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Trump tells Axios he's approaching major crossroads in Iran war

The U.S. has settled into a familiar pattern in the war that some officials say is not sustainable.

World

President Trump told Axios Thursday that he&#x27;s approaching a critical juncture in the Iran war over whether to restart massive attacks in an effort to bring the conflict to a close.<ul><li>&quot;I have a big decision coming up. Do I want to go in and annihilate them [the Iranian regime] or do I not? It&#x27;s a big decision. Anything could happen with me.&quot; </li></ul>Why it matters: Though Trump has made <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="similar threats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/23/trump-axios-iran-interview" data-vars-content-id="ac4e0071-0edf-4005-b996-51a79613f8cc" data-vars-headline="Trump tells Axios he&#x27;s approaching major crossroads in Iran war" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/23/trump-axios-iran-interview" target="_self">similar threats</a> before, his comments come ahead of a planned<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" meeting Tuesday with leaders from six Gulf countries" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/16/trump-iran-talks-gulf-leaders-un" data-vars-content-id="ac4e0071-0edf-4005-b996-51a79613f8cc" data-vars-headline="Trump tells Axios he&#x27;s approaching major crossroads in Iran war" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/16/trump-iran-talks-gulf-leaders-un" target="_self"> meeting Tuesday with leaders from six Gulf countries</a> on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Hasan Piker on "The Axios Show": America worse than al-Qaeda "pound for pound"

The Twitch streamer is central to GOP attacks on Democrat Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan Senate race.

Politics & Policy

LOS ANGELES — Left-wing streamer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hasan Piker" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/31/el-sayed-rogers-piker-jewish-antisemitism" data-vars-content-id="b2fa7d87-8abf-47a2-a8ad-319698a1654e" data-vars-headline="Hasan Piker on &quot;The Axios Show&quot;: America worse than al-Qaeda &quot;pound for pound&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/31/el-sayed-rogers-piker-jewish-antisemitism" target="_self">Hasan Piker</a> tells Axios he believes America conducts more terrorism in the world than al-Qaeda, the terror network that carried out the 9/11 attacks.<ul><li>&quot;Pound for pound as far as the number of deaths, yes,&quot; Piker said in an exclusive interview for a new episode of &quot;The Axios Show.&quot; Piker added: &quot;We have caused tremendous terror all around the world.&quot;</li></ul>Why it matters: Piker is one of the most popular streamers on Twitch, and his history of incendiary statements has become central to Republicans&#x27; attacks in the critical Senate race in Michigan since Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed had Piker campaign for him in the primary.

Kennedy Center demolition requires 30-day notice, judge rules

The Center can continue emergency repairs, but demolition requires advance notice to the court.

Trump officials must give 30 days&#x27; written notice before making any changes to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Kennedy Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/15/kennedy-center-could-close-today-this-trump-ally-has-big-ideas" data-vars-content-id="b5e4a1d0-e733-405c-9b20-4a438ed5ee06" data-vars-headline="Kennedy Center demolition requires 30-day notice, judge rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/15/kennedy-center-could-close-today-this-trump-ally-has-big-ideas" target="_self">the Kennedy Center</a> &quot;including but not limited to any &#x27;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="demolition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/17/kennedy-center-fencing-demolition" data-vars-content-id="b5e4a1d0-e733-405c-9b20-4a438ed5ee06" data-vars-headline="Kennedy Center demolition requires 30-day notice, judge rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/17/kennedy-center-fencing-demolition" target="_self">demolition</a>&#x27;&quot; of the main building, a federal judge ruled Thursday.Why it matters: The ruling reinforces an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="earlier injunction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/29/trump-kennedy-center-name-removed-closure?utm_source" data-vars-content-id="b5e4a1d0-e733-405c-9b20-4a438ed5ee06" data-vars-headline="Kennedy Center demolition requires 30-day notice, judge rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/29/trump-kennedy-center-name-removed-closure?utm_source" target="_self">earlier injunction</a> blocking the Kennedy Center from closing for its planned renovation, after President Trump and administration officials <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="raised" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/Acyn/status/2100354290858750212" data-vars-content-id="b5e4a1d0-e733-405c-9b20-4a438ed5ee06" data-vars-headline="Kennedy Center demolition requires 30-day notice, judge rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/Acyn/status/2100354290858750212" target="_blank">raised</a> the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="possibility " data-vars-click-url="https://www.npr.org/2026/08/27/nx-s1-5945238/emergency-hearing-kennedy-center-demolish-threat" data-vars-content-id="b5e4a1d0-e733-405c-9b20-4a438ed5ee06" data-vars-headline="Kennedy Center demolition requires 30-day notice, judge rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npr.org/2026/08/27/nx-s1-5945238/emergency-hearing-kennedy-center-demolish-threat" target="_blank">possibility </a>of demolishing the building.

