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National

Judge blocks Pentagon's restrictive press access policy

Business

Advanced nuclear startup X-energy files for IPO

Energy & Climate

Senate Dems plot immigration offensive

Politics & Policy

Inside Cortez Masto's counterpunch on behalf of moderates

Jim Jordan targets Arlington prosecutor in Stephen Miller doxing case

James Talarico's Austin church beefs up security

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

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

Icon to sell its 3D-printing robots to builders

Icon has rapidly expanded its footprint in Central Texas in recent years.

News

Icon, the Austin-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="3D-printing construction company," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/12/11/icon-unveils-lakefront-3d-printed-homes" data-vars-content-id="92c68e09-5977-4307-8efc-ae1fa26cba54" data-vars-headline="Icon to sell its 3D-printing robots to builders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/12/11/icon-unveils-lakefront-3d-printed-homes" target="_self">3D-printing construction company,</a> is selling its technology to other builders for the first time, allowing them to operate the company&#x27;s latest robotic building system.Why it matters: The country is facing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing shortage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/real-estate-congress-housing-act" data-vars-content-id="92c68e09-5977-4307-8efc-ae1fa26cba54" data-vars-headline="Icon to sell its 3D-printing robots to builders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/real-estate-congress-housing-act" target="_self">housing shortage</a> coupled with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high construction costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/01/trump-tariff-exclusions-construction-housing-affordability" data-vars-content-id="92c68e09-5977-4307-8efc-ae1fa26cba54" data-vars-headline="Icon to sell its 3D-printing robots to builders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/01/trump-tariff-exclusions-construction-housing-affordability" target="_self">high construction costs</a>, and Icon is betting that automation can dramatically lower the cost of building homes.

Austin homeowners are staying put

Austin is seeing the longest homeowner tenure in at least 20 years.

Real Estate

Austin-area homeowners are staying in their houses for the longest time in at least 20 years, largely thanks to their low <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mortgage rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/07/19/texas-housing-supply-mortgages" data-vars-content-id="5e950bd0-a4e6-4840-838b-b714002c42b2" data-vars-headline="Austin homeowners are staying put" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/07/19/texas-housing-supply-mortgages" target="_self">mortgage rates</a>, data shows.Why it matters: That — along with still-high home prices and tight inventory — has kept the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" data-vars-content-id="5e950bd0-a4e6-4840-838b-b714002c42b2" data-vars-headline="Austin homeowners are staying put" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" target="_self">housing market</a> on ice, though it may be thawing.

Latino outreach needs to be specially tailored: SXSW panel

"Language is important. Culture is more important," Ignacio Meyer said.

Polititicans must commit to tailored, economically focused messaging to win Latino voters in the 2026 midterms, Univision executive Ignacio Meyer said Saturday at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios House" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/events/axios-house" data-vars-content-id="f18b26ca-d779-4814-9875-ebcd58b52689" data-vars-headline="Latino outreach needs to be specially tailored: SXSW panel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/events/axios-house" target="_self">Axios House</a> at SXSW.Why it matters: Latinos — the up-for-grabs voting force that could decide 2026&#x27;s razor-thin congressional battles — propelled President Trump&#x27;s 2024 victory with record GOP support, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="about 48% nationally" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/26/trump-harris-latino-voters-2024-election-pew?" data-vars-content-id="f18b26ca-d779-4814-9875-ebcd58b52689" data-vars-headline="Latino outreach needs to be specially tailored: SXSW panel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/26/trump-harris-latino-voters-2024-election-pew?" target="_self">about 48% nationally</a>.

