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Texas’ mortality crisis isn’t random. These deaths reflect policy failures | Letters

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Texas’ mortality crisis isn’t random. These deaths reflect policy failures | Letters


Re: April 21 article, “People aren’t living as long as they did 4 years ago, data shows”

Your recent article on declining life expectancy in Texas points to a deeper crisis. As a public health researcher studying “deaths of despair” — from suicide, alcohol and drug overdoses — I’ve found these deaths have increased by 153% in Texas since 2000, especially among those of working-age in economically distressed counties.

In 2020 alone, the state lost nearly 372,000 years of potential life to preventable causes. These outcomes aren’t random. They reflect policy choices. Texas still refuses to expand Medicaid, ranks near the bottom in mental health funding, and has passed abortion bans contributing to a 56% rise in maternal mortality from 2019 to 2022.

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We know what works: Access to care, housing and economic opportunity saves lives. What’s missing is the political will to act.

Camerino I. Salazar, doctoral candidate, University of Texas at San Antonio

When will we heed the urgent warnings on climate change?

Re: April 24 article, “Climate ‘tipping points’ are near”

When there is virtually unanimous consensus among the people who devote their entire careers to studying a given topic, who are the world’s foremost experts, we had best pay attention to what they say — especially when what they say is irrefutably backed up by evidence every one of us can see in our daily lives.

To date, we have not paid much attention to what the experts are saying about how we are disrupting, even destroying, Mother Nature’s harmony. American Indians and many other indigenous groups around the world lived without pillaging and destroying the environment that sustains us, but our society has not found a way to do so.  We continue to ignore the warning signs screaming all around us — at our own peril.

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Technological advances are not going to get us out of this mess.  We must make social, political, economic, behavioral and attitudinal changes. 

Mark Warren, Austin

State duplicates the agency focused on efficiency

Re: April 24 article, “Abbott signs DOGE bill, targets state bureaucracy”

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So, by a fell swoop of pen and cooperation of the highly efficient Legislature, Gov. Greg Abbott has created the Texas Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Interesting, because I always thought that was the function of the Texas Sunset Commission. For some reason, it does not seem efficient to have two agencies performing the same task.

But what do I know. I’m just a tax-paying citizen.

John Williams, Austin

Texas DOGE can start by killing anti-renewables bill

Gov. Greg Abbott has signed a bill to establish a state agency to find and remove regulations that hamper Texas’ growth. Let’s start by killing the bill designed to hinder growth of renewable energy. About 30% of energy generated in Texas is from solar and wind — and it is cheaper than electricity from coal or natural gas.

Wealthy Republican donors are sitting on a reservoir of natural gas in west Texas that is threatened by the renewable sector, which is really what Senate Bill 819 is about. Kill it now.

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Lawrence Ragan, Austin

Great. The bathroom police are back.

Re: April 22 article, “Texas Senate to hear bathroom bill”

So, will the state hire cops to check peoples’ privates before they enter a public restroom? I’m a 78-year-old woman who enters a restroom, hoping there is toilet paper in the stall before I lock the door. Who cares if the person in the next stall is gay, straight or trans? Do your business and wash your hands. Hopefully there are towels or a hand blower!

Aren’t there more important things to worry about?

Haven’t we moved on from the “whites only” days of discrimination? Things aren’t looking “great” if we continue down this path. Perhaps tattoos will be next, so we can quickly identify and judge one another.

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Sue Kemp, Austin

Bills give Pornhub a pass without solving the problem

Texas legislators are considering Senate Bill 2420 and HB 4901. Both would implement app store verification mandates. While intended as an alternative to requiring age verification at the site level, this serves to help app developers dodge accountability for keeping children safe without solving the problem.

Worse, the bills mandate that app stores share user age information with every app developer regardless of the app’s nature or user consent, which creates severe privacy hazards for all users of the platform, regardless of whether they are trying to access apps with adult content.

The bills do nothing to address the many other ways children can access online platforms and sites with adult content. They only serve to exempt sites like Pornhub — which is supporting SB 2420 — from the responsibility of protecting children from the online harms on its platform.

