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Candidates vie to be Texas attorney general in May runoffs

Two Republicans and two Democrats face off on May 26.

News

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.

Three suspects in custody following South Austin shooting spree

The suspects are connected to 12 shootings, mostly in South Austin, officials say.

Three suspects — ages 15 and 17, and a third who was also identified as a juvenile — were taken in custody Sunday after a string of 12 shootings this weekend, authorities said.Driving the news: At least four people were shot. One suffered serious injuries, and the others sustained minor injuries, police said.<ul><li>Residents in a large swath of South Austin were ordered to shelter in place for about an hour on Sunday afternoon as police searched for the suspects.</li></ul>

Violent crime rates decline in Austin

Austin Police say they are focused more on data-driven policing.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Violent crime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/violent-crime-homicides-falls-major-cities-trump" data-vars-content-id="631ae4fa-9a36-41b3-a29f-2033721ecee7" data-vars-headline="Violent crime rates decline in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/violent-crime-homicides-falls-major-cities-trump" target="_self">Violent crime</a> fell sharply across the largest U.S. cities, including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/18/austin-shootings-license-plate-readers" data-vars-content-id="631ae4fa-9a36-41b3-a29f-2033721ecee7" data-vars-headline="Violent crime rates decline in Austin" 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/austin-shootings-license-plate-readers" target="_self">Austin</a>, in early 2026, extending a nationwide decline that began after the pandemic-era crime spike.Why it matters: Crime and policing have been a major factor at the ballot box in local elections, as Republicans including President Trump and Gov. Greg Abbott have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tried to pin violent crime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/14/abbott-statewide-prosecutor-impeachment-process" data-vars-content-id="631ae4fa-9a36-41b3-a29f-2033721ecee7" data-vars-headline="Violent crime rates decline in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/14/abbott-statewide-prosecutor-impeachment-process" target="_self">tried to pin violent crime</a> on Democrats.

Austin mayor backs license plate readers after shootings

Manor police used the technology to identify a suspect's stolen car.

Mayor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kirk Watson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/04/24/austin-mayor-kirk-watson-trump-interview" data-vars-content-id="a9ec8126-7356-4b19-bcee-cdb0fe14f6be" data-vars-headline="Austin mayor backs license plate readers after shootings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/04/24/austin-mayor-kirk-watson-trump-interview" target="_self">Kirk Watson</a> tells Axios the city should move forward with obtaining license plate readers, which police say could have helped more quickly track down three suspects tied to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="citywide shooting spree" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/17/south-austin-shooting-suspects-custody" data-vars-content-id="a9ec8126-7356-4b19-bcee-cdb0fe14f6be" data-vars-headline="Austin mayor backs license plate readers after shootings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/17/south-austin-shooting-suspects-custody" target="_self">citywide shooting spree</a>.Why it matters: The shootings have reignited debate over whether concerns about privacy still outweigh public safety arguments for bringing back the technology.

Austin FC fires its head coach and sporting director

Assistant coach Davy Arnaud will take over as interim head coach.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin FC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/13/inside-austin-fc-s-payroll" data-vars-content-id="d38a266f-ff57-439a-9324-1c956733a9d0" data-vars-headline="Austin FC fires its head coach and sporting director" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/13/inside-austin-fc-s-payroll" target="_self">Austin FC</a>, struggling through the first half of the season, has fired head coach Nico Estévez and sporting director Rodolfo Borrell, effective immediately.Why it matters: The firings, ahead of a long midseason break for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" data-vars-content-id="d38a266f-ff57-439a-9324-1c956733a9d0" data-vars-headline="Austin FC fires its head coach and sporting director" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" target="_self">World Cup</a>, mark an inflection point as the squad aims to shake itself out of mediocrity.

Texas softball gears up for title defense

Texas hopes to defend its national title.

Sports

The University of Texas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="softball squad" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/06/09/texas-longhorns-compete-in-womens-college-world-series" data-vars-content-id="6ef3c5d1-7fb8-45a9-b72e-f9e63deb82b3" data-vars-headline="Texas softball gears up for title defense" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/06/09/texas-longhorns-compete-in-womens-college-world-series" target="_self">softball squad</a> begins its title defense Friday in Austin with the opening of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overall No. 2 seed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncaa.com/news/softball/article/2026-05-10/ncaa-division-i-softball-committee-announces-2026-championship-field" data-vars-content-id="6ef3c5d1-7fb8-45a9-b72e-f9e63deb82b3" data-vars-headline="Texas softball gears up for title defense" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncaa.com/news/softball/article/2026-05-10/ncaa-division-i-softball-committee-announces-2026-championship-field" target="_blank">overall No. 2 seed</a>, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Longhorns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/06/05/1-world-series-softball-team-to-go" data-vars-content-id="6ef3c5d1-7fb8-45a9-b72e-f9e63deb82b3" data-vars-headline="Texas softball gears up for title defense" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/06/05/1-world-series-softball-team-to-go" target="_self">Longhorns</a> are aiming to defend their 2025 national title.

Austin FC partners unveil Texas' first blind soccer pitch

Q2 Stadium also plans to introduce Field of Vision haptic devices.