Electric aircraft soon to fly in Texas skies

Texas cities are part of a pilot project to get electric aircraft airborne

Aerospace

Austin and other Texas cities could soon be on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vanguard of aviation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/04/joby-aviation-xwing-autonomous-flight-evtol" data-vars-content-id="92e16a7b-bd61-47dd-af58-4be9332d54c8" data-vars-headline="Electric aircraft soon to fly in Texas skies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/04/joby-aviation-xwing-autonomous-flight-evtol" target="_self">vanguard of aviation</a>, with innovative electric aircraft jetting off their runways.What&#x27;s happening: The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) was selected by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) this week for one of eight pilot projects nationally, with regional flights linking Dallas, Austin and San Antonio — with Houston planned next. <ul><li>Partners on the Texas project include the companies Archer, BETA, Joby and Wisk.</li></ul>The big picture: The U.S. is competing against China to lead in advanced air mobility.How it works: Most of the U.S. projects involve the use of electric aircraft that can take off or land vertically — imagine giant, low-flying electric drones carrying passengers or cargo that take off like helicopters and fly horizontally like traditional planes.<ul><li>Some will also include electric or hybrid planes that take off and land conventionally or require only a short runway.</li></ul>Zoom in: Operations in Texas cities could start later this year, Adam Hammons, a spokesperson with TxDOT, tells Axios. <ul><li>Initially, in a phase that could last three months, TxDOT will use traditional helicopters and fixed-wing planes alongside electric aircraft to fly the planned routes. These flights will carry equipment and perform tests without carrying commercial passengers, Hammons said. </li><li>In a second phase, operations will scale to medical and cargo logistics, such as transporting critical medical supplies or organs between rural facilities and urban medical centers in Austin and San Antonio.</li><li>Ultimately, after the electric aircraft receive final federal certifications, the network will scale — in two to three years — to commercial passenger &quot;air taxi&quot; flights, Hammons says.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;Rather than isolated tests in a single city, TxDOT is building the infrastructure to handle the transition between urban, rural and state airspace,&quot; Hammons tells Axios.The bottom line: Together, the U.S. projects will create one of the largest real-world testing environments for next-generation aircraft in existence, the FAA said in a statement.Editor&#x27;s note: The headline to this story was clarified to reflect that the electric, propeller-driven aircraft will fly (not jet) in Texas.

Austin FC looks to score more goals in 2026

Facundo Torres, acquired for a reported $9.5 million during the offseason, will replace Osman Bukari on the right wing.

Sports

Austin FC is hoping to rebound from a largely <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="disappointing 2025 campaign" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/06/13/austin-fcs-not-so-great-half-season" data-vars-content-id="168e442e-991e-4ea7-b58a-aa2bcbe8db8c" data-vars-headline="Austin FC looks to score more goals in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/06/13/austin-fcs-not-so-great-half-season" target="_self">disappointing 2025 campaign</a> with some fresh offensive firepower.Why it matters: Franchise owners spent big in the offseason, hoping to recapture the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="excitement surrounding the team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/10/28/austin-fc-mls-playoffs" data-vars-content-id="168e442e-991e-4ea7-b58a-aa2bcbe8db8c" data-vars-headline="Austin FC looks to score more goals in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/10/28/austin-fc-mls-playoffs" target="_self">excitement surrounding the team</a> in its pandemic-era early years.

Venus Williams set to play in Austin tournament

"I'm so excited to be heading to Austin and playing my first ATX Open," Williams said.

Former Wimbledon champion <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Venus Williams" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/22/barbie-venus-williams-role-model-athletes-dollls" data-vars-content-id="68db64c0-3b68-4617-8a5f-d85f88edd377" data-vars-headline="Venus Williams set to play in Austin tournament" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/22/barbie-venus-williams-role-model-athletes-dollls" target="_self">Venus Williams</a> will play in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ATX Open" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/11/08/austin-tennis-stadium" data-vars-content-id="68db64c0-3b68-4617-8a5f-d85f88edd377" data-vars-headline="Venus Williams set to play in Austin tournament" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/11/08/austin-tennis-stadium" target="_self">ATX Open</a> later this month. Why it matters: Even though she&#x27;s not the player she once was — she&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ranked" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wtatennis.com/players/230220/venus-williams/stats" data-vars-content-id="68db64c0-3b68-4617-8a5f-d85f88edd377" data-vars-headline="Venus Williams set to play in Austin tournament" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wtatennis.com/players/230220/venus-williams/stats" target="_blank">ranked</a> 549th in singles and 145 in doubles — Williams still brings glamor to the young tournament.

Austin's indie retailers adapt as South Congress gets pricier

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

Business Brief

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

Saving for a down payment takes 8 years in Austin

That's compared to nearly 7 years nationwide.

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

San Antonio

César Chávez allegations spark reckoning over legacy

The ripple effects are already emerging in local governments, universities and beyond.

New <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="allegations about César Chávez" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/17/united-farm-workers-ufw-cesar-chavez-march-allegations" data-vars-content-id="fbbacd72-33ac-423b-9d3a-b85751c17ee1" data-vars-headline="César Chávez allegations spark reckoning over legacy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/17/united-farm-workers-ufw-cesar-chavez-march-allegations" target="_self">allegations about César Chávez</a> are prompting a swift and emotional reckoning with the legacy of one of the most iconic figures in Latino civil rights.Why it matters: Chávez, who died in 1993, has long stood as a central symbol of Mexican American identity and labor activism — a legacy now being reassessed, with ripple effects already emerging in local governments, universities and beyond.

UFW acts on allegations against César Chávez

The labor union says it won't participate in events honoring its founder.

