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National

Trump meets team to decide on Iran deal

U.S. and Iranian negotiators agreed on the text, but it needs top-level approval.

World

President Trump said on Friday that he&#x27;s convening his national security team in the White House Situation Room to make a final decision about the agreement reached between U.S. and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iranian" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" data-vars-content-id="212fcddc-05e3-4901-90f2-900c5108259d" data-vars-headline="Trump meets team to decide on Iran deal" 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">Iranian</a> negotiators. Why it matters: The signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) would be the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the war started, but a final agreement tackling <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="212fcddc-05e3-4901-90f2-900c5108259d" data-vars-headline="Trump meets team to decide on Iran deal" 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>&#x27;s nuclear demands would require further negotiations.

Rock-bottom immigration rates leave mark on U.S. economy

President Trump's policy-driven immigration reversal underway has few modern parallels.

Economy

President Trump&#x27;s immigration crackdown is causing one of the sharpest slowdowns in U.S. population growth in decades. Economists are beginning to tally the effects, with some warning that the damage will stick around.Why it matters: The policy-driven immigration reversal underway has few modern parallels. The immediate result is evident in monthly employment figures, with the economy cranking out fewer jobs. <ul><li>But over time, fewer immigrants could be a productivity drag lasting well into the second half of this century.</li></ul>

Trump's $1.77B "anti-weaponization" fund temporarily blocked by federal judge

Trump's "anti-weaponization" fund temporarily blocked

The plan has sparked bipartisan skepticism.

Politics & Policy

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from moving forward with its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1.776 billion &quot;anti-weaponization&quot; fund" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/18/trump-irs-lawsuit-dropped" data-vars-content-id="2a3c31e6-80fd-4cde-bc59-4d477daae355" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s $1.77B &quot;anti-weaponization&quot; fund temporarily blocked by federal judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/18/trump-irs-lawsuit-dropped" target="_self">$1.776 billion &quot;anti-weaponization&quot; fund</a> in a Friday order.The big picture: The controversial plan aims to create an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unprecedented mechanism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/20/trump-anti-weaponization-fund-judgment-fund-explainer" data-vars-content-id="2a3c31e6-80fd-4cde-bc59-4d477daae355" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s $1.77B &quot;anti-weaponization&quot; fund temporarily blocked by federal judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/20/trump-anti-weaponization-fund-judgment-fund-explainer" target="_self">unprecedented mechanism</a> to compensate people who claim they were wrongfully targeted by the government.

Canada's Trump pitch: Strong country helps "make America great again"

Canada's pitch: Strong nation helps "make America great again"

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney signaled a desire for stronger U.S. ties — a shift in tone from earlier this year, when he suggested integration had created "vulnerabilities."

A war of words between U.S. and Canadian officials has raised the risk of a blow-up in North America&#x27;s signature trade deal. This week offered, perhaps, the first hint of a thaw.Driving the news: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney signaled a desire for stronger U.S. ties — a shift in tone relative to earlier this year, when he suggested integration had created &quot;vulnerabilities.&quot;

Gas prices are dropping — but they're still high

Pain at the pump is easing with a possible Iran deal, but your summer travel is still going to cost you.

Energy & Climate

Pain at the pump is easing, but gas is far costlier heading into the summer than last year — and what comes next is wildly unpredictable.Why it matters: High gas prices are the most visible economic effect of the Iran war for many Americans grappling with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="inflation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/28/consumer-spending-income-pce" data-vars-content-id="3fb08ddf-3b16-4754-800a-8af2ead9884d" data-vars-headline="Gas prices are dropping — but they&#x27;re still high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/28/consumer-spending-income-pce" target="_self">inflation</a>.

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.

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>

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.

Austin City Council to consider rules for e-motos

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

News

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.

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.

