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States fill the AI legislation void left by Congress

Analysis from software industry alliance BSA says states have introduced nearly 200 AI-related bills this year.

Technology

Nearly 200 AI-related bills have been introduced nationwide in state legislatures so far in 2023 — a more than four-fold increase compared to 2022.Legislators in 31 states have introduced at least 191 bills focused on artificial intelligence, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis from software industry alliance BSA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bsa.org/files/policy-filings/09222023statelegai.pdf" data-vars-content-id="c820421d-0bb3-4c9c-a9fb-79ecefd94ed8" data-vars-headline="States fill the AI legislation void left by Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bsa.org/files/policy-filings/09222023statelegai.pdf" target="_blank">analysis from software industry alliance BSA</a> — but only 14 became law.Why it matters: The numbers indicate states are beating DC in the AI regulation race, with BSA expecting to see a wave of proposed legislation become law in 2024.<ul><li>California state legislators are among the most prolific drafters, and their legislation often serves as a basis for legislation in other states.</li></ul>The intrigue: Many state legislators take inspiration from Europe or California when it comes to proposing tech regulation — most famously on digital privacy — and the pattern appears to hold for AI.<ul><li>There is a strong overlap between legislators focused on privacy and AI.</li></ul>What&#x27;s happening: Much of the action is concentrated in a few Democrat-controlled states. <ul><li>Deepfakes bills are the most popular theme, and the most likely to be passed: Of 37 bills, 6 were passed.</li><li>Many of the bills focus on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="how state governments will use AI" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/state-legislatures-artificial-intelligence-laws-ai-d22212c9242e9b86100d431717d76b0f" data-vars-content-id="c820421d-0bb3-4c9c-a9fb-79ecefd94ed8" data-vars-headline="States fill the AI legislation void left by Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/state-legislatures-artificial-intelligence-laws-ai-d22212c9242e9b86100d431717d76b0f" target="_blank">how state governments will use AI</a>.</li><li>Municipal and county level administrations are also active — usually focused on workplace use of AI — including in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Boston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wired.com/story/boston-generative-ai-policy/" data-vars-content-id="c820421d-0bb3-4c9c-a9fb-79ecefd94ed8" data-vars-headline="States fill the AI legislation void left by Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wired.com/story/boston-generative-ai-policy/" target="_blank">Boston</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Miami" data-vars-click-url="https://floridapolitics.com/archives/622372-miami-dade-county-to-develop-guiding-principles-for-ai/" data-vars-content-id="c820421d-0bb3-4c9c-a9fb-79ecefd94ed8" data-vars-headline="States fill the AI legislation void left by Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://floridapolitics.com/archives/622372-miami-dade-county-to-develop-guiding-principles-for-ai/" target="_blank">Miami</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New York City," data-vars-click-url="https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/07/10/1076013/new-york-ai-hiring-law/" data-vars-content-id="c820421d-0bb3-4c9c-a9fb-79ecefd94ed8" data-vars-headline="States fill the AI legislation void left by Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/07/10/1076013/new-york-ai-hiring-law/" target="_blank">New York City,</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Jose" data-vars-click-url="https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-sets-workplace-guardrails-guidelines-for-using-ai-artificial-intelligence/" data-vars-content-id="c820421d-0bb3-4c9c-a9fb-79ecefd94ed8" data-vars-headline="States fill the AI legislation void left by Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-sets-workplace-guardrails-guidelines-for-using-ai-artificial-intelligence/" target="_blank">San Jose</a>, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Seattle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.govtech.com/artificial-intelligence/boston-seattle-issue-interim-generative-ai-guidance" data-vars-content-id="c820421d-0bb3-4c9c-a9fb-79ecefd94ed8" data-vars-headline="States fill the AI legislation void left by Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.govtech.com/artificial-intelligence/boston-seattle-issue-interim-generative-ai-guidance" target="_blank">Seattle</a>.</li><li>Legislators in California, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Washington, are now considering <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="impact assessments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bsa.org/files/policy-filings/08012023impactassess.pdf" data-vars-content-id="c820421d-0bb3-4c9c-a9fb-79ecefd94ed8" data-vars-headline="States fill the AI legislation void left by Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bsa.org/files/policy-filings/08012023impactassess.pdf" target="_blank">impact assessments</a> to mitigate the risks of certain types of AI.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Draft legislation often spurs non-elected officials into action. <ul><li>In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI executive order earlier this month, " data-vars-click-url="https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/AI-EO-No.12-_-GGN-Signed.pdf" data-vars-content-id="c820421d-0bb3-4c9c-a9fb-79ecefd94ed8" data-vars-headline="States fill the AI legislation void left by Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/AI-EO-No.12-_-GGN-Signed.pdf" target="_blank">AI executive order earlier this month, </a>and the state&#x27;s Privacy Protection Agency and Civil Rights Agency <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plan to issue rules" data-vars-click-url="https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/legal-and-compliance/state-and-local-updates/pages/california-artificial-intelligence-regs.aspx" data-vars-content-id="c820421d-0bb3-4c9c-a9fb-79ecefd94ed8" data-vars-headline="States fill the AI legislation void left by Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/legal-and-compliance/state-and-local-updates/pages/california-artificial-intelligence-regs.aspx" target="_blank">plan to issue rules</a> for automated decision-making systems.</li><li>BSA expects Connecticut to be a center of 2024 activity. Connecticut State Senator James Maroney has created an AI-focused national <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="network of around 60 state legislators" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncsl.org/town-hall/details/legislating-ai-technology" data-vars-content-id="c820421d-0bb3-4c9c-a9fb-79ecefd94ed8" data-vars-headline="States fill the AI legislation void left by Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncsl.org/town-hall/details/legislating-ai-technology" target="_blank">network of around 60 state legislators</a>,</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: More draft AI legislation means more state-level AI lobbying.<ul><li>Chandler Morse, Workday&#x27;s public policy vice president, told Axios, &quot;We&#x27;re focused on helping legislators get it right, rather than worrying about a patchwork of legislation.&quot; </li><li>&quot;There isn&#x27;t a bill we don&#x27;t red line,&quot; said Morse, who supports adoption of guardrails. </li><li>&quot;States are not going to wait for D.C.,&quot; Craig Albright, BSA vice president for government relations told reporters.</li><li>&quot;There&#x27;s a real hunger to learn how AI works,&quot; among legislators Albright said, contrasting their enthusiasm with more lackluster to privacy debates. </li></ul>

