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Axios Austin
Mayor Kirk Watson announces re-election bid
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson made his bid for re-election official Wednesday.Why it matters: Watson will put his centrist coalition to the test in a city that has become more progressive since his first turn running City Hall a quarter-century ago.Driving the news: He'll face at least three opponents in the November election: former Council member Kathie Tovo; Carmen Llanes Pulido, executive director of Go Austin/Vamos Austin; and Doug Greco, the former executive director of Central Texas Interfaith.What they're saying: "We've made great progress in a short time; now we need to build on our successes," Watson said in a statement....
Texas emerges as top solar and wind producer
Data: Climate Central; Note: Includes both utility-scale and small-scale solar generation; Chart: Axios VisualsThe cosmological wonderment of this week left us contemplating the awesome power of the sun — and what we're doing to harness renewable energy.Why it matters: The source of electrons for our lights, air-conditioning and appliances is increasingly important as we ponder our place in the universe.Driving the news: Texas is a top producer of solar power and wind energy in the country, per a new Axios Generate analysis.Energy from wind and solar installations nationwide is expected to outpace coal-fired electricity this year.And solar power helped keep...
Better Half patio perfect for spring weather
We hope you already know this popular patio spot for a sunny afternoon.Why it matters: Warm spring evenings are why we live in Austin. Enjoy them before the summer heat sets in.Dig in: Better Half, paired with Hold Out Brewing, offers a well-executed, eclectic menu and tasty beer in a quintessential Austin patio setting.Nestled among the rapidly changing West Fifth corridor, Better Half almost feels like Old Austin, even though it's only been around for six years.What to try: Smoked butter chicken crispy rice, $23. It's tangy and spicy. And the cardamom-scented rice is perfectly crisped.The cold vermicelli salad with...
Statesman workers return to work after strike
The Austin American-Statesman's usual bylines were noticeably absent from coverage during the eclipse, the CMT Music Awards and Cap10K.Driving the news: The local newspaper's journalists returned to work Tuesday after a four-day strike as contract negotiations with owner Gannett stall.A second Gannett newsroom, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, also timed a strike with the eclipse.Why it matters: It's the latest maneuver by the Austin NewsGuild, which represents Statesman journalists, to push for a higher wage floor in their contract with Gannett.Statesman journalists had been gearing up for coverage of the historic solar event — a moment that would usually bring around-the-clock...
Statesman workers return to work after strike
The Austin American-Statesman's usual bylines were noticeably absent from coverage during the eclipse, the CMT Music Awards and Cap10K.Driving the news: The local newspaper's journalists returned to work Tuesday after a four-day strike as contract negotiations with owner Gannett stall.A second Gannett newsroom, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, also timed a strike with the eclipse.Why it matters: It's the latest maneuver by the Austin NewsGuild, which represents Statesman journalists, to push for a higher wage floor in their contract with Gannett.Statesman journalists had been gearing up for coverage of the historic solar event — a moment that would usually bring around-the-clock...
What the total solar eclipse looked like in Texas
The highly anticipated total solar eclipse finally graced Texas with its presence.Why it matters: Texas won't be in the path of totality for a total solar eclipse again until 2045, and that path will include just a small slice of the Panhandle, according to NASA.Yes, but: The clouds were pretty thick in some areas, even though statistically Texas had the lowest chances of cloud coverage across the eclipse's U.S. path.The ring of fire was still stunning when it peeked through the clouds, but some of those who traveled to Texas — as many as 1 million people, according to Great...
East Austin pedestrian bridge gets federal funding
A planned East Austin pedestrian bridge now has federal cash behind it.Driving the news: U.S. Rep. Greg Casar announced Thursday that the city has received more than $4 million through Congress' Community Project Funding to complete the construction of a pedestrian bridge at the Longhorn Dam.Why it matters: The east end of the hike-and-bike trail has long been a thorn in the side of pedestrians and cyclists trying to safely cross from north to south, and it's been a high crash area for drivers.What they're saying: "We've been talking about this bridge ever since the very beginning of my time...
