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Axios Austin
Wildflower forecast: A spectacular show coming
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center experts predict an impressive wildflower show this year.What's happening: We've (finally) seen enough rainfall for a gorgeous wildflower show this spring.What they're saying: "On a scale from one to 10, this year looks like it could be an eight, for bluebonnets in particular, if not even better," said Andrea DeLong-Amaya, the center's director of horticulture. "This fall and winter we've enjoyed adequate rainfall that's been well-spaced, which is really key to wildflower development."And while the drought led to water restrictions and fire risks, extreme heat "reduces competition in the soil and creates space for spring-blooming...
Things to do this weekend in Austin
Here's what's in store this weekend.📷 Join a writing workshop as part of the "Black Girls Don't Wear Red Lipstick" photography exhibition at the Central Library from 1-3pm Saturday. Attendees will connect their personal experiences to themes of empowerment and beauty highlighted in the exhibit.🍤 Chow down at Gumbo Fest at the Cavalier from 2-6pm Saturday, featuring a vendor market, a gumbo cookoff and drink specials.🎷 Take the whole family to ZACH Theatre for a performance of "A Year With Frog and Toad," celebrating enduring friendship along with a jazzy score. Tickets are available online, and the show runs through May 12.🎾 Watch pro tennis at the ATX Open, one of only a few women-only tennis tournaments in the country. Matches kick off Saturday, and the tournament continues through March 3. Buy tickets online.⛸️ Be wowed by aerial acrobatics and world-class ice skating from Cirque du Soleil, with performances through Sunday at H-E-B Center in Cedar Park.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Austin.
Where to go for National Margarita Day
Thursday is National Margarita Day, a made-up holiday but a perfectly good reason to grab a drink after work.What's happening: We asked readers where they love to grab a margarita in Austin.Here's where you're headed:Hecho en MéxicoCurra'sFonda San MiguelMaudie's Tex-MexMatt's El RanchoFloresJack Allen's KitchenMama Betty'sDK Maria'sFresa's Chicken Al CarbonEl PatioWhat you're saying: "My two favorite margarita experiences in Austin have been the Mexican martini at Flores and the happy hour on the rocks at Vamanos. They are also good values, or a good bang for the buck. But wherever I go, I ask that it be made without sugar or anything sweet beyond the triple sec," says Axios reader Robert S.Of note: You overwhelmingly told us you like salt or Tajín on the rim but are divided over whether avocado is acceptable in a marg.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Austin.
What to know for spring gardening in Central Texas
Warm temperatures in Central Texas this week may have backyard gardeners wondering if it's time to get plants in the ground.What's happening: Temperatures are expected to creep into the 80s next week, making for gorgeous gardening weather, but we can't rule out the possibility of a freeze in the coming weeks, National Weather Service forecasters say.Why it matters: Many experts say fall is the best time to garden in Central Texas because of our scorching hot summers, but you can still reap the rewards of planting in the spring.Pro tip: Start seeds indoors to get an early start, and use...
What's on the primary election ballot in the Austin area
With early voting kicking off, now's your chance to help shape policy, from the Travis County district attorney's office to the Texas Capitol.Why it matters: Most districts are drawn to favor one party and many counties tip heavily Democratic or Republican, making the primaries the de facto definitive election.What we expect: Very low turnout.Yes, it's a presidential election year, but there's little doubt about who will be the nominees at the very top of the ballot.Races we're watching: The Travis County district attorney Democratic primary, pitting incumbent José Garza against attorney Jeremy Sylestine.Read our interviews with both candidates in a...
Where to find solar eclipse glasses in Austin
Don't wait until the big solar spectacle to find eclipse glasses.What's happening: A historic solar eclipse will occur on April 8, and Central Texas is in its path of totality. But to ensure safe viewing, you must wear eclipse glasses or viewers that meet international standard ISO 12312-2, writes Axios' Analis Bailey."Sunglasses, smoked glass, unfiltered telescopes or magnifiers and polarizing filters can transmit far more sunlight than is safe for our eyes and should not be used as substitutes," American Optometric Association president Ronald L. Benner told Axios.What they're saying: "By mid-March 2024, we expect to start hearing reports about...
Why single women are winning in real estate
Data: LendingTree. Map: Alice Feng/AxiosSingle ladies, put your hands up.What's happening: Sixty years ago, women couldn't get a credit card or mortgage without a male co-signer.Now, the nation's share of single women homeowners eclipses that of single men, and overall homeownership is majority female.In Texas, census data shows 10.7% of homes in Texas are owned by single women, compared to 8.5% by single men.Why it matters: The gender pay gap and inequitable caregiving responsibilities have historically served as barriers for women.But the rise in homeownership accompanies a strong shift toward women-led households, both single and married, Urban Institute researcher Jung...
