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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Austin. Written by Nicole Cobler and Asher Price.

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National

"Shotgun weddings" go mainstream

Business

Don't expect pre-war gas or airfare prices any time soon

Energy & Climate

Commerce Department greenlights limited return of Anthropic's Mythos

Politics & Policy

Volkswagen is expected to cut 100,000 jobs in landmark downsizing

A dangerous heat wave is coming next week

Texas schools may get more Bible, less world history in proposed curriculum

A Texas education board vote Friday could reshape social studies classes.

News

The Texas State Board of Education is eyeing an overhaul to social studies standards that expands lessons on Christianity and Texas history and de-emphasizes world history.Why it matters: Supporters say the changes would strengthen instruction on Western civilization, patriotism and the historical influence of religion in America.

Ticketing robot cars comes with extra hurdles

A Waymo vehicle in Austin has been cited for parking in a disabled spot.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Driverless cars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/04/28/texas-testbed-safety-lags-as-avs-rapidly-expand" data-vars-content-id="2278961f-8e79-418b-96ea-789d4a174fb2" data-vars-headline="Ticketing robot cars comes with extra hurdles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/04/28/texas-testbed-safety-lags-as-avs-rapidly-expand" target="_self">Driverless cars</a> in Austin, like their human-operated counterparts, have earned citations for moving and parking violations, per a review by Axios.Why it matters: Depending on the type of violation involved, penalizing driverless cars can bring <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="its own challenges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/29/assigning-blame-when-robots-drive" data-vars-content-id="2278961f-8e79-418b-96ea-789d4a174fb2" data-vars-headline="Ticketing robot cars comes with extra hurdles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/29/assigning-blame-when-robots-drive" target="_self">its own challenges</a>, spelling difficulties for local governments trying to catch up in a world increasingly featuring robots.

Drone company Zipline is expanding into Austin

Zipline has flown more than 135 million commercial autonomous miles "without a serious injury," per the company.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zipline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/25/state-department-africa-zipline" data-vars-content-id="7456a8ba-6e57-4ad1-b904-6284a3ba429f" data-vars-headline="Drone company Zipline is expanding into Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/25/state-department-africa-zipline" target="_self">Zipline</a>, the world&#x27;s largest autonomous drone delivery company, plans to expand into Austin later this year. Why it matters: Our skies could soon see mini-drones dropping burritos from the skies.

Scoop: Austin to remove painted crosswalks by end of July

The action plan comes after TxDOT rejected the city's request last month to keep some of its street art.

Austin&#x27;s most recognizable painted crosswalks, including the city&#x27;s rainbow crosswalk downtown, will be removed by the end of July to comply with a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state directive" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/09/abbott-order-rainbow-crosswalk" data-vars-content-id="c571b18a-1b31-4ee1-b8a9-4274aa96beca" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Austin to remove painted crosswalks by end of July" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/09/abbott-order-rainbow-crosswalk" target="_self">state directive</a>, officials say.Why it matters: The plan for their removal, released Tuesday, caps a months-long effort by state officials to force cities to remove roadway artwork.

Icon to sell its 3D-printing robots to builders

Icon has rapidly expanded its footprint in Central Texas in recent years.

Icon, the Austin-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="3D-printing construction company," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/12/11/icon-unveils-lakefront-3d-printed-homes" data-vars-content-id="92c68e09-5977-4307-8efc-ae1fa26cba54" data-vars-headline="Icon to sell its 3D-printing robots to builders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/12/11/icon-unveils-lakefront-3d-printed-homes" target="_self">3D-printing construction company,</a> is selling its technology to other builders for the first time, allowing them to operate the company&#x27;s latest robotic building system.Why it matters: The country is facing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing shortage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/real-estate-congress-housing-act" data-vars-content-id="92c68e09-5977-4307-8efc-ae1fa26cba54" data-vars-headline="Icon to sell its 3D-printing robots to builders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/real-estate-congress-housing-act" target="_self">housing shortage</a> coupled with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high construction costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/01/trump-tariff-exclusions-construction-housing-affordability" data-vars-content-id="92c68e09-5977-4307-8efc-ae1fa26cba54" data-vars-headline="Icon to sell its 3D-printing robots to builders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/01/trump-tariff-exclusions-construction-housing-affordability" target="_self">high construction costs</a>, and Icon is betting that automation can dramatically lower the cost of building homes.

