen to a record low, with fewer than 8% of Americans changing homes in the last year. The dip raises questions about housing costs, labor flexibility and the country’s economic dynamism.
What do fewer moves mean for opportunity and growth? Wall Street Journal economics reporter Konrad Putzier joins the Standard with more.
Wimberley marks deadly floods and looks ahead
Green and purple ribbons around Central Texas honor lives lost in recent Hill Country flooding – an echo of the 2015 Wimberley disaster that killed 12. A decade later, recovery continues and planning evolves for Flash Flood Alley.
A community forum this week will assess progress and prevention priorities. Moderator and Wimberley resident Patrick Cox joins Texas Standard with the latest.
This week in Texas music history: Charline Arthur is born in Henrietta
Jason Mellard with The Center for Texas Music History at Texas State University has the story.
Immigrant families struggle to pay tuition at UT Austin after Texas Dream Act is repealed
Since 2001, the Texas Dream Act allowed certain undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at public colleges. A recent federal court ruling has halted the policy, sharply raising costs as fall classes begin.
KUT’s Greta Díaz González Vázquez reports.
The clock is ticking on energy tax credits
Home energy upgrades can lower bills — and, for now, lower taxes. Federal credits for solar, insulation, heat pumps and efficient appliances are set to expire at the end of 2025, creating a window for homeowners and renters to plan projects and financing.
What qualifies, and how to claim benefits? Consumer Reports’ Sara Enright joins Texas Standard with an overview.
