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Hegseth says public can watch Fort Hood shooter's execution

Hegseth said Nidal Hasan is  "gonna get a firing squad of soldiers. As it should be."

Politics & Policy

Defense Secretary <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pete Hegseth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/30/pete-hegseth-pentagon-media-treason" data-vars-content-id="8eeb1d87-0688-4946-abf7-bf8186c8b0d1" data-vars-headline="Hegseth says public can watch Fort Hood shooter&#x27;s execution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/30/pete-hegseth-pentagon-media-treason" target="_self">Pete Hegseth</a> said Thursday that the public will be able to watch the execution of the Fort Hood shooter by firing squad.Why it matters: The U.S. hasn&#x27;t held a public execution in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="90 years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.npr.org/2025/12/07/nx-s1-5585009/a-new-book-returns-to-americas-final-public-hanging" data-vars-content-id="8eeb1d87-0688-4946-abf7-bf8186c8b0d1" data-vars-headline="Hegseth says public can watch Fort Hood shooter&#x27;s execution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npr.org/2025/12/07/nx-s1-5585009/a-new-book-returns-to-americas-final-public-hanging" target="_blank">90 years</a>, and Hegseth&#x27;s remarks raise questions about how the military would allow people to watch.

The staggering cost of winning a Senate seat in 2026

Both chambers are likely to come down to a handful of races.

Every voting-age Mainer could get a $167 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voucher for home heating oil" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/47827851.6938/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjYvMDkvMDkvaGVhdGluZy1vaWwtZGllc2VsLXByaWNlLXN1cmdlP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zc25lYWtwZWVrJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/583ee2d50aea11da218b513aB47e24c2c" data-vars-content-id="7e7c22e7-25e4-418f-8433-198da0e7d46f" data-vars-headline="The staggering cost of winning a Senate seat in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/47827851.6938/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjYvMDkvMDkvaGVhdGluZy1vaWwtZGllc2VsLXByaWNlLXN1cmdlP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zc25lYWtwZWVrJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/583ee2d50aea11da218b513aB47e24c2c" target="_self">voucher for home heating oil</a> with what Democrats and Republicans are spending on ads in the Senate race, according to an analysis of AdImpact data.Why it matters: Every senator gets one vote, but Senate seats aren&#x27;t created equal — and they don&#x27;t cost the same.

Kushner, Witkoff to pitch "new ideas" to end Russia-Ukraine war

The Trump administration wants a breakthrough before the midterms.

World

Presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will meet with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ukrainian" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world/axios-explains-ukraine" data-vars-content-id="aca76d36-a54f-4b34-b238-2e5038e56740" data-vars-headline="Kushner, Witkoff to pitch &quot;new ideas&quot; to end Russia-Ukraine war" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/world/axios-explains-ukraine" target="_self">Ukrainian</a> negotiators and European officials in Miami on Friday to present &quot;new ideas and proposals&quot; to break the stalemate in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Russia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world/russia" data-vars-content-id="aca76d36-a54f-4b34-b238-2e5038e56740" data-vars-headline="Kushner, Witkoff to pitch &quot;new ideas&quot; to end Russia-Ukraine war" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/world/russia" target="_self">Russia</a>-Ukraine war, U.S. and Ukrainian officials say.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="aca76d36-a54f-4b34-b238-2e5038e56740" data-vars-headline="Kushner, Witkoff to pitch &quot;new ideas&quot; to end Russia-Ukraine war" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> administration is hoping to reach a diplomatic breakthrough ahead of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="midterm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/2026-midterm-elections" data-vars-content-id="aca76d36-a54f-4b34-b238-2e5038e56740" data-vars-headline="Kushner, Witkoff to pitch &quot;new ideas&quot; to end Russia-Ukraine war" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/2026-midterm-elections" target="_self">midterm</a> elections and before brutal winter weather grips Ukraine.

Trump: U.S. won't attack Iran before midterms

Trump's announcement follows days of consideration of whether to resume major combat operations against Iran.

President Trump said Thursday the U.S. will not attack <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iran" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" data-vars-content-id="12066de6-c804-4400-8ecf-ba44d452ccc8" data-vars-headline="Trump: U.S. won&#x27;t attack Iran before midterms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" target="_self">Iran</a> ahead of the Nov. 3 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="midterm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/2026-midterm-elections" data-vars-content-id="12066de6-c804-4400-8ecf-ba44d452ccc8" data-vars-headline="Trump: U.S. won&#x27;t attack Iran before midterms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/2026-midterm-elections" target="_self">midterm</a> elections. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="12066de6-c804-4400-8ecf-ba44d452ccc8" data-vars-headline="Trump: U.S. won&#x27;t attack Iran before midterms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> had been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="considering" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/07/trump-us-central-command-iran-israel-war-elections" data-vars-content-id="12066de6-c804-4400-8ecf-ba44d452ccc8" data-vars-headline="Trump: U.S. won&#x27;t attack Iran before midterms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/07/trump-us-central-command-iran-israel-war-elections" target="_self">considering</a> for several days resuming major combat operations before the midterms. However, his past statements about his intentions in Iran haven&#x27;t always matched what he ultimately did. <ul><li>If major combat operations resume, they&#x27;re expected to include large-scale strikes on Iranian energy facilities, infrastructure and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nuclear" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate" data-vars-content-id="12066de6-c804-4400-8ecf-ba44d452ccc8" data-vars-headline="Trump: U.S. won&#x27;t attack Iran before midterms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate" target="_self">nuclear</a> targets, sources say.</li></ul>

Exclusive: Anthropic's new plan to protect critical infrastructure

Anthropic is moving beyond just giving defenders access to its models

Technology

Anthropic is launching a new cybersecurity initiative designed to bring its most powerful AI models and engineers to companies protecting power grids, water utilities and other critical infrastructure, the company first shared with Axios.Why it matters: Critical infrastructure operators are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="struggling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/10/anthropic-mythos-openai-cyber-threats" data-vars-content-id="2d037495-60b4-4926-8429-f9f5b34e5074" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Anthropic&#x27;s new plan to protect critical infrastructure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/10/anthropic-mythos-openai-cyber-threats" target="_self">struggling</a> to secure aging, complex systems as AI threatens to make cyberattacks faster and cheaper to execute.