Austin homeowners are staying put

Austin is seeing the longest homeowner tenure in at least 20 years.

Real Estate

Austin-area homeowners are staying in their houses for the longest time in at least 20 years, largely thanks to their low <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mortgage rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/07/19/texas-housing-supply-mortgages" data-vars-content-id="5e950bd0-a4e6-4840-838b-b714002c42b2" data-vars-headline="Austin homeowners are staying put" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/07/19/texas-housing-supply-mortgages" target="_self">mortgage rates</a>, data shows.Why it matters: That — along with still-high home prices and tight inventory — has kept the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" data-vars-content-id="5e950bd0-a4e6-4840-838b-b714002c42b2" data-vars-headline="Austin homeowners are staying put" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" target="_self">housing market</a> on ice, though it may be thawing.

Exclusive: People Inc. buys Austin food festival Hot Luck

The deal is part of People Inc.'s broader push to bring live experiences to its portfolio of lifestyle brands.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="People Inc." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/28/iac-rebrands-to-people-incorporated" data-vars-content-id="62fd3258-6942-4998-bf31-55cdc572d211" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: People Inc. buys Austin food festival Hot Luck" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/28/iac-rebrands-to-people-incorporated" target="_self">People Inc.</a>, one of America&#x27;s largest publishers, has acquired Hot Luck, an Austin-based food and music festival co-founded by famed pitmaster Aaron Franklin, People Inc.&#x27;s executive vice president of food and home content Eric Handelsman told Axios. Why it matters: The deal is part of People Inc.&#x27;s broader push to bring live experiences to its portfolio of lifestyle brands to create deeper ties with consumers and new opportunities for advertisers.

New World screwworm confirmed in Texas, stoking fresh cattle fears

The pest was largely eradicated in the United States in the 1960s.

Economy

A deadly cattle pest called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New World screwworm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/11/new-world-screwworms-myiasis-texas-usda-humans" data-vars-content-id="259b4c2a-f854-45ce-bb89-fb692e36dcee" data-vars-headline="New World screwworm confirmed in Texas, stoking fresh cattle fears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/11/new-world-screwworms-myiasis-texas-usda-humans" target="_self">New World screwworm</a> has been found in Texas, 60 years after it was effectively eradicated in the United States.Why it matters: The U.S. beef herd is already the smallest it&#x27;s been in 75 years, and retail prices for the staple protein are at record highs.

University of Texas baseball heads back to World Series

The Longhorns are making their record 39th trip to Omaha.

The University of Texas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="men&#x27;s baseball team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/04/15/1983-longhorns-baseball-team-documentary" data-vars-content-id="8177cfa7-009f-407b-9d39-8f1bdc1202e5" data-vars-headline="University of Texas baseball heads back to World Series" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/04/15/1983-longhorns-baseball-team-documentary" target="_self">men&#x27;s baseball team</a>, ranked sixth nationally, will face No. 3 Georgia in its opening game of the 2026 men&#x27;s College World Series on Saturday. Why it matters: UT is arguably the New York Yankees of college baseball — this berth marks its record 39th appearance in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="College World Series" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/06/17/texas-longhorns-world-series-omaha" data-vars-content-id="8177cfa7-009f-407b-9d39-8f1bdc1202e5" data-vars-headline="University of Texas baseball heads back to World Series" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/06/17/texas-longhorns-world-series-omaha" target="_self">College World Series</a>.

San Antonio

Spurs back in NBA Finals fight ahead of crucial Game 4

From fan tension to officiating scrutiny, Game 4 will have plenty of drama.

Sports

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spurs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/02/spurs-knicks-finals-media-day-wemby-wembanyama-san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="854213e8-70fa-4961-9699-81c68ab7feac" data-vars-headline="Spurs back in NBA Finals fight ahead of crucial Game 4" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/02/spurs-knicks-finals-media-day-wemby-wembanyama-san-antonio" target="_self">Spurs</a> survived a pivotal Game 3 on Monday and now have a chance to even the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NBA Finals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/09/trump-new-york-knicks-nba-game-booed" data-vars-content-id="854213e8-70fa-4961-9699-81c68ab7feac" data-vars-headline="Spurs back in NBA Finals fight ahead of crucial Game 4" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/09/trump-new-york-knicks-nba-game-booed" target="_self">NBA Finals</a> on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.Why it matters: San Antonio&#x27;s 115-111 win over the Knicks showed the young Spurs aren&#x27;t rattled by the Finals stage — or one of the league&#x27;s toughest road environments.

