Violent crime fell sharply across the largest U.S. cities, including Austin, 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 tried to pin violent crime on Democrats.

Driving the news: Data from the Major Cities Chiefs Association — 67 major U.S. law enforcement agencies — show violent crime fell across major categories during the first quarter compared with the same period in 2025.

Yes, but: Last weekend's shooting spree in Austin belied the decline. Cristian Mondragon-Fajardo, 17, is facing charges including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a motor vehicle and deadly conduct.

• Four people were shot — and one victim remains in critical condition. Two other suspects, a 15- and 16-year-old, haven't been identified.

By the numbers: Homicides in Austin in the first quarter of this year dropped 11% from Q1 last year, though that was only from 18 homicides to 16.

• Rapes declined over 18%, from 163 to 133.
• Aggravated assaults decreased 4%, from 661 to 632.
• Robberies remained flat, falling from 188 to 187.

What they're saying: Contributing to the decline has been the Austin Police Department's "increased reliance on data and evidence-based policing strategies," APD spokesperson Clara Ash tells Axios.

• The department has also increased patrols in areas experiencing higher crime activity.

Zoom out: Some of the nation's biggest cities posted especially dramatic homicide declines in the first three months of 2026.

• Among those that saw sizable percentage drops in homicide were Washington, D.C. (65%), Philadelphia (54%) and Memphis (34%).

The bottom line: "While year-over-year changes in categories like homicide and sexual assault can fluctuate because the overall numbers are relatively small, Austin police has continued to see encouraging trends in overall violent crime reduction," Ash tells Axios.

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A Texas-based biosciences company says it has hatched live chicks from fully artificial eggs.

Driving the news: Colossal, which is based in Dallas and has an administrative office in Austin, hopes the technology will help recreate the genome of the South Island giant moa, a wingless bird that roamed New Zealand until the 1400s.

The intrigue: Paige McNickle from Colossal's animal husbandry team was one of the first people to interact with the company's first chicks.

• "It's like feeling every human emotion simultaneously — you want to jump up and down and scream for joy, but you also want to protect [the chick] and bubble wrap it all at the same time," McNickle says in a video.

How it works: Eggs of the largest species of moa were roughly eight times the size of an emu egg, making it difficult for Colossal's researchers to find a suitable surrogate for their de-extinction project.

• They 3D printed an artificial egg to support avian embryo development without requiring supplemental oxygen, which can damage DNA.
• The artificial egg, developed after 14 iterations, has a bioengineered silicone-based membrane that matches the oxygen transfer capabilities of a natural eggshell. Researchers sprinkle in nutrients that the embryo needs to develop.
• The chicks hatch in batches before being transitioned to a farm.

What's next: Future uses may include rescuing compromised embryos through biobanked materials and helping conserve threatened bird species, Colossal says.

🌱 Becker Elementary, which is set to close at the end of the school year, is saying goodbye to its decades-old community garden, which served as an outdoor classroom for students. (KUT)

💼 Meta, which has a large presence in Austin, began notifying employees yesterday of layoffs as the company cuts thousands of jobs amid a shift toward artificial intelligence. (Austin American-Statesman)

🌳 The free Zilker Loop shuttle is restarting this summer, offering a car-free way to reach the park and nearby attractions. (Culture Map)

💰 Michael Dell purchased a 5.3% stake in the Las Vegas Raiders for an estimated $524 million. (Chron)

Here's what's on deck for your long weekend.

Friday

🇬🇷 Celebrate the annual Austin Greek Festival at Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, featuring Greek cuisine and dancing. 11am-10pm, $5 admission. Continues through Sunday.

🍿 Catch a double feature of "Casablanca" and "The Maltese Falcon" at The Paramount Theatre. 7pm, $15.

Saturday

🛍️ Shop the Citywide Vintage Sale at Palmer Events Center. 8:30am-5pm, $10 entry. Continues Sunday.

🧶 Bring gently used craft supplies to the Windsor Park Branch library's craft supply swap. 1-3pm, free.

Sunday

🦖 Get free admission to the Texas Science and Natural History Museum during H-E-B's Free Fourth Sunday. 1-5pm, no tickets required.

Monday

🍽️ Try new dishes from Lao'd Bar, Five O Four, Canje, San Antonio's Jerk Shack and Houston's Chópnblok at the annual Canje Block Party. 4-9pm, free entry with an RSVP.

• Drink tickets available for purchase.

Americans are spending more time at home, yet many have become strangers to their neighbors — especially young Americans.

Why it matters: Without casual conversations with neighbors — who are often from other races, or have different religions and political ideologies — people risk becoming more isolated and more dependent on superficial, algorithm-driven digital communities.

By the numbers: In 2012, 51% of young Americans regularly engaged with neighbors, according to a new AEI report. Today, that number has plummeted to 25%.

• By contrast, 56% of seniors socialize with neighbors, a seven-point drop since 2012.

💭 Nicole's thought bubble: I highly recommend becoming friends with your neighbors — not just for last-minute pet sitting or for when you need to borrow a cup of sugar.

• Many of my neighbors have become the people I invite over for dinner or drinks on a random weeknight. One even lets me practice — very poorly — on his drum set.
• Neighbors who've moved away still keep in touch, and several even came to my wedding. They've become lifelong friends.

❤️ Share your nice neighbor stories with us by replying to this email.

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