Q&A with Travis County DA José Garza
Travis County District Attorney José Garza, who was elected in 2020 as one of a wave nationally of progressive prosecutors, is facing a Democratic challenger in the March 5 primary election.What's happening: We talked with Garza about the challenges and opportunities of the office — and about criticisms levied by his opponent, local attorney Jeremy Sylestine.Why it matters: The Travis County DA, with the power to prosecute felony offenses, sets the tone on criminal justice priorities for our community.Elected in 2020, Garza has faced pushback from the police union for his indictments of officers, as well as from the governor...
Travis County District Attorney race: Jeremy Sylestine prepares for primary
The March 5 primary election is thin on high-profile, locally contested races, but one of them revolves around key questions about Austin's public safety priorities.What's happening: We talked with Jeremy Sylestine, who is challenging Travis County District Attorney José Garza in the Democratic primary.Why it matters: The Travis County DA, with the power to prosecute felony offenses, sets the tone on criminal justice priorities for our community.Elected in 2020 as part of a wave nationally of progressive-minded prosecutors, Garza has faced pushback from the police union for his indictments of officers, as well as from the governor and state lawmakers,...
Things to do in Austin this weekend
Here's what's in store this weekend.🧧 Honor the Year of the Dragon at OMG Squee's annual Lunar New Year party. Head to the shop from 10am to 4pm on Saturday for specials, drinks, and a makers market.🧀 Eat all the cheese your heart desires at Fresa's new Westlake location. The grand opening party on Sunday includes bottomless queso, happy hour drink prices, swag bags, a DJ, and more.🪩 Skip the booze and still have fun at the grand opening of Club Avec, a live music series in an alcohol-free space at Sans Bar. DJs start at 7pm on Friday.🏃♀️ Cheer...
With Mexico the leading source of goods, expect more traffic on I-35
Our local interstate could get busier.Why it matters: I-35, already often with traffic as thick as marshmallow, may see more cross-border trucks inching through town.And with its thin shoulders as it slides through Austin, the interstate can feel as nerve-racking as a game of "Frogger."Driving the news: Mexico has overtaken China as the leading source of goods in the U.S., per new government data.I-35 ends in Laredo, 235 miles south-southwest of Austin and the chief inland port of entry in the nation.What they're saying: "All of the big retail customers are ramping up their production in Mexico, and they're trying...
La Niña could make Texas drier
Data: NOAA; Chart: Erin Davis/Axios VisualsOur rainy interlude could be winding down, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issuing a La Niña watch, indicating that the current strong El Niño may be headed for the exits.Why it matters: The scorching 2011 drought that led to devastating wildfires in Bastrop County and record drops in Central Texas' water supply coincided with a La Niña.That year, then-Gov. Rick Perry designated several official days of prayer for rain.As the drought stretched into 2012, city officials ordered Austin restaurants not to serve drinking water unless it was specifically requested.Meanwhile: We're still recovering...
A European leisure airline is trying to make inroads in Texas
A low-fare European airline is trying to coax Austinites to fly to the continent out of San Antonio.Why it matters: Condor Airlines' foray into Central Texas speaks to emerging competition between Austin and San Antonio to scoop up flyers — and come out as the major gateway in the burgeoning megalopolis.Both cities have committed to spending billions of dollars in coming years to make their airports more spiffy and easy to navigate.At stake is prestige, with airports serving as an initial and last impression for leisure and business travelers making their way into and out of the region.Driving the news:...
A European leisure airline is trying to make inroads in Texas
A low-fare European airline is trying to coax Austinites to fly to the continent out of San Antonio.Why it matters: Condor Airlines' foray into Central Texas speaks to emerging competition between Austin and San Antonio to scoop up flyers — and come out as the major gateway in the burgeoning megalopolis.Both cities have committed to spending billions of dollars in coming years to make their airports more spiffy and easy to navigate.At stake is prestige, with airports serving as an initial and last impression for leisure and business travelers making their way into and out of the region.Driving the news:...
Texas' premier state history museum touts bilingual displays
Displays at Texas' premier history museum are now fully bilingual.Why it matters: Given the long history of state-mandated suppression of Spanish language instruction, the bilingual information at the Bullock Museum is a symbolic and practical recognition of the state's diversity.Catch up quick: From 1918 until mid-1973, when the Texas Bilingual Education and Training Act was passed, Texas law barred students from speaking Spanish in public schools.What they're saying: "Every step we take towards more accessible interpretation provides a welcoming and meaningful experience for each and every visitor," Bullock Texas State History Museum curator Angie Glasker said.Zoom out: For at least...
