Austin

blue

Axios Austin Partners

Austin Alerts

Alert

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Austin with Asher Price and Nicole Cobler.

Axios Austin

Standard

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Austin. Written by Nicole Cobler and Asher Price.

Axios Austin Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Austin Members

Membership

Candidates vie to be Texas attorney general in May runoffs

Two Republicans and two Democrats face off on May 26.

News

Two Republicans and two Democrats are facing off May 26 in runoff primary elections to be Texas attorney general, though it&#x27;s likely a Republican would take the win in November.Why it matters: As <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the chief legal officer of the state" data-vars-click-url="https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/about-office/duties-responsibilities-office-attorney-general" data-vars-content-id="540fb797-a939-4df0-9776-b44ae754ab7d" data-vars-headline="Candidates vie to be Texas attorney general in May runoffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/about-office/duties-responsibilities-office-attorney-general" target="_blank">the chief legal officer of the state</a>, the attorney general represents Texas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in litigation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/10/30/covid-vaccine-mandate-texas-biden-contractors" data-vars-content-id="540fb797-a939-4df0-9776-b44ae754ab7d" data-vars-headline="Candidates vie to be Texas attorney general in May runoffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/10/30/covid-vaccine-mandate-texas-biden-contractors" target="_self">in litigation</a>, defends state laws, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="initiates investigations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/07/texas-democrats-beto-orourke-paxton-investigation" data-vars-content-id="540fb797-a939-4df0-9776-b44ae754ab7d" data-vars-headline="Candidates vie to be Texas attorney general in May runoffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/07/texas-democrats-beto-orourke-paxton-investigation" target="_self">initiates investigations</a> and enforces consumer protection laws.

Three suspects in custody following South Austin shooting spree

The suspects are connected to 12 shootings, mostly in South Austin, officials say.

Three suspects — ages 15 and 17, and a third who was also identified as a juvenile — were taken in custody Sunday after a string of 12 shootings this weekend, authorities said.Driving the news: At least four people were shot. One suffered serious injuries, and the others sustained minor injuries, police said.<ul><li>Residents in a large swath of South Austin were ordered to shelter in place for about an hour on Sunday afternoon as police searched for the suspects.</li></ul>

Violent crime rates decline in Austin

Austin Police say they are focused more on data-driven policing.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Violent crime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/violent-crime-homicides-falls-major-cities-trump" data-vars-content-id="631ae4fa-9a36-41b3-a29f-2033721ecee7" data-vars-headline="Violent crime rates decline in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/violent-crime-homicides-falls-major-cities-trump" target="_self">Violent crime</a> fell sharply across the largest U.S. cities, including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/18/austin-shootings-license-plate-readers" data-vars-content-id="631ae4fa-9a36-41b3-a29f-2033721ecee7" data-vars-headline="Violent crime rates decline 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/2026/05/18/austin-shootings-license-plate-readers" target="_self">Austin</a>, in early 2026, extending a nationwide decline that began after the pandemic-era crime spike.Why it matters: Crime and policing have been a major factor at the ballot box in local elections, as Republicans including President Trump and Gov. Greg Abbott have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tried to pin violent crime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/14/abbott-statewide-prosecutor-impeachment-process" data-vars-content-id="631ae4fa-9a36-41b3-a29f-2033721ecee7" data-vars-headline="Violent crime rates decline 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/2026/05/14/abbott-statewide-prosecutor-impeachment-process" target="_self">tried to pin violent crime</a> on Democrats.

Austin mayor backs license plate readers after shootings

Manor police used the technology to identify a suspect's stolen car.

Mayor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kirk Watson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/04/24/austin-mayor-kirk-watson-trump-interview" data-vars-content-id="a9ec8126-7356-4b19-bcee-cdb0fe14f6be" data-vars-headline="Austin mayor backs license plate readers after shootings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/04/24/austin-mayor-kirk-watson-trump-interview" target="_self">Kirk Watson</a> tells Axios the city should move forward with obtaining license plate readers, which police say could have helped more quickly track down three suspects tied to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="citywide shooting spree" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/17/south-austin-shooting-suspects-custody" data-vars-content-id="a9ec8126-7356-4b19-bcee-cdb0fe14f6be" data-vars-headline="Austin mayor backs license plate readers after shootings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/17/south-austin-shooting-suspects-custody" target="_self">citywide shooting spree</a>.Why it matters: The shootings have reignited debate over whether concerns about privacy still outweigh public safety arguments for bringing back the technology.

New York coffee shop to open in ATX Tower

Black Fox has positioned Austin as its Texas flagship.