Scoop: DCCC targets Maureen Galindo with 11th-hour ad buy

The House Democratic campaign arm is putting $35,000 into the race.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is going up on the air with ads attacking Democratic congressional candidate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Maureen Galindo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/20/maureen-galindo-texas-antisemitic-zionists-prison" data-vars-content-id="f24ce48a-7953-47e9-8195-f81fb88a83b5" data-vars-headline="Scoop: DCCC targets Maureen Galindo with 11th-hour ad buy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/20/maureen-galindo-texas-antisemitic-zionists-prison" target="_self">Maureen Galindo</a> in Texas, Axios has learned.Why it matters: Galindo has been widely disavowed by Democrats over antisemitic remarks. She most recently said she wants to convert an ICE facility into her district into a &quot;prison for American Zionists.&quot;

Trump delivers 11th-hour endorsement to Paxton in Texas Senate runoff

Trump endorses Paxton over Cornyn in Texas Senate runoff

Senate Republicans spent months pleading with Trump to endorse incumbent Sen. John Cornyn.

President Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas Republican Senate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/texas-senate-trump-cornyn-endorsement" data-vars-content-id="768e340f-32b0-4673-b197-f962f120c47b" data-vars-headline="Trump delivers 11th-hour endorsement to Paxton in Texas Senate runoff" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/texas-senate-trump-cornyn-endorsement" target="_self">Texas Republican Senate</a> primary runoff on Tuesday, a day after the start of early voting.Why it matters: Senate Republicans spent months pleading with Trump to endorse incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn over Paxton.

Austin FC fires its head coach and sporting director

Assistant coach Davy Arnaud will take over as interim head coach.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin FC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/13/inside-austin-fc-s-payroll" data-vars-content-id="d38a266f-ff57-439a-9324-1c956733a9d0" data-vars-headline="Austin FC fires its head coach and sporting director" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/13/inside-austin-fc-s-payroll" target="_self">Austin FC</a>, struggling through the first half of the season, has fired head coach Nico Estévez and sporting director Rodolfo Borrell, effective immediately.Why it matters: The firings, ahead of a long midseason break for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" data-vars-content-id="d38a266f-ff57-439a-9324-1c956733a9d0" data-vars-headline="Austin FC fires its head coach and sporting director" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" target="_self">World Cup</a>, mark an inflection point as the squad aims to shake itself out of mediocrity.

1983 Longhorns baseball champs get the documentary treatment

"Summer of '83: Texas vs. Tide" is scheduled to air Wednesday night.

The 1983 University of Texas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="baseball team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/04/17/texas-longhorns-baseball-auburn" data-vars-content-id="11f75302-e63e-4901-807b-8d7ddd942229" data-vars-headline="1983 Longhorns baseball champs get the documentary treatment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/04/17/texas-longhorns-baseball-auburn" target="_self">baseball team</a>, a storied squad that included Roger Clemens and a handful of other future big leaguers, is the focus of a new documentary about the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="College World Series" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/06/23/lsu-takes-home-8th-college-world-series-championship-in-tigers-history" data-vars-content-id="11f75302-e63e-4901-807b-8d7ddd942229" data-vars-headline="1983 Longhorns baseball champs get the documentary treatment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/06/23/lsu-takes-home-8th-college-world-series-championship-in-tigers-history" target="_self">College World Series</a> that year.Driving the news: &quot;Summer of &#x27;83: Texas vs. Tide&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="premieres Wednesday" data-vars-click-url="https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2026/03/sec-storied-summer-of-83-texas-vs-tide-sets-sec-network-premiere-date-april-15/" data-vars-content-id="11f75302-e63e-4901-807b-8d7ddd942229" data-vars-headline="1983 Longhorns baseball champs get the documentary treatment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2026/03/sec-storied-summer-of-83-texas-vs-tide-sets-sec-network-premiere-date-april-15/" target="_blank">premieres Wednesday</a> on the SEC Network.

Austin's indie retailers adapt as South Congress gets pricier

Local retailers have to navigate a landscape of higher rents, chain stores, tariffs and competition from online sellers.

