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Axios Austin
Why Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is in India
Gov. Greg Abbott is spending the week in India with business leaders from Austin and around the state to boost trade and investment in Texas.Why it matters: Abbott, who recently made a trip to Israel, continues to blaze an international trail as he fashions himself as a global leader.Driving the news: Abbott began his 10-day trip Friday to meet with the country's government and technology leaders. It's the second time he has traveled to India as governor.Texas business and economic development representatives joined the governor in India, including Opportunity Austin CEO Edward Latson and its vice president of global investment...
Nike aims to open Austin fitness centers
Nike is expanding its Austin footprint.Driving the news: The company, which already operates Nike stores in Central Texas, is planning to open Nike Studios fitness centers by Camp Mabry and by the Triangle, off 45th Street and North Lamar Boulevard.The big picture: The corporate apparel giant is figuring out how to more deeply enfold its brand — best known for Air Jordans and running shoes — into Americans' daily lives.The membership-based centers, run in conjunction with the firm FitLab and currently all on the West Coast, feature small classes in endurance and strength training.What they're saying: "Our blood-pumping tunes, springy...
See which Austin restaurants and chefs are James Beard semifinalists
The culinary gods have looked upon Austin and smiled.Driving the news: The James Beard Foundation on Wednesday announced its semifinalists for awards honoring the best in food and drinks across the country and, once again, there's a big helping of Austin-area restaurants and chefs. Why it matters: James Beard recognition can serve as a flare that draws attention to up-and-comers, brings satisfaction to chefs who do consistently excellent work — and, most importantly, it boosts business. Best New Restaurant semifinalists include Japanese-Mexican ramen shop Ramen Del Barrio on Parmer Lane and, farther afield, Barbs-B-Q in Lockhart.A restaurant in that category "demonstrates excellence...
Austin's mayor race heats up as third candidate enters field
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson now faces at least two challengers as he prepares to announce his re-election campaign.Driving the news: Carmen Llanes Pulido, an affordable housing advocate who runs the group Go! Austin/Vamos! Austin, announced Tuesday she's running for mayor.Last week former City Council member Kathie Tovo entered the race.The big picture: Watson narrowly won the mayoral post in 2022 over Celia Israel with an appeal to moderate Democrats and Republicans.As someone long involved in Austin politics — he also served as mayor in the late 1990s and as a state senator — Watson has relatively high name recognition and...
How documentary filmmaker PJ Raval likes to spend time in Austin
We recently caught up with PJ Raval, a University of Texas professor and documentary filmmaker, to ask about his ideal Austin day.His latest film, "Who We Become," a wonderfully kaleidoscopic tracking of three young Filipinas in Texas as they navigate social justice protests and the pandemic, was recently released on Netflix.Background: Raval has lived in Austin on and off since 2000, when he attended UT for graduate school.How do you start your day?"I like to frequent places that capture old-school Austin, and I go to Cherrywood Coffeehouse, my neighborhood cafe, all the time. I like to get the luna taco...
See the house Longhorns football coach Steve Sarkisian is selling
With a bigger contract, University of Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian could expand his house search.Catch up quick: Sarkisian listed his Rollingwood house in 2022 for $7.5 million and has since dropped the price to $5.88 million.The big picture: After leading the Longhorns to the Big 12 championship and a College Football Playoff appearance, Sarkisian was awarded a four-year contract extension earlier this month.The terms of the deal, which must be approved by the school's Board of Regents, have not been released.Sarkisian's initial contract paid him nearly $6 million in 2023, and new terms could push him closer to —...
Feds drive the fun out of Texas highway signs
"Horns up, phones down, it can wait" could soon be a thing of the past as the Federal Highway Administration tries to phase out funny messaging on road signs.Highway administration officials say this type of wording on the road could "adversely affect respect for the sign," writes Axios' Shauneen Miranda.The big picture: Administration officials told KERA they recommend that states "avoid the use of humor and pop culture references in changeable message signs that may confuse or distract drivers," though they won't ban the funny messaging.Officials say the messaging should be "simple, direct, brief, legible, and clear" as well as...
Austin office vacancies among nation's highest
Data: Moody's Analytics; Chart: Axios VisualsAustin office vacancies rank among the highest in the nation, as companies continue to adapt to the new norms of remote and hybrid work by shrinking their physical footprints. The big picture: Vacancies nationally hit a record high in the fourth quarter of last year, surpassing previous peaks last reached in 1991 and 1986, according to new data from economic research firm Moody's Analytics.Why it matters: The transition marks an enormous societal shift as Americans adjust to a whole new way of working and living — big changes are underfoot in cities and suburbs across the...
