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Residents say self-driving car killed duck in Mueller

The company has temporarily paused testing on roads near the lake.

News

Autonomous vehicle company <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Avride" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/12/03/uber-autonomous-vehicles-dallas-avride" data-vars-content-id="49456d43-da7e-42ce-b5fb-37c95ce33b93" data-vars-headline="Residents say self-driving car killed duck in Mueller" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/12/03/uber-autonomous-vehicles-dallas-avride" target="_self">Avride</a> is facing backlash after a resident said one of its cars struck and killed a duck near Mueller Lake Park on Tuesday.Why it matters: The incident <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reinforces concerns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/09/austin-shooting-puts-spotlight-on-waymo" data-vars-content-id="49456d43-da7e-42ce-b5fb-37c95ce33b93" data-vars-headline="Residents say self-driving car killed duck in Mueller" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/09/austin-shooting-puts-spotlight-on-waymo" target="_self">reinforces concerns</a> about whether autonomous vehicles can safely navigate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="complex, real-world environments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/02/waymo-vehicle-blocks-ems-austin-mass-shooting" data-vars-content-id="49456d43-da7e-42ce-b5fb-37c95ce33b93" data-vars-headline="Residents say self-driving car killed duck in Mueller" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/02/waymo-vehicle-blocks-ems-austin-mass-shooting" target="_self">complex, real-world environments</a> — especially as they operate in pedestrian-heavy areas with pets and wildlife.

Austin exploring mask ban for law enforcement

"No More Secret Police," says an Austin city council memo.

Targeting mask-wearing by federal immigration agents, Austin city officials are considering banning facial coverings among all law enforcement.Why it matters: Austin could soon join a host of cities and states that are prohibiting the coverings, as part of a wider clash between federal and local governments over policing, privacy and civil rights.

Texas women's hoops riding "off the chart" chemistry to Final Four

Led by Madison Booker and Rori Harmon, the Longhorns are looking to win a national championship.

The University of Texas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="women&#x27;s basketball team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/26/texas-basketball-ncaa-tournament" data-vars-content-id="5ab01d55-8c66-43d1-9ef3-0db4c0e6ea20" data-vars-headline="Texas women&#x27;s hoops riding &quot;off the chart&quot; chemistry to Final Four" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/26/texas-basketball-ncaa-tournament" target="_self">women&#x27;s basketball team</a> is playing in its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="second consecutive Final Four" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/02/12/texas-womens-basketball-madison-booker" data-vars-content-id="5ab01d55-8c66-43d1-9ef3-0db4c0e6ea20" data-vars-headline="Texas women&#x27;s hoops riding &quot;off the chart&quot; chemistry to Final Four" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/02/12/texas-womens-basketball-madison-booker" target="_self">second consecutive Final Four</a> — but this year, they&#x27;ve arrived in dominating fashion.Why it matters: After winning their four tournament games by an average of 35.5 points, the 35-3 Longhorns are two victories away from nabbing their first championship since 1986.

It's hard to track how much NIL cash student-athletes are making

An agency tracking them refuses to give breakdowns by school and sport.

Sports

Even as player sponsorship deals are remaking the college athletics landscape, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tracking the money" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/01/12/university-of-texas-releases-nil-contract" data-vars-content-id="0f0bcd74-3de2-4b80-9957-c9bc84ae6fc9" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s hard to track how much NIL cash student-athletes are making" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/01/12/university-of-texas-releases-nil-contract" target="_self">tracking the money</a> at play is increasingly challenging.Why it matters: Student-athletes are now able to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="make a buck" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/10/10/university-texas-football-nil-deals-longhorns" data-vars-content-id="0f0bcd74-3de2-4b80-9957-c9bc84ae6fc9" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s hard to track how much NIL cash student-athletes are making" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/10/10/university-texas-football-nil-deals-longhorns" target="_self">make a buck</a> — or several million — off their name, image and likeness, but knowing how much they&#x27;re making and where it comes from appears more opaque than ever.

James Talarico's Austin church beefs up security

Talarico's North Austin church has received an influx of "negative communication."