Our legislators in Austin should scrap both bills.

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Bill Peacock, Dripping Springs

An apt reminder of Austin Animal Center’s no-kill ethos

Re: April 20 commentary, “Austin can again become leader in animal services,” by Tawny Hammond

Thank you, Tawny Hammond, for reminding us of how Austin was once a no-kill leader. Our city animal shelter has recently failed to serve our community by refusing to even take in found animals. Now we have a chance to help people keep their pets through supportive programs and improve shelter life for the animals by making it easier to volunteer, foster and adopt.

I hope that City Manager T.C. Broadnax will show us that he wants to embrace what Austin is all about and find a new shelter director with the vision that Tawny Hammond brought during her too-short tenure.

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Rona Distenfeld, Austin

Waiting for that voters’ remorse to kick in

Re: April 23 article, “Poll shows further dip in Trump’s approval rating”

How many more things need to go sideways before the folks who voted for President Trump finally admit they made a grievous error in judgment? I thought things were supposed to get better? He never said there would be a “period of adjustment.” He said it would be “immediate!”

Wake up and smell the coffee before that tariff hits the smell.

Tip Giles, Austin

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Look at the damage done in just in a few months

I want to thank you all who voted for President Trump for all that is happening in this country.

I once was a Republican and believed that this was a country that always did the right thing. Now elected officials are working steadfastly to whitewash American history. DEI is a dirty word. 

The Trump administration is attacking the freedom of speech and discussion in our universities. They are silencing scientific research in our health care system. They are invading our private lives and destroying our right to privacy. They are arresting people who have broken no laws. They have gotten rid of due process. They have destroyed America’s reputation so that no country will ever trust us to do what we promised to do.

Wealth has power. If only it was used for good.

Richard Chiarello, Austin

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Michigan softball draws UCF for NCAA Tournament opener in Austin, Texas

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Michigan softball draws UCF for NCAA Tournament opener in Austin, Texas


Michigan softball is headed to Austin, Texas, for the opening weekend of the 2025 NCAA Softball Tournament. The Wolverines (38-19), who won their second straight Big Ten Tournament on May 10, will open the NCAAs at 2 p.m. May 16 against UCF (ESPN2) in the regional hosted by overall 6-seed Texas.

UCF (33-22-1) finished seventh in the Big 12 before advancing to the conference quarterfinals. The Wolverines and the Knights have some recent NCAA history, with host UCF eliminating U-M in Orlando, Florida, in a 2022 regional final —the last game for the Wolverines under legendary coach Carol Hutchins.

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The Longhorns (46-10), who finished third in the SEC and lost in the SEC tournament semifinals, will open against Ohio Valley Conference champion Eastern Illinois (34-20) at approximately 4:30 p.m. May 16.

The winners of those first-round games will play at 1 p.m. May 17 for a spot in the regional final at 1 p.m. May 18, while the losers will play 3:30 p.m. May 17 in an elimination game. The winner of that game faces the loser of May 17’s first game for the second spot in the regional final.

The winner of the Austin regional will face the winner of the Clemson regional (featuring Clemson, USC Upstate, Northwestern and Kentucky) the following weekend in a best-of-three series at the higher seed’s campus for a spot in the Women’s College World Series, which begins May 29 in Oklahoma City.

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In their third season under coach Bonnie Stoll, the Wolverines are looking for their first Super Regional berth since 2016. That’s also the last time U-M advanced to the College World Series. Last season, in their first NCAA appearance under Stoll, U-M dropped its NCAA opener in Stillwater, Oklahoma, then won twice to advance to the regional final before losing to host Oklahoma State.

Michigan, making its 31st NCAA tourney appearance (all since 1992), has advanced to the WCWS 12 times in all, with a championship in 2005 and a runner-up finish in 2015.



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One dead after crash in Central Austin

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One dead after crash in Central Austin


One person is dead after a crash in Central Austin early Sunday morning.

Austin Travis County EMS responded to the scene on westbound Koenig Lane at Airport Boulevard.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene after medics attempted resuscitative efforts, according to ATCEMS.

Police said the intersection remains closed to all traffic as officers investigate the scene.