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.

Cool off at Austin's Kyoko Coffee

The cafe operates out of a greenish-baby-blue mini-van.

Things to Do

As part of our running summer series on cold drinks around town, we stopped by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kyoko Coffee" data-vars-click-url="https://kyokocoffee.com/" data-vars-content-id="506f8ef9-f7bd-4846-91a9-457e2cc24ece" data-vars-headline="Cool off at Austin&#x27;s Kyoko Coffee" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kyokocoffee.com/" target="_blank">Kyoko Coffee</a>, on Airport Boulevard, just by Austin Community College&#x27;s Highland campus.Why it matters: Life is short and summer is long.

5 questions with Austin's Sarah Dooley

Sarah Dooley, founder of AI-Empowered Mom, shares how she uses the technology to parent.

Austin&#x27;s Sarah Dooley turned a pandemic-era <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parenting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/08/us-kids-count-data-book-child-well-being" data-vars-content-id="446a886c-0788-4919-ab04-6d2595d348b6" data-vars-headline="5 questions with Austin&#x27;s Sarah Dooley" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/08/us-kids-count-data-book-child-well-being" target="_self">parenting</a> strategy into a business.What&#x27;s happening: Dooley, a mother of three, left her job at Visa over a year ago to start a platform that helps families and organizations use artificial intelligence safely and effectively.

Houston

Here's what Texas included in America's Time Capsule

The 900-pound steel capsule reportedly includes over 200 letters and artifacts.

What will future generations think of Texas when they open <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s Time Capsule" data-vars-click-url="https://america250.org/time-capsule/" data-vars-content-id="43fc0f9c-19b9-4e99-aee6-4287ede9a4b1" data-vars-headline="Here&#x27;s what Texas included in America&#x27;s Time Capsule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://america250.org/time-capsule/" target="_blank">America&#x27;s Time Capsule</a> — a nationwide project to preserve pieces of U.S. history as part of the country&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="250th anniversary celebration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/03/america-250-freedom-250-national-mall-white-house-drama" data-vars-content-id="43fc0f9c-19b9-4e99-aee6-4287ede9a4b1" data-vars-headline="Here&#x27;s what Texas included in America&#x27;s Time Capsule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/03/america-250-freedom-250-national-mall-white-house-drama" target="_self">250th anniversary celebration</a>?

Turbulence surfaces between Austin broadcaster and UT

The relationship between KUT and UT began in the late 1950s.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="firing of KUT&#x27;s general manager" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/04/29/kut-festival-moved-austin-university-of-texas" data-vars-content-id="5b23180b-120b-4ae7-aede-2911fa6bfa84" data-vars-headline="Turbulence surfaces between Austin broadcaster and UT" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/04/29/kut-festival-moved-austin-university-of-texas" target="_self">firing of KUT&#x27;s general manager</a> this week has unleashed criticism against University of Texas administrators and raised questions about the future of the broadcaster. Why it matters: The decades-old relationship between UT and KUT hangs in the balance amid a turbulent time for public broadcasters — including attacks and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="funding cuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/05/02/austin-kut-kutx-cpb-trump" data-vars-content-id="5b23180b-120b-4ae7-aede-2911fa6bfa84" data-vars-headline="Turbulence surfaces between Austin broadcaster and UT" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/05/02/austin-kut-kutx-cpb-trump" target="_self">funding cuts</a> by the Trump administration.