Landmark cannabis banking bill scores a win

Though its passage is anything but assured, the advancement is an incremental win for the industry.

Economy & Business

A landmark federal bill that would protect banks that work with cannabis companies appears headed to the Senate floor after passing out of committee on Wednesday.Why it matters: Since marijuana is legal in some states, but illegal at the federal level, the industry has long struggled to gain access to financial services — instead many business owners are forced to deal with the inconveniences and dangers of transacting in all-cash.

Illustration of the United States seal holding a marijuana leaf instead of an olive branch. 

Can "The Golden Bachelor" make seniors sexy?

Gerry Turner is 72 and a widower, and was prodded by his daughters to go on the show.

ABC is counting on a 72-year-old grandfather from Indiana to revive its tired &quot;Bachelor&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="franchise" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/07/24/bachelorette-new-orleans-charity-lawson" data-vars-content-id="09957487-ef12-4862-9188-d0a7874650da" data-vars-headline="Can &quot;The Golden Bachelor&quot; make seniors sexy?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/07/24/bachelorette-new-orleans-charity-lawson" target="_self">franchise</a> — and everyone from &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="granfluencers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sostandard.com/blogs/the-rise-of-the-granfluencer/" data-vars-content-id="09957487-ef12-4862-9188-d0a7874650da" data-vars-headline="Can &quot;The Golden Bachelor&quot; make seniors sexy?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sostandard.com/blogs/the-rise-of-the-granfluencer/" target="_blank">granfluencers</a>&quot; to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cosmetic surgeons" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cxl9u57NrFd/" data-vars-content-id="09957487-ef12-4862-9188-d0a7874650da" data-vars-headline="Can &quot;The Golden Bachelor&quot; make seniors sexy?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cxl9u57NrFd/" target="_blank">cosmetic surgeons</a> is pinning their hopes on his ability to combat ageist stereotypes (and spur Botox sales).Why it matters: The &quot;Golden Bachelor,&quot; debuting Thursday, could spark a national conversation on the vitality of boomers, as seen through the lens of bachelor Gerry Turner and the 60- and 70-something women he&#x27;s courting.

In the GOP debate spin room, strategies are revealed

Themes promoted in the "spin room" helped explain the strategies behind the candidates' performances.