The United Farm Workers says it won&#x27;t participate in parades honoring its founder <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="César Chávez" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/31/legislation-cesar-chavez-farmworker-national-historical-park" data-vars-content-id="f37bcfa0-e118-4c26-8fa2-e5d80698f185" data-vars-headline="UFW acts on allegations against César Chávez" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/31/legislation-cesar-chavez-farmworker-national-historical-park" target="_self">César Chávez</a>, citing &quot;troubling allegations&quot; that Chávez abused young women, possibly including minors.Why it matters: The allegations raise serious concerns about harm possibly done to women and minors, and threaten to tarnish the legacy of Chávez, one of the most celebrated Latino labor leaders in U.S. history.

Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy

Republicans might not gain all five House seats they want.

The Texas primaries this month <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="offered Democrats some hope" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/05/democrats-texas-talarico-voter-turnout" data-vars-content-id="65e5e045-b7fb-4001-9588-fc8dbe2d45a1" data-vars-headline="Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/05/democrats-texas-talarico-voter-turnout" target="_self">offered Democrats some hope</a> that Republicans&#x27; mid-decade <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/07/30/texas-redistricting-republicans-map-trump" data-vars-content-id="65e5e045-b7fb-4001-9588-fc8dbe2d45a1" data-vars-headline="Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/07/30/texas-redistricting-republicans-map-trump" target="_self">redistricting</a> last year <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="won&#x27;t net the GOP all five seats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/07/28/texas-redistricting-abbott-republicans-risk" data-vars-content-id="65e5e045-b7fb-4001-9588-fc8dbe2d45a1" data-vars-headline="Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/07/28/texas-redistricting-abbott-republicans-risk" target="_self">won&#x27;t net the GOP all five seats</a> the party wants to gain in the U.S. House.Why it matters: Texas Republicans, at the urging of President Trump, kicked off a nationwide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting war" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/redistricting-illinois-indiana-trump-jeffries" data-vars-content-id="65e5e045-b7fb-4001-9588-fc8dbe2d45a1" data-vars-headline="Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/redistricting-illinois-indiana-trump-jeffries" target="_self">redistricting war</a> for control of the House — but the party leaned on past gains with Hispanic voters in South Texas that are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="showing signs of cracking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/05/latino-voter-turnout-texas-primaries-elections" data-vars-content-id="65e5e045-b7fb-4001-9588-fc8dbe2d45a1" data-vars-headline="Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/05/latino-voter-turnout-texas-primaries-elections" target="_self">showing signs of cracking</a>.

SXSW goes small this year

A condensed timeline means that all three tracks — innovation, film and TV, and music — will run concurrently.

A revamped South by Southwest — one that&#x27;s smaller and playing out across Austin neighborhoods — goes into full flight Friday.Why it matters: A lot is riding on the fest overhaul, both for the bottom line of SXSW itself and for the Austin hotel and restaurant industries that rely on the annual influx of visitors.

Vance to headline two RNC fundraisers in Texas

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

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

LBJ Library exhibit gets a glow up

The LBJ Library is adding immersive features as it links the 1960s to today.

After a months-long renovation, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LBJ Presidential Library" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lbjlibrary.org/" data-vars-content-id="27756209-5fc7-4bc0-8363-c2101e5165be" data-vars-headline="LBJ Library exhibit gets a glow up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lbjlibrary.org/" target="_blank">LBJ Presidential Library</a> is opening its new exhibit space on Saturday. Why it matters: More than a half-century on, the Johnson presidency feels current, as the Trump administration <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unravels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/22/trump-2025-reverse-lbj-1965-civil-rights-poverty" data-vars-content-id="27756209-5fc7-4bc0-8363-c2101e5165be" data-vars-headline="LBJ Library exhibit gets a glow up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/22/trump-2025-reverse-lbj-1965-civil-rights-poverty" target="_self">unravels</a> LBJ&#x27;s Great Society programs.

Dallas

GOP candidates link Austin shooting to radical Islam

Republican primary candidates have called the weekend mass shooting in Austin an act of terror motivated by radical Islam.

Republican candidates in Tuesday&#x27;s primary have called the weekend mass shooting in Austin an act of terror motivated by radical Islam, even as the FBI has yet to draw conclusions.Why it matters: The statements issued by candidates at the top of the Republican ballot follow GOP efforts to target sharia law in Texas and label a prominent Muslim civil rights group as a terrorist organization.

Democratic early voting turnout in Texas high

GOP turnout, meanwhile, is lower than in recent early voting periods.