UN report: U.S. may have committed war crimes in Iran

A school strike killed more than 120 children.

The U.S. may have committed war crimes in two airstrikes in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iran" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" data-vars-content-id="6104ad10-d2cc-414a-a7aa-e25b8aaa3a7b" data-vars-headline="UN report: U.S. may have committed war crimes in Iran" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" target="_self">Iran</a>, including a mass-casualty strike on a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="school" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/05/world/middleeast/iran-school-us-strikes-naval-base.html" data-vars-content-id="6104ad10-d2cc-414a-a7aa-e25b8aaa3a7b" data-vars-headline="UN report: U.S. may have committed war crimes in Iran" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/05/world/middleeast/iran-school-us-strikes-naval-base.html" target="_blank">school</a> for which Washington has yet to claim responsibility, a UN fact-finding mission said in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session63/advance-versions/a-hrc-63-61-auv-ffmi.pdf" data-vars-content-id="6104ad10-d2cc-414a-a7aa-e25b8aaa3a7b" data-vars-headline="UN report: U.S. may have committed war crimes in Iran" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session63/advance-versions/a-hrc-63-61-auv-ffmi.pdf" target="_blank">report</a> released Thursday. The big picture: The administration has waged a campaign of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="aggressive, norm-busting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/trump-iran-war-crimes-desalination-water" data-vars-content-id="6104ad10-d2cc-414a-a7aa-e25b8aaa3a7b" data-vars-headline="UN report: U.S. may have committed war crimes in Iran" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/trump-iran-war-crimes-desalination-water" target="_self">aggressive, norm-busting</a> war-fighting, with the president repeatedly threatening to hit civilian infrastructure in his pressure campaign on Tehran.

Sen. Chris Murphy introduces ICE bills to put GOP on defense

Murphy will introduce three bills Thursday afternoon to prevent ICE arrests near children.

An ICE arrest near a Connecticut school bus stop is spurring Sen. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chris Murphy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/ice-restrictions-shooting-chris-murphy-senate" data-vars-content-id="c590f1ca-9a08-46b6-909e-e7a5bae74f8b" data-vars-headline="Sen. Chris Murphy introduces ICE bills to put GOP on defense" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/ice-restrictions-shooting-chris-murphy-senate" target="_self">Chris Murphy</a> (D-Conn.) to introduce three bills restricting immigration enforcement near children, Axios has learned.Why it matters: Promises of an immigration crackdown were key to Republican victories in 2024. Voters have soured on the Trump administration&#x27;s aggressive, and<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" at times deadly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/trump-alex-pretti-shooting-americans-investigation" data-vars-content-id="c590f1ca-9a08-46b6-909e-e7a5bae74f8b" data-vars-headline="Sen. Chris Murphy introduces ICE bills to put GOP on defense" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/trump-alex-pretti-shooting-americans-investigation" target="_self"> at times deadly</a>, enforcement tactics, giving Democrats an opening to go on offense.

What it's like to ride a Cybercab in Austin

A Tesla Cybertaxi took us very close to our destination in Austin.