Politics & Policy

South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, whose allies thought he was too nice in the first GOP presidential debate last month, is a &quot;fighter.&quot; Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, whose camp worried that he came off as a know-it-all in that first debate, is actually quite &quot;humble.&quot;Why it matters: Those were among the messages the campaigns were pushing in the &quot;spin room&quot; after Wednesday night&#x27;s GOP debate — themes that helped explain the strategies behind the candidates&#x27; performances that viewers saw on TV.

Gen. Milley to take "appropriate" safety measures after Trump death post

Gen. Milley in "60 Minutes" interview rejected Trump's claims that his dealings with China were treasonous.

Retiring Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gen. Mark Milley" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/09/15/mark-milley-woodward-trump-crisis" data-vars-content-id="ee16aeb1-8b95-4ec9-9d1f-3302e8665887" data-vars-headline="Gen. Milley to take &quot;appropriate&quot; safety measures after Trump death post" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/09/15/mark-milley-woodward-trump-crisis" target="_self">Gen. Mark Milley</a> said he&#x27;s taking steps to ensure his own safety and that of his family after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="former President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="ee16aeb1-8b95-4ec9-9d1f-3302e8665887" data-vars-headline="Gen. Milley to take &quot;appropriate&quot; safety measures after Trump death post" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">former President Trump</a> accused him of treason in an online post.Driving the news: Milley made the comments during an upcoming interview on &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="60 Minutes" data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/60Minutes/status/1707163778578632755&#x27;" data-vars-content-id="ee16aeb1-8b95-4ec9-9d1f-3302e8665887" data-vars-headline="Gen. Milley to take &quot;appropriate&quot; safety measures after Trump death post" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/60Minutes/status/1707163778578632755&#x27;" target="_blank">60 Minutes</a>&quot; after CBS&#x27; Norah O&#x27;Donnell noted that Trump last week said that his dealings with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="China" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world/china" data-vars-content-id="ee16aeb1-8b95-4ec9-9d1f-3302e8665887" data-vars-headline="Gen. Milley to take &quot;appropriate&quot; safety measures after Trump death post" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/world/china" target="_self">China</a> were &quot;so egregious that, in times gone by, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="punishment would have been DEATH!" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/25/trump-biden-2024-truth-social-campaign" data-vars-content-id="ee16aeb1-8b95-4ec9-9d1f-3302e8665887" data-vars-headline="Gen. Milley to take &quot;appropriate&quot; safety measures after Trump death post" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/25/trump-biden-2024-truth-social-campaign" target="_self">punishment would have been DEATH!</a>&quot;

A screenshot of outgoing Joint Chiefs of Staff  Chair Mark Milley on CBS' "60 Minutes."

Six new murals added to South Congress

The permanent installations are on display now.

News

Austin loves electrolyte powders, but doctors say they don't work

Doctors say drinking electrolyte supplements instead of plain water is a waste of money.

Business

Complaints mount as robotaxis roll through Austin streets

There are 125 autonomous vehicles on Austin's streets.

How Austin leaders are grappling with the heat

The city has launched cooling centers, misting areas and cool pavement technology.

Climate

Texas leads the nation in book ban attempts, per report

There were 93 attempts to restrict access to 2,349 book titles last year.

Education

Texas saw the most attempts to restrict or ban books of any state in the country in 2022, according to a new report from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="American Library Association" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/by-the-numbers" data-vars-content-id="6d780c6e-06da-4ee6-a54c-b9cfb4cf8194" data-vars-headline="Texas leads the nation in book ban attempts, per report" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/by-the-numbers" target="_blank">American Library Association</a>.Driving the news: There were 93 attempts to restrict access to 2,349 book titles in Texas last year.

Illustration of a stack of books with barbed wire wrapped around them. 

New Texas laws take effect Sept. 1

More than 750 new laws affect everything from public education to drag shows.

More than 750 new laws passed by the Texas Legislature will take effect Friday, impacting everything from public education and transportation to health care and drag shows.Why it matters: The most high-profile laws passed this year address social issues popular among conservatives, including restrictions on medical care for transgender minors, limitations on trans athletes, bills targeting drag shows, and new regulations for social media companies.

Illustration of the Texas State Capitol with lines radiating from it.

Austin is still one of the nation's top remote work hubs

It's the second-highest among American metro areas, per new Census Bureau data.

Remote work is holding strong here — 28% of Austin metro area workers were working from home as of 2022, compared to a peak of 32% in 2021, per newly released Census Bureau figures.Driving the news: That&#x27;s the second-highest percentage among American metro areas, the highest in Texas and well above the national average.

