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Liz Cheney is widely expected to lose her Republican congressional primary today, but she has far outraised her opponent in Texas, per an Axios examination of federal campaign finance data. 

Why it matters: In light of Cheney's steadfast post-Jan. 6 opposition to Trump — she voted to impeach him and serves on the House committee investigating the attack on the Capitol — the donations are a glimpse into Texas' anti-MAGA and pro-MAGA forces.

And it's a window into Cheney's deep financial network should she run for higher office.

What’s happening: Notable Houston donors to Liz Cheney for Wyoming include …

Nancy Kinder, a philanthropist whose husband founded energy infrastructure company Kinder Morgan

John L. Nau III, CEO of beer distributor Silver Eagle Beverages

James Pitcock, CEO of Williams Brothers Construction Company

Andrew Levy, CEO of Avelo Airlines, the new Houston-based airline 

Zoom out: Other Texas contributors include …

George W. Bush loyalists Karl Rove and Karen Hughes 

Bobby Ray Inman, who served as director of the National Security Agency and has served twice as interim dean of the University of Texas' LBJ School of Public Affairs

Dallas-based energy executive Jere Thompson

Austin-based philanthropist and the Texas Republican Party's 2020 victory chair Stacy Hock

Austin environmental educator Andrew Sansom

Yes, but: Texas money is also backing Cheney's opponent, Harriet Hageman, who has backed the former president's lies about the 2020 election.

The single largest Texas contribution came from Houstonian Windi Grimes, who in December contributed $10,000 to Hageman's campaign.

Of note: Grimes, who owns Balthazar Cellars and is on the board of the Austin-based, conservative-minded Texas Public Policy Foundation, is a Trumpette. "I try to make the world a better place through investments, policy initiatives, and if all else fails, I decorate it!" she wrote about herself on the Trumpettes' website. 

Meanwhile: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, who harbors presidential ambitions of his own, endorsed Hageman in late July. 

Hageman told Fox News she appreciated Cruz’s endorsement. "In many ways, Texas and Wyoming face the same struggles against the relentless onslaught of the federal government."

The big picture: Cheney, with her family's deep ties to the Bushes, has received at least 392 contributions worth at least $1,000 each this election cycle from Texans.

Hageman has received about 50 such contributions.

In total, Cheney's campaign has received $950,000 in Texas contributions this election cycle, and Hageman has received $150,000.

The bottom line: Cheney is widely expected to lose today, but she could be plotting a presidential run — and Texas could be a fundraising stop.  

Liz Cheney raises big cash from Houston donors

It's a window into Cheney's deep financial network should she run for higher office.

Liz Cheney at a hearing in July. Photo: SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

Texas

Liz Cheney is widely expected to lose her Republican congressional primary today, but she has far outraised her opponent in Texas, per an Axios examination of federal campaign finance data. Why it matters: In light of Cheney&#x27;s steadfast post-Jan. 6 opposition to Trump — she voted to impeach him and serves on the House committee investigating the attack on the Capitol — the donations are a glimpse into Texas&#x27; anti-MAGA and pro-MAGA forces.

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Calling all Texans: If you're looking for a weekend getaway with plenty of holiday fun, Austin is ready to welcome you with open arms.

What to do: Chill out. Austin is low-key over the holidays. If you wanted to visit big tourist attractions, you should have headed to D.C.

Where to stay: Downtown or the South Congress area will keep you near lots of shops, food, music and more, but every neighborhood has its own unique flair.

Stay in Austin's oldest operating hotel, The Driskill, which is decorated for the holidays each year and includes a 16-foot tree in the lobby. Rates start around $270 per night.

On a budget or bringing a big group? Go for a short-term rental like this townhome in Barton Hills, which still keeps you close to all the action.

How to spend your time: It's December, so you'll probably want to pass on every tourist's bucket list spot — the iconic Barton Springs Pool — but there's plenty of other things to do that will keep you warm while seeing the city.

The Trail of Lights in Zilker Park, an annual holiday tradition in Austin. Photo: Kimberly Brotherman/Getty

Stroll through the annual Trail of Lights in Zilker Park until Dec. 23. Get your general admission tickets online.

You're in the live music capital of the world, baby! Dance at the Continental Club on Dec. 25 during Dale Watson's annual Christmas show.

Watch the sunset at Mount Bonnell, one of the highest points in Austin, or dodge the peacocks at Mayfield Park.

Catch a performance of "A Christmas Carol" at ZACH Theatre through December.

Fuel up: Not to brag, but Austin is home to some of the best barbecue and Tex Mex in the state. 

Get your tamale fix at one of our wonderful Tex Mex joints like Polvos or Tamale House East.

Nothing says happy holidays in Texas like a big ol' slice of brisket. There's Franklin Barbecue — of course — or skip the long line and head to la Barbecue or Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ.

Obviously go to P. Terry's for the burger, but make sure you get a gingerbread milkshake — only available this month.

