Your Daily Guide

UT is Getting More Conservative

Texas colleges are theoretically supposed to be insulated from politics with the governor appointing board members who are supposed to “preserve institutional independence.” However, in the last few years, conservative leaders have made their power known at the University of Texas at Austin. The reporter who investigated the phenomenon tells us how we got here. [City Cast Austin]

Historic Early Voting Numbers in Travis County

With more than 210,000 ballots cast in the first five days, Travis County could make records for the most early ballots in a midterm election. Turnout is at 22.1% of registered voters, which is slightly below 2018 but above 2022. [Austin-American Statesman]

A New Waterpark in Austin

Circuit of Americas, host to Formula 1, NASCAR, live music, and an amusement park, is partnering with the global investment firm Carlyle to bring a waterpark to the capital city. This is part of a larger strategy by Carlyle and Circuit of Americas to grow the number of COTA’S annual visitors to three million. [My San Antonio]

The Butcher’s Daughter Comes to Austin Next Month

The popular vegetable forward restaurant, with locations in New York and Los Angeles, will open its first Texas location on South Congress Ave on November 15. The Butcher’s Daughter will share a location and management with Only the Wild Ones, which is a popular listening bar. [Austin Monthly]