What the Austin Chronicle staff is reading this summer. Take a peek into the pages we’re most excited about.

Journalist Lauren Hough writes her own On the Road as she searches for modern America.

Local author Mary Pauline Lowry’s new book combines motherhood, mystery, and pole dancing. This one's for the lawn chair detectives.

Amanda Eyre Ward’s latest book follows a family’s complicated journey and is the secret beach read to keep you turning pages.

Reading’s dino-mite with the Austin Public Library. We talk with librarian Alanna Graves on what folks can expect from APL’s summer reading program, Unearth a Story.

Getting to know Austin billionaire Joe Lonsdale as VOCAL-TX looks to shed light on the Palantir co-founder at an overnight vigil outside the Cicero Institute.

THEATRE REVIEW: Every Brilliant Thing is a short solo play worth the time.

As part of our summer reading roundup, we spotlight five local authors with fresh releases.

Our man on the soccer beat, @goodman.bsky.social, asks, can the red-hot United States actually win the World Cup?

Austin removes roadway art, city employee falls into a manhole, and more of the week’s headlines.

AISD approves sweeping districtwide cuts, keeps librarians.

MOVIE REVIEW: Milly Alcock's Supergirl easily carries the weight of this sci-fi-tinged superhero flick.

Earth 7 is Deb Olin Unferth’s science-fiction ode to resilient life.

The promise of the Big Boys comes to the big screen. New documentary celebrates the impact of Austin’s art-punk pioneers.

Songwriter J.J. Swinn’s latest album piles on love songs for his fiance, his home, and his folk favorites.

Almost Heaven, Witches Exist, and DJ Garty to play The Austin Chronicle’s Hot Summer Nights showcase.

The fully electric, single-seat drones gives anyone the chance to soar at the Long Center. We're assured it's safe.

From the files of Mr. Smarty Pants: In 1819, the first bicycles were introduced in the U.S. They didn’t have pedals and were called swift walkers, velocipedes, and dandy horses.

DAY TRIPS: Old-school barbecue joint City Meat Market in Giddings is still smoking.

In this week's comics, just another normal TV news interview with Donald Trump. Read all the funnies: austinchronicle.com/comics

As part of the Critic's Picks in our Best of Austin® issue, we award Best Place to Burn Your Taste Buds While Eating Caribbean to Twin Isle. Read more below.

MOVIE REVIEW: Hugh Jackman treads a new path for the outlaw to become a hero in The Death of Robin Hood.

Austin’s only Black film festival returns to AFS Cinema with stories of identity and belonging.

You voted and chose our town's best new restaurant, taco, burger, queso, sushi, bakery, food truck, and many more tasty winners. See if your favorite place got the most votes and maybe find a few new places to take your taste buds.

Environmentalists balk at sudden approval for massive Eastern Crescent development.

In the midst of the Paxton and Talarico showdown, former vice president Mike Pence shares his manifesto on conservatism with Austinites.

Levitation announces Sleep as secret Sunday headliner.

Apple TV announces debut date for McConaughey and Harrelson’s Austin-made metafictional comedy.

From arts to food to shopping and more, here’s our annual list of the finest our city has to offer. Read all of the Best of Austin®:

The first week of the 2026 World Cup delivered just about everything you could want from a tournament’s opening stanza.

Elon Musk becomes the world’s first trillionaire, New World screwworm continues to spread, and more of the week’s headlines.

City Council considers a November bond election. Despite the mayor’s warnings, the city might ask voters to approve $390 million.

UT fires KUT’s Debbie Hiott after festival disputes. Officials gave the GM the option to resign or be dismissed.

Ahead of his Austin show this Saturday, Kevin Morby talks with us about I-40, dad rock, and new horizons.

From fitness nutrition to hormone health, inside Austin’s growing meal prep scene.

With upcoming budget cuts, social service nonprofits ask Council to preserve funding.

The Paramount enters 11 months of renovations, so how does that affect your favorite shows and festivals.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Equal parts neighborhood hangout, family playground, and cocktail bar, Rosewood Social Club embraces its layers.

OPINION: I’m a teacher. Even with the school phone ban, I’m still battling for kids’ attention.

One year after Texas’ deadliest flood, scientists have life-saving suggestions.

DAY TRIPS: OroBianco Italian Creamery is the first in the state to serve water buffalo gelato.

In this week's comics, Trump tries his hand as a space commander and hero of the galaxy. Of course, it goes great! Read all the Sunday funnies: austinchronicle.com/comics

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Equal parts neighborhood hangout, family playground, and cocktail bar, East Austin newcomer Rosewood Social Club embraces its layers.

Texans and local food banks struggle with SNAP cuts.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Equal parts neighborhood hangout, family playground, and cocktail bar, East Austin newcomer Rosewood Social Club embraces its layers.

In this weeks Qmmunity column: LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Chair talks about the importance of engaging with your local city government.

In this week's Verde Report: Austin FC lands lauded coach Jim Curtin for 2027. Plus: Watch-party-worthy pairings for World Cup week 1.

THEATRE REVIEW: Frutos de la Muerte pairs an exploratory script with the most exquisite set.

Jazz rap duo Magna Carda evolves their sound and throws a release party for their newest album inninoutcheamind.

The city pursues a program that most concede will have no beneficial effect on homelessness – why? Brant Bingamon and Joe Ellett look into the vicious cycle of homeless camp sweeps.