politics

Texas starts taxing seller fees on sites like eBay, Etsy

Buying new? In this economy? Shopping secondhand is the go-to for many these days. But things are about to change for sellers using online retail platforms in Texas.
KUT’s Nathan Bernier joins the show to tell us why the next thrifted gem you purchase may cost you more than it used to. Plus, we prepare for the October festival season in Austin with tips from Nathan and KUTX’s Maile Carballo ahead of the first weekend of the Austin City Limits music festival.

And longtime Austinites have legends about folks who once lived in the hills west of Austin, known as “cedar choppers.” Many of those stories aren’t exactly positive ones. KUT’s Maya Fawaz looked into their history for our ATXplained podcast series. Syeda Carrillo guest hosts on today’s Austin Signal.

What is Proposition Q on Austin’s ballot this November?

Election season is upon us once again. It’s not midterm time and we don’t have a president to pick, but voters in Central Texas will have a reason to cast their ballots. Here in Austin, folks will be deciding whether to approve a tax-rate hike above the normal threshold allowed by the state.

Why is the city asking for so much? And how are folks feeling a week out from early voting? KUT’s City Hall reporter Luz Moreno-Lozano joins the show to answer those questions.

And a new bird just dropped! Texas Standard’s Raul Alonzo talks Austin birding and the new “Grue Jay.” Plus catching us up on Austin FC’s run for the U.S. Open Cup championship with the co-host of the Vamos Verde podcast, Juan Diego Garcia.

34 years later, police identify suspect in yogurt shop murders

For the families of the girls killed in one of Austin’s most notorious murders, justice seemed to be slipping away as more time passed. But now, almost 34 years later, a new break in the case of what’s known as the “Yogurt Shop Murders” yields the name of a suspect, identified through DNA.

KUT’s justice and accountability reporter Andrew Weber tells us how this decades-long cold case that captured the attention of the city – and the nation – was broken open once again.

We’ll get the latest on the case and look back at the impact to Austin when the crime first happened.

Austin Hip-Hop Heads To Australia!

On this episode we interview the College of Hip-Hop Knowledge before their trip to Sydney, Australia for SXSW. We also discuss the Federal Trade Commission FINALLY going after Live Nation and Ticketmaster. Hip-hop facts include facts about 2pac, Faith Evans, Beyonce and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is that Chief Keef is the most influential child rapper since Lil Bow Wow.

Levitation Fest hits Austin this weekend

Texas Republican lawmakers redrew the state’s congressional districts in a special session this summer, doing so at the desire of President Trump and leaving no questions about their reasoning: They were changing the maps to benefit their party. But the idea of gerrymandering hasn’t been limited to just Texas this year. KUT’s Mose Buchele will dive deeper.

While some are counting down to the Austin City Limits Music Festival, others are hitting up Levitation Fest this weekend. It’s the perfect weekend to hit the town before thousands of visitors take over the city.

Plus: more live music and movie recommendations that are worth leaving your couch for.

Fantastic Fest celebrates 20 years of Horror and Sci-fi in Austin

They say AI is the future and for the city of Austin, artificial intelligence could be one way to catch people committing crimes in parks.The City council was considering a proposal and that had some Austinites pretty concerned. Plus, for fans of horror, sci-fi, fantasy and offbeat films, it doesn’t get much better than Fantastic Fest. The film festival’s celebrating its twentieth anniversary this week. And what do you love to do – not because you have to, but just because you love it? Hear about the Central Texan who’s totally into sumo wrestling and even became a coach for Team USA in international competitions! Jennifer Stayton in the host chair today.

Austin fire union, city at standstill over contract days before deadline

Contract negotiations between the city of Austin and its fire department are fast approaching the deadline for a new deal, with negotiations at a standstill. The firefighters union called the city’s offer insulting; the city says it’s willing to negotiate. KUT government accountability reporter Andrew Weber joins the show with more.

We’ll hear about the journey and future plans of 20-year-old professional soccer player Owen Wolff, who has been part of Austin FC since its inaugural season in 2021 and is a big part of the current run of success his side is experiencing.

Plus from our sister station KUTX, a bit Mama Duke the Austin musician who will be featured on the America’s Got Talent finale tonight.

HAAM Day takes over Austin and Central Texas

Most Austin area drivers have a love-hate relationship with Interstate 35 – or they avoid it completely, and have no relationship at all. The latest round of I-35 construction is hitting its stride.

Live music at the grocery store, hospital, your favorite sandwich shop or taco joint? It’s HAAM Day, benefitting health care coverage for Austin musicians.

Jennifer Stayton is in the host chair today on Austin Signal from KUT News.

Williamson County deals with the ramifications of a proposed data center in Taylor

Up in Williamson County, a proposed data center is set to break ground in the city of Taylor. These kinds of centers have drawn all kinds of feedback for the resources and electricity demand required to power them. But the progress of this latest data center could be stopped in its tracks. Williamson County Reporter for KUT News Kailey Hunt joins Austin Signal for more on this. Plus, there’s a lot of news and emotions to take in daily as a human being. So, we make the time to take a moment for ourselves with the help of Marnie Castor. Learn a little and relax a little here on Austin Signal from KUT News.

Did Cardi B Raise the Bar? Or Lower It?

On this episode we discuss if Cardi B helped raise the bar for female rappers to succeed or did she lower it? We also talk about Jay-Z’s capitalist approaches to business and if it helps his brand and legacy. Hip-hop facts this week include Mobb Deep, Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is about how he is tired of emo rap being so popular.

