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National

Trump to make midterm closing argument at Lincoln Reflecting Pool

Politics & Policy

DOJ's Alaska ballot-confusion suit dismissed by judge

Texans surge to polls during early voting

News

Unions split over data centers, AI

Business

Data centers fuel $173 million midterm ad war

Statewide, in-person early voting turnout was 37.6% of registered voters.

In-person <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="early voting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/10/26/early-voting-turnout-texas-midterm-election" data-vars-content-id="7b863834-69e9-4739-ac06-2ef86b2ca82b" data-vars-headline="Texans surge to polls during early voting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/10/26/early-voting-turnout-texas-midterm-election" target="_self">early voting</a> turnout surpassed 2018 levels in four of Texas&#x27; five largest counties ahead of Tuesday&#x27;s closely watched election.Why it matters: The figures don&#x27;t indicate which candidates are benefiting, but suggest voter enthusiasm is rivaling or surpassing that seen during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2018 Senate race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2018/11/07/midterm-elections-results-texas-senate-cruz" data-vars-content-id="7b863834-69e9-4739-ac06-2ef86b2ca82b" data-vars-headline="Texans surge to polls during early voting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2018/11/07/midterm-elections-results-texas-senate-cruz" target="_self">2018 Senate race</a>, when Republican Ted Cruz narrowly defeated Democrat Beto O&#x27;Rourke.

Abbott changes policies as political winds shift

Greg Abbott's policy reversals come as polling shows a close race with Democrat Gina Hinojosa.

Gov. Greg Abbott has reversed course on key policy issues during his reelection campaign, as his critics have accused him of putting corporate interests above Texans.Why it matters: Facing an unexpectedly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tough challenge from Democrat Gina Hinojosa" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/10/15/gina-hinojosa-texas-governor-abbott" data-vars-content-id="3a815b65-c637-4653-8657-54d6282bde66" data-vars-headline="Abbott changes policies as political winds shift" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/10/15/gina-hinojosa-texas-governor-abbott" target="_self">tough challenge from Democrat Gina Hinojosa</a>, Abbott has changed his tune <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/greg-abbott-texas-data-centers-ai-backlash" data-vars-content-id="3a815b65-c637-4653-8657-54d6282bde66" data-vars-headline="Abbott changes policies as political winds shift" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/greg-abbott-texas-data-centers-ai-backlash" target="_self">on data centers</a>, Flock cameras and the border wall.

UT's approach to AI in the classroom

UT Austin is taking an AI-forward approach to teaching while steering clear of AI-detection tools.

The University of Texas is embracing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="artificial intelligence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/08/31/schools-adopting-ai-pros-cons-canvas-claude" data-vars-content-id="7da0d4fa-3f06-48cc-9efc-d59bc10dd71a" data-vars-headline="UT&#x27;s approach to AI in the classroom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/08/31/schools-adopting-ai-pros-cons-canvas-claude" target="_self">artificial intelligence</a> in the classroom while steering away from tools designed to catch students using it.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Banning AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/07/ai-schools-backlash-bans-new-york-los-angeles" data-vars-content-id="7da0d4fa-3f06-48cc-9efc-d59bc10dd71a" data-vars-headline="UT&#x27;s approach to AI in the classroom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/07/ai-schools-backlash-bans-new-york-los-angeles" target="_self">Banning AI</a> won&#x27;t stop students from using it, experts say, but there are ways it can assist learning and track progress.

Scoop: GOP candidate with Musk ties scrubs AI from campaign site

The Chris Gober campaign site has deleted a section titled "Ensuring America's AI Dominance."

A Republican congressional candidate with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ties to Elon Musk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/08/20/elon-musk-pac-lawyer-eyes-texas-congressional-seat" data-vars-content-id="9da9d75c-cfa9-422d-8043-8e170b6086a1" data-vars-headline="Scoop: GOP candidate with Musk ties scrubs AI from campaign site" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/08/20/elon-musk-pac-lawyer-eyes-texas-congressional-seat" target="_self">ties to Elon Musk</a> running for an open Texas seat has scrubbed from his campaign website a section that promoted AI. Why it matters: Republican <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chris Gober" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/04/musks-1-million-sweepstakes-not-lottery-court" data-vars-content-id="9da9d75c-cfa9-422d-8043-8e170b6086a1" data-vars-headline="Scoop: GOP candidate with Musk ties scrubs AI from campaign site" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/04/musks-1-million-sweepstakes-not-lottery-court" target="_self">Chris Gober</a> is running in a GOP-friendly district that stretches from west of Austin to near Houston, but data centers and Musk — who is not mentioned on the campaign site — have become radioactive for many voters.