Business Brief

We checked in with Brandon Hodge, owner of toy store <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Monkey See, Monkey Do" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/MonkeySeeMonkeyDoAustin/" data-vars-content-id="d1bfbb56-0565-445b-a011-feb0bc392886" data-vars-headline="Austin&#x27;s indie retailers adapt as South Congress gets pricier" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/MonkeySeeMonkeyDoAustin/" target="_blank">Monkey See, Monkey Do</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Big Top" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bigtopcandyshop.com/" data-vars-content-id="d1bfbb56-0565-445b-a011-feb0bc392886" data-vars-headline="Austin&#x27;s indie retailers adapt as South Congress gets pricier" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bigtopcandyshop.com/" target="_blank">Big Top</a>, a candy shop on South Congress Avenue, about the state of retail in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/signup/austin" data-vars-content-id="d1bfbb56-0565-445b-a011-feb0bc392886" data-vars-headline="Austin&#x27;s indie retailers adapt as South Congress gets pricier" 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>.Why it matters: In a city that has long promoted <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local buying" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/12/02/gift-guide-local-items-for-everyone-on-your-list" data-vars-content-id="d1bfbb56-0565-445b-a011-feb0bc392886" data-vars-headline="Austin&#x27;s indie retailers adapt as South Congress gets pricier" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/12/02/gift-guide-local-items-for-everyone-on-your-list" target="_self">local buying</a>, homegrown retailers have to navigate a landscape of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="higher rents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2021/10/12/austin-skyrocketing-rents-housing" data-vars-content-id="d1bfbb56-0565-445b-a011-feb0bc392886" data-vars-headline="Austin&#x27;s indie retailers adapt as South Congress gets pricier" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2021/10/12/austin-skyrocketing-rents-housing" target="_self">higher rents</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="luxe chain stores" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/05/30/south-congress-business-closures-change" data-vars-content-id="d1bfbb56-0565-445b-a011-feb0bc392886" data-vars-headline="Austin&#x27;s indie retailers adapt as South Congress gets pricier" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/05/30/south-congress-business-closures-change" target="_self">luxe chain stores</a>, geopolitical issues like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tariffs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/03/04/trump-tariffs-texas-austin-trade-war" data-vars-content-id="d1bfbb56-0565-445b-a011-feb0bc392886" data-vars-headline="Austin&#x27;s indie retailers adapt as South Congress gets pricier" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/03/04/trump-tariffs-texas-austin-trade-war" target="_self">tariffs</a> and ongoing competition from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="online sellers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/12/axios-event-technology-retail-personalization" data-vars-content-id="d1bfbb56-0565-445b-a011-feb0bc392886" data-vars-headline="Austin&#x27;s indie retailers adapt as South Congress gets pricier" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/12/axios-event-technology-retail-personalization" target="_self">online sellers</a>.

Saving for a down payment takes 8 years in Austin

That's compared to nearly 7 years nationwide.

It took the typical Austin household over eight years to save for a median <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="home" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" data-vars-content-id="394f3bc6-3a32-4b6a-b848-47728d8087ce" data-vars-headline="Saving for a down payment takes 8 years in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" target="_self">home</a> down payment in 2025, compared to around seven years nationwide, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Realtor.com analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realtor.com/research/downpayment-savings-december-2025/" data-vars-content-id="394f3bc6-3a32-4b6a-b848-47728d8087ce" data-vars-headline="Saving for a down payment takes 8 years in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realtor.com/research/downpayment-savings-december-2025/" target="_blank">Realtor.com analysis</a>.Why it matters: Coming up with a down payment is one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="biggest barriers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/04/homebuyers-are-struggling-to-make-bigger-down-payments.html" data-vars-content-id="394f3bc6-3a32-4b6a-b848-47728d8087ce" data-vars-headline="Saving for a down payment takes 8 years in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/04/homebuyers-are-struggling-to-make-bigger-down-payments.html" target="_blank">biggest barriers</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeownership" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/stocks-retirement-gen-z" data-vars-content-id="394f3bc6-3a32-4b6a-b848-47728d8087ce" data-vars-headline="Saving for a down payment takes 8 years in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/stocks-retirement-gen-z" target="_self">homeownership</a>, especially as incomes struggle to keep pace with housing costs.

Republicans break the ice with Paxton after brutal Texas Senate primary

Thune and the GOP establishment are starting to make amends.