New Orleans

Tropical Storm Arthur forms in Gulf, threatens flooding across Southeast

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tropical Storm Arthur" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/06/16/invest90l-tropical-storm-arthur-louisiana-texas-forecast" data-vars-content-id="2ab6d4c2-c080-4b49-afbd-a514a2f0f543" data-vars-headline="Tropical Storm Arthur forms in Gulf, threatens flooding across Southeast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/06/16/invest90l-tropical-storm-arthur-louisiana-texas-forecast" target="_self">Tropical Storm Arthur</a> formed Wednesday in the Gulf off the coast of Texas, becoming the first named system of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.Why it matters: The storm is forecast to bring life-threatening flash flooding to portions of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Flooding closes over 100 crossings in Austin

Forecasters warn some areas could see up to 8 inches of rain before the storms move out.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Barton Springs Pool" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/02/29/barton-springs-bathhouse-renaming" data-vars-content-id="81ad005a-dbb1-4430-9d00-dcc705134d31" data-vars-headline="Flooding closes over 100 crossings 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/2024/02/29/barton-springs-bathhouse-renaming" target="_self">Barton Springs Pool</a> was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shuttered" data-vars-click-url="https://mailchi.mp/e6af502add26/murchison-pool-closed-for-repairs-8628136?e=e88cfc3849" data-vars-content-id="81ad005a-dbb1-4430-9d00-dcc705134d31" data-vars-headline="Flooding closes over 100 crossings in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mailchi.mp/e6af502add26/murchison-pool-closed-for-repairs-8628136?e=e88cfc3849" target="_blank">shuttered</a> and at least one driver <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="had to be rescued" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlN_TouU0iw" data-vars-content-id="81ad005a-dbb1-4430-9d00-dcc705134d31" data-vars-headline="Flooding closes over 100 crossings in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlN_TouU0iw" target="_blank">had to be rescued</a> amid flooding in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/signup/austin" data-vars-content-id="81ad005a-dbb1-4430-9d00-dcc705134d31" data-vars-headline="Flooding closes over 100 crossings 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 early Monday.Why it matters: A flood watch continues in parts of Central Texas through 7pm Tuesday, with pockets of heavy rainfall in the forecast.

Inside Paramount Theatre's major makeover

The 110-year-old Austin institution will close Monday for an 11-month restoration.

Culture

Austin&#x27;s 110-year-old <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Paramount Theatre" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/05/22/paramount-theatres-summer-film-series-returns" data-vars-content-id="96e1a460-5733-4998-828f-f8ce3116dc34" data-vars-headline="Inside Paramount Theatre&#x27;s major makeover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/05/22/paramount-theatres-summer-film-series-returns" target="_self">Paramount Theatre</a> will close Monday for an 11-month restoration.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the most extensive restoration to the theater in over 50 years.

Austinites rally to celebrate Hoover's Cooking owner

After almost 50 years in the restaurant business, Hoover Alexander is closing the doors of his beloved soul food restaurant.

After nearly five decades in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/10/restaurant-survival-closures-map" data-vars-content-id="19693bcb-7eb2-45ef-aaba-90600c27b991" data-vars-headline="Austinites rally to celebrate Hoover&#x27;s Cooking owner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/10/restaurant-survival-closures-map" target="_self">restaurant</a> business, Hoover Alexander is closing the doors of his beloved soul food restaurant, Hoover&#x27;s Cooking.Why it matters: The closure of Hoover&#x27;s marks the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest longtime Austin institution" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/12/10/restaurants-we-re-missing" data-vars-content-id="19693bcb-7eb2-45ef-aaba-90600c27b991" data-vars-headline="Austinites rally to celebrate Hoover&#x27;s Cooking owner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/12/10/restaurants-we-re-missing" target="_self">latest longtime Austin institution</a> to shutter, underscoring how difficult it is for independent restaurants to survive for decades.

Everything you need to know about the World Cup in Texas

Houston and Dallas are hosting their first World Cup matches on Sunday.

Headed to the World Cup in Houston or Dallas? Our colleagues in those cities rounded up what you need to know. The big picture: Houston is hosting seven World Cup matches starting Sunday with Germany vs. Curaçao. The Netherlands and Japan play Dallas Stadium&#x27;s first match on Sunday.

Very best day in Austin with Tim Laielli

How a cooking influencer likes to spend his day.

We caught up recently with Tim Laielli, an Instagram influencer, to describe his ideal Austin day. State of play: Born in New Jersey and raised in the Midwest, Laielli and his wife moved to Austin in 2020 when she took a job as an attorney at Vinson and Elkins.

Austin's Mexican American Cultural Center reopens

The new center includes an expanded Zócalo Plaza.