Other Texans are searching for Austin homes on Zillow

The majority of people searching Austin-area postings from outside of Austin are from Dallas.

Real Estate

The majority of people searching Austin-area Zillow postings from outside of Austin are from Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Driving the news: Roughly 59% of page views from out of town for Austin-area Zillow listings are from within Texas, according to first-quarter Zillow data shared with Axios.

Rate of Austin new mothers in the workforce bounces back post COVID

About 1 million working mothers were estimated to have stopped working during the pandemic.

The percentage of Austin metro-area women who recently gave birth and remain part of the workforce is growing again after COVID, per new census data.Driving the news: Remote and flexible work is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="making it easier" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/01/working-mothers-labor-market-women-equality" data-vars-content-id="5ba8e721-637e-429e-a749-fba7cde81e40" data-vars-headline="Rate of Austin new mothers in the workforce bounces back post COVID" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/01/working-mothers-labor-market-women-equality" target="_self">making it easier</a> for new moms to juggle both parenting and their careers. (In fact, the workplace gender gap is at a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record low" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/06/gender-gap-workplace-participation-statistics" data-vars-content-id="5ba8e721-637e-429e-a749-fba7cde81e40" data-vars-headline="Rate of Austin new mothers in the workforce bounces back post COVID" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/06/gender-gap-workplace-participation-statistics" target="_self">record low</a>.)

5 questions with SPIbelt's Kim Overton

The brand has expanded to belts for kids, people with diabetes and more.

The idea for SPIbelt, the popular running belt for athletes to store their phones and keys, started with an uncomfortable run.Flashback: Kim Overton, the founder of SPIbelt, recalled putting her car key in her sports bra to go out on a run in 2006.

Vote for the best college game day traditions in Axios Local bracket

Live mascots, fight songs and marching bands, college football has it all.

Sports

Live mascots, fight songs and marching bands — college football has it all. State of play: The game day experience often starts hours before kickoff. With the season starting Saturday, we want to know which school does it best.

Austin FC to take on Mazatlán FC at Q2

The tournament involves every team in MLS and Mexico's Liga MX.

Austin FC will kick off its first Leagues Cup match tonight, facing off against Mazatlán FC at 7:30pm at Q2 Stadium.What&#x27;s happening: MLS teams will take a break from their normal schedules July 21-Aug. 19 to compete in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2023 Leagues Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/leagues-cup-2023-schedule-bracket-for-historic-mls-liga-mx-competition" data-vars-content-id="73fae560-017a-4c77-92ea-1bc1347e4185" data-vars-headline="Austin FC to take on Mazatlán FC at Q2" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/leagues-cup-2023-schedule-bracket-for-historic-mls-liga-mx-competition" target="_blank">2023 Leagues Cup</a>, a 47-team inter-league tournament involving every team in MLS and Mexico&#x27;s Liga MX.

Nearly 306,000 Texas children could lose child care as federal funds expire

It's the highest total in the country according to the Century Foundation.

This weekend, Texas will fall off a &quot;child care cliff&quot; when pandemic-era federal relief funding for the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/15/child-care-daycare-costs-states-parents" data-vars-content-id="640f4ed6-5161-43c6-ac41-e0aeb5467e9b" data-vars-headline="Nearly 306,000 Texas children could lose child care as federal funds expire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/15/child-care-daycare-costs-states-parents" target="_self"> industry</a> runs out.Driving the news: Without intervention, nearly 306,000 Texas children are expected to lose child care — the highest total in the country, according to an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://tcf-ccs-map.netlify.app/assets/factsheets/Child%20Care%20State%20Fact%20Sheet%20-%20Texas.pdf" data-vars-content-id="640f4ed6-5161-43c6-ac41-e0aeb5467e9b" data-vars-headline="Nearly 306,000 Texas children could lose child care as federal funds expire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tcf-ccs-map.netlify.app/assets/factsheets/Child%20Care%20State%20Fact%20Sheet%20-%20Texas.pdf" target="_blank">analysis</a> by the Century Foundation.

Birds to see during peak migration in Central Texas

Peak migration is happening now through Oct. 29.

Hundreds of thousands of birds are traveling through Central Texas as they head south to their winter homes.Why it matters: Texas sits in the Central Flyway, a superhighway for migratory birds, and now&#x27;s your chance to catch a glimpse of species that are coming from as far north as Canada and the Arctic.

Climate change made Austin's summer heat more likely

This year marked Austin's second warmest summer on record.