Home concierge startup launches in Austin

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

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

Airbnb invests $6.4M in Austin affordable housing

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

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

F1, ACL and football fuel Austin's October tourism boom

October is lucrative for hotels, which are nearly sold out ahead of Formula One race weekend.

October is Austin&#x27;s biggest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tourism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/08/03/world-cup-tourism-austin" data-vars-content-id="21581759-f478-402b-bcd8-100360028765" data-vars-headline="F1, ACL and football fuel Austin&#x27;s October tourism boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/08/03/world-cup-tourism-austin" target="_self">tourism</a> month, and a packed calendar of major events could push it to new highs this year.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Formula One" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/21/axios-live-formula-one-drives-sustainability-culture-austin" data-vars-content-id="21581759-f478-402b-bcd8-100360028765" data-vars-headline="F1, ACL and football fuel Austin&#x27;s October tourism boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/21/axios-live-formula-one-drives-sustainability-culture-austin" target="_self">Formula One</a>, a University of Texas football game and NBA basketball will converge this weekend, capping a packed month of major events that included two weekends of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin City Limits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/05/acl-fest-charli-xcx-lorde-kings-of-leon" data-vars-content-id="21581759-f478-402b-bcd8-100360028765" data-vars-headline="F1, ACL and football fuel Austin&#x27;s October tourism boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/05/acl-fest-charli-xcx-lorde-kings-of-leon" target="_self">Austin City Limits</a> Music Festival.

What lies ahead for Elizabeth Holmes after explosive doc

Holmes was sentenced to prison in 2022 and reported there the following year.

Former Theranos CEO <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Elizabeth Holmes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/18/elizabeth-holmes-fraud-trial-prison-sentence" data-vars-content-id="ddfa110a-1824-47a6-a43c-311138c4a2ef" data-vars-headline="What lies ahead for Elizabeth Holmes after explosive doc" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/18/elizabeth-holmes-fraud-trial-prison-sentence" target="_self">Elizabeth Holmes</a> is scheduled to move from federal prison to a Texas halfway house in August 2027, years before her expected release.Why it matters: The move would give Holmes more freedom as she serves her sentence for her role in a fraud scheme that cost investors hundreds of millions of dollars at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Theranos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2017/12/15/exclusive-theranos-2006-pitch-deck-1513299967" data-vars-content-id="ddfa110a-1824-47a6-a43c-311138c4a2ef" data-vars-headline="What lies ahead for Elizabeth Holmes after explosive doc" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2017/12/15/exclusive-theranos-2006-pitch-deck-1513299967" target="_self">Theranos</a>, her failed blood-testing startup.

New Sumo league to hold inaugural event in Austin

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

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

Longhorns get ready to hit the gridiron

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

Sports

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

Where doulas are covered by Medicaid

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

Wellness Brief

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

Doulas go mainstream

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

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

San Antonio

What it would take for Gina Hinojosa to win the Texas governor's race

Two political scientists break down Hinojosa's path to victory.

Politics

Democrat Gina Hinojosa faces an uphill battle to unseat <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov. Greg Abbott" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/10/28/greg-abbott-gina-hinojosa-texas-data-centers" data-vars-content-id="a7bb4200-9f9f-43a8-b1ed-f679dbe13396" data-vars-headline="What it would take for Gina Hinojosa to win the Texas governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/10/28/greg-abbott-gina-hinojosa-texas-data-centers" target="_self">Gov. Greg Abbott</a>, but political experts say economic pressures and a shifting political climate could create an opportunity.Why it matters: The race will test whether frustration with Republican leadership is enough to shift voting patterns in a state where Democrats have struggled in statewide elections for decades.

Scoop: Dems privately name Texas as most-flippable red state

Democrats are increasingly confident about Election Day — and sharing their qualified optimism with their biggest donors.

