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Residents say self-driving car killed duck in Mueller

The company has temporarily paused testing on roads near the lake.

News

Autonomous vehicle company <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Avride" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/12/03/uber-autonomous-vehicles-dallas-avride" data-vars-content-id="49456d43-da7e-42ce-b5fb-37c95ce33b93" data-vars-headline="Residents say self-driving car killed duck in Mueller" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/12/03/uber-autonomous-vehicles-dallas-avride" target="_self">Avride</a> is facing backlash after a resident said one of its cars struck and killed a duck near Mueller Lake Park on Tuesday.Why it matters: The incident <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reinforces concerns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/09/austin-shooting-puts-spotlight-on-waymo" data-vars-content-id="49456d43-da7e-42ce-b5fb-37c95ce33b93" data-vars-headline="Residents say self-driving car killed duck in Mueller" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/09/austin-shooting-puts-spotlight-on-waymo" target="_self">reinforces concerns</a> about whether autonomous vehicles can safely navigate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="complex, real-world environments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/02/waymo-vehicle-blocks-ems-austin-mass-shooting" data-vars-content-id="49456d43-da7e-42ce-b5fb-37c95ce33b93" data-vars-headline="Residents say self-driving car killed duck in Mueller" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/02/waymo-vehicle-blocks-ems-austin-mass-shooting" target="_self">complex, real-world environments</a> — especially as they operate in pedestrian-heavy areas with pets and wildlife.

Austin exploring mask ban for law enforcement

"No More Secret Police," says an Austin city council memo.

Targeting mask-wearing by federal immigration agents, Austin city officials are considering banning facial coverings among all law enforcement.Why it matters: Austin could soon join a host of cities and states that are prohibiting the coverings, as part of a wider clash between federal and local governments over policing, privacy and civil rights.

It's hard to track how much NIL cash student-athletes are making

An agency tracking them refuses to give breakdowns by school and sport.

Sports

Even as player sponsorship deals are remaking the college athletics landscape, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tracking the money" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/01/12/university-of-texas-releases-nil-contract" data-vars-content-id="0f0bcd74-3de2-4b80-9957-c9bc84ae6fc9" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s hard to track how much NIL cash student-athletes are making" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/01/12/university-of-texas-releases-nil-contract" target="_self">tracking the money</a> at play is increasingly challenging.Why it matters: Student-athletes are now able to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="make a buck" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/10/10/university-texas-football-nil-deals-longhorns" data-vars-content-id="0f0bcd74-3de2-4b80-9957-c9bc84ae6fc9" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s hard to track how much NIL cash student-athletes are making" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/10/10/university-texas-football-nil-deals-longhorns" target="_self">make a buck</a> — or several million — off their name, image and likeness, but knowing how much they&#x27;re making and where it comes from appears more opaque than ever.

Texas women's hoops riding "off the chart" chemistry to Final Four

Led by Madison Booker and Rori Harmon, the Longhorns are looking to win a national championship.

The University of Texas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="women&#x27;s basketball team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/26/texas-basketball-ncaa-tournament" data-vars-content-id="5ab01d55-8c66-43d1-9ef3-0db4c0e6ea20" data-vars-headline="Texas women&#x27;s hoops riding &quot;off the chart&quot; chemistry to Final Four" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/26/texas-basketball-ncaa-tournament" target="_self">women&#x27;s basketball team</a> is playing in its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="second consecutive Final Four" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/02/12/texas-womens-basketball-madison-booker" data-vars-content-id="5ab01d55-8c66-43d1-9ef3-0db4c0e6ea20" data-vars-headline="Texas women&#x27;s hoops riding &quot;off the chart&quot; chemistry to Final Four" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/02/12/texas-womens-basketball-madison-booker" target="_self">second consecutive Final Four</a> — but this year, they&#x27;ve arrived in dominating fashion.Why it matters: After winning their four tournament games by an average of 35.5 points, the 35-3 Longhorns are two victories away from nabbing their first championship since 1986.

Austin receives $48 million EPA grant

Austin was the only city in Texas selected for the program.