Senate Republican leaders are rushing to mend fences with Texas Attorney General <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ken Paxton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/27/texas-primary-paxton-cornyn-takeaways" data-vars-content-id="dc88b706-b699-411e-be0a-9a5ddb9ee8c7" data-vars-headline="Republicans break the ice with Paxton after brutal Texas Senate primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/27/texas-primary-paxton-cornyn-takeaways" target="_self">Ken Paxton</a>, signaling to big-dollar donors that the road to keeping the majority now runs straight through Texas.Why it matters: The goal is to make the $130 million Senate primary between Paxton and Sen. John Cornyn feel like an anti-Alamo — not something to remember, but something to forget.

Buyer's remorse hits Trump's Latino voters

Will Latino buyer's remorse flip the House in '26?

A new UnidosUS poll finds that 1 in 4 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hispanic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/18/axios-house-sxsw-democrats-latino-voters-economy-elections" data-vars-content-id="f92b57ec-41dd-4890-9459-30320347e89e" data-vars-headline="Buyer&#x27;s remorse hits Trump&#x27;s Latino voters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/18/axios-house-sxsw-democrats-latino-voters-economy-elections" target="_self">Hispanic</a> Trump voters say they would not vote for him again if given the choice.Why it matters: The erosion of Latino support for <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="f92b57ec-41dd-4890-9459-30320347e89e" data-vars-headline="Buyer&#x27;s remorse hits Trump&#x27;s Latino voters" 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>, combined with dissatisfaction with the economy, signals danger for competitive GOP-held seats in the 2026 midterm elections.

ATX TV Festival returns to Austin for 15th year

The festival will take place over four days in downtown Austin.

ATX TV Festival is back in downtown Austin this weekend with TV reunions, sneak peeks, celebrity panels and a few new additions to mark its 15th year.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="four-day festival" data-vars-click-url="https://atxtvfestival.eventive.org/welcome" data-vars-content-id="4bf642da-d98d-4065-9c47-16468aaae12a" data-vars-headline="ATX TV Festival returns to Austin for 15th year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://atxtvfestival.eventive.org/welcome" target="_blank">four-day festival</a>, running Friday to Monday, is dedicated to television — something co-founders Caitlin McFarland and Emily Gipson say was the point from the beginning.

Central Texas spellers headed to Scripps Spelling Bee

Two competitors will represent the Austin area at the 2026 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Scripps National Spelling Bee" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/45798232.14109/aHR0cHM6Ly9zcGVsbGluZ2JlZS5jb20vP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfaG91c3RvbiZzdHJlYW09dG9w/611c03ead69ae557c5059a10B11430c39" data-vars-content-id="77dccd9d-1533-40fe-9543-96c3c4c7e215" data-vars-headline="Central Texas spellers headed to Scripps Spelling Bee" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/45798232.14109/aHR0cHM6Ly9zcGVsbGluZ2JlZS5jb20vP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfaG91c3RvbiZzdHJlYW09dG9w/611c03ead69ae557c5059a10B11430c39" target="_self">Scripps National Spelling Bee</a> championship this week.Driving the news: Thivaan Butani, a sixth grader at Lake Travis Middle School, and Sreeyansh Pasham, an eighth grader at Basis Cedar Park, will head to the national competition beginning Tuesday in Washington, D.C.

Violent crime rates decline in Austin

Austin Police say they are focused more on data-driven policing.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Violent crime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/violent-crime-homicides-falls-major-cities-trump" data-vars-content-id="631ae4fa-9a36-41b3-a29f-2033721ecee7" data-vars-headline="Violent crime rates decline in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/violent-crime-homicides-falls-major-cities-trump" target="_self">Violent crime</a> fell sharply across the largest U.S. cities, including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/18/austin-shootings-license-plate-readers" data-vars-content-id="631ae4fa-9a36-41b3-a29f-2033721ecee7" data-vars-headline="Violent crime rates decline 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/2026/05/18/austin-shootings-license-plate-readers" target="_self">Austin</a>, in early 2026, extending a nationwide decline that began after the pandemic-era crime spike.Why it matters: Crime and policing have been a major factor at the ballot box in local elections, as Republicans including President Trump and Gov. Greg Abbott have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tried to pin violent crime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/14/abbott-statewide-prosecutor-impeachment-process" data-vars-content-id="631ae4fa-9a36-41b3-a29f-2033721ecee7" data-vars-headline="Violent crime rates decline 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/2026/05/14/abbott-statewide-prosecutor-impeachment-process" target="_self">tried to pin violent crime</a> on Democrats.