Democrats&#x27; main Senate super PAC is privately telling top donors that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/09/29/texas-senate-election-beto-cruz-talarico-paxton" data-vars-content-id="bb799843-6c87-4b9e-97f8-7a177ad68d71" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Dems privately name Texas as most-flippable red state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/09/29/texas-senate-election-beto-cruz-talarico-paxton" target="_self">Texas</a> offers their best shot at flipping a deep-red Senate seat, followed by Ohio, where the race remains close.<ul><li>Senate Majority PAC also sees victories in Iowa and Alaska as within reach, though the outcomes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="could take longer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/27/senate-majority-democrats-republicans-schumer-thune" data-vars-content-id="bb799843-6c87-4b9e-97f8-7a177ad68d71" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Dems privately name Texas as most-flippable red state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/27/senate-majority-democrats-republicans-schumer-thune" target="_self">could take longer</a> to become clear.</li></ul>Why it matters: Democrats are increasingly confident about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/election-results-voting" data-vars-content-id="bb799843-6c87-4b9e-97f8-7a177ad68d71" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Dems privately name Texas as most-flippable red state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/election-results-voting" target="_self">Election</a> Day on Tuesday — and sharing their qualified optimism with their biggest donors.

Austin illustrator embraces being "too much" in new children's book

She will appear at BookPeople on Sunday at 4pm.

Things to Do

We caught up this week with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Angela Pan Wong" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/angelapanwong/" data-vars-content-id="1dc89fe6-3c90-49c2-8904-16d6dbc8be9a" data-vars-headline="Austin illustrator embraces being &quot;too much&quot; in new children&#x27;s book" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/angelapanwong/" target="_blank">Angela Pan Wong</a>, an artist and illustrator based in Austin.<ul><li>A Taiwanese American, she has a BFA in design from the University of Texas and an MA in learning, design and technology from Stanford. </li></ul>

What to know about early voting turnout in Texas so far

Turnout in 2018 was generally higher than in 2026 — so far.

In-person early voting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="turnout" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/20/midterms-early-voting-states-data" data-vars-content-id="2c7e7f8b-fc17-45d3-87ca-66bc5551dddb" data-vars-headline="What to know about early voting turnout in Texas so far" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/20/midterms-early-voting-states-data" target="_self">turnout</a> in several large Texas counties is surpassing turnout during the first week of voting in 2018, when the state last saw a high-profile Senate race.Why it matters: It&#x27;s hard to draw hints from early voting as to which way the election will tilt.

Report: Austin traffic calming techniques reduce speeding

Speeding is a leading cause of severe traffic crashes in Austin.

City of Austin efforts to lower speed limits and install traffic calming treatments are reducing speeding and crashes, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per a new city report" data-vars-click-url="https://publicinput.com/Project/AccessCode?id=VxEbp0OF%2fICctqwiiIpIUg%3d%3d" data-vars-content-id="7882201c-8475-4ca5-8948-d1c3945f8be8" data-vars-headline="Report: Austin traffic calming techniques reduce speeding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://publicinput.com/Project/AccessCode?id=VxEbp0OF%2fICctqwiiIpIUg%3d%3d" target="_blank">per a new city report</a>.Why it matters: Speeding is a leading cause of severe traffic crashes in Austin.

Flu season gets an early start in Texas

Doctors nationwide urge Americans to get their flu shots now.

The flu is getting an earlier start in Texas and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationwide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/09/flu-cases-rise-shot" data-vars-content-id="06e2be69-c1cb-4109-811b-bc24680eda7e" data-vars-headline="Flu season gets an early start in Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/09/flu-cases-rise-shot" target="_self">nationwide</a> this year.Why it matters: Health experts say it&#x27;s time to get your flu shot if you haven&#x27;t already.

Take the Axios Austin news quiz!

Test your knowledge of this week's Austin-related news.

<div><iframe name="opinionstage-widget" alt="Opinion Stage Embed" src="https://www.opinionstage.com/api/v2/widgets/ae260ff2-4b6c-4004-b70b-48cf777fee49/iframe" data-opinionstage-iframe="ae260ff2-4b6c-4004-b70b-48cf777fee49" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="embed-poll" data-vars-asset-id="ae260ff2-4b6c-4004-b70b-48cf777fee49" data-vars-content-id="fd21dcea-255a-4980-ba42-b9634b71dba5" width="100%" height="800" allow="fullscreen" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" class="gtmView" referrerPolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><div style="display:none"></div></div>It&#x27;s trivia time! See how well you absorbed this week&#x27;s news with our quiz.

Inside Austin's buzziest new Tex Mex spot

The restaurant opened last month on the grounds of the former Oak Hill elementary school.

