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

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ERCOT prepping for winter electric demand

The grid operator has been closely watched since mass outages in 2021.

News

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's vice-presidential chances

A prolific fundraiser, the border governor is a Trump loyalist.

Politics

Texas kids losing Medicaid insurance in overwhelmed system

Lapsed coverage means kids miss emergency medical care.

Texas' strongest THC gummy hits the market

It's 50% stronger than the strongest legal edibles previously available.

Health

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.

Illustration of a uniform name patch with the letters "A.I." stitched

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.

Business

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.

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.

Former Austinite creates "Don't Austin My Lockhart" hats

Jessica Wimpy headed to Lockhart after her Austin rent went up almost $1000 nearly four years ago.

Food and Drink

Jessica Wimpy, 46, spent over two decades in Austin before heading to Lockhart, where she bartends at three businesses on the main square and handmakes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="custom hats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/wimpyoriginals/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="9cf5fbe2-1f8b-4176-9e6b-f39577bf84a5" data-vars-headline="Former Austinite creates &quot;Don&#x27;t Austin My Lockhart&quot; hats" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/wimpyoriginals/?hl=en" target="_blank">custom hats</a>.The big picture: Within the first year of moving to Lockhart, Wimpy was inspired to create baseball caps, T-shirts and stickers that read &quot;Don&#x27;t Austin My Lockhart,&quot; which she sells in stores around town.

Austin light rail plan unveiled as state officials question financing

The selected plan does not reach the airport, but it prioritizes a future expansion.

Austin Transit Partnership officials released their preferred plan Tuesday for the city&#x27;s light rail network, recommending an on-street, 9.8-mile route that would connect North and South Austin from West 38th to Oltorf streets and run southeast to near Ben White Boulevard.Driving the news: The final recommendation comes after the local government corporation narrowed their plans to five light rail options <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in March" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/03/14/austin-light-rail-airport-plan" data-vars-content-id="a60f4419-4a14-4a78-9059-5b64ecb72c95" data-vars-headline="Austin light rail plan unveiled as state officials question financing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/03/14/austin-light-rail-airport-plan" target="_self">in March</a>. Officials said they made the decision after receiving more than 5,000 public comments and holding 90 community meetings.

Downtown still recovering from pandemic

Downtowns became ghost towns during the height of the pandemic.

Cellphone use in downtown Austin is about half of what it was pre-pandemic.The big picture: It&#x27;s the latest sign of how the core part of the city remains a lighter version of itself, Axios&#x27; Alex Fitzpatrick and Alice Feng report.

IBM will move to new Domain building by 2027

IBM will occupy one full tower, plus two floors in the adjacent tower.

IBM will move its Austin workforce into a new, 500,000-square-foot office development in North Austin by 2027, the company is announcing today.Why it matters: The announcement comes two days after CEO Arvind Krishna&#x27;s acknowledgement that IBM <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plans to replace jobs with AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/02/ibm-stock-artificial-intelligence-hiring" data-vars-content-id="5e922a6e-685e-4ae9-a717-30dade105b5a" data-vars-headline="IBM will move to new Domain building by 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/02/ibm-stock-artificial-intelligence-hiring" target="_self">plans to replace jobs with AI</a> and as tech industry downsizing has led <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="companies to pull back" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/06/tech-finance-offices" data-vars-content-id="5e922a6e-685e-4ae9-a717-30dade105b5a" data-vars-headline="IBM will move to new Domain building by 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/06/tech-finance-offices" target="_self">companies to pull back</a> on leasing office spaces.

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

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

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.

Where to eat in Lockhart

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

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>

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.

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