Holiday sips: There's also a wide variety of holiday bars for the 21-and-up crowd. We're extra proud of Donn’s Depot, which gives you a slice of old Austin, or grab a Christmas-inspired drink at year-round Christmas bar Lala's Little Nugget.

Frozen eggnog at Kitty Cohen's during their annual Hanukkah pop-up bar experience. Photo courtesy of Kitty Cohen's

Finding lights: You'll find lights all over Austin — from the Capitol to Zilker Park and pop-up bars. 

Pro tip: Check out lights on 37th Street, off Guadalupe, where neighboring bungalows aim to outdo one another with whimsical Christmas setups.

The bottom line: Whether you're traveling with kids, trying to save money or looking for a hipster night out with spiffy cocktails, Austin has you covered.

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A travel guide to holiday fun in Austin

Austin is ready to welcome you with open arms — but don't move here.

The Capitol Christmas tree display during Austin's annual holiday stroll. Photo courtesy of Downtown Austin Alliance

Calling all Texans: If you&#x27;re looking for a weekend getaway with plenty of holiday fun, Austin is ready to welcome you with open arms.<ul><li>Just to clarify, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="don&#x27;t move here" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kut.org/austin/2014-03-07/in-time-for-sxsw-a-brief-history-of-austins-dont-move-here-t-shirts" data-vars-content-id="0c1621e5-5378-4379-8e76-ae3633f85205" data-vars-headline="A travel guide to holiday fun in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kut.org/austin/2014-03-07/in-time-for-sxsw-a-brief-history-of-austins-dont-move-here-t-shirts" target="_blank">don&#x27;t move here</a>.</li></ul>

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What we use our pickups for is changing radically — even as trucks remain bound up in Texas' self-image of rugged independence.

The big picture: Perhaps no vehicle is more associated with Texas than the Ford F-150, consistently our state's top-selling pickup.

Zoom in: In Houston, trucks and SUVs dominate the market, accounting for three out of every four vehicles sold, according to TexAuto Facts. 

The Ford-F Series is the most popular vehicle in Houston, with more than 18,000 new registered vehicles from January 2022 to November 2022, according to S&P Global Mobility.

Between the lines: There's a discrepancy between the myth of the pickup truck and its actual use, one that mirrors the recent history of a fast-suburbanizing Texas.

As pickups transitioned from farm and ranch workhorses to lifestyle vehicles, their design shifted accordingly: Cabs expanded to accommodate more passengers, while beds shrank, per a new Axios Visuals special project.

What they're saying: "Today, personality and imagery are playing an even more important role in how consumers choose which truck is right for them," Strategic Vision researcher Alexander Edwards tells Axios.

40% of F-150 owners describe their vehicle as "powerful," compared to 15% for other car owners, per the firm.

Traits declining in popularity: "functional," "reliable," "economical." 

Traits increasing in popularity: "modern," "sophisticated," "technologically advanced."

By the numbers: The first generation of F-150s were 36% cab and 64% bed by length.

By 2021, the ratio had flipped, with 63% cab and 37% bed, as trucks were being used more for carrying people than lumber, rubble or bags of concrete.

The 2023 F-150’s lower trims cost between $34,000 and $42,000, but high-end models can run up to $85,000.

Tesla is rolling out its Cybertruck, Rivian sells the R1T, and Ford delivered more than 13,000 of its F-150 Lightning trucks in 2022.

Like some of their conventional counterparts, these vehicles have a luxury sensibility and high price points — the R1T starts at $70,000.

Pickup trucks have ballooned over the years

As pickups transitioned from workhorses to lifestyle vehicles, beds got smaller and cabs bigger.

What we use our pickups for is changing radically — even as trucks remain bound up in Texas&#x27; self-image of rugged independence.The big picture: Perhaps no vehicle is more associated with Texas than the Ford F-150, consistently our state&#x27;s top-selling pickup.Zoom in: In Houston, trucks and SUVs dominate the market, accounting for three out of every four vehicles sold, according to TexAuto Facts. <ul><li>The Ford-F Series is the most popular vehicle in Houston, with more than 18,000 new registered vehicles from January 2022 to November 2022, according to S&amp;P Global Mobility.</li></ul>Between the lines: There&#x27;s a discrepancy between the myth of the pickup truck and its actual use, one that mirrors the recent history of a fast-suburbanizing Texas.<ul><li>As pickups transitioned from farm and ranch workhorses to lifestyle vehicles, their design shifted accordingly: Cabs expanded to accommodate more passengers, while beds shrank, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Axios Visuals special project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/ford-pickup-trucks-history" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/ford-pickup-trucks-history" target="_self">new Axios Visuals special project</a>.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;Today, personality and imagery are playing an even more important role in how consumers choose which truck is right for them,&quot; Strategic Vision researcher Alexander Edwards tells Axios.<ul><li>40% of F-150 owners describe their vehicle as &quot;powerful,&quot; compared to 15% for other car owners, per the firm.</li><li>Traits declining in popularity: &quot;functional,&quot; &quot;reliable,&quot; &quot;economical.&quot; </li><li>Traits increasing in popularity: &quot;modern,&quot; &quot;sophisticated,&quot; &quot;technologically advanced.&quot;</li></ul>By the numbers: The first generation of F-150s were 36% cab and 64% bed by length.<ul><li>By 2021, the ratio had flipped, with 63% cab and 37% bed, as trucks were being used more for carrying people than lumber, rubble or bags of concrete.</li><li>The 2023 F-150’s lower trims cost between $34,000 and $42,000, but high-end models can run up to $85,000.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: The electric truck.<ul><li>Tesla is rolling out its Cybertruck, Rivian sells <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the R1T" data-vars-click-url="https://www.caranddriver.com/rivian/r1t" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.caranddriver.com/rivian/r1t" target="_blank">the R1T</a>, and Ford <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="delivered more than 13,000" data-vars-click-url="https://www.barrons.com/articles/ford-electric-vehicle-sales-lightning-51669994977" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.barrons.com/articles/ford-electric-vehicle-sales-lightning-51669994977" target="_blank">delivered more than 13,000</a> of its F-150 Lightning trucks in 2022.</li><li>Like some of their conventional counterparts, these vehicles have a luxury sensibility and high price points — the R1T starts at $70,000.</li></ul><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The safety angle " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/ford-pickup-trucks-history" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/ford-pickup-trucks-history" target="_self">The safety angle </a>