What's happening in Austin this week
There's no shortage of action in town this week.🎬 Catch "Crime Wave," a 1985 Canadian surrealist comedy film, hosted by the Hyperreal Film Club at the Hotel Vegas. Monday at 8pm. Tickets start at $5.✏️ Craft with friends at Cherrywood Coffeehouse from 6-9pm Tuesday. A $10 ticket gets you all the supplies you need to create cards with your favorite quote, word of the year or an affirmation to turn to daily.🍸 Learn how to make delicious mocktails with Vuka and Absence of Proof from 7-9pm Wednesday. Tickets are $35.🤣 Get a giggle in with Shoebox Comedy, featuring at variety of performers at Sneaker Politics. Show starts at 8pm Wednesday. Tickets are $20.🥷 Hone your stickfighting at Arena Weapon Arts beginners sword practice Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 6:30-8pm, Mueller Hangar. First week free.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Austin.
What's happening in Austin this week
There's no shortage of action in town this week.🎬 Catch "Crime Wave," a 1985 Canadian surrealist comedy film, hosted by the Hyperreal Film Club at the Hotel Vegas. Monday at 8pm. Tickets start at $5.✏️ Craft with friends at Cherrywood Coffeehouse from 6-9pm Tuesday. A $10 ticket gets you all the supplies you need to create cards with your favorite quote, word of the year or an affirmation to turn to daily.🍸 Learn how to make delicious mocktails with Vuka and Absence of Proof from 7-9pm Wednesday. Tickets are $35.🤣 Get a giggle in with Shoebox Comedy, featuring at variety of performers at Sneaker Politics. Show starts at 8pm Wednesday. Tickets are $20.🥷 Hone your stickfighting at Arena Weapon Arts beginners sword practice Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 6:30-8pm, Mueller Hangar. First week free.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Austin.
Austin's Surely expands nonalcoholic wine options
A local beverage company wants you to enjoy your glass of wine without the negative effects of alcohol, and it's bringing new nonalcoholic drink options to a growing market.What's happening: Austin-based Surely sources California grapes and works with winemakers to create alcohol-removed wine, taking it through the same fermentation process used in traditional winemaking.What they're saying: Surely founder and CEO Ryan Hanson launched the company in November 2020 after watching non-alcoholic beer grow in popularity."How could we create our own NA beverage that we would have when we want to go out and still be social? How could we create...
Austin's Surely expands nonalcoholic wine options
A local beverage company wants you to enjoy your glass of wine without the negative effects of alcohol, and it's bringing new nonalcoholic drink options to a growing market.What's happening: Austin-based Surely sources California grapes and works with winemakers to create alcohol-removed wine, taking it through the same fermentation process used in traditional winemaking.What they're saying: Surely founder and CEO Ryan Hanson launched the company in November 2020 after watching non-alcoholic beer grow in popularity."How could we create our own NA beverage that we would have when we want to go out and still be social? How could we create...
What's in store for Texas real estate in 2024
Data: Zillow Economic Research; Chart: Axios VisualsReal estate experts predict Texas' major markets will be less stagnant — but not wildly different — in 2024.Why it matters: Mortgage rates have dipped from two-decade highs that froze the housing market, shutting out first-time shoppers and locking homeowners in place.What's happening: The state's sales might get a boost from below-7% rates, but the total is expected to stay flat compared to 2023, according to the Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.Many Texans are unlikely to budge unless rates drift back down to around 3-4%, research director Daniel Oney tells...
Things to do in Austin this weekend
Here's what's in store this weekend.🎵 Celebrate the life and legacy of the late Daniel Johnston at Hi, How Are You Day, with performances by Fleet Foxes and Valerie June at the Paramount Theatre. Show starts at 7pm Sunday, and tickets start at $39.🩰 Enjoy one night of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, an all-male comic ballet company, at Bass Concert Hall. Show starts at 7:30pm, and tickets start at $19.🎉 Wish Dolly Parton a happy 78th birthday at Sagebrush's fourth annual Dolly Birthday Bash and Tribute Show. Show starts at 8pm Friday, and tickets are $20.🎨 Examine a new body of work from Milwaukee-based artist Aimée M. Everett, who explores the transformations from childbirth to motherhood. Exhibit now on display through April 20 at the Carver Museum.🎭 Catch off-the-wall fringe theater Friday to conclude the first week of FronteraFest at Hyde Park Theatre. New plays every Tuesday through Friday night through Feb. 11.🏃♀️ Start training for the Statesman Cap10K with Austin's Coffee House 10K Sunrise Tour. The training program starts at 7:45am Saturday at Praxis Coffee Roasters and continues on Saturdays beginning from a different coffee shop.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Austin.