Food and Drink

👋 Nicole here. I somehow scored a reservation to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Escuela" data-vars-click-url="https://escuelafarm.com/" data-vars-content-id="48b0102b-9f26-4b47-835e-4a04ff1eb8d4" data-vars-headline="Inside Austin&#x27;s buzziest new Tex Mex spot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://escuelafarm.com/" target="_blank">Escuela</a> before Oak Hill&#x27;s newest farm-to-table Tex Mex spot blew up on social media.<ul><li>I now understand what all the fuss is about.</li></ul>

Austin musicians to get $5 downtown parking

Trying to battle the affordability crisis, a parking company gives Austin musicians a break.

Austin musicians can soon get $5 parking for gigs at some Austin venues in or near downtown.Why it matters: As musicians <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="move toward the suburbs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/03/30/rising-rents-forcing-out-austin-musicians" data-vars-content-id="dfb0df5d-4583-48dc-9408-354f20c9d64f" data-vars-headline="Austin musicians to get $5 downtown parking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/03/30/rising-rents-forcing-out-austin-musicians" target="_self">move toward the suburbs</a>, part of a broader affordability exodus from central Austin, expensive parking has been a deterrent to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="playing Red River" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/09/14/red-river-cultural-district-venue-closures-austin" data-vars-content-id="dfb0df5d-4583-48dc-9408-354f20c9d64f" data-vars-headline="Austin musicians to get $5 downtown parking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/09/14/red-river-cultural-district-venue-closures-austin" target="_self">playing Red River</a> and other downtown spots.

Have you been paying attention to Austin news?

<div><iframe name="opinionstage-widget" alt="Opinion Stage Embed" src="https://www.opinionstage.com/api/v2/widgets/5e4b960e-1bbd-4054-9170-47f7a020f400/iframe" data-opinionstage-iframe="5e4b960e-1bbd-4054-9170-47f7a020f400" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="embed-poll" data-vars-asset-id="5e4b960e-1bbd-4054-9170-47f7a020f400" data-vars-content-id="8656d32e-1bbe-4e32-8f25-7fa8cf5a72bb" width="100%" height="800" allow="fullscreen" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" class="gtmView" referrerPolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><div style="display:none"></div></div>It&#x27;s trivia time! See how well you absorbed this week&#x27;s news with our quiz.

Show about grief gets its Austin PBS premiere Tuesday

An Austin-based filmmaker turns her lens to a universal human experience.

A tragicomic docuseries about grief, co-created by Austin filmmaker Meghan Ross, premieres Tuesday on Austin PBS. Why it matters: The series, &quot;How We Grieve,&quot; is about how people process grief — and the anxieties we all share about our impending doom.

Austin artists to see during weekend two of ACL

Big names are on deck for weekend two, but the music festival is also a chance to see homegrown talent.

Big names like Lorde, Kings of Leon and Charli XCX are on deck for weekend two of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin City Limits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/10/04/acl-fest-zilker-mud-austin" data-vars-content-id="08e3898f-aeec-4174-bf35-abf014ae5643" data-vars-headline="Austin artists to see during weekend two of ACL" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/10/04/acl-fest-zilker-mud-austin" target="_self">Austin City Limits</a>, but the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="music festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aclfestival.com/lineup" data-vars-content-id="08e3898f-aeec-4174-bf35-abf014ae5643" data-vars-headline="Austin artists to see during weekend two of ACL" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aclfestival.com/lineup" target="_blank">music festival</a> is also a chance to see homegrown talent.Here are the local artists we&#x27;re watching this weekend.

Five questions with Kerbey Lane's Mason Ayer

Kerbey Lane's new Queso for Classrooms initiative supports Austin ISD students' school lunch debt.

Kerbey Lane Cafe is turning its beloved queso into a way to help pay off local students&#x27; school lunch debt.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kerbey Lane&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kerbeylanecafe.com/" data-vars-content-id="31bf8336-4562-4fa4-9e77-9e5f627fd790" data-vars-headline="Five questions with Kerbey Lane&#x27;s Mason Ayer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kerbeylanecafe.com/" target="_blank">Kerbey Lane&#x27;s</a> new Queso for Classrooms initiative directs a portion of queso sales at all 10 locations toward paying off Austin ISD students&#x27; outstanding school meal balances.

Two Austin restaurants earn new Michelin stars

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

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

Desert Island Dish with Jess Pryles

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

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

Desert Island Dish with Rachel Salim

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

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

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Austin

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

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

Where to celebrate Oktoberfest in Austin

Breweries, parties and more in Austin and beyond.