ACL Fest leaves Zilker Park a muddy mess

Boots and galoshes were commonplace at this year's festival.

News

The rains that soaked Austin late last week left Zilker Park a slippery, muddy mess as tens of thousands of people squelched their way through the grounds.Why it matters: The slippery scene once again raised questions about the tradeoffs involved with hosting the festival at Austin&#x27;s marquee municipal park.

Austin landscape designers tackle North Lamar hellstrips

The nursery is asking neighboring businesses to join in.

A group of Austin landscape designers is working to transform barren stretches of North Lamar Boulevard into pockets of drought-tolerant plants.Why it matters: Hellstrips — the space between the sidewalk and the curb — are often blasted by direct sun and receive little to no water, making them a notoriously difficult place to grow plants.

Texas town looks to strike data center bargain

Taylor could annex a planned data center campus and bind it to local rules.

The City Council in Taylor, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a bourgeoning tech hub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/06/21/taylor-texas-chip-samsung" data-vars-content-id="825aa1f8-ce64-47d9-bfc7-3ad71829b6df" data-vars-headline="Texas town looks to strike data center bargain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/06/21/taylor-texas-chip-samsung" target="_self">a bourgeoning tech hub</a> northeast of Austin, could vote Thursday to annex a 664-acre planned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/25/data-centers-ai-electricity-water-politics" data-vars-content-id="825aa1f8-ce64-47d9-bfc7-3ad71829b6df" data-vars-headline="Texas town looks to strike data center bargain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/25/data-centers-ai-electricity-water-politics" target="_self">data center</a> campus east of town and bind it to city rules on water, noise, setbacks and lighting. Why it matters: City officials say the project could otherwise proceed in unincorporated Williamson County — and Texas counties <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="have little regulatory authority" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/05/14/texas-legislature-austin-dallas-houston-san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="825aa1f8-ce64-47d9-bfc7-3ad71829b6df" data-vars-headline="Texas town looks to strike data center bargain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/05/14/texas-legislature-austin-dallas-houston-san-antonio" target="_self">have little regulatory authority</a>.

Abbott outpaces Hinojosa in third quarter fundraising

Abbott spent nearly $70 million from July 1 to Sept. 24.

Texans for Greg Abbott raised more than $20 million from July 1 to Sept. 24 — and spent nearly $70 million during that period, per state campaign finance reports <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="filed Monday" data-vars-click-url="https://prd.tecprd.ethicsefile.com/public/cf/2026/pdfs/ScrubbedReport_101067772.PDF" data-vars-content-id="566aa41a-7e3b-42c9-9ecd-99f3b5b4880d" data-vars-headline="Abbott outpaces Hinojosa in third quarter fundraising" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://prd.tecprd.ethicsefile.com/public/cf/2026/pdfs/ScrubbedReport_101067772.PDF" target="_blank">filed Monday</a>.<ul><li>The campaign finished the period with $17.3 million on hand for the final 30 days of the race.</li></ul>

Home concierge startup launches in Austin

The $199 monthly membership includes 90 minutes of handyman work.

Two ex-Uber execs are bringing their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="home" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" data-vars-content-id="a40ca4fe-f739-456e-99f0-e1e1748d410c" data-vars-headline="Home concierge startup launches in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" target="_self">home</a> maintenance startup Casa to Austin, promising to put household upkeep on autopilot.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Casa" data-vars-click-url="https://getcasa.com/" data-vars-content-id="a40ca4fe-f739-456e-99f0-e1e1748d410c" data-vars-headline="Home concierge startup launches in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://getcasa.com/" target="_blank">Casa</a> is betting homeowners will pay to outsource the chores that come with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="owning a home" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/19/homeownership-housing-affordability-senate" data-vars-content-id="a40ca4fe-f739-456e-99f0-e1e1748d410c" data-vars-headline="Home concierge startup launches in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/19/homeownership-housing-affordability-senate" target="_self">owning a home</a>, from cleaning out a dryer vent to finding a reliable handyman when something breaks.

Airbnb invests $6.4M in Austin affordable housing

Airbnb's investment will support the construction of 201 affordable housing units at the site.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Airbnb" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/05/29/airbnb-experiences-austin" data-vars-content-id="9e4229b3-dc4e-46f0-b421-48d1e7732f34" data-vars-headline="Airbnb invests $6.4M in Austin affordable housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/05/29/airbnb-experiences-austin" target="_self">Airbnb</a> will spend $6.4 million to help turn a long-vacant property in northeast Austin into affordable housing, part of a new national push by the company to get stalled housing projects off the ground.Why it matters: The city bought the former Home Depot site at I-35 and St. Johns Avenue two decades ago, but efforts to develop it have dragged on for more than a decade.

Adapting to extreme heat takes more than changing the clock

In some of the hottest parts of the U.S., changing the clock is already part of adapting to extreme heat.