Where to brunch in Austin: The Toasty Badger
Pardon me — I've got a mouthful of smoked salmon Benedict.What I'm doing: Grabbing a bite at the Toasty Badger, the new diner on South Congress in a spot previously occupied by Southside Flying Pizza — and, long ago, by a Dairy Queen.The vibe: Classy and 1970s-y, with comfy booths, counter service and an umbrella-shaded patio.What to order: The Benedict ($17) — not an easy dish to execute — is carried off nicely here, with perfectly poached eggs, a chewy English muffin and a tangy hollandaise.And a juicy fried chicken sandwich ($16) — the chicken is dipped in Texas chili oil and served with mayo, pickles and a green-onion-and-cabbage slaw — will give Lucy's, across the street, a run for its money.Plus: Fluffy griddle cakes hit the spot.Six-word review: Nice counterpoint to South Congress glam.What's next: This month Lobos Hospitality, the team behind the new diner, is opening Manny's, a sandwich spot with a midcentury feel, at Fifth and Lavaca, as well as a cocktail bar, Powder Room, in the same location.If you go: The Toasty Badger is open 8am-10pm Sunday-Thursday and 8am-11pm Friday and Saturday.Sign up for Axios Austin for free.
Austin council to vote on new city manager
The Austin City Council is poised Thursday to name T.C. Broadnax, Dallas city manager for the past seven years, as Austin's new city manager.Why it matters: The city manager is basically the city CEO, carrying out the legislative and policy objectives of the elected council members.The city manager prepares and executes Austin's $5.5 billion budget and oversees a city staff of more than 16,000 employees.Catch up quick: Austin's last full-time city manager, Spencer Cronk, was fired after the city's botched response to a winter storm last year that left hundreds of thousands of Austinites without power and amid tensions with...
Here are Texas' James Beard finalists
Texas has 11 restaurants and chefs on the list of finalists for the 2024 James Beard awards.Why it matters: The famed James Beard awards recognize talent in the restaurant industry — and the list released Wednesday confirms that Texas has plenty of that.Here are the Lone Star State's finalists in national categories:Outstanding Chef: David Uygur of Lucia (Dallas)Outstanding Restaurant: Convenience West (Marfa)Outstanding Restaurant: Mixtli (San Antonio)Best New Restaurant: Barbs-B-Q (Lockhart)Outstanding Hospitality: Gemma (Dallas)Outstanding Bar: Las Ramblas (Brownsville)In 2019, the foundation redistricted parts of the U.S. for the Best Chef category, giving Texas its own region. Here are the finalists in...
UT students foster dialogue on Israel-Hamas war
As the Israel-Hamas war nears its six-month mark, we touched base with a couple of University of Texas students who are urging dialogue on campus. Why it matters: UT, like universities across the country, is struggling with questions of free speech and sensitivity toward students and faculty members.Catch up quick: The university already sanctioned several students for their participation in a pro-Palestinian protest last year that university officials said took the form of "prohibited disruption." Among the punishments was a requirement they write a paper reflecting on their actions and how they may have affected others."I have zero tolerance for the...
Total solar eclipse: Driving tips in Texas
Worried about the prospect of car crashes during the eclipse on Monday, state and local officials are doling out special eclipse driving tips ahead of the celestial event.Why it matters: A ton of people are headed to Central Texas, and many of them may stare skyward while walking across a street … or operating a vehicle.Backstory: This is the first time Austin has been in the path of totality for a solar eclipse in more than 600 years and, as far as we can tell, there were no cars back then.Fun fact: Texas Department of Transportation officials say they have...
Bill Nye's top tips for watching the total solar eclipse
Bill Nye — yes, the science guy — will head to Central Texas this weekend as part of the Planetary Society's two-day camping festival in Fredericksburg for the April 8 total solar eclipse.What's happening: Nye, the group's CEO, spoke to us ahead of the family-friendly cosmic camping adventure about what he's learned from watching other total solar eclipses.The festival will feature conversations on astronomy and planetary science, hands-on activities, food and "star parties" at The Lodge at Country Cottages.General admission tickets are still available and start at $350 per person. A two-day camping reservation starts at $750.What they're saying: Nye...