Cyclists call for improved roads in Ride of Silence

The 8-mile route will pass white "ghost bikes," which mark sites where cyclists have died.

Austin cyclists will gather Wednesday evening for a rally and silent ride honoring people who were killed or injured by cars while riding bikes on city streets.Why it matters: The event is part of the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" International Ride of Silence" data-vars-click-url="https://rideofsilence.org/main.php" data-vars-content-id="8d1d43b7-6cc4-4252-b438-e000ba7e6b33" data-vars-headline="Cyclists call for improved roads in Ride of Silence" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://rideofsilence.org/main.php" target="_blank"> International Ride of Silence</a>, which began in Dallas in 2003 after cyclist Larry Schwartz was killed when he was struck by the mirror of a passing school bus.

Texas softball gears up for title defense

Texas hopes to defend its national title.

Sports

The University of Texas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="softball squad" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/06/09/texas-longhorns-compete-in-womens-college-world-series" data-vars-content-id="6ef3c5d1-7fb8-45a9-b72e-f9e63deb82b3" data-vars-headline="Texas softball gears up for title defense" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/06/09/texas-longhorns-compete-in-womens-college-world-series" target="_self">softball squad</a> begins its title defense Friday in Austin with the opening of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overall No. 2 seed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncaa.com/news/softball/article/2026-05-10/ncaa-division-i-softball-committee-announces-2026-championship-field" data-vars-content-id="6ef3c5d1-7fb8-45a9-b72e-f9e63deb82b3" data-vars-headline="Texas softball gears up for title defense" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncaa.com/news/softball/article/2026-05-10/ncaa-division-i-softball-committee-announces-2026-championship-field" target="_blank">overall No. 2 seed</a>, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Longhorns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/06/05/1-world-series-softball-team-to-go" data-vars-content-id="6ef3c5d1-7fb8-45a9-b72e-f9e63deb82b3" data-vars-headline="Texas softball gears up for title defense" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/06/05/1-world-series-softball-team-to-go" target="_self">Longhorns</a> are aiming to defend their 2025 national title.

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.

Your bulldog name suggestions

Mayor Kirk Watson adopted a male English bulldog and a female French bulldog.

Things to Do

Yesterday <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="we asked" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-austin-72062dc5-cf8f-45a6-9c52-e40f505aa60d.html?chunk=6&amp;utm_term=twsocialshare#story6" data-vars-content-id="1bbefc1c-c86f-42b7-8c3c-0a5556fba6cf" data-vars-headline="Your bulldog name suggestions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-austin-72062dc5-cf8f-45a6-9c52-e40f505aa60d.html?chunk=6&amp;utm_term=twsocialshare#story6" target="_self">we asked</a> what you&#x27;d name Mayor Kirk Watson&#x27;s newly adopted bulldogs from Austin Bulldog Rescue.Catch up quick: Watson adopted a male English bulldog and a female French bulldog.

Austin FC partners unveil Texas' first blind soccer pitch

Q2 Stadium also plans to introduce Field of Vision haptic devices.

Austin FC and several community partners have opened a soccer pitch designed for students at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) campus in Austin.Why it matters: Organizers say it&#x27;s the first pitch in Texas built for athletes who are blind or have low vision, expanding access to adaptive sports in Central Texas.

5 questions with singer Iris Copperman

The Nashville singer will perform in Austin at the Andy Roddick Foundation's Lasting Legacies Benefit Concert.

At just 14 years old, Nashville singer-songwriter Iris Copperman is already turning painful middle school experiences into introspective pop music.Driving the news: Copperman will open for Fort Worth-native Leon Bridges Friday night at the Andy Roddick Foundation&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lasting Legacies Benefit Concert" data-vars-click-url="https://www.andyroddickfoundation.org/legacies" data-vars-content-id="c39e5af5-433a-42bc-8e32-7534189ee340" data-vars-headline="5 questions with singer Iris Copperman" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.andyroddickfoundation.org/legacies" target="_blank">Lasting Legacies Benefit Concert</a> at Stubb&#x27;s in Austin.