News

I hopped into the future on Tuesday, taking one of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tesla&#x27;s new Cybercabs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/04/tesla-cybercab-launch-austin" data-vars-content-id="a82331cb-7083-4f89-9259-a30a4b50f1b8" data-vars-headline="What it&#x27;s like to ride a Cybercab in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/04/tesla-cybercab-launch-austin" target="_self">Tesla&#x27;s new Cybercabs</a> from my home near the University of Texas campus to Sandy&#x27;s, an old-fashioned hamburger spot across town. Why it matters: With two companies — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waymo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/04/28/waymo-austin-future-freeway" data-vars-content-id="a82331cb-7083-4f89-9259-a30a4b50f1b8" data-vars-headline="What it&#x27;s like to ride a Cybercab 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/2026/04/28/waymo-austin-future-freeway" target="_self">Waymo</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tesla" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/09/04/texas-tesla-cybercabs-austin" data-vars-content-id="a82331cb-7083-4f89-9259-a30a4b50f1b8" data-vars-headline="What it&#x27;s like to ride a Cybercab 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/2026/09/04/texas-tesla-cybercabs-austin" target="_self">Tesla</a> — now operating driverless cabs in Austin, the city feels very much like a competitive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="playing field for self-driving vehicles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/04/28/texas-testbed-safety-lags-as-avs-rapidly-expand" data-vars-content-id="a82331cb-7083-4f89-9259-a30a4b50f1b8" data-vars-headline="What it&#x27;s like to ride a Cybercab 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/2026/04/28/texas-testbed-safety-lags-as-avs-rapidly-expand" target="_self">playing field for self-driving vehicles</a>.

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.

Texas Democrats find hope in rising suburban turnout

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

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

Desert Island Dish with Joshua Weissman

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

Things to Do

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

A look inside Austin's newest luxury hotel

The hotel includes 252 rooms, a rooftop pool and restaurants.

A luxury hotel with an apiary, rooftop pool, multiple restaurants and a spa opened this week in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas&#x27; tallest building" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/01/29/whats-next-for-austin-skyline" data-vars-content-id="e725dc43-a69b-4ace-8d54-8d05a4e7ffab" data-vars-headline="A look inside Austin&#x27;s newest luxury hotel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/01/29/whats-next-for-austin-skyline" target="_self">Texas&#x27; tallest building</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="1 Hotel Austin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.1hotels.com/austin" data-vars-content-id="e725dc43-a69b-4ace-8d54-8d05a4e7ffab" data-vars-headline="A look inside Austin&#x27;s newest luxury hotel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.1hotels.com/austin" target="_blank">1 Hotel Austin</a> adds another major luxury hotel to Austin&#x27;s downtown hospitality scene, expanding the city&#x27;s appeal for high-end leisure and business travelers.

Texas Testbed: What's next for 3D-printed homes

3D-printed construction is expanding, but it's unclear whether it will drive down housing costs.

This report is part of &quot;Texas Testbed,&quot; a series on how the state is becoming a real-world lab for emerging technologies.Giant robotic printers are back at Community First! Village, building more than 100 homes as part of the East Austin neighborhood&#x27;s expansion for people coming out of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homelessness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/21/abbott-homeless-encampments-austin" data-vars-content-id="a0fb0998-8e58-4fbe-87a8-1320c8aac785" data-vars-headline="Texas Testbed: What&#x27;s next for 3D-printed homes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/21/abbott-homeless-encampments-austin" target="_self">homelessness</a>.

Texas nominees' racist, vulgar remarks receive mixed GOP reaction

The candidates haven't deleted the posts.

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

Tesla's Cybercab now available for ride-hailing

Tesla customers in Austin, Texas, can now book rides in a driverless Cybercab that has no steering wheel or pedals.

Business

Tesla customers in Austin, Texas, can now book rides in a driverless Cybercab that has no steering wheel or pedals.Why it matters: While the initial fleet size is limited, the Cybercab&#x27;s official commercial launch marks the beginning of CEO Elon Musk&#x27;s vision for an autonomous future.

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.

Call for Black athletes' boycott hits an NIL wall

NIL money is now shielding southern institutions from some political pressure.

Civil rights groups have called on Black college athletes to boycott schools in states that are rolling back voting rights. But highly paid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NIL-era" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/04/01/nil-deals-university-of-texas" data-vars-content-id="4bef28dc-1666-4bce-af71-1a85a35450eb" data-vars-headline="Call for Black athletes&#x27; boycott hits an NIL wall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/04/01/nil-deals-university-of-texas" target="_self">NIL-era</a> athletes are proving to be unwilling protesters.Why it matters: It&#x27;s exposing a disconnect between advocates who rely on 1960s-style protest tactics, and prominent athletes in today&#x27;s $3 billion NIL economy who have different views of activism — and who are unwilling to sacrifice unprecedented <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="financial opportunities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/24/axios-house-nil-changed-everything-now-athletes-need-a-new-playbook" data-vars-content-id="4bef28dc-1666-4bce-af71-1a85a35450eb" data-vars-headline="Call for Black athletes&#x27; boycott hits an NIL wall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/24/axios-house-nil-changed-everything-now-athletes-need-a-new-playbook" target="_self">financial opportunities</a>.