Texas unions see slight growth amid national low
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics; Note: Values are not seasonally adjusted; Chart: Axios VisualsThe share of Texas workers who are union members remains one of the lowest in the nation, but recent data show a slight uptick in joiners over the last three years.What's happening: Just 4.5% of the Texas workforce were union members in 2023, up from 3.8% in 2021, according to figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.That's still less than half the national figure, which sunk to a new low of 10% last year, Axios' Nathan Bomey reports.Why it matters: Advocates say unions are a needed proponent...
Things to do in Austin this weekend
Here's what we're eyeing this weekend.🎨 Spend the afternoon on the Blanton Museum's Moody Patio during "The Sweetest" second Saturday. Explore special exhibits, make Valentine's Day cards and enjoy live music.3-8pm Saturday. Tickets are $20 for non-members and available online.📸 Browse the works of iconic photographers at Modern Rocks group gallery show, celebrating the imagery of Patti Smith and Debbie Harry of Blondie from 7-10pm Friday.🍗 Grab some barbecue and enjoy standup comedy at Cooper's BBQ monthly curated showcase at 8pm Friday. Tickets are $10.❤️ Celebrate Galentine's Day with your squad at Punch Bowl Social from 6:30-10pm Friday. A $15 ticket gets you DJ beats, throwback board games, heart sunglasses and a DIY bracelet bar.🎺 Chow down at Banger's annual Pardi Gras, the annual Mardi Gras event with food specials, barrel-aged beer and blues Friday to Sunday.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Austin.
Things to do in Austin this weekend
Here's what we're eyeing this weekend.🎨 Spend the afternoon on the Blanton Museum's Moody Patio during "The Sweetest" second Saturday. Explore special exhibits, make Valentine's Day cards and enjoy live music.3-8pm Saturday. Tickets are $20 for non-members and available online.📸 Browse the works of iconic photographers at Modern Rocks group gallery show, celebrating the imagery of Patti Smith and Debbie Harry of Blondie from 7-10pm Friday.🍗 Grab some barbecue and enjoy standup comedy at Cooper's BBQ monthly curated showcase at 8pm Friday. Tickets are $10.❤️ Celebrate Galentine's Day with your squad at Punch Bowl Social from 6:30-10pm Friday. A $15 ticket gets you DJ beats, throwback board games, heart sunglasses and a DIY bracelet bar.🎺 Chow down at Banger's annual Pardi Gras, the annual Mardi Gras event with food specials, barrel-aged beer and blues Friday to Sunday.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Austin.
2 Austin chefs to compete on Bravo's "Top Chef"
Two Austin chefs will compete in the 21st season of Bravo's "Top Chef," which premieres on March 20.Why it matters: The show highlights emerging talent in far-flung cities, helping to elevate careers and tapping into America's foodie culture.What's happening: Olamaie's Amanda Turner, a 2022 James Beard semifinalist in the Emerging Chef category, and Kévin D'Andrea, chef and owner of Foliepop's, a French bakery partnering with H-E-B stores in the Austin area, will compete against each other and 13 other chefs in different locations in Wisconsin.Past "Top Chef" winner Kristen Kish, who opened her first restaurant Arlo Grey in Austin in 2018, will host the show for the first time, taking over for Padma Lakshmi.Flashback: Previous winners include Austin's Gabe Erales (2021) and Paul Qui (2011).How to watch: "Top Chef" airs on Wednesdays at 8pm and will be streaming on Peacock.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Austin.
2 Austin chefs to compete on Bravo's "Top Chef"
Two Austin chefs will compete in the 21st season of Bravo's "Top Chef," which premieres on March 20.Why it matters: The show highlights emerging talent in far-flung cities, helping to elevate careers and tapping into America's foodie culture.What's happening: Olamaie's Amanda Turner, a 2022 James Beard semifinalist in the Emerging Chef category, and Kévin D'Andrea, chef and owner of Foliepop's, a French bakery partnering with H-E-B stores in the Austin area, will compete against each other and 13 other chefs in different locations in Wisconsin.Past "Top Chef" winner Kristen Kish, who opened her first restaurant Arlo Grey in Austin in 2018, will host the show for the first time, taking over for Padma Lakshmi.Flashback: Previous winners include Austin's Gabe Erales (2021) and Paul Qui (2011).How to watch: "Top Chef" airs on Wednesdays at 8pm and will be streaming on Peacock.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Austin.
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Axios Austin, anchored by Nicole Cobler and Asher Price, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.
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