🎤 Texas State debate may be no more

🏫 Presidential Debate Could Skip San Marcos

It looks like President Joe Biden won’t participate in a three-debate series hosted by the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates, as is traditional. Texas State University (my alma mater 🐾) was planning to host one of the three debates in September. The school is in talks with the commission to iron out the details. Instead, Biden and former President Donald Trump have agreed to debates on June 27 and Sept. 10, hosted by CNN and ABC, respectively. [KUT]

👂 Lawmakers Hear Update on DEI Ban

They’re baaack! Lawmakers were in town Tuesday for a Texas Senate subcommittee to hear from public university officials on the effects of Senate Bill 17, which banned university DEI activities. Millions of dollars once devoted to DEI are now being used for recruiting and student support programs; The University of Texas System alone saved $25 million after the ban went into effect in January. [The Texas Tribune]

🌳 New Park Planned For Western Travis County

Travis County announced this week it will spend $90 million to buy RGK Ranch, a 1,500-acre chunk of land roughly 30 miles west of Austin near Hamilton Pool, and turn it into a park. The land could have been developed, but owners declined developers’ offers, paving the way for a park that will open in 2025 or 2026. [Texas Monthly]

🍤 Cajun Eatery Comes to East Austin

Lil’ Easy Fine Cajun Food & Bar is now open to customers on East Cesar Chavez Street, the latest project from the people behind De Nada Cantina and Sawyer & Co. We can’t wait to try the boudin, gumbo, prime rib debris po boy, and root beer float. [The Austin Chronicle]

📖 Students Teach Peers About Islamic Clothing

I’m obsessed with this! As part of a school kindness project at Travis Heights Elementary, three girls who fled the Taliban with their families and are now fourth-grade students made buttons, a video, and read books about why they wear hijabs. The initiative was meant to drive conversations about racism and stereotypes. [Axios]