When packing for that weekend trip to visit your grandparents, please remember to put your Glock in your checked baggage.

Driving the news: George Bush Intercontinental Airport ranked third for most firearm discoveries in 2022, per the U.S. Transportation Security Administration.

By the numbers: 298 guns were found at IAH security checkpoints in 2022 — up from 245 guns in 2021.

Nationally, 88% of the 6,542 firearms discovered in carry-on bags last year were loaded.

For the record: Guns must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container — and transported in checked baggage only.

Replica firearms, including firearm replicas that are toys, may be transported in checked baggage only.

Yes, but: Rifle scopes — but not silencers — are permitted in carry-on baggage.

Of note: A traveler with an improperly stored gun who has been approved for TSA PreCheck will lose PreCheck privileges.

Plus: When your gun gets caught at security, you inconvenience everyone else queued up.

The bottom line: Don't be that traveler who packs a loaded gun in their carry-on.

IAH among top airports with gun discoveries

Airports

When packing for that weekend trip to visit your grandparents, please remember to put your Glock <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in your checked baggage" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/30282559.78/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudHNhLmdvdi90cmF2ZWwvdHJhbnNwb3J0aW5nLWZpcmVhcm1zLWFuZC1hbW11bml0aW9uP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/62f6ab20d173ab15f0173903B2b25a5ae" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/30282559.78/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudHNhLmdvdi90cmF2ZWwvdHJhbnNwb3J0aW5nLWZpcmVhcm1zLWFuZC1hbW11bml0aW9uP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/62f6ab20d173ab15f0173903B2b25a5ae" target="_blank">in your checked baggage</a>.Driving the news: George Bush Intercontinental Airport ranked third for most firearm discoveries in 2022, per the U.S. Transportation Security Administration.

Houston's finally feeling like autumn, and that means leaves are just beginning to fall.

Why it matters: Around this time of year, many of us feel compelled to spend hours on the menial task of shepherding leaves into bags or bins.

💭 Shafaq's thought bubble: You can just leave the leaves.

They'll break down naturally and enrich your soil.

Leaves can suppress weeds and be used as a natural mulch. 

They also serve as a habitat for wildlife, including lizards, frogs and insects.

If you have to clean them for your homeowners association, compost 'em at home. Leaves provide a high-carbon source, and you can grind them up by mower to get them to decompose faster. 

Alternatively, you can participate in the City of Houston's yard waste collection program. 

How it works: Bag your grass clippings, leaves and small branches in city-approved compostable bags (which can be bought at several retail stores).

Place the bags at least 3 feet from your garbage cart.

Make sure your yard waste is not mixed with any other type of waste. 

You can also drop the yard waste at an approved depository and recycling center.

Of note: There may be delays in pickup due to staff shortages.

Our Axios Austin colleague Asher Price shared some of his hacks for raking leaves:

Wait till right after a rain, when the leaves clump together nicely, making them easier to rake up.

Or use a small child to stuff down the leaves. Gently lift a sub-6-year-old by the armpits and place him or her in the seemingly full-of-leaves garbage can. Ask the child to stomp or dance.

The bottom line: Don't let "nature's nutrient recyclers" end up in the landfill.

Give your leaves a second life

Illustration of a pile of leaves that is being raked to reveal an Axios logo. 

Houston&#x27;s finally feeling like autumn, and that means leaves are just beginning to fall.Why it matters: Around this time of year, many of us feel compelled to spend hours on the menial task of shepherding leaves into bags or bins.

Asher Price

Featured stories

Pickup trucks have ballooned over the years

IAH among top airports with gun discoveries

A travel guide to holiday fun in Austin

Give your leaves a second life

Liz Cheney raises big cash from Houston donors