Autonomous vehicle company Avride is facing backlash after a resident said one of its cars struck and killed a duck near Mueller Lake Park on Tuesday.

Why it matters: The incident reinforces concerns about whether autonomous vehicles can safely navigate complex, real-world environments — especially as they operate in pedestrian-heavy areas with pets and wildlife.

Driving the news: Avride spokesperson Yulia Shveyko confirmed the company was investigating a "wildlife collision" and has temporarily paused testing on roads around Mueller Lake while it reviews the incident.

• Avride, which has operated autonomous food delivery robots for several years in Austin, began testing self-driving cars last year.

What they're saying: Resident Lewis Pierce, who initially posted about the incident in a Mueller neighborhood Facebook group, said Avride's car did not slow down or stop after hitting the duck.

• "It was quite disturbing and really made me doubt the safety of those vehicles," Pierce tells Axios.

Zoom in: Pierce also alleged the car ran a stop sign before the incident and nearly hit his vehicle, which the company denies.

• "Our vehicles are designed to operate in compliance with applicable traffic laws, using onboard systems to detect and respond to road conditions, road users, and obstacles," Shveyko tells Axios in an email.
• "The vehicle came to complete and appropriate stops at all relevant stop signs," Shveyko said, adding that Avride will continue to analyze all related data.
• The Avride vehicle had a human safety driver behind the wheel during the incident, according to Shveyko.

Between the lines: Austin-based Avride has operated in Mueller since 2024 with its food delivery robots, according to the company.

• "We have always strived to be open and engaged with the community, taking every piece of feedback about our technologies seriously," Shveyko said. "Our vehicles are not an exception."

What's next: Residents picked up the duck's eggs, which were in a pot outside of L'Oca d'Oro, and are caring for them in an incubator, according Pierce and other residents in the Facebook group.

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Texas already has one of the country's first AI laws on the books, but Americans say they still want more guardrails.

Why it matters: For Austin's tech sector, evolving rules could shape how companies build and deploy AI.

By the numbers: Nearly two-thirds of Americans now use AI regularly and want stronger oversight, but are conflicted on how far regulation should go, according to a new national survey from AI governance nonprofit Fathom shared exclusively with Axios.

• 40% of respondents say they're excited about AI, while 23% say they're concerned. Another 35% feel both.
• 90% say it's important that AI products for kids should be verified as "safe" before they're used.

Catch up quick: Texas lawmakers moved ahead of Washington last year, becoming the third state to adopt a comprehensive AI law.

• The law, which took effect Jan. 1 and applies broadly to companies doing business in Texas, bans harmful AI systems that encourage a person to commit physical self-harm or engage in criminal activity.
• It also prohibits discrimination, constitutional rights violations and exploitation of minors.

Yes, but: The policy gaps are already showing up.

• Texas lawmakers also banned deepfakes in campaign ads, but AI-generated political content is still spreading in 2026 races.

The bottom line: AI policy is moving, but not as fast as the tech.

Methodology

🚧 South Congress Hotel will be transformed into the first Standard hotel in Texas as part of a collaboration between Hyatt and Timberline Real Estate Partners. It's set to reopen in spring 2027. (Texas Monthly 🔒)

💧 The Hill Country could see severe storms and possible flash flooding through this morning. (Fox 7)

☕ Tiny Grocer is converting its Hyde Park restaurant into an all-day cafe and is planning an additional location in East Austin. (CultureMap)

📻 Local radio legends J.B. Hager and Sandy McIlree have returned to the radio, on 98.1 KVET-FM, weekday mornings 6-10am. (Austin American-Statesman 🔒)

We've got you covered with some weekend plans.

Friday

🩰 Enjoy "The Sleeping Beauty" from International Ballet Stars at Bass Concert Hall. 7pm, $46.

Saturday

📚 Join the annual Austin bookstore crawl, with discounts and prizes at 36 participating independent book stores. Free, Saturday and Sunday. Check bookstore hours.

🎺 Catch the Longhorn Jazz Festival at Bates Recital Hall, featuring tenor saxophone Melissa Aldana and directors Diego Rivera and Michael Sailors. 8pm, $5 for students and $15 for adults.

🍺 Try out two inaugural releases from Ceremony Botanical Brewing during their free tasting event at Hi Sign Brewing. 4:30pm, free.

Sunday

🐣 Take the family on an Easter egg hunt at Meanwhile Brewing, featuring polaroid photos with the Easter bunny and crafts. 11am, free with an RSVP.

🍺 Head to an adults-only Easter egg hunt at Blue Owl Brewing, with special prizes and treats. 1-2pm, $28.

👋 Nicole here, coming to you with another happy hour deal for your workweek.

What's happening: I recently stopped by High Road DelicaTexan, which opened in Bouldin Creek in January.

• The deli and cocktail bar, from the team behind The Cavalier, is a great spot for lunch or drinks.

🍽️ Dig in: Their happy hour includes $7 martinis, margaritas and old fashioneds, $2 Coors and $1 off wine by the glass.

• For food, there's an $8 burger, $6 hot dog and $8 grilled cheese.
• I loved the margarita and burger — both simple but really delicious, the kind of no-frills combo that hits just right after a long day.
• Beyond the happy hour, I highly recommend checking them out for lunch or dinner. Their sandwich lineup is wonderful, with options like shaved roast beef, Italian and chicken salad.

Six-word review: Simple, satisfying, and worth the stop.

📍 If you go: Stop by for happy hour 3-5pm Monday through Friday and 7-9pm Saturday and Sunday.