Austin FC and several community partners have opened a soccer pitch designed for students at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) campus in Austin.Why it matters: Organizers say it&#x27;s the first pitch in Texas built for athletes who are blind or have low vision, expanding access to adaptive sports in Central Texas.

Where to score vintage World Cup T-shirts

An Austin vendor has collected nearly 100 vintage World Cup T-shirts.

👋 Asher here, your fearless old-school tee correspondent. Browsing the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Guad Vintage Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/guadvintageatx/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="9bd54a1c-7fc7-4a07-980c-22af9462d215" data-vars-headline="Where to score vintage World Cup T-shirts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/guadvintageatx/?hl=en" target="_blank">Guad Vintage Market</a> on a recent Sunday afternoon, I noticed one rack with a series of cool vintage World Cup T-shirts.

1983 Longhorns baseball champs get the documentary treatment

"Summer of '83: Texas vs. Tide" is scheduled to air Wednesday night.

The 1983 University of Texas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="baseball team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/04/17/texas-longhorns-baseball-auburn" data-vars-content-id="11f75302-e63e-4901-807b-8d7ddd942229" data-vars-headline="1983 Longhorns baseball champs get the documentary treatment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/04/17/texas-longhorns-baseball-auburn" target="_self">baseball team</a>, a storied squad that included Roger Clemens and a handful of other future big leaguers, is the focus of a new documentary about the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="College World Series" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/06/23/lsu-takes-home-8th-college-world-series-championship-in-tigers-history" data-vars-content-id="11f75302-e63e-4901-807b-8d7ddd942229" data-vars-headline="1983 Longhorns baseball champs get the documentary treatment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/06/23/lsu-takes-home-8th-college-world-series-championship-in-tigers-history" target="_self">College World Series</a> that year.Driving the news: &quot;Summer of &#x27;83: Texas vs. Tide&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="premieres Wednesday" data-vars-click-url="https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2026/03/sec-storied-summer-of-83-texas-vs-tide-sets-sec-network-premiere-date-april-15/" data-vars-content-id="11f75302-e63e-4901-807b-8d7ddd942229" data-vars-headline="1983 Longhorns baseball champs get the documentary treatment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2026/03/sec-storied-summer-of-83-texas-vs-tide-sets-sec-network-premiere-date-april-15/" target="_blank">premieres Wednesday</a> on the SEC Network.

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.

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.

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.

MotoGP bets on Austin to grow its U.S. audience

The three-day race weekend runs Friday through Sunday at COTA.

MotoGP&#x27;s only U.S. race returns to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin" data-vars-content-id="13f9a9c2-6856-41b2-a214-808ccf9b184c" data-vars-headline="MotoGP bets on Austin to grow its U.S. audience" 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> this weekend, putting the city at the center of the racing series&#x27; bid to grow in America.Why it matters: Circuit of the Americas serves as MotoGP&#x27;s lone foothold in the U.S., making Austin a test case for whether <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="another European motorsport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/17/formula-1-austin-women-fans" data-vars-content-id="13f9a9c2-6856-41b2-a214-808ccf9b184c" data-vars-headline="MotoGP bets on Austin to grow its U.S. audience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/17/formula-1-austin-women-fans" target="_self">another European motorsport</a> can break through with American fans.

Texas basketball faces a big moment

Texas men's basketball is a Cinderella — and the women have been dominant.

For the first time since 2004, the University of Texas men&#x27;s and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="women&#x27;s basketball teams" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/01/30/texas-women-basketball" data-vars-content-id="ebbbf9c6-1d78-4297-bc61-bf16538451b0" data-vars-headline="Texas basketball faces a big moment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/01/30/texas-women-basketball" target="_self">women&#x27;s basketball teams</a> are playing in the Sweet 16 in the same year.Why it matters: The squads come to the crucial <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="post-season moment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/04/07/texas-march-madness-money" data-vars-content-id="ebbbf9c6-1d78-4297-bc61-bf16538451b0" data-vars-headline="Texas basketball faces a big moment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/04/07/texas-march-madness-money" target="_self">post-season moment</a> very differently, each compelling in its own way.

Austin FC looks to score more goals in 2026

Facundo Torres, acquired for a reported $9.5 million during the offseason, will replace Osman Bukari on the right wing.

Austin FC is hoping to rebound from a largely <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="disappointing 2025 campaign" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/06/13/austin-fcs-not-so-great-half-season" data-vars-content-id="168e442e-991e-4ea7-b58a-aa2bcbe8db8c" data-vars-headline="Austin FC looks to score more goals in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/06/13/austin-fcs-not-so-great-half-season" target="_self">disappointing 2025 campaign</a> with some fresh offensive firepower.Why it matters: Franchise owners spent big in the offseason, hoping to recapture the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="excitement surrounding the team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/10/28/austin-fc-mls-playoffs" data-vars-content-id="168e442e-991e-4ea7-b58a-aa2bcbe8db8c" data-vars-headline="Austin FC looks to score more goals in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/10/28/austin-fc-mls-playoffs" target="_self">excitement surrounding the team</a> in its pandemic-era early years.

Sports 🏅

Austin FC fires its head coach and sporting director

Texas softball gears up for title defense

Inside Austin FC's payroll

Austin FC partners unveil Texas' first blind soccer pitch

Where to score vintage World Cup T-shirts