Where to score vintage World Cup T-shirts

An Austin vendor has collected nearly 100 vintage World Cup T-shirts.

👋 Asher here, your fearless old-school tee correspondent. Browsing the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Guad Vintage Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/guadvintageatx/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="9bd54a1c-7fc7-4a07-980c-22af9462d215" data-vars-headline="Where to score vintage World Cup T-shirts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/guadvintageatx/?hl=en" target="_blank">Guad Vintage Market</a> on a recent Sunday afternoon, I noticed one rack with a series of cool vintage World Cup T-shirts.

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.

Austin's top April events you won't want to miss

Austin's kite fest, comedy, music and more.

Food and Drink

It&#x27;s springtime in Central Texas, and one of our favorite months of the year to get out and explore Austin.Here are some of the events we&#x27;re most looking forward to.

Desert Island Dish with Geraldine's Sergio Ledesma

The chef of Geraldine's shares the dishes that are most important to him.

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="54ffc092-f11b-496f-b70e-20030afbd26b" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Geraldine&#x27;s Sergio Ledesma" 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> about Austin chefs&#x27; favorite meals, we recently chatted with Sergio Ledesma, the executive chef at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Geraldine&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hotelvanzandt.com/geraldines/" data-vars-content-id="54ffc092-f11b-496f-b70e-20030afbd26b" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Geraldine&#x27;s Sergio Ledesma" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hotelvanzandt.com/geraldines/" target="_blank">Geraldine&#x27;s</a>, in the Hotel Van Zandt by Rainey Street.<ul><li>At the Southern-inflected Mexican restaurant, shrimp and grits ($38), composed with chintextle, a Oaxacan chili paste, shares menu space with a lamb barbacoa ($44) and sides like smoked carrots ($14), prepared with a guajillo adobo rub.</li></ul>

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.

Houston

Texas Children's must open country's first "detransition clinic"

The settlement resolves an investigation launched in 2023 after Texas banned gender-affirming medical care for minors.

Texas Children&#x27;s Hospital must open what is believed to be the country&#x27;s first &quot;detransition clinic&quot; and pay the state $10 million as part of a settlement over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transgender care" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/04/22/texas-legislature-anti-trans-bills" data-vars-content-id="3b555db9-453d-444a-b108-8504352d71a4" data-vars-headline="Texas Children&#x27;s must open country&#x27;s first &quot;detransition clinic&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/04/22/texas-legislature-anti-trans-bills" target="_self">transgender care</a> for minors, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Attorney General Ken Paxton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/04/cornyn-paxton-runoff-texas-republican-senate-primary" data-vars-content-id="3b555db9-453d-444a-b108-8504352d71a4" data-vars-headline="Texas Children&#x27;s must open country&#x27;s first &quot;detransition clinic&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/04/cornyn-paxton-runoff-texas-republican-senate-primary" target="_self">Attorney General Ken Paxton</a> announced Friday.Why it matters: The settlement marks the latest move by Texas Republicans to restrict transgender rights as the state has enacted some of the nation&#x27;s toughest policies targeting trans people, including limits on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gender-affirming care for minors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2024/06/28/gender-affirming-care-ban-texas-transgender" data-vars-content-id="3b555db9-453d-444a-b108-8504352d71a4" data-vars-headline="Texas Children&#x27;s must open country&#x27;s first &quot;detransition clinic&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2024/06/28/gender-affirming-care-ban-texas-transgender" target="_self">gender-affirming care for minors</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sports participation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/10/25/texas-trans-youth-sports" data-vars-content-id="3b555db9-453d-444a-b108-8504352d71a4" data-vars-headline="Texas Children&#x27;s must open country&#x27;s first &quot;detransition clinic&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/10/25/texas-trans-youth-sports" target="_self">sports participation</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bathroom access" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/09/22/abbott-signs-bathroom-bill-into-law" data-vars-content-id="3b555db9-453d-444a-b108-8504352d71a4" data-vars-headline="Texas Children&#x27;s must open country&#x27;s first &quot;detransition clinic&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/09/22/abbott-signs-bathroom-bill-into-law" target="_self">bathroom access</a>.