Politics & Policy

State Rep. James Talarico&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Senate campaign" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/04/talarico-crockett-democratic-primary-senate-texas" data-vars-content-id="5cfee955-c646-4421-9359-bf1a9e55fc3c" data-vars-headline="James Talarico&#x27;s Austin church beefs up security" 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">Senate campaign</a> has thrust his North Austin church into the spotlight, prompting increased security, St. Andrew&#x27;s Presbyterian Church pastor Jim Rigby told members on Facebook.Why it matters: Religion is emerging as an early flashpoint in Texas&#x27; high-profile Senate race, pitting the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin Democrat against" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/04/talarico-crockett-democratic-primary-senate-texas" data-vars-content-id="5cfee955-c646-4421-9359-bf1a9e55fc3c" data-vars-headline="James Talarico&#x27;s Austin church beefs up security" 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">Austin Democrat against</a> the winner of a GOP <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="runoff between" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/04/cornyn-paxton-runoff-texas-republican-senate-primary" data-vars-content-id="5cfee955-c646-4421-9359-bf1a9e55fc3c" data-vars-headline="James Talarico&#x27;s Austin church beefs up security" 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">runoff between</a> Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn.

Vance to headline two RNC fundraisers in Texas

The Austin event has an ask starting at $100,000 per couple.

A Republican National Committee fundraiser featuring Vice President Vance in Austin this month has a buy-in of $100,000 per couple, per an invitation to the event obtained by Axios.Why it matters: The March 23 event is hosted by GOP mega-donor and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2020/09/30/palantir-founder-joe-lonsdale" data-vars-content-id="80a84cfa-1b99-4700-9c87-84b86b41166a" data-vars-headline="Vance to headline two RNC fundraisers in Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2020/09/30/palantir-founder-joe-lonsdale" target="_self">Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale</a> and signals how crucial tech money will be to Vance in a potential 2028 presidential run.

James Talarico wins Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Texas

The state lawmaker defeated U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas.

Texas state Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Talarico" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/09/09/democrat-james-talarico-us-senate" data-vars-content-id="30e8718a-f03d-4de6-acbb-a234bf7f39bc" data-vars-headline="James Talarico wins Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/09/09/democrat-james-talarico-us-senate" target="_self">James Talarico</a> of Austin defeated U.S. Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jasmine Crockett" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/12/jasmine-crockett-house-democrats-senate-texas" data-vars-content-id="30e8718a-f03d-4de6-acbb-a234bf7f39bc" data-vars-headline="James Talarico wins Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/12/jasmine-crockett-house-democrats-senate-texas" target="_self">Jasmine Crockett</a> of Dallas for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Texas.Why it matters: Talarico&#x27;s victory sets the stage for a battle royal that promises to be among the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most expensive contests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/01/james-talarico-raises-62-million-for-texas-senate-bid" data-vars-content-id="30e8718a-f03d-4de6-acbb-a234bf7f39bc" data-vars-headline="James Talarico wins Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/01/james-talarico-raises-62-million-for-texas-senate-bid" target="_self">most expensive contests</a> of the year, as Democrats hope President Trump&#x27;s unpopularity translates to red-state victories.

Cornyn and Talarico lead in Senate fundraising battle

Cornyn far oustrips Paxton in U.S. Senate race for GOP nomination.

Politics

U.S. Sen. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="John Cornyn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/15/cornyn-poll-texas-senate-primary-ken-paxton" data-vars-content-id="8e4b8018-4dcc-4469-8cc3-5a805249ab92" data-vars-headline="Cornyn and Talarico lead in Senate fundraising battle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/15/cornyn-poll-texas-senate-primary-ken-paxton" target="_self">John Cornyn</a> (R-Texas) and state Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Talarico" 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="8e4b8018-4dcc-4469-8cc3-5a805249ab92" data-vars-headline="Cornyn and Talarico lead in Senate fundraising battle" 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">James Talarico</a> (D-Austin) finished 2025 with far more cash on hand than their party rivals in the race for U.S. Senate in Texas, per campaign finance reports filed over the weekend.Why it matters: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stunning upset" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/02/01/taylor-rehmet-leigh-wambsganss-texas-senate" data-vars-content-id="8e4b8018-4dcc-4469-8cc3-5a805249ab92" data-vars-headline="Cornyn and Talarico lead in Senate fundraising battle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/02/01/taylor-rehmet-leigh-wambsganss-texas-senate" target="_self">stunning upset</a> by Democrat Taylor Rehmet in a special Texas Senate election in a deep-red Tarrant County district on Saturday could attract more national money to the U.S. Senate race as Democrats seek to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="win back the Senate majority" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/14/schumer-senate-trump-2026-midterms-supreme-court" data-vars-content-id="8e4b8018-4dcc-4469-8cc3-5a805249ab92" data-vars-headline="Cornyn and Talarico lead in Senate fundraising battle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/14/schumer-senate-trump-2026-midterms-supreme-court" target="_self">win back the Senate majority</a>.