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Drivers are advised to expect delays and plan alternate routes.

No additional details about the circumstances of the crash or the identity of the victim were immediately available.



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Best Austin Salads – 15 Food Places For Good Greens!

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Best Austin Salads – 15 Food Places For Good Greens!


Best Austin Salads

Best Austin Salads

Quick & Casual Salad Spots

Restaurant Salads with a Gourmet Touch

Unique and Niche Salad Offerings


Austin is a vibrant city known for its eclectic food scene, and that includes a fantastic array of fresh and creative salads. Whether you’re a dedicated vegetarian, a health-conscious foodie, or simply looking for a light and delicious meal, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.

This guide will help you navigate the city’s leafy landscape and discover the best Austin salads, highlighting some of the top spots where you can enjoy a bowl of greens that’s both nutritious and flavorful. We’ll explore a variety of establishments, from fast-casual joints to upscale restaurants, ensuring you find the perfect salad to suit your taste and lifestyle.

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Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.


Best Austin Salads – Quick & Casual Salad Spots

Flower Child: Nature’s Wonder salad


best Austin salads - Flower Child

Image Credit: Flower Child FB Page

This salad is a balanced and flavorful combination of healthy ingredients, offering a satisfying and refreshing meal. Flower Child is known for its commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients and its vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great option for a quick, healthy lunch.

Ingredients: organic kale, quinoa, avocado, cucumber, broccoli pesto, toasted almonds, and lemon vinaigrette
Where: 500 W 2nd St Suite 133, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Daily 11 am – 9 pm


JuiceLand: The Green Goddess Bowl

While known for their smoothies, JuiceLand also offers excellent salad bowls. This bowl is very filling and full of great greens. It is also very refreshing.

Ingredient: kale, spinach, avocado, quinoa, cucumber, broccoli, green goddess dressing
Where: Multiple locations in Austin
Operating Hours:  Monday – Saturday 7 am – 9 pm | Sunday 8 am – 9 pm

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Modern Market Eatery: Supergreen Goddess


best Austin salads - Modern Market Eaterybest Austin salads - Modern Market Eatery

Image Credit: Modern Market Eatery FB Page

This salad is packed with nutrient-rich greens and a creamy, flavorful dressing. Modern Market Eatery is known for its focus on wholesome, scratch-made food, providing a healthy and convenient dining experience.

Ingredients: kale, spinach, quinoa, avocado, broccoli, cucumber, green goddess dressing
Where: 401 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 10 am – 9 pm | Saturday – Sunday 11 am – 8 pm


Salad and Go: Caesar Salad

Salad and Go focuses on providing healthy, affordable, and quick salads. Their drive-thru model makes it exceptionally convenient.

Ingredients: Romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, croutons, and Caesar dressing, with optional protein additions
Where: 101 Deer Ridge Dr, Round Rock, TX 78681
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 6:30 am – 9 pm | Saturday – Sunday 7 am – 9 pm


Sweetgreen: Harvest Bowl

This bowl is a hearty and satisfying option, combining seasonal ingredients with a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors. Sweetgreen emphasizes sustainably sourced ingredients and offers a customizable menu, making it a reliable choice for a healthy and quick meal.

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Ingredients: wild rice, kale, apples, sweet potatoes, goat cheese, roasted chicken, toasted almonds, balsamic vinaigrette
Where: 200 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 10 am – 10 pm | Saturday – Sunday 10:30 am – 8 pm


Best Austin Salads – Restaurant Salads with a Gourmet Touch

Clark’s Oyster Bar: Lobster Salad

This luxurious salad is a decadent treat, featuring fresh lobster and a light, refreshing vinaigrette. Clark’s Oyster Bar is known for its high-quality seafood and elegant ambiance, making it a perfect spot for a special occasion.

Ingredient: lobster, avocado, tomatoes, greens, lemon vinaigrette
Where: 1200 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11 am – 10 pm | Friday – Saturday 11 am – 11 pm


Josephine House: Little Gem Salad


best Austin salads - Josephine Housebest Austin salads - Josephine House

Image Credit: Josephine House FB Page

This elegant salad is simple yet sophisticated, featuring fresh, high-quality ingredients and a creamy buttermilk dressing. Josephine House is known for its charming atmosphere and refined cuisine, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner.  

