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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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Austin has ties to Spencer Pratt's LA mayoral campaign

Tuesday is primary day in LA, where incumbent Mayor Karen Bass is trying to stay in office.

News

Reality star <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spencer Pratt&#x27;s bid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/08/california-election-democrats-spencer-pratt" data-vars-content-id="41a4be90-919a-43d6-b362-a49779db1b2a" data-vars-headline="Austin has ties to Spencer Pratt&#x27;s LA mayoral campaign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/08/california-election-democrats-spencer-pratt" target="_self">Spencer Pratt&#x27;s bid</a> to be Los Angeles&#x27; next mayor has ties to Austin, per an Axios review of campaign finance filings.Why it matters: Tuesday is primary day in LA, where incumbent Mayor Karen Bass is trying to stay in office after facing criticism over the city&#x27;s response to last year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="devastating wildfires" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/11/la-protests-ice-curfew-marines" data-vars-content-id="41a4be90-919a-43d6-b362-a49779db1b2a" data-vars-headline="Austin has ties to Spencer Pratt&#x27;s LA mayoral campaign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/11/la-protests-ice-curfew-marines" target="_self">devastating wildfires</a>.

Where to watch the World Cup in Austin

Austin already has a strong soccer bar scene, with fan groups gathering across the city year-round.

Things to Do

The World Cup isn&#x27;t coming to Austin, but there are plenty of places to watch with friends.What&#x27;s happening: We&#x27;ve rounded up some of the best bars and watch parties around town for soccer fans looking to soak up the World Cup atmosphere.

Austin youth soccer eyes World Cup bump

Youth participation has increased alongside the sport's popularity.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/04/13/what-to-know-about-world-cup-watch-parties-miami" data-vars-content-id="37ce5d92-ef74-478d-a9e2-8f604ec4d610" data-vars-headline="Austin youth soccer eyes World Cup bump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/04/13/what-to-know-about-world-cup-watch-parties-miami" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> kicks off June 11, to be played across the United States, Mexico and Canada — the first time in 32 years the U.S. will serve as a host nation.Why it matters: More Americans are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tuning into" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nielsen.com/insights/2025/world-cup-2026/" data-vars-content-id="37ce5d92-ef74-478d-a9e2-8f604ec4d610" data-vars-headline="Austin youth soccer eyes World Cup bump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nielsen.com/insights/2025/world-cup-2026/" target="_blank">tuning into</a> soccer ahead of the sport&#x27;s most prestigious tournament, and youth soccer clubs hope the tournament spurs a rise in participation.

How Austin uses AI to address tree canopies

Austin leaders want to reach 50% citywide tree canopy coverage by 2050.

As Austin confronts <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hotter summers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/16/summer-temperatures-lingering" data-vars-content-id="b968b287-cfb4-4f13-9834-338bcebb0dbc" data-vars-headline="How Austin uses AI to address tree canopies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/16/summer-temperatures-lingering" target="_self">hotter summers</a>, city officials are turning to Google&#x27;s AI to address shade disparities.Why it matters: Neighborhoods with less tree cover often face higher <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat exposure," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/08/14/austin-students-face-extreme-heat" data-vars-content-id="b968b287-cfb4-4f13-9834-338bcebb0dbc" data-vars-headline="How Austin uses AI to address tree canopies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/08/14/austin-students-face-extreme-heat" target="_self">heat exposure,</a> and AI-driven analysis can help target where shade could have the greatest impact.

Austin's Mexican American Cultural Center reopens

The new center includes an expanded Zócalo Plaza.

The city of Austin on Saturday will unveil the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newly renovated" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/03/18/austin-mexican-american-cultural-center-overhaul" data-vars-content-id="3bcd7a32-3e06-4432-ae8b-6175a84753e5" data-vars-headline="Austin&#x27;s Mexican American Cultural Center reopens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/03/18/austin-mexican-american-cultural-center-overhaul" target="_self">newly renovated</a> Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="key cultural institution" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/06/27/macc-honors-cultural-contributors" data-vars-content-id="3bcd7a32-3e06-4432-ae8b-6175a84753e5" data-vars-headline="Austin&#x27;s Mexican American Cultural Center reopens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/06/27/macc-honors-cultural-contributors" target="_self">key cultural institution</a> has been closed for nearly three years.

Desert Island Dish with Austin's Eric Silverstein

What the founder of a pioneering Austin Asian fusion restaurant would take to a desert island.