Turnout during the 11 days of early voting in the Texas Democratic primary was higher than the Democratic turnout during the early voting period in recent midterm elections and outpaced Republican early turnout this year.Why it matters: The turnout points to high interest in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="race at the top" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/texas-senate-talarico-crockett-race-identity" data-vars-content-id="fb2676c3-87b9-423a-be21-c856d9901fad" data-vars-headline="Democratic early voting turnout in Texas high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/texas-senate-talarico-crockett-race-identity" target="_self">race at the top</a> of the Democratic ballot: U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Dallas) vs. state Rep. James Talarico (D-Austin) for U.S. Senate.

Third victim dies in Austin mass shooting

Savitha Shan, 24, Ryder Harrington, 22, and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the attack.

Authorities on Monday night said a third victim died from injuries suffered in the early Sunday morning <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mass shooting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/01/austin-mass-shooting-west-sixth-street" data-vars-content-id="0d548eba-7e01-4861-b020-a0f25a52ae27" data-vars-headline="Third victim dies in Austin mass shooting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/01/austin-mass-shooting-west-sixth-street" target="_self">mass shooting</a> in downtown Austin.The latest: Police identified the deceased victims as Savitha Shan, 21, Ryder Harrington, 22, and Jorge Pederson, 30.

How to experience SXSW without a badge

Plenty of shows and parties are open to the public — and often free.

Things to Do

SXSW can get expensive fast, but some of the best parties and performances happen outside the badge system. How it works: Across Austin, hotels, bars, parks and restaurants host free concerts, markets, pop-ups and day parties that are open to anyone willing to wait in line.

Wildflower forecast predicts varied spring blooms

Wildflower blooms will depend largely on where — and how much — rain has fallen.

Uneven rainfall across Texas could mean a varied season for blooms this spring, according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center&#x27;s annual wildflower forecast.Why it matters: Spring is arriving in Texas. Bluebonnets are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="already beginning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVkEW2ojTDS/" data-vars-content-id="2c97f7c3-360c-4a0e-9d11-0261af0b3432" data-vars-headline="Wildflower forecast predicts varied spring blooms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVkEW2ojTDS/" target="_blank">already beginning</a> to pop up in the Hill Country, and Texas mountain laurels are blooming across Central Texas.

Austin pop-up fuels matcha craze

The pop-up has quickly become one of the city's buzziest stops.

Editor&#x27;s note: This story was written by University of Texas student Trinity Orosco for Axios Austin.An Austin matcha pop-up is drawing lines that stretch down the sidewalk, tapping into a fast-growing U.S. market for the Japanese green tea.

Travis Audubon's catio tour spotlights growing trend

Free-roaming cats kill billions of birds in the U.S. each year.

At the Hill Country&#x27;s edge, Jacob Smigel&#x27;s cats pad across a cedar plank suspended 6 feet above ground, safely enclosed in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;catio,&quot; or cat patio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/11/18/pet-friendly-home-design-tampa-bay-cats" data-vars-content-id="e3957e55-5150-469e-8736-f151cfdc7ac0" data-vars-headline="Travis Audubon&#x27;s catio tour spotlights growing trend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/11/18/pet-friendly-home-design-tampa-bay-cats" target="_self">&quot;catio,&quot; or cat patio</a> — an increasingly popular addition for some homeowners.The big picture: Smigel&#x27;s backyard build is one of seven stops on this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Travis Audubon catio tour," data-vars-click-url="https://travis.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/travis/event.jsp?event=21809" data-vars-content-id="e3957e55-5150-469e-8736-f151cfdc7ac0" data-vars-headline="Travis Audubon&#x27;s catio tour spotlights growing trend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://travis.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/travis/event.jsp?event=21809" target="_blank">Travis Audubon catio tour,</a> a self-guided event on March 21 that showcases enclosed outdoor cat spaces across Austin.

Austinite competes on "Survivor" Season 50

The Austinite, now 51 years old, was a runner-up on the 2001 Outback edition.

&quot;Survivor&quot; launches <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="its 50th season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/24/survivor-50-challenge-cbs" data-vars-content-id="2ff4def0-33ec-429d-9c45-2bf01ba2e7c1" data-vars-headline="Austinite competes on &quot;Survivor&quot; Season 50" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/24/survivor-50-challenge-cbs" target="_self">its 50th season</a> (!) starting Wednesday on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CBS" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/18/trump-equal-time-colbert-youtube-cbs" data-vars-content-id="2ff4def0-33ec-429d-9c45-2bf01ba2e7c1" data-vars-headline="Austinite competes on &quot;Survivor&quot; Season 50" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/18/trump-equal-time-colbert-youtube-cbs" target="_self">CBS</a>, and we caught up with Austin&#x27;s Colby Donaldson, one of 24 players in the all-returnee season, filmed in Fiji.<ul><li>A West Texas native — he grew up just south of San Angelo — Donaldson was runner-up on &quot;Survivor: The Australian Outback&quot; (2001). He also appeared in &quot;Survivor&quot; seasons in 2003 and 2009 while working in the television business in California.</li></ul>

Your favorite Chinese spots in Austin

Axios Austin readers weigh in about their favorite Chinese restaurants.