What an Austin wine company owner takes on his desert island
As part of our continuing Desert Island Dish series, we caught up with Grant Richardson, who owns the Violet Crown Wine Bar & Coffee Shop with his husband, Chris Nagelhout.Opened last May, the Crestview spot has become a neighborhood favorite.Background: Richardson also owns Pangea Selections, a natural wine importer and distributor, but wanted to start the wine bar partly because he "missed the customer-facing aspect of the wine industry.""Here you can have fun, joyous conversations about why you care about this product so much — instead of just the wheeling and dealing of wholesale."Running a restaurant can be tough. Is...
Austin speeds its planning review process
Austin's city government, notorious for its labyrinthine permitting process, appears to be succeeding in slimming down its often long and confusing development reviews.Why it matters: For Austinites who want to remodel their house or build a new one, the development process is arguably their most intimate window into city government.Austin's regulatory delays translate into increased housing costs, stifle innovation and decrease development quality, and ultimately lead to construction outside the city limits, University of Texas researchers once found.Driving the news: In March 2023, the turnaround time was 87 days for initial site plan reviews and 50 days for follow-up rounds,...
Mapped: Religious service attendance in Texas
Data: Household Pulse Survey; Note: Adults who say they never attend or attend less than once a year; Map: Alice Feng/AxiosEaster is this weekend, and it's a safe bet a lot of Texans will be at church.The big picture: Texans go to religious services more than people in most other states.Among Texas adults, 40%, or more than 9 million people, say they never or seldom attend church or religious services. That's compared to the national average of 49%, according to a Household Pulse Survey conducted Feb. 6-March 4.Other sunbelt states are largely in line with the Lone Star State, and...
Texas Relays kick off at UT
The country's top high school, collegiate and professional track and field athletes have converged at the University of Texas' Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays.Why it matters: The four-day event is one of the country's most competitive track meets, and the adjacent programming of Urban Music Fest and the Texas Relays Car Show make it a key gathering for the African American community in Austin in particular.By the numbers: Tens of thousands of visitors head to Austin for the event, and city leaders have previously estimated that the weekend generates as much as $30 million in economic impact.What to watch: The relays...
Texas AG Ken Paxton reaches deal, avoids trial in securities fraud case
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has dodged criminal prosecution in a long-running felony securities fraud case, agreeing to community service to avoid a trial and conviction.Why it matters: The agreement with prosecutors appears to be an anticlimactic end to the case — and allows Paxton to maintain an unblemished record, even as he has faced myriad accusations of corruption.Catch up quick: Paxton was indicted on securities fraud charges shortly after he first took office as attorney general in 2015.Paxton faced allegations that he had convinced investors, including then-Republican state lawmaker Byron Cook, to purchase at least $100,000 worth of stock...
Austin's Virginia Rose makes birding accessible
Virginia Rose, a 64-year-old Austin resident and disability rights advocate, is featured in a new book on adventuring and aging.Why it matters: Rose, who was paralyzed in a horseback-riding accident 50 years ago, founded her organization Birdability with the goal of bringing birders with disabilities together and making trails more accessible.Driving the news: Author Caroline Paul interviewed Rose for her book "Tough Broad: From Boogie Boarding to Wing Walking, How Outdoor Adventure Improves Our Lives as We Age." The pair will talk Tuesday at Austin Central Library.Paul's book, which was published this month, explores the science and psychology of the...
Austin airport on-time departure rate is improving
Data: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Chart: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosAlmost 83% of flights out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport departed on time in December 2023, per the latest federal transportation department data.Why it matters: A lot of factors play into airline departure times, but with the airport the most prominent gateway to this booming city, Austin officials are keen to make the entire travel experience a positive one.The big picture: More than 83% of domestic U.S. flights departed on time in December 2023.That's a big upswing compared to December 2022, when Southwest Airlines' epic meltdown dragged the industrywide average down to about 70%...
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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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