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.

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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.

Texas State tumbles in free speech ranking

Texas universities generally scored poorly.

Texas State University saw the nation&#x27;s biggest drop in a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="campus free speech" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/10/free-speech-collge-student-censorship" data-vars-content-id="0c53e247-9987-4195-a3a8-3a310c0b125e" data-vars-headline="Texas State tumbles in free speech ranking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/10/free-speech-collge-student-censorship" target="_self">campus free speech</a> ranking.State of play: Texas colleges overall lost ground in the latest national ranking from the civil liberties group <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fire.org/news/2027-college-free-speech-rankings-kirk-murder-adds-another-difficult-topic-dismal-climate" data-vars-content-id="0c53e247-9987-4195-a3a8-3a310c0b125e" data-vars-headline="Texas State tumbles in free speech ranking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fire.org/news/2027-college-free-speech-rankings-kirk-murder-adds-another-difficult-topic-dismal-climate" target="_blank">Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression</a> (FIRE), though results varied widely by campus.

Report: Nonprofits should step up support for diverse board members

"Bringing talented leaders of color into the boardroom is only the first step," says a mentor for board members of color.

Nonprofit boards should do more to help leaders of color participate in their organizations&#x27; strategic mission, per a new report from an Austin-based group that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="examines race and nonprofits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/03/29/diversity-austin-nonprofit-boards" data-vars-content-id="591e247c-f9bd-4026-bc26-2a14d40f9958" data-vars-headline="Report: Nonprofits should step up support for diverse board members" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/03/29/diversity-austin-nonprofit-boards" target="_self">examines race and nonprofits</a>.Why it matters: In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement, many nonprofits added diverse board members — but that&#x27;s only half a step to producing better outcomes for the communities those boards serve, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the report" data-vars-click-url="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.tnpaustin.org/building-equitable-boards-report-1-in-3-board-members-of-color-report-bias-or-exclusion/__;!!Al82Z4c!1v-j_3FvRycM5Venj_Ysotf5oD4T3dGRkVpMcrE2cb6HY_DMNdvfkJSeZ5lq--VEyrfqtVnAbcuYE3pwKW3a$" data-vars-content-id="591e247c-f9bd-4026-bc26-2a14d40f9958" data-vars-headline="Report: Nonprofits should step up support for diverse board members" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.tnpaustin.org/building-equitable-boards-report-1-in-3-board-members-of-color-report-bias-or-exclusion/__;!!Al82Z4c!1v-j_3FvRycM5Venj_Ysotf5oD4T3dGRkVpMcrE2cb6HY_DMNdvfkJSeZ5lq--VEyrfqtVnAbcuYE3pwKW3a$" target="_blank">the report</a> from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The New Philanthropists" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tnpaustin.org/" data-vars-content-id="591e247c-f9bd-4026-bc26-2a14d40f9958" data-vars-headline="Report: Nonprofits should step up support for diverse board members" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tnpaustin.org/" target="_blank">The New Philanthropists</a>.

Red River Cultural District fights for its future

Red River advocates are pressing Austin officials to move faster on protections for the city's iconic live music district.

The bars and nightclubs that helped Austin earn its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="live music" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/01/02/red-river-cultural-district-free-week" data-vars-content-id="f6e41235-7fad-49be-a07d-ff1ffe32645b" data-vars-headline="Red River Cultural District fights for its future" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/01/02/red-river-cultural-district-free-week" target="_self">live music</a> reputation are disappearing from Red River Street, and district advocates warn that the closures are outpacing the city&#x27;s efforts to put protections in place.Why it matters: Red River is at the heart of Austin&#x27;s live music scene, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rising rents and operating costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/12/19/austins-independent-venues-feel-the-squeeze" data-vars-content-id="f6e41235-7fad-49be-a07d-ff1ffe32645b" data-vars-headline="Red River Cultural District fights for its future" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/12/19/austins-independent-venues-feel-the-squeeze" target="_self">rising rents and operating costs</a> are putting growing pressure on venues that anchor the downtown district.