Energy & Climate

As extreme <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/extreme-weather" data-vars-content-id="3fac89c7-6996-48eb-8849-c42dd58fa29e" data-vars-headline="Adapting to extreme heat takes more than changing the clock" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/extreme-weather" target="_self">heat</a> makes afternoons more dangerous, schools, sports teams and outdoor employers are shifting when — and sometimes whether — people can safely be outside.Why it matters: Adapting to hotter conditions could reshape the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="American workday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/21/worker-heat-protection-osha-regulation" data-vars-content-id="3fac89c7-6996-48eb-8849-c42dd58fa29e" data-vars-headline="Adapting to extreme heat takes more than changing the clock" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/21/worker-heat-protection-osha-regulation" target="_self">American workday</a> while putting a premium on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the cooling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/24/cooling-buildings-electricity-demand" data-vars-content-id="3fac89c7-6996-48eb-8849-c42dd58fa29e" data-vars-headline="Adapting to extreme heat takes more than changing the clock" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/24/cooling-buildings-electricity-demand" target="_self">the cooling</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="energy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate" data-vars-content-id="3fac89c7-6996-48eb-8849-c42dd58fa29e" data-vars-headline="Adapting to extreme heat takes more than changing the clock" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate" target="_self">energy</a> infrastructure people rely on when outdoor conditions become unsafe.

Texas nominees' racist, vulgar remarks receive mixed GOP reaction

The candidates haven't deleted the posts.

Republicans have condemned, sidestepped or continued to support two <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/05/trump-magainc-paxton-talarico-texas-senate" data-vars-content-id="a28313c6-5a00-4d7f-a054-1e6d99962e69" data-vars-headline="Texas nominees&#x27; racist, vulgar remarks receive mixed GOP reaction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/05/trump-magainc-paxton-talarico-texas-senate" target="_self">Texas</a> GOP nominees after one&#x27;s racist post this weekend about students of color and another&#x27;s years of vulgar comments about women sparked backlash.The big picture: In a fiercely heated midterm election, some candidates&#x27; racist, sexist and crude material online hasn&#x27;t always been enough to cost them their party&#x27;s support.<ul><li>Warning: This story includes crude, sexually explicit language that may disturb some readers.</li></ul>

New Sumo league to hold inaugural event in Austin

The Sumo Championship League launches as more violent combat sports are ascendant.

A new professional sumo wrestling league will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="debut" data-vars-click-url="https://sumochampionshipleague.com/" data-vars-content-id="2a49da34-572e-469d-9720-309ab10ca343" data-vars-headline="New Sumo league to hold inaugural event in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sumochampionshipleague.com/" target="_blank">debut</a> in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/signup/austin" data-vars-content-id="2a49da34-572e-469d-9720-309ab10ca343" data-vars-headline="New Sumo league to hold inaugural event in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/signup/austin" target="_self">Austin</a> area next month.Why it matters: As violent combat sports grow in popularity — think <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="UFC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/12/ufc-white-house-preview-trump-dana-white" data-vars-content-id="2a49da34-572e-469d-9720-309ab10ca343" data-vars-headline="New Sumo league to hold inaugural event in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/12/ufc-white-house-preview-trump-dana-white" target="_self">UFC</a> — the Sumo Championship League is betting it can sell a family-friendly version.

Longhorns get ready to hit the gridiron

The Longhorns' success may depend on whether Arch Manning's protection remains healthy.

Sports

The University of Texas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Longhorns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/24/most-valuable-college-football-programs-texas-the-athletic" data-vars-content-id="e7a7a55e-3083-4078-934b-a1b9d59e3c19" data-vars-headline="Longhorns get ready to hit the gridiron" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/24/most-valuable-college-football-programs-texas-the-athletic" target="_self">Longhorns</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="football team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/12/20/ut-longhorns-clemson-college-football" data-vars-content-id="e7a7a55e-3083-4078-934b-a1b9d59e3c19" data-vars-headline="Longhorns get ready to hit the gridiron" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/12/20/ut-longhorns-clemson-college-football" target="_self">football team</a> kicks off their season Saturday against Texas State in Austin.Why it matters: With the return of star quarterback Arch Manning and a fearsome defensive front, anything short of a national championship will be a disappointment for diehard Texas fans.

Where doulas are covered by Medicaid

Many states now reimburse for doula care under Medicaid — but not Texas.

Wellness Brief

More than half of U.S. states now reimburse for doula care under Medicaid — but Texas isn&#x27;t among those states.The latest: The Texas Legislature passed a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="maternal health care bill" data-vars-click-url="https://legiscan.com/TX/text/HB514/2025" data-vars-content-id="8992a949-27ea-4b9a-b30a-71bae44ed065" data-vars-headline="Where doulas are covered by Medicaid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://legiscan.com/TX/text/HB514/2025" target="_blank">maternal health care bill</a> in 2025, but it doesn&#x27;t have a concrete Medicaid coverage plan.

Doulas go mainstream

Research links doula support to lower cesarean rates and fewer preterm births.

Doula care is moving into the mainstream as major insurers expand coverage and more patients incorporate it into pregnancy care.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Research has linked" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(22)00261-9/fulltext" data-vars-content-id="149858e8-641b-4a93-a0a4-f23efdb44670" data-vars-headline="Doulas go mainstream" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(22)00261-9/fulltext" target="_blank">Research has linked</a> doula support to lower cesarean rates and fewer preterm births.

Two Austin restaurants earn new Michelin stars

Austin now has seven Michelin-starred restaurants, more than any other city in Texas.

