🚨 Judges block Texas' new congressional maps

⚖️ Mistrial Declared in APD Deadly Conduct Case

Jurors in Austin police officer Daniel Sanchez’s trial said they had reached a stalemate in the case, causing the judge to declare a mistrial this week. Sanchez was charged with deadly conduct after he shot and killed Rajan Moonesinghe on a call in 2022. [KXAN]

🍖 Where To Splurge on Barbecue in Austin

With so many good barbecue joints in Austin, it can be hard to decide where to go. This guide on where to splurge and where to save on barbecue in the city is a good place to start! [City Cast Austin 🎧]

📃 County Sued Over Tax Hike

Lago Vista Mayor Shane Saum and former Austin mayoral candidate Jeffery Bowen have sued Travis County commissioners over a 9.12% property tax increase they approved in September. The suit says the county misused a section of Texas tax code. [KUT]

📰 Grief at Schools Ahead of AISD Vote

The Austin Independent School District Board of Trustees will vote tomorrow on whether or not to close 10 of its campuses as part of a consolidation plan to save money. Families are already grieving the loss of the schools and the communities they’ve created. [Austin American-Statesman]

It’s been a busy few months for the restaurant and bar scene here in Austin. Here’s what’s new:

November 2025

🍣 Konbini, 908 E. 5th St.

Konbini opened behind papercut cocktail bar in East Austin in mid-November. The restaurant offers nigiri and crudos, and is open until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

☕ Jo’s Coffee, 701 W. 24th St.

Iconic coffee shop Jo’s Coffee opened a new location in West Campus this month.

🌸 Leona Botanical Cafe & Bar, 6405 Brodie Lane

This new cafe is from the teams behind Veracruz All Natural and DEE DEE, and is on a 5-acre site that includes a botanical garden, pavilion, and cafe.

October 2025

🐄 Mendocino Farms

Two Mendocino Farms locations opened in Austin in October – one at 1106 W. 38th St. and another at 4301 W. William Cannon Dr. Offerings include sandwiches and salads.

🍸 Bar Fino, 88 1/2 Rainey St.

Bar Fino is the latest addition to Rainey Street, serving up creative cocktails like a tomato and pineapple margarita. The bar opened in early October.

🍖 Churchrow Tejas BBQ, 1521 W. Anderson Lane

Churchrow Tejas BBQ launched in mid-October. The barbecue joint is run by Simon Madera, the restauranter behind La Holly and Taco Flats.

🌷 Flourish Plant Shop & Wine Bar, 5003 Airport Blvd.

Flourish is part-wine bar and part-plant shop and had its grand opening in October. The shop offers memberships that include discounts on plants.