City officials say they&#x27;ll use a nearly $48 million grant to expand and promote access to cleaner modes of transit, part of an EPA program that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Why it matters: The Texas Department of Transportation is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="moving forward with plans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/03/13/i-35-expansion-project-construction" data-vars-content-id="83e6ca5f-ed76-46b7-b995-5a25055ff773" data-vars-headline="Austin receives $48 million EPA grant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/03/13/i-35-expansion-project-construction" target="_self">moving forward with plans</a> to overhaul I-35, which is expected to lead to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more trucks and cars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/02/13/i-35-traffic-busy-semi-trucks" data-vars-content-id="83e6ca5f-ed76-46b7-b995-5a25055ff773" data-vars-headline="Austin receives $48 million EPA grant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/02/13/i-35-traffic-busy-semi-trucks" target="_self">more trucks and cars</a> on our already busy roads, and city officials fear that road closures and delays will increase air pollution by single-occupant vehicles.<ul><li>Meanwhile, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="construction for the 9.8-mile" data-vars-click-url="https://communityimpact.com/austin/south-central-austin/transportation/2024/03/25/71b-project-connect-light-rail-to-break-ground-in-2027/" data-vars-content-id="83e6ca5f-ed76-46b7-b995-5a25055ff773" data-vars-headline="Austin receives $48 million EPA grant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://communityimpact.com/austin/south-central-austin/transportation/2024/03/25/71b-project-connect-light-rail-to-break-ground-in-2027/" target="_blank">construction for the 9.8-mile</a> Project Connect light rail system is scheduled to begin in 2027, which could also impact traffic.</li></ul>

New art installation at Seaholm

It's the latest art installation from the Tempo program.

A new plasma art creation is temporarily on display at the historic Seaholm Water Intake Facility.Driving the news: The piece, &quot;Sun Poem,&quot; from Austin artist Anahita Bradberry is designed to be viewed from the outside of the facility and uses two inverse hues of argon plasma illumination on the north and south walls.

Hays County residents fight proposed concert venue

The state's environmental commission meets Monday to consider the proposal.

A coalition of Hays County residents and environmental activists is sounding the alarm on a proposed concert venue near Dripping Springs.Why it matters: The friction over the proposed concert venue illustrates heightened tension between conservationists and those who want to bring big-city amenities to the Hill Country as Austin&#x27;s population pushes outward.

Zilker Park Vision Plan's future in doubt

Vocal activists lobbied city officials for months to reject the plan.

The Zilker Metropolitan Park Vision Plan has been shelved indefinitely, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson announced in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an email to constituents Monday" data-vars-click-url="https://app.getresponse.com/view.html?x=a62b&amp;m=BW1DQH&amp;u=CExwT&amp;z=EB9LB7D&amp;o=pp_5" data-vars-content-id="b95a0f1a-b4ce-4ee7-a4fe-0a50a4b3c1da" data-vars-headline="Zilker Park Vision Plan&#x27;s future in doubt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://app.getresponse.com/view.html?x=a62b&amp;m=BW1DQH&amp;u=CExwT&amp;z=EB9LB7D&amp;o=pp_5" target="_blank">an email to constituents Monday</a>.Driving the news: Shortly after three City Council members on Monday came out in opposition to the $200 million plan, Watson said it would be removed from the council&#x27;s Aug. 31 agenda.

The state of Austin's remote workforce, post-pandemic

32% of those who moved to Austin were remote in 2021.

Business

During the pandemic, Austin was a top destination for remote workers fleeing cities like New York and San Francisco. But will they stay?Driving the news: According to a recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New York Times data analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/06/17/upshot/17migration-patterns-movers.html" data-vars-content-id="f9e2ccb3-84e9-4631-bb92-102b9aea97bd" data-vars-headline="The state of Austin&#x27;s remote workforce, post-pandemic" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/06/17/upshot/17migration-patterns-movers.html" target="_blank">New York Times data analysis</a>, Austin saw the biggest net gain of remote workers of any major city in 2020-21.

Report: AI could displace 13% of Austin's workforce

AI software may soon be able to do all manner of jobs.

Austin is among the top 25 metro areas where artificial intelligence threatens the workforce, per a new analysis from research website <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ChamberofCommerce.org" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chamberofcommerce.org/" data-vars-content-id="cecbea3b-89c2-4940-81d4-8c243ab7b040" data-vars-headline="Report: AI could displace 13% of Austin&#x27;s workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chamberofcommerce.org/" target="_blank">ChamberofCommerce.org</a>.Driving the news: Roughly 13% of Austin&#x27;s workforce is at risk of AI-related job loss, according to the group, which used U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data to analyze employment numbers within the 50 most-populated metro areas.

Austin chefs and artists head to Lockhart

Austin creatives are heading to Lockhart in search of lower cost of living and a small-town community.