Two more Austin restaurants — Fabrik in Tarrytown and downtown&#x27;s Kappo Kappo — have earned coveted <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/11/12/michelin-guide-texas-austin-restaurant-winners" data-vars-content-id="798a1492-f0ec-48d5-a4c0-644f6d8e6ff4" data-vars-headline="Two Austin restaurants earn new Michelin stars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/11/12/michelin-guide-texas-austin-restaurant-winners" target="_self">Michelin</a> stars, bringing the city&#x27;s total to seven in the latest Texas dining guide.Why it matters: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin Guide" data-vars-click-url="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/texas/restaurants" data-vars-content-id="798a1492-f0ec-48d5-a4c0-644f6d8e6ff4" data-vars-headline="Two Austin restaurants earn new Michelin stars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/texas/restaurants" target="_blank">Michelin Guide</a> endorsement brings restaurants international acclaim. Plus, the recognition can be a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boon for business" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/15/michelin-recognition-impact-colorado-restaurants" data-vars-content-id="798a1492-f0ec-48d5-a4c0-644f6d8e6ff4" data-vars-headline="Two Austin restaurants earn new Michelin stars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/15/michelin-recognition-impact-colorado-restaurants" target="_self">boon for business</a>.

Desert Island Dish with Jess Pryles

Pryles new book, "Prime Cuts," is out on Oct. 6.

Austin-based cook, author and certified meat scientist Jess Pryles has built a career around live-fire cooking, so it&#x27;s no surprise her desert island meal starts with a steak over charcoal.Zoom in: Originally from Australia, Pryles now calls Austin home and regularly shares her meat experience at Texas A&amp;M&#x27;s famed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Camp Brisket" data-vars-click-url="https://meat.tamu.edu/texas-bbq/bbq-camps/camp-brisket/" data-vars-content-id="6698e898-34fa-4f26-8a78-c2f6e5f240e7" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Jess Pryles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://meat.tamu.edu/texas-bbq/bbq-camps/camp-brisket/" target="_blank">Camp Brisket</a>.

Republicans squirm as Latino support slips in South Texas

Democrats are betting on a South Texas snapback.

Republicans are in a dogfight to defend the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Latino gains" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/05/latinos-democrats-trump" data-vars-content-id="69977a9c-c704-4c12-b30c-4833f7335d36" data-vars-headline="Republicans squirm as Latino support slips in South Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/05/latinos-democrats-trump" target="_self">Latino gains</a> that had them dreaming of a lasting political realignment just two years ago.Why it matters: Nowhere is that reversal of fortune more visible than in South Texas, where President Trump ran up historic numbers in 2024 — and Republicans redrew the map in 2025, assuming those Latino gains would last.

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<div><iframe name="opinionstage-widget" alt="Opinion Stage Embed" src="https://www.opinionstage.com/api/v2/widgets/4e3b81ef-442f-4b7c-8193-c670e8bfb779/iframe" data-opinionstage-iframe="4e3b81ef-442f-4b7c-8193-c670e8bfb779" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="embed-poll" data-vars-asset-id="4e3b81ef-442f-4b7c-8193-c670e8bfb779" data-vars-content-id="e86ad8dd-1a5d-4287-81e9-c9227d525c3d" width="100%" height="800" allow="fullscreen" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" class="gtmView" referrerPolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><div style="display:none"></div></div>It&#x27;s trivia time! See how well you absorbed this week&#x27;s news with our quiz.

Cleveland

Northeast Ohio Flock fight reaches Congress

Rep. Shontel Brown is scrutinizing an FBI plan for nationwide surveillance as local opposition to ALPRs intensifies.

Politics

U.S. Reps. Shontel Brown (D-Warrensville Heights) and Greg Casar (D-Texas) are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="demanding answers" data-vars-click-url="https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/brown-casar-demand-answers-fbis-plan-buy-mass-surveillance-systems-including" data-vars-content-id="a9edcc34-5ad2-4df2-8959-1fdb3ee48743" data-vars-headline="Northeast Ohio Flock fight reaches Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/brown-casar-demand-answers-fbis-plan-buy-mass-surveillance-systems-including" target="_blank">demanding answers</a> about an FBI plan to obtain nationwide access to automatic license plate reader networks.Why it matters: The lawmakers warned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in a recent letter" data-vars-click-url="https://cdn.sanity.io/files/ifn0l6bs/production/f78c97b51515e55b0d5c23cfc697d3556f2bd78e.pdf" data-vars-content-id="a9edcc34-5ad2-4df2-8959-1fdb3ee48743" data-vars-headline="Northeast Ohio Flock fight reaches Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cdn.sanity.io/files/ifn0l6bs/production/f78c97b51515e55b0d5c23cfc697d3556f2bd78e.pdf" target="_blank">in a recent letter</a> that &quot;dramatically&quot; expanding FBI access to networks operated by companies like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/09/02/cleveland-flock-fight" data-vars-content-id="a9edcc34-5ad2-4df2-8959-1fdb3ee48743" data-vars-headline="Northeast Ohio Flock fight reaches Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/09/02/cleveland-flock-fight" target="_self">Flock</a> and Motorola would enable &quot;near real time&quot; surveillance of civilians.

UT's University Democrats bring Hasan Piker to Austin

The University Democrats club at the University of Texas is hosting the divisive streamer for an event in Austin.