Texas&#x27; record-breaking heat this summer would have been &quot;virtually impossible&quot; without human-caused climate change, per recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="climate analyses" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/32830589.10491/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2JyaWRnZT91cmw9aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud29ybGR3ZWF0aGVyYXR0cmlidXRpb24ub3JnL2V4dHJlbWUtaGVhdC1pbi1ub3J0aC1hbWVyaWNhLWV1cm9wZS1hbmQtY2hpbmEtaW4tanVseS0yMDIzLW1hZGUtbXVjaC1tb3JlLWxpa2VseS1ieS1jbGltYXRlLWNoYW5nZS8mcz0xMjUwMjUmbj03MDRiOGIxNiZ0PTVjYTI5MWE1MzkwYzI2M2QwMjg4MWM1M2VlZmY2NDgzYzk2MzVmZGUmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXJfYXhpb3Nsb2NhbF9zYW5hbnRvbmlvJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/611c03ead69ae557c5059a10C157df255" data-vars-content-id="f3dfbc12-cad3-4cb5-bd53-ba11d0020857" data-vars-headline="Climate change made Austin&#x27;s summer heat more likely" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/32830589.10491/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2JyaWRnZT91cmw9aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud29ybGR3ZWF0aGVyYXR0cmlidXRpb24ub3JnL2V4dHJlbWUtaGVhdC1pbi1ub3J0aC1hbWVyaWNhLWV1cm9wZS1hbmQtY2hpbmEtaW4tanVseS0yMDIzLW1hZGUtbXVjaC1tb3JlLWxpa2VseS1ieS1jbGltYXRlLWNoYW5nZS8mcz0xMjUwMjUmbj03MDRiOGIxNiZ0PTVjYTI5MWE1MzkwYzI2M2QwMjg4MWM1M2VlZmY2NDgzYzk2MzVmZGUmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXJfYXhpb3Nsb2NhbF9zYW5hbnRvbmlvJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/611c03ead69ae557c5059a10C157df255" target="_blank">climate analyses</a>.Why it matters: Prolonged exposure to heat can make us ill, physically <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="and mentally" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/32830589.10491/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL2hvdXN0b24vMjAyMy8wOC8zMC9zdW1tZXItc2Vhc29uYWwtYWZmZWN0aXZlLWRpc29yZGVyP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfc2FuYW50b25pbyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/611c03ead69ae557c5059a10Bc2a0cf3a" data-vars-content-id="f3dfbc12-cad3-4cb5-bd53-ba11d0020857" data-vars-headline="Climate change made Austin&#x27;s summer heat more likely" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/32830589.10491/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL2hvdXN0b24vMjAyMy8wOC8zMC9zdW1tZXItc2Vhc29uYWwtYWZmZWN0aXZlLWRpc29yZGVyP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfc2FuYW50b25pbyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/611c03ead69ae557c5059a10Bc2a0cf3a" target="_blank">and mentally</a>. And it can <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="quickly turn deadly" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/32830589.10491/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL3Nhbi1hbnRvbmlvLzIwMjMvMDcvMjAvc2VuaW9ycy1jaGlsZHJlbi12dWxuZXJhYmxlLXNhbi1hbnRvbmlvLWhlYXQtaWxsbmVzcz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX3NhbmFudG9uaW8mc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/611c03ead69ae557c5059a10B648beaa0" data-vars-content-id="f3dfbc12-cad3-4cb5-bd53-ba11d0020857" data-vars-headline="Climate change made Austin&#x27;s summer heat more likely" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/32830589.10491/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL3Nhbi1hbnRvbmlvLzIwMjMvMDcvMjAvc2VuaW9ycy1jaGlsZHJlbi12dWxuZXJhYmxlLXNhbi1hbnRvbmlvLWhlYXQtaWxsbmVzcz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX3NhbmFudG9uaW8mc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/611c03ead69ae557c5059a10B648beaa0" target="_blank">quickly turn deadly</a> for vulnerable residents.