Texas A&M president resigns amid viral video controversy

Texas A&M President Mark Welsh is resigning after a week of turmoil over a viral video and a clash over gender identity content in the classroom.

What’s behind Texas’ redistricting push? KUT’s Mose Buchele reports on a political strategy started decades ago.

The flesh-eating new world screwworm, a parasite once eradicated from Texas, has been detected within striking distance of the border. What species may be most vulnerable.

The new documentary “When We Were Live” reflects on public access TV in Austin through rare archival footage and interviews with local producers.

A history of the Texas Civil Rights Project

Remember the Democratic walkout this summer over Texas redistricting? Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit accusing Beto O’Rourke of bribery and other charges for supporting the walkout continues – but O’Rourke appears to have the upper hand.

Recovery funds are finally on the way for many in Houston who suffered damage during Hurricane Beryl and last year’s derecho. But the need for assistance continues to outweigh available resources.

For decades, the Texas Civil Rights Project has been a force in battles for voter rights, disability access and racial and economic justice. We’ll hear from founder Jim Harrington, who’s released a new book tracing the organization’s history.

A new episode of the “Tacos of Texas” podcast delves into tequila’s deeper meaning, including personal connections and heritage.

Can Drake Get Back On Top?

On this episode we discuss what artists get a pass to “genre bend” and what artists don’t. We also discuss what can Drake do to regain his number one spot in hip-hop. Hip-hop facts include Will Ferrell, Jay-Z, Allen Iverson and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is that rappers don’t have to do traditional hip-hop media platforms.

Remembering Hurricane Katrina

On this episode we discuss the legacy, and impact, of Hurricane Katrina 20 years later. We also discuss if fans truly care about their favorite artist legal troubles. Hip-hop facts include facts about Nelson Mandela, The Notorious B.I.G., and Missy Elliott. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is the argument that Bust A Move by Young MC is the greatest rap song of all time.

Elon Musk looks to build tunnels under Houston

Texas’ newly drawn congressional maps are aimed at helping Republicans in 2026, but they’re shaking up the political landscape already. We’ll hear just how today on the Texas Standard.
Rice University’s Mark Jones on the musical chairs among Texas’ congressional Democrats, and whether these maps are likely to survive scrutiny as legal challenges proliferate.
Over 800 new laws are set to take effect in just a couple of days. One of them is aimed at helping first responders deal with the trauma of being on the front lines of so much tragedy.
And a plan to channel water away when the next Hurricane Harvey hits. How Elon Musk is angling to be a part of that massive project.

College football arrives in the Rio Grande Valley

President Trump signs an executive order ending cashless bail. We’ll dive into what that means for cities like Houston.
We’re also tracking new state laws set to take effect Sept. 1, including one that aims to attract more film and television productions. Another increases the penalty for assaulting a utility worker.
Plus, could the San Antonio Spurs get a new venue as part of the Project Marvel effort to create a new downtown entertainment district?
And the Standard’s Kristin Cabrera reports on the Rio Grande Valley’s first college football team. The UTRGV Vaqueros are ready for kickoff.

Noah Hawley talks ‘Alien: Earth’

At the Texas Capitol, a big shift in focus as the spotlight swings from bare-knuckle politics to long-delayed flood relief.
Food is labeling set to change in Texas as a sweeping new law takes effect aimed at, among other things, alerting shoppers to ingredients long the focus of concern in other countries.
Austin-based filmmaker Noah Hawley likes to play in the worlds of some of his favorite directors – and he’s doing it again with Ridley Scott’s “Alien.” Hawley joins the Standard to talk “Alien: Earth.”
Alpha School, an AI-focused private school in Austin, puts an emphasis on parental choice. The Standard’s Zachary Suri has the story.
Plus: How the looming college football season is looking for Texas teams.

Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.

You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org

Tesla’s robotaxi plans shift into gear

Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom joins the show with a live update from the Capitol as the Legislature’s first special session ends amid a Democratic walkout.
After flooding and a historically wet July, new concerns about water levels dropping.
As students return to the classroom, more and more schools are being shuttered. The Standard’s Zachary Suri examines the long-term impact in Austin.
Tesla now has a permit to offer ride-hailing in Texas through next August. The company’s been testing robotaxis in Austin since June, and Elon Musk says “open access” is coming soon.

Charley Crockett talks new album and recent success

Texas’ redistricting fight is has spread past state lines. New federal legislation aims to ban mid-decade congressional redistricting, and the brawl looks likely to impact upcoming elections and the 2028 presidential race.
San Antonio is planning a massive sports and entertainment district, including a new arena for the Spurs, a convention center expansion and more – with local taxpayers footing part of the bill.
San Benito native Charley Crockett went from street performer to arena headliner. He joins the show to talk about his new album “Dollar a Day” and an upcoming nationwide tour with Leon Bridges.
And: New research from UT Arlington shows that nature-focused livestreams can help people feel more connected to each other.

Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.

You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org

Kerr County emergency officials were sleeping when flood hit July 4

Why weren’t Hill Country communities alerted as a deadly wall of water roared down the Guadalupe on the weekend of July 4th? In their first public testimony on the floods, top emergency officials in Kerr County said they were away or asleep.

Voting the old-fashioned way? A return to hand-marked ballots in Collin County is part of a change sweeping Texas and other parts of the country.

Red-crowned Amazons squawk through summer nights in Brownsville – and they’ve been the city’s official bird since 1992.

Plus: An update on a major scramble to defend Texas from a devastating invader, the New World Screwworm.