A popular but divisive left-wing streamer will make an appearance Wednesday at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="University of Texas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/09/17/university-texas-mexican-american-african-diaspora" data-vars-content-id="3bf6d113-5731-45df-a786-0e7186dc80d5" data-vars-headline="UT&#x27;s University Democrats bring Hasan Piker to Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/09/17/university-texas-mexican-american-african-diaspora" target="_self">University of Texas</a>, drawing controversy even before he steps on campus.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hasan Piker" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/18/hasan-piker-aoc-2028-axios-show" data-vars-content-id="3bf6d113-5731-45df-a786-0e7186dc80d5" data-vars-headline="UT&#x27;s University Democrats bring Hasan Piker to Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/18/hasan-piker-aoc-2028-axios-show" target="_self">Hasan Piker</a> is scheduled to speak in Austin at the William C. Powers Student Activities Center at an event <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hosted by the University Democrats club" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DczcOBexCpM/?stkn=a3FzcDcxNGNmdHl2" data-vars-content-id="3bf6d113-5731-45df-a786-0e7186dc80d5" data-vars-headline="UT&#x27;s University Democrats bring Hasan Piker to Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DczcOBexCpM/?stkn=a3FzcDcxNGNmdHl2" target="_blank">hosted by the University Democrats club</a>.

Iran war sends Austin ISD diesel costs soaring

The district is already grappling with a tight budget.

The pain over spiking nationwide diesel prices, driven by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iran war," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" data-vars-content-id="54b02f6c-5c48-4dec-8527-3076c2bb7e55" data-vars-headline="Iran war sends Austin ISD diesel costs soaring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" target="_self">Iran war,</a> has extended to Austin public schools.Why it matters: Austin ISD, like so many school districts in Texas, is already feeling <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a budget crunch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/04/08/austin-isd-budget-deficit" data-vars-content-id="54b02f6c-5c48-4dec-8527-3076c2bb7e55" data-vars-headline="Iran war sends Austin ISD diesel costs soaring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/04/08/austin-isd-budget-deficit" target="_self">a budget crunch</a>, scrambling to save schools and staff jobs.

What to know before going to ACL Music Festival

ACL Fest is due to kickoff this weekend with heavy rains in the forecast.

Austin City Limits Music Festival is due to kick off Friday, but a forecast of heavy rains could make it a slick mess.Why it matters: The festival takes over Zilker Park for two weekends each fall and brings thousands of music fans to Austin.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Austin

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" data-vars-content-id="54367bc7-f187-46b0-b26c-ce6d12ca2cf6" data-vars-headline="Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" target="_blank">Axios Social Club</a> is bringing readers together for dinner in East Austin on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

Where to celebrate Oktoberfest in Austin

Breweries, parties and more in Austin and beyond.

Food and Drink

It&#x27;s Oktoberfest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/07/when-austin-s-leaves-will-peak-this-fall" data-vars-content-id="2fc7906b-1086-43d4-802b-63033f735246" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate Oktoberfest in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/07/when-austin-s-leaves-will-peak-this-fall" target="_self">season</a>, and you don&#x27;t have to go far to mark the occasion in Central Texas.Why it matters: Despite its name, the German <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="beer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/08/28/texas-breweries-craft-beer-slowdown" data-vars-content-id="2fc7906b-1086-43d4-802b-63033f735246" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate Oktoberfest in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/08/28/texas-breweries-craft-beer-slowdown" target="_self">beer</a> celebration begins in September. It&#x27;s a fun way to ring in the fall season and honor the region&#x27;s plentiful German heritage.

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It&#x27;s trivia time! See how well you absorbed this week&#x27;s news with our quiz.

How closely have you been following Austin news?

Desert Island Dish with Rachel Salim

The baker behind a gluten-free cafe on Burnet shares her favorite meal.

As part of our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="running feature" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/01/13/desert-island-dish-david-munoz" data-vars-content-id="ce08c382-41f5-4cd6-99c7-5ea5716bc2af" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Rachel Salim" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/01/13/desert-island-dish-david-munoz" target="_self">running feature</a> on Austin chefs&#x27; favorite meals, we recently caught up with Rachel Salim, owner of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sweet Charli Girl" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sweetcharligirl.com/" data-vars-content-id="ce08c382-41f5-4cd6-99c7-5ea5716bc2af" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Rachel Salim" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sweetcharligirl.com/" target="_blank">Sweet Charli Girl</a>, a gluten-free bakery on Burnet Road.The backstory: Salim, who has a gluten intolerance, attended Lake Travis High before studying at Baylor and working as a corporate consultant.

Desert Island Dish with Joshua Weissman

Joshua Weissman is opening a fried-chicken restaurant on East Cesar Chavez.

As part of our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="running feature" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/05/27/desert-island-dish-susana-querejazu" data-vars-content-id="dcb8adc2-9288-459b-889d-2a660b4820d1" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Joshua Weissman" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/05/27/desert-island-dish-susana-querejazu" target="_self">running feature</a> about Austin chefs&#x27; favorite meals, we recently caught up with Joshua Weissman, whose restaurant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ben &amp; Lynn&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.benandlynns.com/" data-vars-content-id="dcb8adc2-9288-459b-889d-2a660b4820d1" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Joshua Weissman" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.benandlynns.com/" target="_blank">Ben &amp; Lynn&#x27;s</a> opens this weekend in a 1920s bungalow on East Cesar Chavez Street.The backstory: Weissman, 30, has worked in the kitchens of Odd Duck and Uchiko, but lately has been building an online audience for his cooking videos, with more than 22 million followers across <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="YouTube" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/@JoshuaWeissman" data-vars-content-id="dcb8adc2-9288-459b-889d-2a660b4820d1" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Joshua Weissman" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/@JoshuaWeissman" target="_blank">YouTube</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Instagram" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/joshuaweissman/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="dcb8adc2-9288-459b-889d-2a660b4820d1" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Joshua Weissman" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/joshuaweissman/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TikTok" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tiktok.com/@flakeysalt?lang=en" data-vars-content-id="dcb8adc2-9288-459b-889d-2a660b4820d1" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Joshua Weissman" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@flakeysalt?lang=en" target="_blank">TikTok</a>.