As part of our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="running feature" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/05/27/desert-island-dish-susana-querejazu" data-vars-content-id="6be3ef58-8bed-433e-a1df-c850be766ac7" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Austin&#x27;s Eric Silverstein" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/05/27/desert-island-dish-susana-querejazu" target="_self">running feature</a> about Austin chefs&#x27; favorite meals, we recently caught up with Eric Silverstein, head chef and founder of the Peached Tortilla, the Asian fusion restaurant with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a handful of locations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thepeachedtortilla.com/" data-vars-content-id="6be3ef58-8bed-433e-a1df-c850be766ac7" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Austin&#x27;s Eric Silverstein" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thepeachedtortilla.com/" target="_blank">a handful of locations</a> around town.<ul><li>One location, Bar Peached, on West 6th Street <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="caught fire" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/photos-show-extensive-fire-water-damage-to-bar-peached/" data-vars-content-id="6be3ef58-8bed-433e-a1df-c850be766ac7" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Austin&#x27;s Eric Silverstein" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/photos-show-extensive-fire-water-damage-to-bar-peached/" target="_blank">caught fire</a> early Sunday, leaving it with extensive fire and water damage. This interview was conducted before the fire.</li></ul>The backstory: Silverstein was born in Tokyo, the son of a Chinese mother and American father, both with ties to the restaurant business. He was raised in Japan until junior high, when his family moved to Atlanta.

How the Talarico-Paxton race could play out

Talarico links the affordability crisis with corruption, while Paxton frames the Democrat as out of touch.

Politics & Policy

With Ken Paxton&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="GOP primary win" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/27/texas-senate-gop-cornyn-paxton" data-vars-content-id="f1d8eded-ce80-478f-a801-449ff75d69a2" data-vars-headline="How the Talarico-Paxton race could play out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/27/texas-senate-gop-cornyn-paxton" target="_self">GOP primary win</a> this week, Democrats now have the Republican Senate candidate, tactically speaking, they were hoping for.<ul><li>Now the question is whether their nominee, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Talarico" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/27/texas-senate-gop-cornyn-paxton" data-vars-content-id="f1d8eded-ce80-478f-a801-449ff75d69a2" data-vars-headline="How the Talarico-Paxton race could play out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/27/texas-senate-gop-cornyn-paxton" target="_self">James Talarico</a>, a young state lawmaker from Austin, can deliver them out of the wilderness.</li></ul>

Austin City Council to consider rules for e-motos

In Austin, there is no local code governing where e-motos can operate.

The Austin City Council on Thursday will consider taking an initial step toward regulating electric dirt bikes and mini motorcyles, or e-motos.Why it matters: A growing number of children and teens are riding the high-powered bikes on Austin streets, alarming residents and prompting safety concerns from local officials.

Middleton defeats Roy in Texas AG race

Middleton successfully cast himself as the MAGA candidate, even as President Trump didn't endorse in the race.

Politics

State Sen. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayes Middleton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/18/texas-attorney-general-may-runoff" data-vars-content-id="742ac211-8db8-41c8-b685-203a2d2ed8d7" data-vars-headline="Middleton defeats Roy in Texas AG race" 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/texas-attorney-general-may-runoff" target="_self">Mayes Middleton</a> of Galveston defeated U.S. Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chip Roy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/08/chip-roy-texas-attorney-general-paxton-cornyn" data-vars-content-id="742ac211-8db8-41c8-b685-203a2d2ed8d7" data-vars-headline="Middleton defeats Roy in Texas AG race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/08/chip-roy-texas-attorney-general-paxton-cornyn" target="_self">Chip Roy</a> in the GOP runoff for Texas attorney general Tuesday night.Why it matters: Middleton successfully cast himself as the MAGA candidate, even as President Trump didn&#x27;t endorse in the race.

Texas GOP voters oust Cornyn in Paxton upset

Cornyn's loss marks one of the most significant defeats for a Republican senator in years.

Republican primary voters on Tuesday rejected U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, one of the Senate&#x27;s most senior GOP members, in favor of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump-backed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/19/trump-endorsement-texas-senate-race-ken-paxton" data-vars-content-id="319ecb20-8e5a-415d-9d5a-b2a8fc1d11fc" data-vars-headline="Texas GOP voters oust Cornyn in Paxton upset" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/19/trump-endorsement-texas-senate-race-ken-paxton" target="_self">Trump-backed</a> Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.Why it matters: Cornyn&#x27;s loss marks one of the most significant defeats for a Republican senator in years and underscores how loyalty to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="319ecb20-8e5a-415d-9d5a-b2a8fc1d11fc" data-vars-headline="Texas GOP voters oust Cornyn in Paxton upset" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">President Trump</a> continues to reshape GOP primaries nationwide.

ATX TV Festival returns to Austin for 15th year

The festival will take place over four days in downtown Austin.

ATX TV Festival is back in downtown Austin this weekend with TV reunions, sneak peeks, celebrity panels and a few new additions to mark its 15th year.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="four-day festival" data-vars-click-url="https://atxtvfestival.eventive.org/welcome" data-vars-content-id="4bf642da-d98d-4065-9c47-16468aaae12a" data-vars-headline="ATX TV Festival returns to Austin for 15th year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://atxtvfestival.eventive.org/welcome" target="_blank">four-day festival</a>, running Friday to Monday, is dedicated to television — something co-founders Caitlin McFarland and Emily Gipson say was the point from the beginning.

News 🗞

Our Friday news quiz

Mapped: Honoring Texas's WWII heroes

Austin's Mexican American Cultural Center reopens

Waterloo Greenway's phase two to open

How Austin uses AI to address tree canopies