To mark the Lunar New Year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="we asked you" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/29/lunar-new-year-lucky-foods?utm_term=emshare" data-vars-content-id="3529a191-2999-47ef-8aae-27ba84c8107e" data-vars-headline="Your favorite Chinese spots in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/29/lunar-new-year-lucky-foods?utm_term=emshare" target="_self">we asked you</a> last week about your favorite Chinese restaurants and your go-to dishes.Liz P. recommends <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chen&#x27;s Noodle House" data-vars-click-url="https://chensnoodles.com/" data-vars-content-id="3529a191-2999-47ef-8aae-27ba84c8107e" data-vars-headline="Your favorite Chinese spots in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chensnoodles.com/" target="_blank">Chen&#x27;s Noodle House</a> (&quot;the best sesame bun&quot;), in northwest Austin, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Julie&#x27;s Noodles" data-vars-click-url="https://juliesnoodlesaustin.com/" data-vars-content-id="3529a191-2999-47ef-8aae-27ba84c8107e" data-vars-headline="Your favorite Chinese spots in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://juliesnoodlesaustin.com/" target="_blank">Julie&#x27;s Noodles</a> (&quot;amazing soup dumplings&quot;), on Research Boulevard.

Desert Island Dish with Geraldine's Sergio Ledesma

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

Food and Drink

As part of our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="running feature" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/01/13/desert-island-dish-david-munoz" data-vars-content-id="54ffc092-f11b-496f-b70e-20030afbd26b" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Geraldine&#x27;s Sergio Ledesma" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/01/13/desert-island-dish-david-munoz" target="_self">running feature</a> about Austin chefs&#x27; favorite meals, we recently chatted with Sergio Ledesma, the executive chef at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Geraldine&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hotelvanzandt.com/geraldines/" data-vars-content-id="54ffc092-f11b-496f-b70e-20030afbd26b" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Geraldine&#x27;s Sergio Ledesma" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hotelvanzandt.com/geraldines/" target="_blank">Geraldine&#x27;s</a>, in the Hotel Van Zandt by Rainey Street.<ul><li>At the Southern-inflected Mexican restaurant, shrimp and grits ($38), composed with chintextle, a Oaxacan chili paste, shares menu space with a lamb barbacoa ($44) and sides like smoked carrots ($14), prepared with a guajillo adobo rub.</li></ul>

Find Middle Eastern flavors at South Austin's newest bakery

Try the labneh za'atar bun and pair it with Persian tea.

South Austin pastry fiends who have been missing Moonlight Bakery&#x27;s cinnamon rolls, cookies and whole wheat breads have a new source for flaky dough.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Matok" data-vars-click-url="https://matokbakery.com/" data-vars-content-id="2eb4a55f-6572-4a85-9a7c-e0e44c1e2c38" data-vars-headline="Find Middle Eastern flavors at South Austin&#x27;s newest bakery" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://matokbakery.com/" target="_blank">Matok</a>, Hebrew for &quot;sweet,&quot; opened Tuesday in the old Moonlight spot, in a strip mall off South Lamar Boulevard, a few blocks south of the intersection with Oltorf Street.

David Muñoz's election night enchiladas recipe

After Austin chef David Muñoz <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told us" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/01/13/desert-island-dish-david-munoz" data-vars-content-id="b63273e8-5cf5-4d63-a5d0-f3e0062f3a73" data-vars-headline="David Muñoz&#x27;s election night enchiladas recipe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/01/13/desert-island-dish-david-munoz" target="_self">told us</a> that the one meal he&#x27;d want with him on a desert island is his mother&#x27;s election night enchiladas, readers asked for the recipe. <ul><li>Muñoz, who grew up in Fort Worth, is the executive chef at Henry&#x27;s at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Inn at Green Pastures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.greenpasturesaustin.com/" data-vars-content-id="b63273e8-5cf5-4d63-a5d0-f3e0062f3a73" data-vars-headline="David Muñoz&#x27;s election night enchiladas recipe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.greenpasturesaustin.com/" target="_blank">Inn at Green Pastures</a>. This recipe originated with his mother, Aurelia Muñoz — they&#x27;d be ready when her husband, an elections judge, came home from the polls.</li></ul>

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