Over a quarter of Austin seniors still work

More than 1 in 4 Austin seniors were working past the age of 65 in 2021, a decision senior advocacy groups say is often driven by fear and financial insecurity.Driving the news: At an age when people could historically retire and get <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="full Social Security benefits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbpp.org/research/social-security/raising-social-securitys-retirement-age-would-cut-benefits-for-all-new#:~:text=As%20noted%2C%20the%20full%20retirement,age%20had%20remained%20at%2065." data-vars-content-id="4d288540-81a5-42f2-81d6-2aeadb56c410" data-vars-headline="Over a quarter of Austin seniors still work" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/social-security/raising-social-securitys-retirement-age-would-cut-benefits-for-all-new#:~:text=As%20noted%2C%20the%20full%20retirement,age%20had%20remained%20at%2065." target="_blank">full Social Security benefits</a>, about 27% of Austin seniors — or 25,417 people — remain in the workforce, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new study" data-vars-click-url="https://usw2.nyl.as/t1/14/9xog12klrnsxoo5swyhqehh32/0/d429572e0bafc14d06132dd0fc8ecfaf9a5c5ea69f3fee4658c50ec10a747cb4" data-vars-content-id="4d288540-81a5-42f2-81d6-2aeadb56c410" data-vars-headline="Over a quarter of Austin seniors still work" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://usw2.nyl.as/t1/14/9xog12klrnsxoo5swyhqehh32/0/d429572e0bafc14d06132dd0fc8ecfaf9a5c5ea69f3fee4658c50ec10a747cb4" target="_blank">new study</a> of recent Census Bureau data from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Illustration of an office chair with a doily on top, sitting on front of vintage wallpaper.

Assault weapon mass shootings on the rise in Texas

Assault weapons weren't used in Texas mass shootings prior to 2016.

Assault weapons are playing a bigger role in Texas mass shootings, per a new national <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="database." data-vars-click-url="https://smokinggun.org/guns-used-in-the-deadliest-u-s-mass-shooting/" data-vars-content-id="75f697bb-bb50-49ff-9e37-71bd3ec2db57" data-vars-headline="Assault weapon mass shootings on the rise in Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://smokinggun.org/guns-used-in-the-deadliest-u-s-mass-shooting/" target="_blank">database.</a>Why it matters: More than twice as many people are killed in mass shootings involving assault weapons and high-capacity magazines than shootings involving other types of guns, according to The Smoking Gun database by Everytown, a group co-founded by former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg that advocates for gun restrictions.

Austin homes linger on the market

Austin homes averaged 60 days on the market in August.

Less than a fifth of Austin homes for sale are snapped up in two weeks or less, per new Redfin data shared with Axios.<ul><li>Nationwide, roughly 41% of listings were marked pending, contingent or sold within that window, Redfin found.</li></ul>

A chart of homes off the market within two weeks.

Things to do in Austin this week, Sept. 25-29

Other week highlights include "Zachariah" musical at Hotel Vegas

Things to Do

It doesn&#x27;t feel very fall-like outside, but Austin is about to close out September. Here are some things to do this week.🥵 Consider the future of life in a changing climate at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a meet-up with Jay Banner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.meetup.com/physics-1/events/295885446/" data-vars-content-id="c498cd28-e168-405d-b870-5b6ca05fe8e9" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Austin this week, Sept. 25-29" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.meetup.com/physics-1/events/295885446/" target="_blank">a meet-up with Jay Banner</a>, a UT geology professor who heads up the university&#x27;s Environmental Science Institute. Monday at 7:30pm at Trinity Church, 4001 Speedway. Free.

Austin breweries win at Great American Beer Fest

Several of the Austin breweries opened their taps within the last few years.

Four Austin-area brewers medaled at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Great American Beer Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/the-competition/2023-winners/" data-vars-content-id="e9a461a5-1dea-441a-928c-2de6c3bf7797" data-vars-headline="Austin breweries win at Great American Beer Fest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/the-competition/2023-winners/" target="_blank">Great American Beer Festival</a> in Denver this past weekend.Why it matters: This is the premiere U.S. beer contest, and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="competition for the best brews has gotten stiff" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2022/09/30/texas-craft-beer-production-increasing-after-2020" data-vars-content-id="e9a461a5-1dea-441a-928c-2de6c3bf7797" data-vars-headline="Austin breweries win at Great American Beer Fest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2022/09/30/texas-craft-beer-production-increasing-after-2020" target="_self">competition for the best brews has gotten stiff</a>.

Illustration of beer foam overflowing from a trophy. 

Central Texas trees stressed amid drought

The summer's extreme heat and low rainfall have taken their toll.