Ingredients: little gem lettuce, avocado, herbs, buttermilk dressing
Where: 1601 Waterston Ave, Austin, TX 78703
Operating Hours: Daily 9 am – 10 pm

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Justine’s Brasserie: Salade Niçoise

A classic French salad, done exceptionally well. Justine’s Brasserie is known for its authentic French cuisine and romantic atmosphere, making it a perfect place for a memorable dinner.

Ingredient: tuna, haricot verts, potatoes, olives, eggs, anchovies
Where: 4710 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78702
Operating Hours: Tuesday CLOSED | Monday 6 pm – 11 pm | Wednesday – Sunday 6 pm – 2 am


True Food Kitchen: Seasonal Ingredient Salad


best Austin salads - True Food Kitchenbest Austin salads - True Food Kitchen

Image Credit: True Food Kitchen FB Page

True Food Kitchen focuses on anti-inflammatory ingredients and offers a rotating menu of seasonal salads that are both delicious and healthy. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor makes it a top choice for a gourmet salad experience.

Ingredients: ingredients change seasonally, featuring fresh, vibrant produce
Where: 11410 Century Oaks Terrace Ste 100, Austin, TX 78758
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 11 am – 9 pm | Friday 11 am – 10 pm | Saturday 10 am – 10 pm | Sunday 10 am – 9 pm


Uchi: Jar Jar Duck

Uchi is known for its innovative Japanese cuisine, and this salad is no exception. The combination of smoked duck, citrus, and nuts creates a unique and flavorful experience.

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Ingredients: smoked duck breast, endive, orange, pistachio, yuzu vinaigrette
Where: 801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 4 pm – 10 pm | Friday – Saturday 4 pm – 11 pm


Best Austin Salads – Unique and Niche Salad Offerings

ATXFOODCO: Great Selection of Salads


best Austin salads - ATX FOOD CO.best Austin salads - ATX FOOD CO.

Image Credit: ATX FOOD CO. FB Page

ATXFOODCO has a great selection of locally sourced seasonal salads. The menu changes, so there is always something new to try.

Ingredients: Their rotating seasonal salads
Where: 517 S Lamar Blvd LOT 1, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 8 am – 8 pm | Saturday – Sunday 9 am – 5 pm


Blue Dahlia Bistro: Black Bean Salad

This bistro provides a European-style eating experience with fresh ingredients. They also provide options for people with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients: Avocado, tomato, cilantro, mango, and black beans
Where: 107 E Hopkins St, San Marcos, TX 78666
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 am – 9 pm | Sunday 9 am – 3 pm

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Bouldin Creek Cafe: The Big Salad

Bouldin Creek Cafe is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly spot that offers hearty and flavorful salads. “The Big Salad” is a filling and nutritious option that caters to plant-based eaters.

Ingredients: tempeh, avocado, mixed greens, veggies, tahini dressing
Where: 1900 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 8 am – 10 pm | Friday – Saturday 8 am – 11 pm


Local Foods: The Market Salad


best Austin salads - Local Foodsbest Austin salads - Local Foods

Image Credit: Local Foods FB Page

Local Foods focuses on sourcing ingredients from local farms and producers. Their Market Salad is a great way to enjoy the freshest seasonal produce.

Ingredients: changes seasonally, filled with fresh local ingredients
Where: 454 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 10:45 am – 8 pm | Friday 10:45 am – 8:30 pm | Saturday 9 am – 8:30 pm | Sunday 9 am – 8 pm


Picnik Austin: Paleo Cobb

Picnik Austin caters to those with dietary restrictions, offering paleo-friendly and gluten-free options. The “Paleo Cobb” is a hearty and satisfying salad that’s perfect for those following a paleo diet.

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Ingredients: chicken, bacon, avocado, eggs, greens, ranch dressing
Where: 4801 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756
Operating Hours: Daily 9 am – 9 pm


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Lacey MorrisLacey Morris
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