Texas breweries face slowdown

The number of Texas breweries dropped from 440 in 2024 to 420 in 2025, per the Brewers Association.

Fewer new breweries are opening in Texas, even as some breweries are closing, per recently released information from the Brewers Association.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="once-thriving industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/11/decline-craft-beer-festival-gabf-2023" data-vars-content-id="aa846c67-562d-4dee-8ba6-1802d3e6003b" data-vars-headline="Texas breweries face slowdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/11/decline-craft-beer-festival-gabf-2023" target="_self">once-thriving industry</a> is now struggling amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a shift away from alcohol consumption" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/24/dry-january-february-athletic-beer" data-vars-content-id="aa846c67-562d-4dee-8ba6-1802d3e6003b" data-vars-headline="Texas breweries face slowdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/24/dry-january-february-athletic-beer" target="_self">a shift away from alcohol consumption</a>, particularly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="among younger people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/17/drinking-alcohol-unhealthy-gen-z-millennials-poll" data-vars-content-id="aa846c67-562d-4dee-8ba6-1802d3e6003b" data-vars-headline="Texas breweries face slowdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/17/drinking-alcohol-unhealthy-gen-z-millennials-poll" target="_self">among younger people</a>, and brewers are looking for ways to adapt.

Austin restaurants let diners name their price

Four Austin restaurants are letting diners decide what to pay for their meals as part of a global experiment.

Some of Austin&#x27;s most acclaimed restaurants will let diners decide their own bill Wednesday, part of a global experiment in making dining out more accessible.Why it matters: Dining can easily become a special-occasion expense. For one day, four Austin restaurants — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nixta Taqueria" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nixtataqueria.com/" data-vars-content-id="cacea4e9-39ff-4eb9-913c-53d51e133b05" data-vars-headline="Austin restaurants let diners name their price" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nixtataqueria.com/" target="_blank">Nixta Taqueria</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="L&#x27;Oca d&#x27;Oro" data-vars-click-url="https://locadoroaustin.com/" data-vars-content-id="cacea4e9-39ff-4eb9-913c-53d51e133b05" data-vars-headline="Austin restaurants let diners name their price" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://locadoroaustin.com/" target="_blank">L&#x27;Oca d&#x27;Oro</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lenoir" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lenoirrestaurant.com/" data-vars-content-id="cacea4e9-39ff-4eb9-913c-53d51e133b05" data-vars-headline="Austin restaurants let diners name their price" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lenoirrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Lenoir</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Comadre Panadería" data-vars-click-url="https://comadrepanaderia.com/" data-vars-content-id="cacea4e9-39ff-4eb9-913c-53d51e133b05" data-vars-headline="Austin restaurants let diners name their price" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://comadrepanaderia.com/" target="_blank">Comadre Panadería</a> — will remove that price barrier.

Cyclospora outbreak: Are you avoiding lettuce this summer?

Let us know if your eating habits have changed due to the outbreak.

Health

Some Americans are shifting their eating habits to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="avoid lettuce" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/cyclospora-outbreak-diarrhea-infection-wash-food" data-vars-content-id="985a9073-4030-4a82-be5e-e8341d801840" data-vars-headline="Cyclospora outbreak: Are you avoiding lettuce this summer?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/cyclospora-outbreak-diarrhea-infection-wash-food" target="_self">avoid lettuce</a> and other uncooked vegetables due to the current Cyclospora outbreak.Why it matters: Taylor Farms last month recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, and the FDA continues to focus on it as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="likely source" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/fda-cyclospora-taylor-farms-lettuce-false-positive" data-vars-content-id="985a9073-4030-4a82-be5e-e8341d801840" data-vars-headline="Cyclospora outbreak: Are you avoiding lettuce this summer?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/fda-cyclospora-taylor-farms-lettuce-false-positive" target="_self">likely source</a> of the largest Cyclospora outbreak in U.S. history.

Where to find local produce in Austin amid cyclosporiasis outbreak

The outbreak is straining Americans' trust in the food safety system.