Inside ICE's enforcement strategy in Central Texas

The biggest raids in Texas have taken place in Houston.

As fears ripple through <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigrant communities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/14/immigrants-workers-fear-ice-economy" data-vars-content-id="d2955595-881b-41f1-8eaa-6eb41449f493" data-vars-headline="Inside ICE&#x27;s enforcement strategy in Central Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/14/immigrants-workers-fear-ice-economy" target="_self">immigrant communities</a>, ICE enforcement in Central Texas is playing out largely behind the scenes — with people transferred from local jails to federal custody after minor arrests.Why it matters: About 1 in 4 ICE arrests nationwide are happening in Texas, per an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis from the Texas Tribune" data-vars-click-url="https://www.texastribune.org/2025/11/03/texas-trump-immigration-crackdown-ice-arrests-deportation/" data-vars-content-id="d2955595-881b-41f1-8eaa-6eb41449f493" data-vars-headline="Inside ICE&#x27;s enforcement strategy in Central Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.texastribune.org/2025/11/03/texas-trump-immigration-crackdown-ice-arrests-deportation/" target="_blank">analysis from the Texas Tribune</a>, yet the state isn&#x27;t seeing the major sweeps that Democrat-led cities like Minneapolis, Los Angeles, New York or Chicago have.

Democrats raise big cash for Austin-area Texas House seats

Money is key to buying name identification in a crowded field.

Several Democrats have emerged as leading fundraisers in the March 3 races to fill three <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/signup/austin" data-vars-content-id="45e93ad6-9dce-445d-8886-3c2c1d1fd031" data-vars-headline="Democrats raise big cash for Austin-area Texas House seats" 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 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="open state House seats" 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="45e93ad6-9dce-445d-8886-3c2c1d1fd031" data-vars-headline="Democrats raise big cash for Austin-area Texas House seats" 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">open state House seats</a>.Why it matters: The seats are safe bets for Democrats, but first they must win in crowded primaries.

Austin stories to watch in 2026

From major highway construction to high-stakes elections and school closures, there's plenty happening in 2026.

2026 is already filled with storylines that will reshape Austin — from who leads us, to how we travel, learn and live.What&#x27;s happening: From a reinvented convention center to high-stakes elections and school closures, here are the stories we&#x27;ll be watching in 2026.

Who's running in Texas' most intriguing statewide primaries

These are shaping up as the most action-packed primaries in Texas

Now that the candidate filing deadline has passed, it&#x27;s a race to March 3, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="primary election day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/26/senate-gop-super-pac-spending-ad-2026-midterm-election" data-vars-content-id="e708601c-d1e7-42ef-8eca-764ab32031a3" data-vars-headline="Who&#x27;s running in Texas&#x27; most intriguing statewide primaries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/26/senate-gop-super-pac-spending-ad-2026-midterm-election" target="_self">primary election day</a>.Why it matters: Primary politics can be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nasty intraparty fights" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/10/16/paxton-cornyn-senate-race-in-a-dead-heat" data-vars-content-id="e708601c-d1e7-42ef-8eca-764ab32031a3" data-vars-headline="Who&#x27;s running in Texas&#x27; most intriguing statewide primaries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/10/16/paxton-cornyn-senate-race-in-a-dead-heat" target="_self">nasty intraparty fights</a> that expose tensions within the Republican and Democratic parties.

