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Padel is Austin's trendy new racquet sport

Austin is emerging as one of the country's biggest markets for padel.

News

Austin is emerging as one of the biggest U.S. markets for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="padel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/05/24/the-racquet-sport-growing-faster-than-pickleball-worldwide" data-vars-content-id="0d5f6bf6-8f54-41b0-87c6-5168e64d2933" data-vars-headline="Padel is Austin&#x27;s trendy new racquet sport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/05/24/the-racquet-sport-growing-faster-than-pickleball-worldwide" target="_self">padel</a>, the racquet sport that&#x27;s rapidly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spreading" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/10/padel-tennis-court-home" data-vars-content-id="0d5f6bf6-8f54-41b0-87c6-5168e64d2933" data-vars-headline="Padel is Austin&#x27;s trendy new racquet sport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/10/padel-tennis-court-home" target="_self">spreading</a> beyond its Latin American roots.Why it matters: Club operators are betting the city has the right mix of players to fuel padel&#x27;s next phase of growth.

Wedding content creators are booming in Austin

A growing number of Austin couples are asking for a wedding content creator.

Wedding content creators are carving out a place alongside photographers and videographers as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="couples" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/05/20/davids-bridal-sample-sale-weddings-tariffs" data-vars-content-id="4bb0e7ba-5e86-445d-aa53-9a4e2cddfe82" data-vars-headline="Wedding content creators are booming in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/05/20/davids-bridal-sample-sale-weddings-tariffs" target="_self">couples</a> seek faster ways to relive their big day.Why it matters: The growing industry is creating opportunities for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="content creators " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/23/wedding-content-creators-san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="4bb0e7ba-5e86-445d-aa53-9a4e2cddfe82" data-vars-headline="Wedding content creators are booming in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/23/wedding-content-creators-san-antonio" target="_self">content creators </a>while giving newlyweds wedding memories within days — or even hours — instead of weeks.

Desert Island Dish with Alex Dubey

What the co-owner of a mainstay Austin Italian restaurant would bring 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/2026/01/13/desert-island-dish-david-munoz" data-vars-content-id="f2f86d99-355f-44de-add1-70d13c7927f8" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Alex Dubey" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/01/13/desert-island-dish-david-munoz" target="_self">running feature</a> about Austin restaurateurs&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="favorite meals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/12/10/desert-island-dish-brian-batch" data-vars-content-id="f2f86d99-355f-44de-add1-70d13c7927f8" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Alex Dubey" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/12/10/desert-island-dish-brian-batch" target="_self">favorite meals</a>, we recently caught up with Alex Dubey, co-owner (with his wife, Cristina Yoder) of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Quattro Gatti" data-vars-click-url="https://www.quattrogattiaustin.com/" data-vars-content-id="f2f86d99-355f-44de-add1-70d13c7927f8" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Alex Dubey" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.quattrogattiaustin.com/" target="_blank">Quattro Gatti</a>, the beloved little Italian restaurant on Congress Avenue, by the Capitol. Background: Dubey, 40, grew up in Florida, and has worked in the food industry since college, starting as a server at the French restaurant Jean-Georges in New York.

How to celebrate Fourth of July weekend in Austin

We've rounded up the top Fourth of July weekend events around Austin.

Austin is gearing up for a lively July Fourth as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.The big picture: From Willie Nelson&#x27;s annual picnic to fireworks over Lady Bird Lake, here are our favorite shows, celebrations and giveaways all weekend long.

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.

Candidates vie to be Texas attorney general in May runoffs

Two Republicans and two Democrats face off on May 26.

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.

Abbott calls for new impeachment process for district attorneys

Travis County's district attorney called the proposals "nothing more than a political stunt."

Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday proposed that locally elected district attorneys should be subject to impeachment, part of a broader push to expand state oversight of local prosecutors who he says fail to aggressively pursue <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="violent offenders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/violent-crime-us-cities-trump" data-vars-content-id="a834fa9c-2726-4034-b81e-ee2395473ab7" data-vars-headline="Abbott calls for new impeachment process for district attorneys" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/violent-crime-us-cities-trump" target="_self">violent offenders</a>.Why it matters: Abbott&#x27;s proposals escalate a yearslong clash between Texas Republicans and progressive district attorneys in the state&#x27;s largest urban counties.

What Democrats' wins in local Texas elections mean for the state

Why local election wins by Democrats in Texas may not matter come November.

Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gina Hinojosa" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/09/26/gina-hinojosa-austin-democrat-campaign-texas-governor" data-vars-content-id="587e56c9-9d39-4ad1-b6ba-406e305013d3" data-vars-headline="What Democrats&#x27; wins in local Texas elections mean for the state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/09/26/gina-hinojosa-austin-democrat-campaign-texas-governor" target="_self">Gina Hinojosa</a> is suggesting recent school board and mayoral election results across the state signal hope for Democrats running in statewide races — but politics watchers tell Axios the suggestion is tenuous.Why it matters: No Democrat has won statewide in Texas since 1994, but Democratic candidates are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eager" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/04/talarico-democratic-vice-president" data-vars-content-id="587e56c9-9d39-4ad1-b6ba-406e305013d3" data-vars-headline="What Democrats&#x27; wins in local Texas elections mean for the state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/04/talarico-democratic-vice-president" target="_self">eager</a> to show this year is different.

Why Dems would (or wouldn't) pick Talarico for VP in '28

Talarico has carved out a new lane in Texas politics: a Christian Democrat who appeals to Latinos and suburbanites.

Texas legislator <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Talarico" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/05/democrats-texas-talarico-voter-turnout" data-vars-content-id="355d5c5b-dfab-4ce5-9dbe-6b053a2cdcab" data-vars-headline="Why Dems would (or wouldn&#x27;t) pick Talarico for VP in &#x27;28" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/05/democrats-texas-talarico-voter-turnout" target="_self">James Talarico</a> is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an underdog" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cookpolitical.com/senate/race/488686" data-vars-content-id="355d5c5b-dfab-4ce5-9dbe-6b053a2cdcab" data-vars-headline="Why Dems would (or wouldn&#x27;t) pick Talarico for VP in &#x27;28" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/senate/race/488686" target="_blank">an underdog</a> for U.S. Senate, but his name is already being whispered as a potential 2028 vice presidential candidate. Why it matters: The mere suggestion reflects just how stratospheric <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Talarico&#x27;s rise" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/15/how-texas-talarico-is-leveraging-social-media-in-his-bid-for-the-senate" data-vars-content-id="355d5c5b-dfab-4ce5-9dbe-6b053a2cdcab" data-vars-headline="Why Dems would (or wouldn&#x27;t) pick Talarico for VP in &#x27;28" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/15/how-texas-talarico-is-leveraging-social-media-in-his-bid-for-the-senate" target="_self">Talarico&#x27;s rise</a> has been — and how desperate Democrats are to win Texas&#x27; electoral votes.

Talarico leads Cornyn and Paxton in UT poll

The survey was conducted as the two Republican candidates continue to battle for the GOP nomination.

State Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Talarico" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/04/talarico-crockett-democratic-primary-senate-texas" data-vars-content-id="65bd459c-71ee-4b9a-bdf3-8ed9777233f8" data-vars-headline="Talarico leads Cornyn and Paxton in UT poll" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/04/talarico-crockett-democratic-primary-senate-texas" target="_self">James Talarico</a> (D-Austin) leads his potential Republican opponents in the U.S. Senate race in Texas, per a new poll from the University of Texas. Why it matters: A close race in Texas would expand the battleground for Democrats in their bid to retake the Senate and put a legislative check on <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="65bd459c-71ee-4b9a-bdf3-8ed9777233f8" data-vars-headline="Talarico leads Cornyn and Paxton in UT poll" 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>.

Austin weighs ICE policy ahead of state funding deadline

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is threatening to withhold money over Austin police policies.

Austin officials have until Thursday to confirm they will not restrict cooperation between city police and ICE — or they risk losing $2.5 million in grants, per a threat from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov. Greg Abbott&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/22/texas-governor-greg-abbott-longest-serving-power" data-vars-content-id="78ee8ce8-aafc-487d-b76f-ece22286311a" data-vars-headline="Austin weighs ICE policy ahead of state funding deadline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/22/texas-governor-greg-abbott-longest-serving-power" target="_self">Gov. Greg Abbott&#x27;s</a> office.Why it matters: Mayor Kirk Watson has called Abbott&#x27;s threat &quot;political theater,&quot; but it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="revives questions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/05/14/texas-legislature-austin-dallas-houston-san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="78ee8ce8-aafc-487d-b76f-ece22286311a" data-vars-headline="Austin weighs ICE policy ahead of state funding deadline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/05/14/texas-legislature-austin-dallas-houston-san-antonio" target="_self">revives questions</a> about how much power locally elected officials have to steer city policy.

Politics 🇺🇸

Gov. Greg Abbott calls for broad data center rules

How the Talarico-Paxton race could play out

Austin City Council to consider rules for e-motos

Middleton defeats Roy in Texas AG race

Texas GOP voters oust Cornyn in Paxton upset