That&#x27;s not fall foliage you&#x27;re seeing. Brown and red canopies across Austin are a sign of trees under stress <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="amid an exceptional drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/08/25/austin-driest-summer-since-1910-drought" data-vars-content-id="59ecd61b-e09a-4f0d-b4b4-7373c1b9e6fa" data-vars-headline="Central Texas trees stressed amid drought" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/08/25/austin-driest-summer-since-1910-drought" target="_self">amid an exceptional drought</a>.Why it matters: Severe drought can have a long-term impact on trees, and we won&#x27;t fully understand the damage caused by this summer&#x27;s drought for another year or two, experts say.

Prison writing prize offered up in Austin

The prize recognizes excellence in fiction and memoir-writing.

When the literary <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Insider Prize" data-vars-click-url="https://americanshortfiction.org/submityourwork/the-insider-prize/" data-vars-content-id="01b2ba3d-9bba-444f-8dd0-9b306a11aa8b" data-vars-headline="Prison writing prize offered up in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://americanshortfiction.org/submityourwork/the-insider-prize/" target="_blank">Insider Prize</a> winners are announced Thursday at Huston-Tillotson University, they won&#x27;t be present to accept their awards.That&#x27;s because the prize, which recognizes excellence in fiction and memoir writing, is open only to people incarcerated in Texas penitentiaries.

Illustration of two fountain pens facing off against an abstract pop of color.

Nido's rooftop showcases downtown Austin views

The restaurant opened at the top of the Loren Hotel in 2022.

As the weather cools, take a stroll along Lady Bird Lake before heading to Nido for stunning views of downtown.The big picture: The restaurant opened at the top of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Loren Hotel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thelorenhotels.com/austin/experiences/offers?gad=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwjaWoBhAmEiwAXz8DBWM7GXBv-sL9GpejHb8P2V3Vb_KbBns_4JdcMT_vybgfHYabaVJYXhoCq9oQAvD_BwE" data-vars-content-id="c5712057-87cc-4d78-8dc4-324cedc547ed" data-vars-headline="Nido&#x27;s rooftop showcases downtown Austin views" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thelorenhotels.com/austin/experiences/offers?gad=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwjaWoBhAmEiwAXz8DBWM7GXBv-sL9GpejHb8P2V3Vb_KbBns_4JdcMT_vybgfHYabaVJYXhoCq9oQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Loren Hotel</a> in 2022, overlooking the James D. Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge.

The Texas Memorial Museum reopens with new name

It is now the Texas Science & Natural History Museum.

Austin is getting a new — though familiar — museum.Driving the news: The UT museum previously known as the Texas Memorial Museum is reopening Saturday as the Texas Science &amp; Natural History Museum.

What to do this weekend in Austin

Though the temperatures don&#x27;t match up, fall begins this weekend.<ul><li>And there&#x27;s lots going on around the area.</li></ul>

"Spy Kids" returns to Austin over two decades later

The movie was shot in Austin in summer 2022.

&quot;Spy Kids&quot; has returned to Austin, more than two decades after the first box office hit.What&#x27;s happening: &quot;Spy Kids: Armageddon,&quot; the latest installment in the Robert Rodriguez-produced series will be available on Netflix beginning Friday.

Pickleball facility opens in northeast Austin

The club has three tournament regulation pickleball courts.

An exclusive pickleball club wants to combine country club nostalgia with the increasingly popular sport.What&#x27;s happening: The new members-only <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Other Racquet Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://www.otherracquet.com/" data-vars-content-id="e5cb258d-ff91-46ce-8969-962cdb21416f" data-vars-headline="Pickleball facility opens in northeast Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.otherracquet.com/" target="_blank">Other Racquet Social Club</a> opens on Friday at 2717 Manor Road with three tournament-regulation pickleball courts paired with full-service cabanas, a clubhouse and a private dining room.

Texas politics in "Red, White & Royal Blue"

In the new movie, the fate of the White House sits with Texas.

Politics

Texas politics now plays an unexpectedly major role in a popular romantic comedy.What&#x27;s happening: &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Red, White &amp; Royal Blue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.amazon.com/White-Royal-Blue-Nicholas-Galitzine/dp/B0BYST2QY1" data-vars-content-id="523cfad8-04c8-44b5-a03e-8529de8d7408" data-vars-headline="Texas politics in &quot;Red, White &amp; Royal Blue&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.amazon.com/White-Royal-Blue-Nicholas-Galitzine/dp/B0BYST2QY1" target="_blank">Red, White &amp; Royal Blue</a>&quot; is a new Amazon Prime film, based on a novel with the same title, about a budding romance between the son of the U.S. president and an English prince.

Illustration of a remote control with an Axios button.