Feds probe Tesla's Cybercabs; Texas takes back seat

The autonomous vehicles have no human controls.

Tesla&#x27;s Cybercabs are carrying paying <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="passengers in Austin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/04/tesla-cybercab-launch-austin" data-vars-content-id="0a75660b-e3a7-4ab4-9be6-04c685c6255d" data-vars-headline="Feds probe Tesla&#x27;s Cybercabs; Texas takes back seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/04/tesla-cybercab-launch-austin" target="_self">passengers in Austin</a>, even as federal regulators investigate whether the vehicles comply with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal safety standards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/04/tesla-cybercab-nhtsa-regulatory" data-vars-content-id="0a75660b-e3a7-4ab4-9be6-04c685c6255d" data-vars-headline="Feds probe Tesla&#x27;s Cybercabs; Texas takes back seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/04/tesla-cybercab-nhtsa-regulatory" target="_self">federal safety standards</a>.Why it matters: Texas authorizes companies to operate driverless vehicles without approving each vehicle model. Austin&#x27;s regulatory role is largely limited to coordination and emergency preparedness.

Houston

UH report: Texas is at the center of the U.S. electricity demand boom

What happens in Texas could preview how the rest of the country handles growing power needs.

After decades of relatively flat electricity demand, the U.S. is entering a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data-center-fueled power boom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/greg-abbott-texas-data-centers-ai-backlash" data-vars-content-id="d05b8711-f6d5-415d-b512-69605c389f43" data-vars-headline="UH report: Texas is at the center of the U.S. electricity demand boom" 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">data-center-fueled power boom</a> — and Texas is at the center of it, per a<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" new University of Houston report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.uh.edu/energy/_docs/_papers-reports/growing-the-us-electricity-system.pdf" data-vars-content-id="d05b8711-f6d5-415d-b512-69605c389f43" data-vars-headline="UH report: Texas is at the center of the U.S. electricity demand boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.uh.edu/energy/_docs/_papers-reports/growing-the-us-electricity-system.pdf" target="_blank"> new University of Houston report</a>. Why it matters: What happens in Texas could offer an early look at how the rest of the country <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="adapts to the growing power needs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/ai-power-data-center-electricity-construction" data-vars-content-id="d05b8711-f6d5-415d-b512-69605c389f43" data-vars-headline="UH report: Texas is at the center of the U.S. electricity demand boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/ai-power-data-center-electricity-construction" target="_self">adapts to the growing power needs</a> and challenges, says Greg Bean, executive director of the University of Houston&#x27;s Gutierrez Energy Management Institute.

Most Texas voucher recipients were already enrolled in private school

The data undercuts a major argument for the vouchers, critics say.

At least 70% of Texas kids awarded <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="school vouchers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/08/13/how-many-austin-students-are-getting-voucher-money" data-vars-content-id="fdcafcee-3cc3-4607-8c04-0bb209c9a45e" data-vars-headline="Most Texas voucher recipients were already enrolled in private school" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/08/13/how-many-austin-students-are-getting-voucher-money" target="_self">school vouchers</a> were previously enrolled in private schools or were homeschooled, per data obtained by Axios through a request under the Texas Public Information Act.Why it matters: The data undercuts a major argument for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vouchers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/02/03/apply-texas-school-vouchers" data-vars-content-id="fdcafcee-3cc3-4607-8c04-0bb209c9a45e" data-vars-headline="Most Texas voucher recipients were already enrolled in private school" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/02/03/apply-texas-school-vouchers" target="_self">vouchers</a> — that they would chiefly help Texans hoist their kids out of failing public schools.

Austin's bats get their close-up

As they wait for bats to emerge, Austin visitors will be able to learn all about the nocturnal creatures.

Starting Wednesday, the old Statesman bat viewing area beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge will present an interactive way to engage with one of the city&#x27;s most popular natural attractions.Why it matters: More than 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerging nightly is a go-to spectacle, yet there has been little on-site educational context for visitors — until now.

Things to do in Austin this weekend

Live music, Austin's Pride parade and more.