New York City-based coffee roaster Black Fox Coffee will open its first Texas location Friday in Austin&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ATX Tower" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/03/15/anatomy-austin-skyscraper-321-west?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_austin&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="ea2d1368-cbc1-4d22-9e29-dd9e6ac0de2c" data-vars-headline="New York coffee shop to open in ATX Tower" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/03/15/anatomy-austin-skyscraper-321-west?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_austin&amp;stream=top" target="_self">ATX Tower</a>.Why it matters: The opening comes as the city&#x27;s coffee scene continues to gain national attention, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Food &amp; Wine" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foodandwine.com/top-united-states-cities-for-coffee-in-2026-11930933" data-vars-content-id="ea2d1368-cbc1-4d22-9e29-dd9e6ac0de2c" data-vars-headline="New York coffee shop to open in ATX Tower" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foodandwine.com/top-united-states-cities-for-coffee-in-2026-11930933" target="_blank">Food &amp; Wine</a> recently naming Austin the top coffee city in the U.S.

Kacey Musgraves draws crowds to New Braunfels

Restaurants, bars and shops are seeing a jump in foot traffic.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kacey Musgraves" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2024/04/12/kacey-musgraves-bluebonnets-picking-debate" data-vars-content-id="9af6c27d-b8a7-43ab-8bb7-a87a83d552a3" data-vars-headline="Kacey Musgraves draws crowds to New Braunfels" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2024/04/12/kacey-musgraves-bluebonnets-picking-debate" target="_self">Kacey Musgraves</a> is the hottest ticket in New Braunfels, and her three-night, sold-out run at Gruene Hall is providing a boost for the city&#x27;s historic district.Why it matters: The Grammy-winning singer, who now typically plays arenas and headlines major festivals, is drawing legions of fans to the iconic Hill Country venue, offering a real-time look at how a major star can supercharge a local economy.

Austin AI startup Circuit raises $30M in major angel round

Circuit's AI software turns technical manuals and other documentation into step-by-step workflows.

Austin-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Circuit" data-vars-click-url="https://circuit.ai/" data-vars-content-id="6506fbe2-bebc-4634-a18d-0884911c622a" data-vars-headline="Austin AI startup Circuit raises $30M in major angel round" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://circuit.ai/" target="_blank">Circuit</a>, an AI startup co-founded by former <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Silicon Labs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/texas-instruments-silicon-labs-merger" data-vars-content-id="6506fbe2-bebc-4634-a18d-0884911c622a" data-vars-headline="Austin AI startup Circuit raises $30M in major angel round" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/texas-instruments-silicon-labs-merger" target="_self">Silicon Labs</a> CEO Tyson Tuttle, raised $30 million from angel investors to build an AI software for manufacturing and service operations.Why it matters: It&#x27;s one of Texas&#x27; largest angel rounds — an early-stage phase where individual investors pitch in — and a bet that AI can help manufacturers capture and scale institutional knowledge.

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.

New romance bookstore opens in East Austin

Finney's Books opened in December, shortly after the release of "Heated Rivalry."

Finney&#x27;s Books, a new romance bookstore in East Austin, is riding a wave of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reader enthusiasm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/03/07/hot-romance-novel-recs-houston-romance-bookstore" data-vars-content-id="ace01b72-38e0-41d7-b205-910434bffc5d" data-vars-headline="New romance bookstore opens in East Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/03/07/hot-romance-novel-recs-houston-romance-bookstore" target="_self">reader enthusiasm</a> for genre-specific spaces.Why it matters: Romance is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="having a moment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/02/10/romance-bookstores-book-clubs-romantasy" data-vars-content-id="ace01b72-38e0-41d7-b205-910434bffc5d" data-vars-headline="New romance bookstore opens in East Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/02/10/romance-bookstores-book-clubs-romantasy" target="_self">having a moment</a>. Niche bookstores like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Finney&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.finneysbooks.com/about" data-vars-content-id="ace01b72-38e0-41d7-b205-910434bffc5d" data-vars-headline="New romance bookstore opens in East Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.finneysbooks.com/about" target="_blank">Finney&#x27;s</a> are popping up across the country, and screen <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="adaptations have helped sales" data-vars-click-url="https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2023/07/10/2701952/0/en/From-Laggard-to-Leader-Record-Sales-of-Romance-Books-Reflect-Next-Generation-of-Contemporary-Readers.html" data-vars-content-id="ace01b72-38e0-41d7-b205-910434bffc5d" data-vars-headline="New romance bookstore opens in East Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2023/07/10/2701952/0/en/From-Laggard-to-Leader-Record-Sales-of-Romance-Books-Reflect-Next-Generation-of-Contemporary-Readers.html" target="_blank">adaptations have helped sales</a> of romance novels climb.