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

Austin City Council race draws YIMBY movement into focus

The District 9 race has shaped up as a question of development and density.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="A City Council race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/10/19/austin-election-midterm-city-council" data-vars-content-id="b67873de-83cf-4c35-9e63-e10826df8384" data-vars-headline="Austin City Council race draws YIMBY movement into focus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/10/19/austin-election-midterm-city-council" target="_self">A City Council race</a> in Austin&#x27;s urban core could have important implications for the direction of city housing policy.Why it matters: The question animating the race is one that has concerned many American cities — how to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increase density" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/07/20/austin-city-council-housing-density" data-vars-content-id="b67873de-83cf-4c35-9e63-e10826df8384" data-vars-headline="Austin City Council race draws YIMBY movement into focus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/07/20/austin-city-council-housing-density" target="_self">increase density</a> while preserving a city&#x27;s character.

What Axios Texas readers are feeling about the election

As early voting kicks off, we asked Axios Texas readers how they're feeling.

We asked for your emotions about the election and safe to say, you have some big feelings.Driving the news: Early voting started Monday and runs through Oct. 30. Election Day is Nov. 3.

2026 Texas voter guide

Voters will decide races for U.S. senator, governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general.

Election Day is Nov. 3, and in-person early <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/03/03/democratic-early-voting-turnout-texas" data-vars-content-id="03737b6a-d89c-4b88-87cb-fdb517e6e0bd" data-vars-headline="2026 Texas voter guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/03/03/democratic-early-voting-turnout-texas" target="_self">voting</a> in Texas kicks off Monday.Why it matters: Texans have a chance to weigh in on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rare competitive statewide races" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/13/2028-map-swing-states-democrats-red-conservatives" data-vars-content-id="03737b6a-d89c-4b88-87cb-fdb517e6e0bd" data-vars-headline="2026 Texas voter guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/13/2028-map-swing-states-democrats-red-conservatives" target="_self">rare competitive statewide races</a> — at least according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent polls" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/10/14/texas-poll-talarico-paxton-senate" data-vars-content-id="03737b6a-d89c-4b88-87cb-fdb517e6e0bd" data-vars-headline="2026 Texas voter guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/10/14/texas-poll-talarico-paxton-senate" target="_self">recent polls</a>.

Austin 2026 voter guide for local elections

Five City Council seats are up for grabs.

Voters in Austin can put their stamp on a series of local races on the ballot.Why it matters: The City Council determines the city budget, sets the city&#x27;s property tax rate and oversees city operations.

Take our Axios poll on the Texas midterms

Tell us how you're feeling as early voting begins in Texas.

<div><iframe name="opinionstage-widget" alt="Opinion Stage Embed" src="https://www.opinionstage.com/api/v2/widgets/a5fab524-a571-4285-8672-d13b8cea32db/iframe" data-opinionstage-iframe="a5fab524-a571-4285-8672-d13b8cea32db" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="embed-poll" data-vars-asset-id="a5fab524-a571-4285-8672-d13b8cea32db" data-vars-content-id="5b40060f-2de0-40c0-b817-0e5c1a45ca2f" width="100%" height="800" allow="fullscreen" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" class="gtmView" referrerPolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><div style="display:none"></div></div>The Texas midterms kick off Monday and we want to know how voters in the state are feeling.Why it matters: Competitive races in Texas are helping <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="put the U.S. Senate in play" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/10/15/talarico-fundraising-record-third-quarter-election" data-vars-content-id="5b40060f-2de0-40c0-b817-0e5c1a45ca2f" data-vars-headline="Take our Axios poll on the Texas midterms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/10/15/talarico-fundraising-record-third-quarter-election" target="_self">put the U.S. Senate in play</a> and could mean <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a changing of the guard" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/10/15/gina-hinojosa-texas-governor-abbott" data-vars-content-id="5b40060f-2de0-40c0-b817-0e5c1a45ca2f" data-vars-headline="Take our Axios poll on the Texas midterms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/10/15/gina-hinojosa-texas-governor-abbott" target="_self">a changing of the guard</a> at the governor&#x27;s mansion.

Talarico raises $64 million in third quarter

The Democrat has raised more than $134 million since his campaign's launch last year.

James Talarico, the Democratic Texas state representative from Austin, hauled in $64 million in the third quarter in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="his U.S. Senate bid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/10/14/texas-poll-talarico-paxton-senate" data-vars-content-id="e71f800b-110f-460b-92c3-c73b868e7ab3" data-vars-headline="Talarico raises $64 million in third quarter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/10/14/texas-poll-talarico-paxton-senate" target="_self">his U.S. Senate bid</a>, his campaign announced Thursday.

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