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UT's power line sensor could better detect grid trouble

The sensors could help utility workers identify issues with power lines in real time.

News

University of Texas researchers say they&#x27;ve developed a new tool that could help spot problems on power lines before they <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lead to outages" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/31/us-electric-grid-extreme-weather" data-vars-content-id="006173f0-d798-4909-a6a7-48462f515cce" data-vars-headline="UT&#x27;s power line sensor could better detect grid trouble" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/31/us-electric-grid-extreme-weather" target="_self">lead to outages</a>.Why it matters: As Texas adds <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/12/02/the-data-center-boom-upwardly-revised" data-vars-content-id="006173f0-d798-4909-a6a7-48462f515cce" data-vars-headline="UT&#x27;s power line sensor could better detect grid trouble" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/12/02/the-data-center-boom-upwardly-revised" target="_self">data centers</a>, renewable energy and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/31/texas-population-surge-latinos-2026-senate-race" data-vars-content-id="006173f0-d798-4909-a6a7-48462f515cce" data-vars-headline="UT&#x27;s power line sensor could better detect grid trouble" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/31/texas-population-surge-latinos-2026-senate-race" target="_self">more people</a>, utilities are looking for better ways to monitor an aging <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="electric grid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/12/texas-power-grid-summer-demand-ercot-forecast" data-vars-content-id="006173f0-d798-4909-a6a7-48462f515cce" data-vars-headline="UT&#x27;s power line sensor could better detect grid trouble" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/12/texas-power-grid-summer-demand-ercot-forecast" target="_self">electric grid</a> in real time.

Test your knowledge of Texas U.S. Senate history

As James Talarico and Ken Paxton battle it out, we ask questions about Texas' U.S. senators.

Three recent polls have shown state Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="narrowly leading" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/04/poll-talarico-has-slim-lead-over-paxton-in-texas-senate-race" data-vars-content-id="82789aa2-a444-4d28-9a1b-b7e26c84946e" data-vars-headline="Test your knowledge of Texas U.S. Senate history" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/04/poll-talarico-has-slim-lead-over-paxton-in-texas-senate-race" target="_self">narrowly leading</a> state Attorney General Ken Paxton in the U.S. Senate race.<ul><li>For this week&#x27;s quiz, show us just how much of a Texas political junkie you are.</li></ul>

The cost of removing Austin's street art

The final total may increase, city officials tell Axios, as more costs roll in.

We can now put a dollars-and-cents figure on a state directive to get rid of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="roadway artwork" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/06/23/austin-painted-crosswalks-removal-abbott" data-vars-content-id="f4ef181f-e518-4c06-a5b1-5e51aaf150f4" data-vars-headline="The cost of removing Austin&#x27;s street art" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/06/23/austin-painted-crosswalks-removal-abbott" target="_self">roadway artwork</a> in Austin.Why it matters: Critics have argued the state order is politically motivated and targets artwork celebrating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LGBTQ+" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/20/lgbtq-americans-housing" data-vars-content-id="f4ef181f-e518-4c06-a5b1-5e51aaf150f4" data-vars-headline="The cost of removing Austin&#x27;s street art" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/20/lgbtq-americans-housing" target="_self">LGBTQ+</a> and minority communities.

The rise of mood drinks

Sales of functional beverages generated $31.3 billion in U.S. sales over the past year, per data from NIQ.

As <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Americans rethink alcohol" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" data-vars-content-id="cba336d5-167d-4189-85ea-a67669b648f1" data-vars-headline="The rise of mood drinks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" target="_self">Americans rethink alcohol</a>, beverage startups are racing to fill the gap with drinks that promise social connection without the hangover.Why it matters: Consumers are increasingly choosing beverages based on what they want the drink to do — energize them, improve <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gut health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/04/13/gut-health-immune-system-anxiety-digestion" data-vars-content-id="cba336d5-167d-4189-85ea-a67669b648f1" data-vars-headline="The rise of mood drinks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/04/13/gut-health-immune-system-anxiety-digestion" target="_self">gut health</a> or help unwind — fueling a boom in products <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="marketed around function" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/pro/retail-deals/2024/03/15/functional-beverage-recess-25-million" data-vars-content-id="cba336d5-167d-4189-85ea-a67669b648f1" data-vars-headline="The rise of mood drinks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/pro/retail-deals/2024/03/15/functional-beverage-recess-25-million" target="_self">marketed around function</a> rather than flavor.

Antone's joins vinyl take-back program

Music fans can return damaged or unplayable vinyl records to potentially be recycled.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Antone&#x27;s Record Shop" data-vars-click-url="https://antonesrecordshop.com/" data-vars-content-id="776afb5e-35ae-41cb-a4c2-3d0d9458bf63" data-vars-headline="Antone&#x27;s joins vinyl take-back program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://antonesrecordshop.com/" target="_blank">Antone&#x27;s Record Shop</a> in Austin has joined a new nationwide vinyl take-back program that aims to give broken and unwanted records a second life.Why it matters: Vinyl has enjoyed a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="resurgence over the past decade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/04/21/record-store-day-returns-amid-climbing-vinyl-sales" data-vars-content-id="776afb5e-35ae-41cb-a4c2-3d0d9458bf63" data-vars-headline="Antone&#x27;s joins vinyl take-back program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/04/21/record-store-day-returns-amid-climbing-vinyl-sales" target="_self">resurgence over the past decade</a>, but there&#x27;s been little focus on what happens when records become damaged, beyond repair or owners no longer want them.

5 questions with singer Iris Copperman

The Nashville singer will perform in Austin at the Andy Roddick Foundation's Lasting Legacies Benefit Concert.