Lockhart, the once-sleepy town 35 miles south of Austin, is poised for explosive growth.Catch up quick: Any good Texan knows that it&#x27;s the barbecue capital of Texas and it&#x27;s on the painful stretch of U.S. 183, where you&#x27;re sure to hit every traffic light as you head from Austin to South Texas.

Load Off Fanny's owner finds a home in Lockhart

"It doesn't feel like home to me anymore," Load Off Fanny's owner Hayley Fort says of Austin.

Load Off Fanny&#x27;s owner Hayley Fort was born and raised in Austin, and after she had a brief stint in Las Vegas, Central Texas was calling.But this time, it was Lockhart that pulled her back to the area.

Where to eat in Lockhart

A growing number of Austin restaurateurs have set up shop in Lockhart.

Food and Drink

Lockhart is an easy drive from Austin for a day trip or weekend getaway.The big picture: The town has plenty of good food beyond the barbecue trinity of Kreuz Market, Smitty&#x27;s Market and Black&#x27;s Barbecue, and a growing number of Austin restaurateurs have set up shop.1. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chaparral Coffee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/chaparral.lkrt/" data-vars-content-id="751662dc-a9e8-4eb9-a9ba-ec0b549f61b2" data-vars-headline="Where to eat in Lockhart" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/chaparral.lkrt/" target="_blank">Chaparral Coffee</a>Details: Start your morning (or end the day) at Chaparral Coffee, which offers a variety of coffee, Italian soda, breakfast, sandwiches and beer. The coffee shop&#x27;s owners also opened specialty store <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Good Things Grocery" data-vars-click-url="https://goodthingsgrocery.com/" data-vars-content-id="751662dc-a9e8-4eb9-a9ba-ec0b549f61b2" data-vars-headline="Where to eat in Lockhart" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://goodthingsgrocery.com/" target="_blank">Good Things Grocery</a>.Hours: 7am to 7pm daily.Location: 106 E. Market St.2. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Old Pal Texas Tavern" data-vars-click-url="https://oldpalbartx.com/" data-vars-content-id="751662dc-a9e8-4eb9-a9ba-ec0b549f61b2" data-vars-headline="Where to eat in Lockhart" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://oldpalbartx.com/" target="_blank">Old Pal Texas Tavern</a><figure><img alt="" height="3024" id="11463f9e-16cd-4b81-82ba-bcc30557284c" src="https://images.axios.com/n3gVWBLq8VHAbM9SAtC5rqYnawU=/2023/06/26/1687800445727.jpg" width="4032"/><figcaption>The exterior of Old Pal in Lockhart. Photo: Nicole Cobler/Axios</figcaption></figure>You&#x27;ll feel as if you&#x27;re back at Austin&#x27;s Nickel City bar with this one.Details: Nickel City co-owner Travis Tober opened Old Pal in 2021, bringing fried chicken and cocktails to the square.<ul><li>Try the Mezcal Daisy with raspberry, lemon and Topo Chico or the Lockhart Lemonade with Still Austin Whiskey, peach, passion fruit, lemon and peach bitters.</li><li>Head to Old Pal for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Tendie Tuesdays" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CtKkxo0p0q-/" data-vars-content-id="751662dc-a9e8-4eb9-a9ba-ec0b549f61b2" data-vars-headline="Where to eat in Lockhart" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CtKkxo0p0q-/" target="_blank">&quot;Tendie Tuesdays</a>,&quot; featuring $2.50 chicken tenders and drink specials.</li></ul>Location: 100 E. Market St.3. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Best Little Wine &amp; Books" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bestlittlewine.com/" data-vars-content-id="751662dc-a9e8-4eb9-a9ba-ec0b549f61b2" data-vars-headline="Where to eat in Lockhart" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bestlittlewine.com/" target="_blank">Best Little Wine &amp; Books</a><figure><img alt="" height="3024" id="a0bc3c96-ab80-4805-9120-040cb75a60e7" src="https://images.axios.com/Dl-5YwEv28SvkD5Vr4U06IuGcCM=/2023/06/26/1687800464926.jpg" width="4032"/><figcaption>Best Little Wine &amp; Books offers unique gifts and bottles of wine. Photo: Nicole Cobler/Axios</figcaption></figure>Details: Grab a bottle of wine and sit out on the patio at Best Little Wine &amp; Books, a tiny wine bar and shop just off the square.<ul><li>Sommelier Kaye Askins, along with her Nickel City co-owner Tober, teamed up to set up the shop last year.</li></ul>Location: 210 W. San Antonio St.Hours: 2 to 9pm Tuesday to Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday.4. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Little Trouble" data-vars-click-url="https://www.littletroublelockhart.com/" data-vars-content-id="751662dc-a9e8-4eb9-a9ba-ec0b549f61b2" data-vars-headline="Where to eat in Lockhart" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.littletroublelockhart.com/" target="_blank">Little Trouble</a><figure><img alt="" height="3024" id="bede13a9-3398-4e79-bcdf-753c5ea5fa68" src="https://images.axios.com/yXw96J75HKVos7dHYK1X1DoTD5s=/2023/06/26/1687800506294.jpg" width="4032"/><figcaption>The interior of Little Trouble. Photo: Nicole Cobler/Axios</figcaption></figure>Details: In a former bank vault below the historic Brock Building, Little Trouble&#x27;s owner Alexandra Worthington and chef Casey Wilcox (the former executive chef of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Justine&#x27;s Brasserie" data-vars-click-url="https://justines1937.com/" data-vars-content-id="751662dc-a9e8-4eb9-a9ba-ec0b549f61b2" data-vars-headline="Where to eat in Lockhart" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://justines1937.com/" target="_blank">Justine&#x27;s Brasserie</a>) serves up specialty cocktails and unique dishes.Hours: 5pm to midnight Wednesday and Thursday; 3pm to midnight Friday; 3pm to 1am Saturday; and 3 to 10pm Sunday.Location: 101 E. San Antonio St.Pro tip: Grab Sunday brunch at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Eldorado," data-vars-click-url="https://www.theeldorado.net/" data-vars-content-id="751662dc-a9e8-4eb9-a9ba-ec0b549f61b2" data-vars-headline="Where to eat in Lockhart" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theeldorado.net/" target="_blank">The Eldorado,</a> above Little Trouble in the Brock Building.5. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Commerce Cafe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.commerce-lockhart.com/" data-vars-content-id="751662dc-a9e8-4eb9-a9ba-ec0b549f61b2" data-vars-headline="Where to eat in Lockhart" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.commerce-lockhart.com/" target="_blank">Commerce Cafe</a>Details: Foreign &amp; Domestic co-owners Sarah Heard and Nathan Lemley opened this cozy, unfussy cafe in 2020 with Southern-style selections, including chicken-fried steak and roasted chicken.<ul><li>They offer Foreign &amp; Domestic&#x27;s popular Gruyere popovers and Monday night <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="family meals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.commerce-lockhart.com/holiday-reservations" data-vars-content-id="751662dc-a9e8-4eb9-a9ba-ec0b549f61b2" data-vars-headline="Where to eat in Lockhart" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.commerce-lockhart.com/holiday-reservations" target="_blank">family meals</a> that are announced on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Instagram" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/commerce_cafe/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="751662dc-a9e8-4eb9-a9ba-ec0b549f61b2" data-vars-headline="Where to eat in Lockhart" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/commerce_cafe/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram</a> each week.</li></ul>Hours: 11am to 9pm Tuesday to Saturday; 5 to 9pm Monday. Closed Sunday.Location: 118 S. Commerce St.6. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Loop &amp; Lil&#x27;s Pizza" data-vars-click-url="http://www.loopandlilspizza.com/" data-vars-content-id="751662dc-a9e8-4eb9-a9ba-ec0b549f61b2" data-vars-headline="Where to eat in Lockhart" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.loopandlilspizza.com/" target="_blank">Loop &amp; Lil&#x27;s Pizza</a>Details: This pizza shop opened in 2015, ushering in the new wave of Lockhart restaurants.<ul><li>Loop &amp; Lil&#x27;s serves up salads, sandwiches and hand-tossed pizzas and has a full bar.</li></ul>Location: 107 N. Main St.Hours: 11am to 10pm Sunday to Wednesday. 11am to midnight Thursday and Friday.Dig deeper: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="6 things to do in Lockhart" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/06/27/things-to-do-lockhart-texas" data-vars-content-id="751662dc-a9e8-4eb9-a9ba-ec0b549f61b2" data-vars-headline="Where to eat in Lockhart" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/06/27/things-to-do-lockhart-texas" target="_self">6 things to do in Lockhart</a>

How to spend a day in Lockhart

Find vintage shops, art and more in Lockhart.

Lockhart has transformed into a hub for creatives and artists. There are plenty of ways to spend a day — or weekend — in this Texas town.

Development 🏗️

Austin receives $48 million EPA grant

New art installation at Seaholm

We asked, you answered: EV charging

Hays County residents fight proposed concert venue

How San Antonio-Austin could be the next Dallas-Fort Worth