Abbott calls for new impeachment process for district attorneys

Travis County's district attorney called the proposals "nothing more than a political stunt."

Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday proposed that locally elected district attorneys should be subject to impeachment, part of a broader push to expand state oversight of local prosecutors who he says fail to aggressively pursue <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="violent offenders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/violent-crime-us-cities-trump" data-vars-content-id="a834fa9c-2726-4034-b81e-ee2395473ab7" data-vars-headline="Abbott calls for new impeachment process for district attorneys" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/violent-crime-us-cities-trump" target="_self">violent offenders</a>.Why it matters: Abbott&#x27;s proposals escalate a yearslong clash between Texas Republicans and progressive district attorneys in the state&#x27;s largest urban counties.

What Democrats' wins in local Texas elections mean for the state

Why local election wins by Democrats in Texas may not matter come November.

Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gina Hinojosa" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/09/26/gina-hinojosa-austin-democrat-campaign-texas-governor" data-vars-content-id="587e56c9-9d39-4ad1-b6ba-406e305013d3" data-vars-headline="What Democrats&#x27; wins in local Texas elections mean for the state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/09/26/gina-hinojosa-austin-democrat-campaign-texas-governor" target="_self">Gina Hinojosa</a> is suggesting recent school board and mayoral election results across the state signal hope for Democrats running in statewide races — but politics watchers tell Axios the suggestion is tenuous.Why it matters: No Democrat has won statewide in Texas since 1994, but Democratic candidates are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eager" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/04/talarico-democratic-vice-president" data-vars-content-id="587e56c9-9d39-4ad1-b6ba-406e305013d3" data-vars-headline="What Democrats&#x27; wins in local Texas elections mean for the state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/04/talarico-democratic-vice-president" target="_self">eager</a> to show this year is different.

Why Dems would (or wouldn't) pick Talarico for VP in '28

Talarico has carved out a new lane in Texas politics: a Christian Democrat who appeals to Latinos and suburbanites.

Texas legislator <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Talarico" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/05/democrats-texas-talarico-voter-turnout" data-vars-content-id="355d5c5b-dfab-4ce5-9dbe-6b053a2cdcab" data-vars-headline="Why Dems would (or wouldn&#x27;t) pick Talarico for VP in &#x27;28" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/05/democrats-texas-talarico-voter-turnout" target="_self">James Talarico</a> is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an underdog" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cookpolitical.com/senate/race/488686" data-vars-content-id="355d5c5b-dfab-4ce5-9dbe-6b053a2cdcab" data-vars-headline="Why Dems would (or wouldn&#x27;t) pick Talarico for VP in &#x27;28" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/senate/race/488686" target="_blank">an underdog</a> for U.S. Senate, but his name is already being whispered as a potential 2028 vice presidential candidate. Why it matters: The mere suggestion reflects just how stratospheric <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Talarico&#x27;s rise" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/15/how-texas-talarico-is-leveraging-social-media-in-his-bid-for-the-senate" data-vars-content-id="355d5c5b-dfab-4ce5-9dbe-6b053a2cdcab" data-vars-headline="Why Dems would (or wouldn&#x27;t) pick Talarico for VP in &#x27;28" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/15/how-texas-talarico-is-leveraging-social-media-in-his-bid-for-the-senate" target="_self">Talarico&#x27;s rise</a> has been — and how desperate Democrats are to win Texas&#x27; electoral votes.

Talarico leads Cornyn and Paxton in UT poll

The survey was conducted as the two Republican candidates continue to battle for the GOP nomination.

State Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="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="65bd459c-71ee-4b9a-bdf3-8ed9777233f8" data-vars-headline="Talarico leads Cornyn and Paxton in UT poll" 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">James Talarico</a> (D-Austin) leads his potential Republican opponents in the U.S. Senate race in Texas, per a new poll from the University of Texas. Why it matters: A close race in Texas would expand the battleground for Democrats in their bid to retake the Senate and put a legislative check on <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="65bd459c-71ee-4b9a-bdf3-8ed9777233f8" data-vars-headline="Talarico leads Cornyn and Paxton in UT poll" 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>.

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