The city of Austin on Saturday will unveil the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newly renovated" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/03/18/austin-mexican-american-cultural-center-overhaul" data-vars-content-id="3bcd7a32-3e06-4432-ae8b-6175a84753e5" data-vars-headline="Austin&#x27;s Mexican American Cultural Center reopens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/03/18/austin-mexican-american-cultural-center-overhaul" target="_self">newly renovated</a> Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="key cultural institution" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/06/27/macc-honors-cultural-contributors" data-vars-content-id="3bcd7a32-3e06-4432-ae8b-6175a84753e5" data-vars-headline="Austin&#x27;s Mexican American Cultural Center reopens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/06/27/macc-honors-cultural-contributors" target="_self">key cultural institution</a> has been closed for nearly three years.

Where to watch the World Cup in Austin

Austin already has a strong soccer bar scene, with fan groups gathering across the city year-round.

The World Cup isn&#x27;t coming to Austin, but there are plenty of places to watch with friends.What&#x27;s happening: We&#x27;ve rounded up some of the best bars and watch parties around town for soccer fans looking to soak up the World Cup atmosphere.

Hoover's Cooking owner: "I ain't done yet"

The founder of Hoover's Cooking reflects on closing the East Austin institution and his plans for the future.

After nearly three decades serving Texas comfort food in East <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/signup/austin" data-vars-content-id="457a9166-fa7c-46e7-bad8-f56aa54173bc" data-vars-headline="Hoover&#x27;s Cooking owner: &quot;I ain&#x27;t done yet&quot;" 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>, Hoover Alexander says the decision to close Hoover&#x27;s Cooking came down to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="business realities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/12/10/restaurants-we-re-missing" data-vars-content-id="457a9166-fa7c-46e7-bad8-f56aa54173bc" data-vars-headline="Hoover&#x27;s Cooking owner: &quot;I ain&#x27;t done yet&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/12/10/restaurants-we-re-missing" target="_self">business realities</a>, changing priorities and a desire for more balance in his life.Driving the news: On Monday, customers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gathered for &quot;Hoova&#x27; Palooza,&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/06/11/hoovers-cooking-austin" data-vars-content-id="457a9166-fa7c-46e7-bad8-f56aa54173bc" data-vars-headline="Hoover&#x27;s Cooking owner: &quot;I ain&#x27;t done yet&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/06/11/hoovers-cooking-austin" target="_self">gathered for &quot;Hoova&#x27; Palooza,&quot;</a> a farewell celebration where Mayor Kirk Watson presented Alexander with a key to the city in recognition of the restaurant&#x27;s impact on Austin.

New York coffee shop to open in ATX Tower

Black Fox has positioned Austin as its Texas flagship.

New York City-based coffee roaster Black Fox Coffee will open its first Texas location Friday in Austin&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ATX Tower" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/03/15/anatomy-austin-skyscraper-321-west?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_austin&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="ea2d1368-cbc1-4d22-9e29-dd9e6ac0de2c" data-vars-headline="New York coffee shop to open in ATX Tower" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/03/15/anatomy-austin-skyscraper-321-west?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_austin&amp;stream=top" target="_self">ATX Tower</a>.Why it matters: The opening comes as the city&#x27;s coffee scene continues to gain national attention, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Food &amp; Wine" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foodandwine.com/top-united-states-cities-for-coffee-in-2026-11930933" data-vars-content-id="ea2d1368-cbc1-4d22-9e29-dd9e6ac0de2c" data-vars-headline="New York coffee shop to open in ATX Tower" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foodandwine.com/top-united-states-cities-for-coffee-in-2026-11930933" target="_blank">Food &amp; Wine</a> recently naming Austin the top coffee city in the U.S.

Desert Island Dish with Austin pitmaster Evan LeRoy

We caught up with LeRoy ahead of the cookbook's release for our Desert Island Dish series.