Austin's housing supply, charted
Data: Hines analysis of Census Bureau and Moody's data; Note: Population demand is a theoretical housing demand metric based on long-term household formation and homeownership rates by age cohort; Chart: Axios VisualsAustin is one of just three major housing markets in the U.S. that has enough supply to meet demand, according to figures global developer Hines shared with Axios.But that shift has only happened recently, and local real estate experts say Austin is still facing a shortage of affordable housing.Driving the news: Austin has a narrow surplus of roughly 5,000 housing units relative to the population's demand, or roughly 0.6%...
Austin's housing supply, charted
Data: Hines analysis of Census Bureau and Moody's data; Note: Population demand is a theoretical housing demand metric based on long-term household formation and homeownership rates by age cohort; Chart: Axios VisualsAustin is one of just three major housing markets in the U.S. that has enough supply to meet demand, according to figures global developer Hines shared with Axios.But that shift has only happened recently, and local real estate experts say Austin is still facing a shortage of affordable housing.Driving the news: Austin has a narrow surplus of roughly 5,000 housing units relative to the population's demand, or roughly 0.6%...
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A new fried chicken spot will kick off operations next month with a collaboration with a local Asian eatery.What's happening: Nashville-based hot chicken restaurant Hattie B's Hot Chicken, due to open on South Lamar in late February, is collaborating with Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar, created by James Beard award winners chef Tyson Cole and pitmaster Aaron Franklin for an early February menu.Items include a hot chicken sandwich ($13.50) with pimento cheese, pickles, miso comeback sauce, Loro slaw, chicken skin furikake, oak-smoked collards ($7) with miso cornbread crumble, and drinks like the frozen painkiller ($9) — spiced rum, pineapple, coconut and a dash of nutmeg.What they're saying: "There's definitely no shortage of umami with these dishes," Brian Morris, Hattie B's executive chef and vice president of culinary, said in a news release.Of note: Hattie B's has operations in eight cities, including Dallas and Las Vegas.Loro is now in four spots in Texas.Plus: Like all good collabs, there will be merch, including T-shirts commemorating the partnership.The bottom line: The menu will be available at Loro, at 2115 S. Lamar Blvd., from Feb. 1 to 4.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Austin.
What we read at the Austin Public Library in 2023
As we make our reading lists for the new year, we're looking back at Austin's most popular books from 2023.What's happening: The Austin Public Library sent us their top 10 most checked-out books of 2023 for both physical and digital reads.Of note: The top digital books below don't include audiobooks, but the library told us the top three audiobooks were "I'm Glad My Mom Died" by Jennette McCurdy, Prince Harry's "Spare" and "Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus.State of play: The top reads include a fair amount of Colleen Hoover novels, a royal memoir and more.The year's top eBooks were...
See where a new Ikea will be located in Austin
Ikea, the popular Swedish furniture store, is expanding its Austin footprint.Driving the news: Ikea will open what the company is calling a plan and order point — a sort of mini-version of its famous big box store — in the Domain this summer.This will be the second Ikea location, after Round Rock, in the Austin area.Customers can get support from Ikea experts to plan and order home furnishing solutions that require a bit more design help — such as bedroom storage systems and kitchen cabinets and appliances — and arrange for delivery or pickup of online and in-person orders.By the...
H-E-B South Congress on target to open this year
H-E-B's new location at Oltorf and South Congress is on track to open later this year as the beloved Texas grocery store chain expands its Central Texas footprint.Catch up quick: H-E-B demolished its long-standing store at that corner and opened a small, temporary store at the adjacent Twin Oaks Shopping Center.Construction began in 2022, and the revamped store is expected to be over 145,000 square feet with two levels for shopping, dining and live music, and three levels of above-ground parking.What they're saying: "The ongoing work involves infrastructure and road enhancements on Congress Avenue, coupled with indoor construction efforts," a...
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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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