Some shoppers are turning to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="farmers markets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/08/06/pearl-farmers-market-texas-produce-decline" data-vars-content-id="8d40bc25-9bae-4aa0-95a9-f8cf01468531" data-vars-headline="Where to find local produce in Austin amid cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/08/06/pearl-farmers-market-texas-produce-decline" target="_self">farmers markets</a> as a preventive measure amid the ongoing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/13/what-to-know-about-cyclosporiasis-in-texas" data-vars-content-id="8d40bc25-9bae-4aa0-95a9-f8cf01468531" data-vars-headline="Where to find local produce in Austin amid cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/13/what-to-know-about-cyclosporiasis-in-texas" target="_self">cyclosporiasis outbreak</a>.Why it matters: The outbreak is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="straining Americans&#x27; trust" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/29/cyclospora-lettuce-outbreak-food-safety-threat" data-vars-content-id="8d40bc25-9bae-4aa0-95a9-f8cf01468531" data-vars-headline="Where to find local produce in Austin amid cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/29/cyclospora-lettuce-outbreak-food-safety-threat" target="_self">straining Americans&#x27; trust</a> in the food safety system, leading to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="downturn in sales and a reputation hit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/taco-bell-diarrhea-outbreak-lettuce-cyclosporiasis" data-vars-content-id="8d40bc25-9bae-4aa0-95a9-f8cf01468531" data-vars-headline="Where to find local produce in Austin amid cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/taco-bell-diarrhea-outbreak-lettuce-cyclosporiasis" target="_self">downturn in sales and a reputation hit</a> for big businesses and farms. But knowing where your produce comes from can <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reduce your risk of infection" data-vars-click-url="https://clay.ces.ncsu.edu/news/more-reasons-to-grow-your-own-food-or-buy-local/" data-vars-content-id="8d40bc25-9bae-4aa0-95a9-f8cf01468531" data-vars-headline="Where to find local produce in Austin amid cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://clay.ces.ncsu.edu/news/more-reasons-to-grow-your-own-food-or-buy-local/" target="_blank">reduce your risk of infection</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="experts say" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2026/07/16/vegetables-fruit-farmers-market-gardens-cyclosporiasis-risk/90928457007/" data-vars-content-id="8d40bc25-9bae-4aa0-95a9-f8cf01468531" data-vars-headline="Where to find local produce in Austin amid cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2026/07/16/vegetables-fruit-farmers-market-gardens-cyclosporiasis-risk/90928457007/" target="_blank">experts say</a> — even if it&#x27;s not guaranteed.

How Paxton vs. Talarico compares to Cruz vs. O'Rourke

We examine how this year's U.S. Senate race in Texas matches up with the 2018 race.

With polls showing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tight U.S. Senate race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/04/poll-talarico-has-slim-lead-over-paxton-in-texas-senate-race" data-vars-content-id="5c128b8c-c462-43b9-b339-965a852cc6aa" data-vars-headline="How Paxton vs. Talarico compares to Cruz vs. O&#x27;Rourke" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/04/poll-talarico-has-slim-lead-over-paxton-in-texas-senate-race" target="_self">tight U.S. Senate race</a> between <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democrat James Talarico" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/04/talarico-crockett-democratic-primary-senate-texas" data-vars-content-id="5c128b8c-c462-43b9-b339-965a852cc6aa" data-vars-headline="How Paxton vs. Talarico compares to Cruz vs. O&#x27;Rourke" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/04/talarico-crockett-democratic-primary-senate-texas" target="_self">Democrat James Talarico</a> and Republican <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ken Paxton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/27/thune-paxton-texas-senate-trump" data-vars-content-id="5c128b8c-c462-43b9-b339-965a852cc6aa" data-vars-headline="How Paxton vs. Talarico compares to Cruz vs. O&#x27;Rourke" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/27/thune-paxton-texas-senate-trump" target="_self">Ken Paxton</a>, we decided to see how this year matched up against 2018, the last time a Texas statewide election came down to the wire.Why it matters: Democrat Beto O&#x27;Rourke lost that year to U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz by 2.6 percentage points, or about 215,000 votes, in a race that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="broke fundraising records" data-vars-click-url="https://www.texastribune.org/2018/12/07/beto-orourke-80-million-raised/" data-vars-content-id="5c128b8c-c462-43b9-b339-965a852cc6aa" data-vars-headline="How Paxton vs. Talarico compares to Cruz vs. O&#x27;Rourke" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.texastribune.org/2018/12/07/beto-orourke-80-million-raised/" target="_blank">broke fundraising records</a> and raised (and dashed) Democratic hopes of turning Texas blue.

Reports: ICE agent who shot man in North Austin wasn't wearing a body camera

Federal officials had pledged to outfit all agents with cameras.

The ICE officer who <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/09/22/garces-perez-shot-ice-austin-detention-south-texas" data-vars-content-id="fcbace50-2b87-4cb5-9ac2-7b00aa0f90df" data-vars-headline="Reports: ICE agent who shot man in North Austin wasn&#x27;t wearing a body camera" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/09/22/garces-perez-shot-ice-austin-detention-south-texas" target="_self">shot</a> a man in North Austin on Sunday was not wearing his agency-issued body camera, multiple national media outlets <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ice-officer-shot-man-austin-wasnt-wearing-body-camera-rcna599263" data-vars-content-id="fcbace50-2b87-4cb5-9ac2-7b00aa0f90df" data-vars-headline="Reports: ICE agent who shot man in North Austin wasn&#x27;t wearing a body camera" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ice-officer-shot-man-austin-wasnt-wearing-body-camera-rcna599263" target="_blank">reported</a>, citing anonymous sources.Why it matters: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pledged" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/16/ice-agents-body-cameras" data-vars-content-id="fcbace50-2b87-4cb5-9ac2-7b00aa0f90df" data-vars-headline="Reports: ICE agent who shot man in North Austin wasn&#x27;t wearing a body camera" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/16/ice-agents-body-cameras" target="_self">pledged</a> this summer to outfit all ICE agents with the cameras amid several <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fatal shootings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/08/07/lorenzo-salgado-araujo-ice-killing" data-vars-content-id="fcbace50-2b87-4cb5-9ac2-7b00aa0f90df" data-vars-headline="Reports: ICE agent who shot man in North Austin wasn&#x27;t wearing a body camera" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/08/07/lorenzo-salgado-araujo-ice-killing" target="_self">fatal shootings</a> and other use-of-force <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="incidents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/15/maine-killing-fatal-dhs-ice-shootings" data-vars-content-id="fcbace50-2b87-4cb5-9ac2-7b00aa0f90df" data-vars-headline="Reports: ICE agent who shot man in North Austin wasn&#x27;t wearing a body camera" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/15/maine-killing-fatal-dhs-ice-shootings" target="_self">incidents</a> nationwide.