Desert Island Dish with Daiboku's Kris Hammond

What a great Austin ramen chef wants to eat on a desert island

Food and Drink

We recently caught up with Kris Hammond, chef at the ramen eatery <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Daiboku" data-vars-click-url="https://daibokuramen.com/" data-vars-content-id="1afac034-d388-47cb-b331-04c18380422c" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Daiboku&#x27;s Kris Hammond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://daibokuramen.com/" target="_blank">Daiboku</a> near the UT campus — and the popular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sazan Ramen" data-vars-click-url="https://sazanramen.com/" data-vars-content-id="1afac034-d388-47cb-b331-04c18380422c" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Daiboku&#x27;s Kris Hammond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sazanramen.com/" target="_blank">Sazan Ramen</a> in North Austin The backstory: In 2020, after cooking stints in Shanghai, Chicago and Colorado — and with restaurant life suddenly disrupted by COVID —Hammond came to Austin after his wife got a landscape architect job here.

Photo illustration: Axios Visuals. Photos: Courtesy of Daiboku Ramen.

Where to watch the UT-Alabama game

Here are four spots to find drink and food deals while watching the game.

The 1-0 Longhorns head to Alabama this weekend, but there will be plenty of parties around Austin for watching the game with other UT fans.What&#x27;s happening: No. 11 UT faces No. 3 Alabama at 6pm Saturday — an SEC test for the Longhorns before they join the conference in 2024 and a rematch after last year&#x27;s heartbreaking 20-19 game.

The Peacock: Austin's Middle Eastern gem

The food is firmly rooted in the rocky, olive-studded hills of the Levant and North Africa.

In a previous life, I spent years roaming the Middle East and fell in love with the region&#x27;s cuisine. <ul><li>So I had been meaning to try Peacock, among a growing constellation of upscale Mediterranean restaurants in Austin (see <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Aba" data-vars-click-url="https://www.abarestaurants.com/austin/" data-vars-content-id="bbb2a1eb-1123-43be-bb21-725be31bfc31" data-vars-headline="The Peacock: Austin&#x27;s Middle Eastern gem" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.abarestaurants.com/austin/" target="_blank">Aba</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ezov" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/07/12/east-austin-ezov-mediterranean-restaurant" data-vars-content-id="bbb2a1eb-1123-43be-bb21-725be31bfc31" data-vars-headline="The Peacock: Austin&#x27;s Middle Eastern gem" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/07/12/east-austin-ezov-mediterranean-restaurant" target="_self">Ezov</a>).</li></ul>

New sports bar Victory Lap opens in West Campus

Victory Lap will open early for tailgaters and close late for post-game drinks.

Sports bar Victory Lap opens in West Campus today, ahead of the Longhorns&#x27; first football game of the season.Driving the news: Austin-based NoCo Hospitality — which also manages upscale clubs and bars like Superstition, Estelle&#x27;s, Higher Ground and Skinny&#x27;s Off Track Bar — says Victory Lap will open early for tailgaters and close late for post-game drinks.

The ultimate Austin beer (and barbecue) tour

Here's where to find Austin's refreshing beers.

In Austin&#x27;s hot-as-Hades summer months, heaven is found in a cold, crisp Pilsner.What&#x27;s happening: It&#x27;s easy to find a good one in town, as Axios&#x27; resident beer nerd <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="John Frank" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/authors/jfrank" data-vars-content-id="91de63e5-9d40-43dc-985d-9eda62f7052a" data-vars-headline="The ultimate Austin beer (and barbecue) tour" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/authors/jfrank" target="_self">John Frank</a> — who writes for our Denver newsletter — found in a recent brewery-and-barbecue trip to Austin.

A sign inside Austin Beer Garden Brewery. Photo: John Frank/Axios

Flo's serves up wine and pizza in Tarrytown

Grab wine by the glass or bottle and pizza from Allday.

We headed to happy hour at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flo&#x27;s Wine Bar &amp; Bottle Shop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.floswinebar.com/" data-vars-content-id="b7c050e4-33e8-4610-aa96-bc68c877672a" data-vars-headline="Flo&#x27;s serves up wine and pizza in Tarrytown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.floswinebar.com/" target="_blank">Flo&#x27;s Wine Bar &amp; Bottle Shop</a>, the trendy bar and wine store that opened in Tarrytown earlier this year.The big picture: Flo&#x27;s co-founders, Flo Clemons and Adair Belisle, offer dozens of labels by the glass and bottle, with happy hour deals.

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