Here&#x27;s what&#x27;s on deck this weekend.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Friday</h2>

Antone's joins vinyl take-back program

Music fans can return damaged or unplayable vinyl records to potentially be recycled.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Antone&#x27;s Record Shop" data-vars-click-url="https://antonesrecordshop.com/" data-vars-content-id="776afb5e-35ae-41cb-a4c2-3d0d9458bf63" data-vars-headline="Antone&#x27;s joins vinyl take-back program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://antonesrecordshop.com/" target="_blank">Antone&#x27;s Record Shop</a> in Austin has joined a new nationwide vinyl take-back program that aims to give broken and unwanted records a second life.Why it matters: Vinyl has enjoyed a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="resurgence over the past decade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/04/21/record-store-day-returns-amid-climbing-vinyl-sales" data-vars-content-id="776afb5e-35ae-41cb-a4c2-3d0d9458bf63" data-vars-headline="Antone&#x27;s joins vinyl take-back program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/04/21/record-store-day-returns-amid-climbing-vinyl-sales" target="_self">resurgence over the past decade</a>, but there&#x27;s been little focus on what happens when records become damaged, beyond repair or owners no longer want them.

Texas beaches within a 4-hour drive of Austin

Dreaming of sand and saltwater? We've rounded up some of our favorite Texas beaches.

With summer underway, we&#x27;re breaking down our favorite beaches that are roughly four hours or less from Austin.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Galveston</h2>Pros: Galveston&#x27;s free beaches and the history surrounding the city give you plenty to do during a weekend trip.

Texas breweries face slowdown

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

Food and Drink

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

Austin restaurants let diners name their price

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

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

Cyclospora outbreak: Are you avoiding lettuce this summer?

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

Health

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

Where to find local produce in Austin amid cyclosporiasis outbreak

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

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

The rise of mood drinks

Sales of functional beverages generated $31.3 billion in U.S. sales over the past year, per data from NIQ.

As <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Americans rethink alcohol" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" data-vars-content-id="cba336d5-167d-4189-85ea-a67669b648f1" data-vars-headline="The rise of mood drinks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" target="_self">Americans rethink alcohol</a>, beverage startups are racing to fill the gap with drinks that promise social connection without the hangover.Why it matters: Consumers are increasingly choosing beverages based on what they want the drink to do — energize them, improve <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gut health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/04/13/gut-health-immune-system-anxiety-digestion" data-vars-content-id="cba336d5-167d-4189-85ea-a67669b648f1" data-vars-headline="The rise of mood drinks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/04/13/gut-health-immune-system-anxiety-digestion" target="_self">gut health</a> or help unwind — fueling a boom in products <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="marketed around function" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/pro/retail-deals/2024/03/15/functional-beverage-recess-25-million" data-vars-content-id="cba336d5-167d-4189-85ea-a67669b648f1" data-vars-headline="The rise of mood drinks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/pro/retail-deals/2024/03/15/functional-beverage-recess-25-million" target="_self">marketed around function</a> rather than flavor.

Desert Island Dish with Abby Love of Abby Jane Bakeshop

The bakery shares a space with Barton Springs Mill and uses the mill's flour in its pastries and bread.

Abby Love spends her day creating some of Central Texas&#x27; best pastries. But if she&#x27;s stranded on a desert island, she&#x27;s skipping the croissants and reaching for a basket of fried Gulf shrimp.Catch up quick: Love is the owner of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Abby Jane Bakeshop" data-vars-click-url="https://abbyjanebakes.com/" data-vars-content-id="9de1d0b6-f540-4045-97cd-6ae508ebe5c6" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Abby Love of Abby Jane Bakeshop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abbyjanebakes.com/" target="_blank">Abby Jane Bakeshop</a> in Dripping Springs, which she opened in 2021 after working as the head pastry chef at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dai Due" data-vars-click-url="https://www.daidue.com/" data-vars-content-id="9de1d0b6-f540-4045-97cd-6ae508ebe5c6" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Abby Love of Abby Jane Bakeshop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.daidue.com/" target="_blank">Dai Due</a> in Austin.

George W. Bush not expected to speak at GOP convention

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

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

1.2M Texas voters face questions about their home address

More than 1.2 million Texas voters have been flagged as possibly no longer living at their registered address.