Pitmaster Evan LeRoy wants to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="give you his secrets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/11/12/michelin-guide-texas-austin-restaurant-winners" data-vars-content-id="51da4411-1778-4b62-9513-7339725475fd" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Austin pitmaster Evan LeRoy" 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">give you his secrets</a>.Driving the news: LeRoy, the chef and co-owner of LeRoy and Lewis, and Paula Forbes are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="releasing a new cookbook" data-vars-click-url="https://leroyandlewisbbq.com/newschoolbbqcookbook/" data-vars-content-id="51da4411-1778-4b62-9513-7339725475fd" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Austin pitmaster Evan LeRoy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://leroyandlewisbbq.com/newschoolbbqcookbook/" target="_blank">releasing a new cookbook</a> — &quot;New School Barbecue: Recipes for Next-Level Smoking and Grilling&quot; — with nearly 100 techniques and recipes, encouraging home cooks to go beyond the &quot;classic&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="barbecue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/08/18/austin-beer-barbecue-brewery-tour-guide" data-vars-content-id="51da4411-1778-4b62-9513-7339725475fd" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Austin pitmaster Evan LeRoy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/08/18/austin-beer-barbecue-brewery-tour-guide" target="_self">barbecue</a> dishes everyone serves.

Shakey Graves' very best Austin day

The inventive Austin musician has a new album coming out.

Music

Folk-blues musician Shakey Graves is a very busy man.Why it matters: Nearly 40 years old, he leads a new generation of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin musicians" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/music" data-vars-content-id="84c9c2de-84cd-4cc0-838d-3474916da2ce" data-vars-headline="Shakey Graves&#x27; very best Austin day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/music" target="_self">Austin musicians</a> even as he is a father to a young child.

Restaurants compete with creative lamb dishes

Six restaurants are competing in Lamb Jam, a national showdown that doubles as a real-time menu experiment.

Editor&#x27;s note: This story was written by University of Texas student Trinity Orosco for Axios Austin.Six Austin restaurants have spent the month of April transforming lamb into crispy arancini, laab and tostadas for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lamb Jam&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://americanlamb.com/lamb-jam-2026-austin/" data-vars-content-id="d66bfd10-b5f3-42f5-acc7-e535d5bb4dfc" data-vars-headline="Restaurants compete with creative lamb dishes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://americanlamb.com/lamb-jam-2026-austin/" target="_blank">Lamb Jam&#x27;s</a> restaurant competition.

Roxie’s serves up homestyle comfort food

Chicken, all-you-can-eat sides, dessert and more.

I have a recommendation for your next free afternoon.What&#x27;s happening: I recently took a trip to Buda to try out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Roxie&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.roxiesbuda.com/" data-vars-content-id="fd6b3884-bc0c-4267-bffe-eef51479e8fa" data-vars-headline="Roxie’s serves up homestyle comfort food" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.roxiesbuda.com/" target="_blank">Roxie&#x27;s</a>, the new restaurant from Salt Lick BBQ owner Scott Roberts, and to check out the town, where a growing number of friends and acquaintances have moved.

Gov. Greg Abbott calls for broad data center rules

Data center regulation could be a 2027 legislative focus.

Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday directed state energy officials to take up <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/13/texas-coal-gas-power-plants-data-centers-water" data-vars-content-id="5b1cf63d-d887-40f3-b511-1bb1bc48bbcf" data-vars-headline="Gov. Greg Abbott calls for broad data center rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/13/texas-coal-gas-power-plants-data-centers-water" target="_self">data center</a> regulations aimed at protecting Texans from higher electricity bills.Why it matters: Texas is seen as one of the friendliest states in the nation for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center development" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/18/data-center-growth-map-states" data-vars-content-id="5b1cf63d-d887-40f3-b511-1bb1bc48bbcf" data-vars-headline="Gov. Greg Abbott calls for broad data center rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/18/data-center-growth-map-states" target="_self">data center development</a>, with one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most generous tax incentives" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/17/ai-data-centers-best-worst" data-vars-content-id="5b1cf63d-d887-40f3-b511-1bb1bc48bbcf" data-vars-headline="Gov. Greg Abbott calls for broad data center rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/17/ai-data-centers-best-worst" target="_self">most generous tax incentives</a>. Abbott&#x27;s requests are notable in a state known for lax rules governing businesses.

How the Talarico-Paxton race could play out

Talarico links the affordability crisis with corruption, while Paxton frames the Democrat as out of touch.