ICE agent shoots immigrant in Austin, per local officials

"I am very angry and extremely disappointed," Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said.

A federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/immigration" data-vars-content-id="39290dad-ac42-4aac-9ebb-89b116f8d164" data-vars-headline="ICE agent shoots immigrant in Austin, per local officials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/immigration" target="_self">immigration</a> agent shot and injured a man in North Austin on Sunday, according to authorities, leading to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="protests" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/VinnyMartorano/status/2101841738386063798" data-vars-content-id="39290dad-ac42-4aac-9ebb-89b116f8d164" data-vars-headline="ICE agent shoots immigrant in Austin, per local officials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/VinnyMartorano/status/2101841738386063798" target="_blank">protests</a> into the evening.Why it matters: Austin became the latest scene of violence involving ICE <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="agents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/17/states-ice-polls-2026-election" data-vars-content-id="39290dad-ac42-4aac-9ebb-89b116f8d164" data-vars-headline="ICE agent shoots immigrant in Austin, per local officials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/17/states-ice-polls-2026-election" target="_self">agents</a> as President Trump pushes to boost deportations.

Behind UT's pivot away from multiculturalism

The elimination of four majors comes as UT embraces a traditional canon.

As the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="University of Texas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/02/13/university-texas-department-consolidation" data-vars-content-id="e0afdb62-0cce-4d90-8d4e-f3b2693ec7b8" data-vars-headline="Behind UT&#x27;s pivot away from multiculturalism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/02/13/university-texas-department-consolidation" target="_self">University of Texas</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="jettisons" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kut.org/education/2026-09-16/university-of-texas-austin-cuts-ethnic-gender-studies-majors-dei?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=UT%20Austin%20plans%20to%20cut%20Mexican%20American%2C%20African%2C%20women%27s%20and%20gender%20studies%20majors&amp;utm_campaign=KUT%20Daily%2091626" data-vars-content-id="e0afdb62-0cce-4d90-8d4e-f3b2693ec7b8" data-vars-headline="Behind UT&#x27;s pivot away from multiculturalism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kut.org/education/2026-09-16/university-of-texas-austin-cuts-ethnic-gender-studies-majors-dei?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=UT%20Austin%20plans%20to%20cut%20Mexican%20American%2C%20African%2C%20women%27s%20and%20gender%20studies%20majors&amp;utm_campaign=KUT%20Daily%2091626" target="_blank">jettisons</a> four academic majors critical to thinking about diversity and world history, the institution is expanding its embrace of traditional great books courses.Why it matters: The moves reflect a big pivot by UT away from some of its prominent academic, multicultural touchstones as it increasingly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="aligns itself" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/08/20/ut-civics-school-conservative-curriculum" data-vars-content-id="e0afdb62-0cce-4d90-8d4e-f3b2693ec7b8" data-vars-headline="Behind UT&#x27;s pivot away from multiculturalism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/08/20/ut-civics-school-conservative-curriculum" target="_self">aligns itself</a> with conservative-minded values.

Texas Democrats find hope in rising suburban turnout

Austin's largest suburban counties saw a surge of Democratic turnout in the March primary.

Austin&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="largest suburban counties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/01/03/fastest-growing-texas-counties-population-census" data-vars-content-id="30ba9fe7-92fa-460b-9afc-9cf1584f4a74" data-vars-headline="Texas Democrats find hope in rising suburban turnout" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/01/03/fastest-growing-texas-counties-population-census" target="_self">largest suburban counties</a>, once reliably Republican, have seen an eye-popping increase in the number of Democratic voters, according to county voting data.Why it matters: The battleground for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas&#x27; U.S. Senate race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/08/20/texas-iowa-senate-election-races-midterms-close" data-vars-content-id="30ba9fe7-92fa-460b-9afc-9cf1584f4a74" data-vars-headline="Texas Democrats find hope in rising suburban turnout" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/08/20/texas-iowa-senate-election-races-midterms-close" target="_self">Texas&#x27; U.S. Senate race</a> and other key November contests will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="play out" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/28/talarico-paxton-senate-race-texas" data-vars-content-id="30ba9fe7-92fa-460b-9afc-9cf1584f4a74" data-vars-headline="Texas Democrats find hope in rising suburban turnout" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/28/talarico-paxton-senate-race-texas" target="_self">play out</a> in suburban areas, where energized Democratic voters are determined to push back on President Trump.

George W. Bush not expected to speak at GOP convention

Bush has been obliquely critical of President Trump in the past but has mostly stayed silent on the topic.

Former President George W. Bush is not expected to be among the speakers at next week&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Republican Party convention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/28/gop-midterm-convention-nfl" data-vars-content-id="86a09edf-e9ed-48c5-9916-e0ce9c323551" data-vars-headline="George W. Bush not expected to speak at GOP convention" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/28/gop-midterm-convention-nfl" target="_self">Republican Party convention</a> in Dallas, even though the event is virtually in his backyard.Why it matters: The former president&#x27;s likely absence underscores <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the schism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/04/trump-cpac-speech-republicans-george-bush" data-vars-content-id="86a09edf-e9ed-48c5-9916-e0ce9c323551" data-vars-headline="George W. Bush not expected to speak at GOP convention" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/04/trump-cpac-speech-republicans-george-bush" target="_self">the schism</a> between the Trump-era GOP and the Bush-era GOP.

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