At just 14 years old, Nashville singer-songwriter Iris Copperman is already turning painful middle school experiences into introspective pop music.Driving the news: Copperman will open for Fort Worth-native Leon Bridges Friday night at the Andy Roddick Foundation&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lasting Legacies Benefit Concert" data-vars-click-url="https://www.andyroddickfoundation.org/legacies" data-vars-content-id="c39e5af5-433a-42bc-8e32-7534189ee340" data-vars-headline="5 questions with singer Iris Copperman" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.andyroddickfoundation.org/legacies" target="_blank">Lasting Legacies Benefit Concert</a> at Stubb&#x27;s in Austin.

Shakey Graves' very best Austin day

The inventive Austin musician has a new album coming out.

Music

Folk-blues musician Shakey Graves is a very busy man.Why it matters: Nearly 40 years old, he leads a new generation of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin musicians" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/music" data-vars-content-id="84c9c2de-84cd-4cc0-838d-3474916da2ce" data-vars-headline="Shakey Graves&#x27; very best Austin day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/music" target="_self">Austin musicians</a> even as he is a father to a young child.

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.

Spotify: Austin's top songs of 2025

Kendrick Lamar's "luther (with sza)" took the top spot.

Culture

Kendrick Lamar&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Luther" data-vars-click-url="https://open.spotify.com/track/45J4avUb9Ni0bnETYaYFVJ" data-vars-content-id="ebe6bf30-29fa-46f0-baf4-1495af208a6f" data-vars-headline="Spotify: Austin&#x27;s top songs of 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/45J4avUb9Ni0bnETYaYFVJ" target="_blank">Luther</a>&quot; (with SZA) was the most-streamed song on Spotify in Austin this year.Why it matters: Austin&#x27;s Wrapped shows a more Spanish-language tilt with Bad Bunny&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="DtMF" data-vars-click-url="https://open.spotify.com/track/3sK8wGT43QFpWrvNQsrQya?si=aa214c82321c4990" data-vars-content-id="ebe6bf30-29fa-46f0-baf4-1495af208a6f" data-vars-headline="Spotify: Austin&#x27;s top songs of 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/3sK8wGT43QFpWrvNQsrQya?si=aa214c82321c4990" target="_blank">DtMF</a>&quot; landing in the No. 2 spot.

What to know before going to ACL Music Festival

Getting to the fest, what to bring and more.

Austin City Limits Music Festival returns Friday, with performances from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local artists to big names" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aclfestival.com/lineup" data-vars-content-id="edf89090-a879-4c30-802d-acb6a871fd4d" data-vars-headline="What to know before going to ACL Music Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aclfestival.com/lineup" target="_blank">local artists to big names</a> like Sabrina Carpenter, Hozier and The Killers.Why it matters: The festival takes over Zilker Park for two weekends each year and brings thousands of music fans to Austin.

Hot Summer Nights festival returns to Austin

Over 150 artists will perform across 18 venues in the Red River district.

Hot Summer Nights, the three-day music and arts festival, returns to the Red River Cultural District on Thursday.Why it matters: The free festival, founded in 2017, provides additional revenue to venues and artists during slow summer months.

Texas grocer H-E-B gets into the music game

Marcia Ball's Boogie Trinity plays on Saturday.

H-E-B is partnering with Austin nonprofit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Housing Opportunities for Musicians and Entertainers" data-vars-click-url="https://homeaustin.networkforgood.com/" data-vars-content-id="372b194d-4764-4fc4-ba25-a5af53414fe6" data-vars-headline="Texas grocer H-E-B gets into the music game" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://homeaustin.networkforgood.com/" target="_blank">Housing Opportunities for Musicians and Entertainers</a> (HOME) to host a new monthly concert series at the South Congress H-E-B.Why it matters: HOME provides financial housing assistance for aging musicians in need.

Willie Nelson celebrates 92

The red-headed stranger helped define Austin's musical identity.

Willie Nelson celebrates his 92nd birthday Tuesday.Why it matters: Nelson, a cultural icon in his own right, has become a living symbol of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin" data-vars-content-id="fe1c6c23-a6c3-4991-abc4-daba8dce448c" data-vars-headline="Willie Nelson celebrates 92" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin" target="_self">Austin</a>. He helped define the city&#x27;s weirdness and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="progressive identity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/07/14/beto-orourke-and-willie-nelson-raise-thousands-for-texas-dems" data-vars-content-id="fe1c6c23-a6c3-4991-abc4-daba8dce448c" data-vars-headline="Willie Nelson celebrates 92" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/07/14/beto-orourke-and-willie-nelson-raise-thousands-for-texas-dems" target="_self">progressive identity</a>, and his influence was instrumental in shaping Austin&#x27;s reputation as a hub for live music.

Things to do in Austin this week

Food and Drink

We&#x27;ve got you covered with some work-week plans.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Monday</h2>🤣 Find a lineup of comedians throughout the week at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Moontower Comedy Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.austintheatre.org/moontower-comedy/" data-vars-content-id="961d64a8-dcef-40db-a6c5-991a0869ca0f" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Austin this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.austintheatre.org/moontower-comedy/" target="_blank">Moontower Comedy Festival</a>. Badges are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="still available" data-vars-click-url="https://www.austintheatre.org/moontower-comedy/badges/" data-vars-content-id="961d64a8-dcef-40db-a6c5-991a0869ca0f" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Austin this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.austintheatre.org/moontower-comedy/badges/" target="_blank">still available</a> or you can snag tickets to individual shows.