Politics

More than 1.2 million Texas voters have been flagged as possibly no longer living at the address listed on their registration, potentially facing an extra step when they head to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the polls" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/senate-ohio-alaska-iowa-texas-kansas-mississippi-nebraska" data-vars-content-id="d4e5add4-a7c6-4936-a300-d6804d0a5ca1" data-vars-headline="1.2M Texas voters face questions about their home address" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/senate-ohio-alaska-iowa-texas-kansas-mississippi-nebraska" target="_self">the polls</a> this fall.Why it matters: Voters on the so-called suspense list remain registered and can still vote, but the designation means election officials have questions about whether their registered address is current.

San Antonio

GOP's Senate map gets shakier as Texas, Iowa become toss-ups

Races for governor in both states also narrowed, according to Cook Political Report.

Two <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="key Senate races" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/08/gop-senate-campaign-spending-ohio-iowa" data-vars-content-id="39599b51-6016-457e-9c18-5a0609c37b01" data-vars-headline="GOP&#x27;s Senate map gets shakier as Texas, Iowa become toss-ups" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/08/gop-senate-campaign-spending-ohio-iowa" target="_self">key Senate races</a> in typically Republican states, Texas and Iowa, are a toss-up heading into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="midterms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/20/data-center-uproar-2026-midterms" data-vars-content-id="39599b51-6016-457e-9c18-5a0609c37b01" data-vars-headline="GOP&#x27;s Senate map gets shakier as Texas, Iowa become toss-ups" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/20/data-center-uproar-2026-midterms" target="_self">midterms</a>, according to the latest projections from Cook Political Report.Why it matters: The fight for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="control of the U.S. Senate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/democrats-republicans-midterms-political-shenanigans" data-vars-content-id="39599b51-6016-457e-9c18-5a0609c37b01" data-vars-headline="GOP&#x27;s Senate map gets shakier as Texas, Iowa become toss-ups" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/democrats-republicans-midterms-political-shenanigans" target="_self">control of the U.S. Senate</a> is extremely tight, and Democrats need to flip at least four seats to become the majority. Doing that will require wins in states that aren&#x27;t typical battlegrounds.

Elon Musk's PAC lawyer eyes Texas congressional seat

The election of Chris Gober would give Musk a close ally in Congress.

The lawyer who helped run Elon Musk&#x27;s efforts to aid Donald Trump&#x27;s 2024 campaign is running for Congress in a Republican-friendly district that stretches from west of Austin to near Houston.Why it matters: The election of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chris Gober" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/06/01/austin-texas-spencer-pratt-campaign" data-vars-content-id="3db2a6ca-98c0-4401-bfe7-faee50e906a2" data-vars-headline="Elon Musk&#x27;s PAC lawyer eyes Texas congressional seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/06/01/austin-texas-spencer-pratt-campaign" target="_self">Chris Gober</a> would give Musk a close ally in Congress as he seeks to continue to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shape the GOP agenda" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/29/musk-pac-midterm-election" data-vars-content-id="3db2a6ca-98c0-4401-bfe7-faee50e906a2" data-vars-headline="Elon Musk&#x27;s PAC lawyer eyes Texas congressional seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/29/musk-pac-midterm-election" target="_self">shape the GOP agenda</a>.

Cornyn donors largely keep distance from Paxton

GOP Senate candidate Ken Paxton likely must win over U.S. Sen John Cornyn's supporters to win in November.

Few major donors to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Sen. John Cornyn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/27/texas-primary-paxton-cornyn-takeaways" data-vars-content-id="86129321-01fa-43ee-a0e4-943eef7e95a8" data-vars-headline="Cornyn donors largely keep distance from Paxton" 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">U.S. Sen. John Cornyn</a> have thrown their weight behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="GOP Senate nominee Ken Paxton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/27/texas-senate-gop-cornyn-paxton" data-vars-content-id="86129321-01fa-43ee-a0e4-943eef7e95a8" data-vars-headline="Cornyn donors largely keep distance from Paxton" 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 Senate nominee Ken Paxton</a> since the Texas attorney general defeated Cornyn in a May runoff, per an Axios analysis of newly released federal campaign finance data.Why it matters: Paxton likely must rally Cornyn supporters to his side to defeat Democrat James Talarico, a state legislator from Austin and a formidable fundraiser seeking to appeal to moderate voters.

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