Austin's independent venues feel the squeeze

Even with their outsized economic and cultural impact, it's a tough time for indie music venues.

Austin&#x27;s independently owned venues anchor its music scene, but rising insurance costs and rents have many operators focused on survival over success.Why it matters: Independent venues aren&#x27;t just cultural touchstones that develop artists and support the city&#x27;s major festivals. They&#x27;re economic engines that underpin a multibillion-dollar state industry and Austin&#x27;s tourism economy.

The fate of Texas renewables is in jeopardy

The Trump administration is eliminating key tax credits.

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

Behind BlackRock's Texas revival

BlackRock got off the Texas naughty list with a full-court marketing and lobbying press.

No longer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blocked from doing business" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/25/texas-bans-blackrock-ubs-esg-backlash" data-vars-content-id="017d13cf-5c25-4a1f-9d8d-7d0634e0829f" data-vars-headline="Behind BlackRock&#x27;s Texas revival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/25/texas-bans-blackrock-ubs-esg-backlash" target="_self">blocked from doing business</a> with the state of Texas, the New York-based investment firm BlackRock is making a big marketing push in the Lone Star State.Why it matters: Billions of dollars are in play as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="BlackRock" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/09/08/blackrock-strikes-back-at-esg-critics" data-vars-content-id="017d13cf-5c25-4a1f-9d8d-7d0634e0829f" data-vars-headline="Behind BlackRock&#x27;s Texas revival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/09/08/blackrock-strikes-back-at-esg-critics" target="_self">BlackRock</a> seeks to woo institutional and individual investors.

Vintage gowns are getting a second life in latest bridal trend

Couples are embracing vintage elements and repurposing vintage gowns from family members.

Business

A growing number of brides are repurposing their mothers&#x27; wedding gowns for their own special day.Why it matters: As the costs of weddings <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="continue to climb" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/19/wedding-costs-tariffs-prices" data-vars-content-id="1e4e49fc-8641-4b5f-8527-c77f764cbb2e" data-vars-headline="Vintage gowns are getting a second life in latest bridal trend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/19/wedding-costs-tariffs-prices" target="_self">continue to climb</a>, the trend is another way couples are blending sustainability with sentimentality.

How Poppi's Allison Ellsworth spends her ideal Austin day

She likes the banana bread at Two Hands on South Congress.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Allison Ellsworth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/30/poppi-founder-allison-ellsworth-tiktok-brand" data-vars-content-id="f334c316-0d4b-4eea-83cb-98eb51ea1bdc" data-vars-headline="How Poppi&#x27;s Allison Ellsworth spends her ideal Austin day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/30/poppi-founder-allison-ellsworth-tiktok-brand" target="_self">Allison Ellsworth</a>, co-founder of Austin-based prebiotic soda maker Poppi, will be the first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="former Shark Tank contestant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/poppi-founder-allison-ellsworth/" data-vars-content-id="f334c316-0d4b-4eea-83cb-98eb51ea1bdc" data-vars-headline="How Poppi&#x27;s Allison Ellsworth spends her ideal Austin day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/poppi-founder-allison-ellsworth/" target="_blank">former Shark Tank contestant</a> to appear as a guest shark on Wednesday.<ul><li>We caught up with her recently at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Clover x Shark Tank Summit" data-vars-click-url="https://investors.fiserv.com/newsroom/detail/2827/clover-sony-pictures-television-announce-first-of-its-kind-partnership-to-champion-small-businesses-with-the-inaugural-clover-x-shark-tank-summit" data-vars-content-id="f334c316-0d4b-4eea-83cb-98eb51ea1bdc" data-vars-headline="How Poppi&#x27;s Allison Ellsworth spends her ideal Austin day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://investors.fiserv.com/newsroom/detail/2827/clover-sony-pictures-television-announce-first-of-its-kind-partnership-to-champion-small-businesses-with-the-inaugural-clover-x-shark-tank-summit" target="_blank">Clover x Shark Tank Summit</a> in Las Vegas.</li></ul>

Business 🏦

New York coffee shop to open in ATX Tower

Kacey Musgraves draws crowds to New Braunfels

Texas job growth slowed in February

Brace for pricier Houston flights — and how to find deals

Austin AI startup Circuit raises $30M in major angel round