With Ken Paxton&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="GOP primary win" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/27/texas-senate-gop-cornyn-paxton" data-vars-content-id="f1d8eded-ce80-478f-a801-449ff75d69a2" data-vars-headline="How the Talarico-Paxton race could play out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/27/texas-senate-gop-cornyn-paxton" target="_self">GOP primary win</a> this week, Democrats now have the Republican Senate candidate, tactically speaking, they were hoping for.<ul><li>Now the question is whether their nominee, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Talarico" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/27/texas-senate-gop-cornyn-paxton" data-vars-content-id="f1d8eded-ce80-478f-a801-449ff75d69a2" data-vars-headline="How the Talarico-Paxton race could play out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/27/texas-senate-gop-cornyn-paxton" target="_self">James Talarico</a>, a young state lawmaker from Austin, can deliver them out of the wilderness.</li></ul>

Austin City Council to consider rules for e-motos

In Austin, there is no local code governing where e-motos can operate.

The Austin City Council on Thursday will consider taking an initial step toward regulating electric dirt bikes and mini motorcyles, or e-motos.Why it matters: A growing number of children and teens are riding the high-powered bikes on Austin streets, alarming residents and prompting safety concerns from local officials.

Middleton defeats Roy in Texas AG race

Middleton successfully cast himself as the MAGA candidate, even as President Trump didn't endorse in the race.

Politics

State Sen. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayes Middleton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/18/texas-attorney-general-may-runoff" data-vars-content-id="742ac211-8db8-41c8-b685-203a2d2ed8d7" data-vars-headline="Middleton defeats Roy in Texas AG race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/18/texas-attorney-general-may-runoff" target="_self">Mayes Middleton</a> of Galveston defeated U.S. Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chip Roy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/08/chip-roy-texas-attorney-general-paxton-cornyn" data-vars-content-id="742ac211-8db8-41c8-b685-203a2d2ed8d7" data-vars-headline="Middleton defeats Roy in Texas AG race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/08/chip-roy-texas-attorney-general-paxton-cornyn" target="_self">Chip Roy</a> in the GOP runoff for Texas attorney general Tuesday night.Why it matters: Middleton successfully cast himself as the MAGA candidate, even as President Trump didn&#x27;t endorse in the race.

Texas GOP voters oust Cornyn in Paxton upset

Cornyn's loss marks one of the most significant defeats for a Republican senator in years.

Republican primary voters on Tuesday rejected U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, one of the Senate&#x27;s most senior GOP members, in favor of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump-backed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/19/trump-endorsement-texas-senate-race-ken-paxton" data-vars-content-id="319ecb20-8e5a-415d-9d5a-b2a8fc1d11fc" data-vars-headline="Texas GOP voters oust Cornyn in Paxton upset" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/19/trump-endorsement-texas-senate-race-ken-paxton" target="_self">Trump-backed</a> Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.Why it matters: Cornyn&#x27;s loss marks one of the most significant defeats for a Republican senator in years and underscores how loyalty to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="319ecb20-8e5a-415d-9d5a-b2a8fc1d11fc" data-vars-headline="Texas GOP voters oust Cornyn in Paxton upset" 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">President Trump</a> continues to reshape GOP primaries nationwide.

Candidates vie to be Texas attorney general in May runoffs

Two Republicans and two Democrats face off on May 26.

Two Republicans and two Democrats are facing off May 26 in runoff primary elections to be Texas attorney general, though it&#x27;s likely a Republican would take the win in November.Why it matters: As <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the chief legal officer of the state" data-vars-click-url="https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/about-office/duties-responsibilities-office-attorney-general" data-vars-content-id="540fb797-a939-4df0-9776-b44ae754ab7d" data-vars-headline="Candidates vie to be Texas attorney general in May runoffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/about-office/duties-responsibilities-office-attorney-general" target="_blank">the chief legal officer of the state</a>, the attorney general represents Texas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in litigation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/10/30/covid-vaccine-mandate-texas-biden-contractors" data-vars-content-id="540fb797-a939-4df0-9776-b44ae754ab7d" data-vars-headline="Candidates vie to be Texas attorney general in May runoffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/10/30/covid-vaccine-mandate-texas-biden-contractors" target="_self">in litigation</a>, defends state laws, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="initiates investigations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/07/texas-democrats-beto-orourke-paxton-investigation" data-vars-content-id="540fb797-a939-4df0-9776-b44ae754ab7d" data-vars-headline="Candidates vie to be Texas attorney general in May runoffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/07/texas-democrats-beto-orourke-paxton-investigation" target="_self">initiates investigations</a> and enforces consumer protection laws.

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