Your Daily Guide

Texas Leaders Are Rethinking AI

After an ex-Antropic employee issued a grave warning about the potential dangers artificial intelligence poses to human life, Texas leaders on both sides of the aisle are agreeing that its rise should be slowed, at least for now. [X]

• A bill could pause AI development: Austin congressman Greg Casar has been a leading voice in the effort to regulate AI. He and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders have introduced legislation to ban "superintelligent" AI, or technology that meets or surpasses human intelligence, until a system is in place that could better regulate it at the federal level. [Texas Monthly 🔒]
• "What world am I living in?": Republican congressman Chip Roy, who also represents parts of the Austin area, wants the government to ask more existential questions. He sees the need for AI guardrails but believes a full ban wouldn't be the correct response to meet the moment. [Politico]
• The White House disagrees with concerns about AI: Yesterday, President Donald Trump rejected calls to rein in the industry, believing instead that a "strong and smart President" is all that is needed. If regulations were imposed, he believes the U.S. would lose the AI race to other countries such as China. [New York Times]
• Can humans and robots actually coexist? The University of Texas is one of six universities leading a study to answer just that. The $30 million effort will deploy AI-powered robots in common areas of dormitories to study the interactions. [KXAN]

Many Republicans Condemn Racist UT Tweet, But Not Paxton

Many prominent Texas Republicans, including U.S. Senator John Cornyn, have condemned Bo French, the GOP nominee for Texas Railroad Commissioner, over a social media post criticizing the University of Texas after a photo showed students of color celebrating the Longhorns' football victory. Fellow Republican and U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton did not directly address French's post though. Instead he targeted his Democratic opponent, James Talarico, accusing him of having a "history of dividing Texans by race." [Chron.com]

Garbo's To Close on Lamar

After three years, the restaurant at 626 N. Lamar Blvd. best known for its lobster rolls will close on Sept. 26. This comes after closing its location in Dripping Springs earlier this year. The owners say its Mopac location will remain open. [Culture Map Austin]

Zilker Opens First Monarch Meadow

As monarch butterflies begin their southern migration this month, Zilker Park is setting aside an acre of parkland to attract butterflies. The area will be planted with wildflowers where the butterflies can feed and lay their eggs. Park officials hope the meadow will be lush and blooming for their spring return. [Austin American-Statesman 🔒]

Hyde Park is Getting a New Shopping Center

Monroe Square, located at 38th and Speedway, will be made up of four different properties including the old Speedway Grocery. Rockman Coffee and Bakeshop has already signed a lease and a potential vintage shop and fitness spot could soon join in. The center is expected to open next summer. [Austin Business Journal 🔒]