The Texas GOP's Latino momentum is in peril

A shift among Texas Latinos could upend the GOP's best-laid redistricting plans.

Nearly a year into President Trump&#x27;s second term, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a slowing economy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/10/20/texas-workforce-growth-post-pandemic" data-vars-content-id="555f99b9-4c9e-4e9a-b801-7498c832c8e6" data-vars-headline="The Texas GOP&#x27;s Latino momentum is in peril" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/10/20/texas-workforce-growth-post-pandemic" target="_self">a slowing economy</a>, the specter of immigration raids by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="masked federal agents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/18/california-trump-ice-id-mask-lawsuit-administration-agents" data-vars-content-id="555f99b9-4c9e-4e9a-b801-7498c832c8e6" data-vars-headline="The Texas GOP&#x27;s Latino momentum is in peril" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/18/california-trump-ice-id-mask-lawsuit-administration-agents" target="_self">masked federal agents</a> and the continued <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rise in prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/04/trump-grocery-prices-rise-americans-poll" data-vars-content-id="555f99b9-4c9e-4e9a-b801-7498c832c8e6" data-vars-headline="The Texas GOP&#x27;s Latino momentum is in peril" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/04/trump-grocery-prices-rise-americans-poll" target="_self">rise in prices</a> is jeopardizing inroads the GOP has made with Texas Latinos, political science experts tell Axios.Why it matters: The Texas Latino vote might be shifting back toward Democrats in ways that could upend the GOP&#x27;s best-laid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plans to redraw the state&#x27;s congressional districts to the party&#x27;s advantage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/11/22/supreme-court-texas-congressional-map-redistricting" data-vars-content-id="555f99b9-4c9e-4e9a-b801-7498c832c8e6" data-vars-headline="The Texas GOP&#x27;s Latino momentum is in peril" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/11/22/supreme-court-texas-congressional-map-redistricting" target="_self">plans to redraw the state&#x27;s congressional districts to the party&#x27;s advantage</a>.

The fate of Texas renewables is in jeopardy

The Trump administration is eliminating key tax credits.

Texas&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="renewable energy industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/06/solar-power-generation-texas" data-vars-content-id="d24a2da4-c933-4d5e-a65d-f51f8931e324" data-vars-headline="The fate of Texas renewables is in jeopardy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/06/solar-power-generation-texas" target="_self">renewable energy industry</a> is bracing for a hit in the new year as the Trump administration is ending key tax credits.Why it matters: Wind and solar power are relatively speedy ways to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="add electricity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/08/04/wind-farm-upgrades-ai-energy-demand" data-vars-content-id="d24a2da4-c933-4d5e-a65d-f51f8931e324" data-vars-headline="The fate of Texas renewables is in jeopardy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/08/04/wind-farm-upgrades-ai-energy-demand" target="_self">add electricity</a> to the grid as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="demand rises" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/06/27/texas-energy-demand-record-data-center-ercot" data-vars-content-id="d24a2da4-c933-4d5e-a65d-f51f8931e324" data-vars-headline="The fate of Texas renewables is in jeopardy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/06/27/texas-energy-demand-record-data-center-ercot" target="_self">demand rises</a> — and they helped stave off power shortages in Texas during the summer.

Axios San Antonio

Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy

San Antonio

Axios Dallas

Latino turnout surges in Dem primary in Texas, testing GOP gains

A grouped bar chart showing Texas primary election voter turnout for Democrats and Republicans from 2022 to 2026. For Democrats, statewide turnout increased from 6.3% in 2022 to 11.9% in 2026, with majority-Latino county turnout rising from 9.0% to 13.1%. Republicans showed a slight decrease from 11.4 in 2022 to 12.9 in 2024 to 11.1% in 2026, with majority-Latino counties going from 7.2% in 2022 to 7.3% in 2026.

Politics 🇺🇸

James Talarico's Austin church beefs up security

Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy

Vance to headline two RNC fundraisers in Texas

Latino turnout surges in Dem primary in Texas, testing GOP gains

James Talarico wins Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Texas