Targeting mask-wearing by federal immigration agents, Austin city officials are considering banning facial coverings among all law enforcement.

Why it matters: Austin could soon join a host of cities and states that are prohibiting the coverings, as part of a wider clash between federal and local governments over policing, privacy and civil rights.

Driving the news: This month, five Austin City Council members asked the city manager's office to "explore prohibiting law enforcement personnel operating within the city from wearing a facial covering when performing law enforcement duties."

• "No More Secret Police," said the memo from the council members, who represent parts of the city with some of the highest concentrations of immigrants.
• "As the situation regarding federal immigration enforcement activities in our region continues to change, we are committed to prioritizing the public safety and civil rights of all Austinites," said the memo.

The other side: "Our officers wear masks to protect themselves from being doxxed and targeted," U.S. Department of Homeland Security acting assistant secretary Lauren Bis tells Axios.

• A ban on facial coverings for law enforcement would be "a flagrant attempt to endanger our officers," she said, adding that such a prohibition would be unconstitutional.

Context: ICE agents are not required to wear body cameras, can cover their faces and don't have to provide badge numbers or identify themselves.

Zoom out: Mask bans have been picking up nationally.

• Earlier this month, the Denver City Council voted to ban law enforcement from wearing face coverings.
• On Wednesday, New Jersey's governor signed legislation banning ICE agents and police from wearing masks on the job.

Yes, but: In February, a federal judge struck down a California law prohibiting federal and local police officers from wearing face coverings, but suggested that a ban that also included state police officers could pass constitutional muster.

What we're watching: If the Texas Legislature next year bars local governments from prohibiting facial coverings for law enforcement.

• Such a move would land in the Legislature's sweet spot — supporting police and targeting the authority of progressive-minded cities.

What's next: The Austin council members gave city staff until mid-April to put together recommendations for next steps.

Jon Dee Graham, the Austin singer-songwriter whose work spanned punk and country, died Friday at age 67.

• His family didn't provide a cause of death, but he had endured a series of health challenges.

Why it matters: As a member of the Skunks, then as a bandmate of Alejandro Escovedo (with the True Believers) and a Continental Club regular, Graham was a quintessentially throwback Austin troubadour.

• "She's as pretty as a butterfly wing" is the kind of lyric he could turn.

What they're saying: "We liked to act a little grumpy together. But no one was easier to make laugh than Jon Dee Graham," musician Kelly Willis posted on Facebook, one of the many appreciations posted about him, a reflection of how beloved he was in the community.

What's next: Continental Club owner Steve Wertheimer told the American-Statesman there will likely be a tribute to Graham at the venue on Wednesday.

• And his son, musician William Harries Graham, announced he and his father have a forthcoming album, about Jon Dee Graham's early years growing up on the border.
• "I did not anticipate making this announcement this early but it brings me joy to know that he isn't quite done yet," he wrote over the weekend.

🏀 The Texas Longhorns women's team defeated Kentucky 76-54 in the Sweet 16 on Saturday and face Michigan today in the Elite Eight. (ESPN)

🎸 The Hole in the Wall is changing hands, and the new owners are planning a restaurant to augment the iconic bar and performance spot. (KUT)

🏛️ Williamson County officials bought 253 acres in Georgetown for a future justice complex. (Community Impact)

📣 Former University of Texas and NFL quarterback Colt McCoy will deliver the keynote address at UT's commencement on May 9 at Texas Memorial Stadium. (UT News)

Job market pessimism is climbing — especially among college grads.

Why it matters: Only 27% of grads nationally say it's a good time to find a job, vs. 44% of non-grads — the biggest gap on record.

The big picture: White-collar hiring is slowing, with tech, marketing and media listings down sharply.

Reality check: Unemployment remains low at 4.4%, and layoffs are still limited.

Zoom in: Median earnings for University of Texas alumni five years out of school range from nearly $70,000 for those with a biology degree to about $140,000 for those with a computer science degree, per UT System data.

What's next: Economists say weaker hiring could eventually lead to higher unemployment.

The bottom line: Workers with college degrees think it's a bad time to find a job, and the question is, is it about to get worse?

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Here's what's on tap this work week.

Monday

🎶 Catch country music singer-songwriter Paul Cauthen perform in the Live! from Downtown Texas series at 4:30pm at 916 Congress Avenue. Free.

Tuesday

⚾️ Root for the Longhorns as they take on Texas State at 6:30pm at UFCU Disch-Falk Field. Resale tickets available.

Wednesday

💀 Prep for the inevitable at the Obituary Writing Party, hosted by Hannah Weldon, at the Menchaca Road library branch. 5:30-7:30pm, free.

Thursday

🎙️ Check out Double Heads Live!, an experimental late-night talk show where anyone can be a host. At the Hyperreal Film Club at 7:30pm. Tickets start at $8.