Austin, TX
Texas version of DOGE got to work at Capitol
Texas DOGE committee got to work
The Texas version of DOGE got to work on Wednesday. The Committee on Delivery of Government Efficiency was created by House Speaker Dustin Burrows. It is modeled after the controversial federal team led by Elon Musk.
AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas version of DOGE got to work on Wednesday. The Committee on Delivery of Government Efficiency was created by House Speaker Dustin Burrows.
It is modeled after the controversial federal team led by Elon Musk.
What is the Texas DOGE program?
What they’re saying:
The House Committee on Delivery of Government Efficiency (DOGE) got underway Wednesday with a promise from Committee Chairman Giovanni Capriglione.
“For too long, government inefficiency has been tolerated, accepted and ignored. That ends now,” said Chairman Capriglione (R) Southlake.
This Texas twist on the federal DOGE program is similar in name to the one led by Elon Musk. But the chairman denied it was a political copycat.
“This is going to be different. This is, as I say, everything in Texas, a little bit bigger and a little bit better. And that’s what we’ll be doing here in this committee will be looking at using scalpels, and we’ll also be able to look at sledgehammers,” said Chairman Capriglione.
Chairman Capriglione was asked if there is waste in the Texas government. Did he think the state has been mismanaged for the past 20 years by Republican leaders?
“It hasn’t, but we only meet every two years. So, this is an opportunity for us to go and look at what’s been done over the last two years and possibly longer,” said Chairman Capriglione.
Dig deeper:
The committee’s initial focus on Wednesday was on the state’s IT department, the newly formed Space Commission, and even the Sunset Advisory Commission.
Committee member Tony Tinderholt (R) Arlington asked the Executive Director of the Sunset Advisory Commission, Eric Beverly, how often the organization determines that an agency should be eliminated.
“I can tell you that we have just, in the last 12 years, recommended abolishing eight different agencies,” said Beverly.
Most state agencies not only go through a Sunset review, all go through a review during the Legislative Budget process. Despite that, Chairman Capriglione does not believe his committee is redundant.
“You always need an independent a third party, if you will, to go and look at what’s been done and what’s going on. And that’s what this committee is going to do,” said Chairman Capriglione.
During the hearing, committee member Ana-Maria Rodriguez Ramos indicated House Democrats will embrace being part of the Texas DOGE.
“I would love to learn more about exploring waste, fraud, and abuse under Operation Lonestar and I hope that, you know, our legislature would really be committed to transparency there, knowing how much we’ve spent billions and billions over the past few years,” said Rep. Rodriguez Ramos (D) Richardson.
The Texas DOGE committee will not issue pink slips. But members are expected to make recommendations about staffing and file legislative reforms that could reassign staff.
“We’re going to go and point out wherever we see inefficiencies. Right. And so, obviously, that goes to each individual agency to decide. But we already have bills that are coming to our committee that are going to talk about how to make sure that what people want and the services they need align with the resources that we’re putting into it,” said Chairman Capriglione.
Local perspective:
There is the potential for scoring political points beyond Operation Lone Star, according to Brian Smith with St. Edwards University.
“Democrats might be able to make something of this,” said Smith.
High-profile cuts, according to Smith, may be more difficult to accomplish.
“Everybody’s going to justify their program under the Dome as being very efficient,” said Smith.
Smith also noted that Texas runs a lean budget unlike the federal budget. Chairman Capriglione is confident reforms can be made.
“The goal of this is to make sure that the government’s working for the taxpayers, not the other way around,” said Chairman Capriglione.
What’s next:
The state has almost 270,000 different rules and regulations on the books.
Based on the hearing on Wednesday, it appears the committee’s initial focus may be on that, as well as contracts and property management, rather than the state workforce.
The Source: Information from the Texas legislative session
The Texas Tech football team landed its first commitment out of the transfer portal on Sunday.
Kansas State transfer linebacker Austin Romaine announced his commitment on social media. A second-team all-Big 12 selection this season, Romaine joins Texas Tech with one year of eligibility plus a redshirt year available.
The 6-foot-2, 245-pound linebacker has been a fixture in the middle of the Kansas State defense since his true freshman season of 2023 — when he earned five starts and was named Big 12 defensive freshman of the year, an award he shared with his new teammate Ben Roberts. He started all 12 games in 2024 and had 66 tackles, six quarterback hurries, an interception and a fumble recovery in 2025.
What Kansas State transfer Austin Romaine brings to Texas Tech football
Romaine will likely be seen as Jacob Rodriguez’s replacement as the other starting linebacker next to Roberts next season. It would also indicate John Curry will remain at the STAR (the hybrid linebacker-safety position) in which he excelled this season.
For his career, Romaine has three forced fumbles (all in 2024) and had his first career fumble recovery and interception in 2025.
Updated: Sunday, January 4, 2026
Jump To: Full-Service | Affordable | Group
As the new year approaches, many Austinites are setting fresh fitness goals and rethinking their workout routines. Austin’s gym scene continues to evolve in 2026, offering everything from luxury athletic clubs to no-frills strength gyms and high-energy group fitness studios.
Whether you’re training for performance, looking for community, or simply trying to stay consistent, these gyms in Austin stand out for their programming, facilities, and overall value.
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.
Also, check out our articles on the Healthy Food Cedar Park, Healthy Food Round Rock, and Healthy Food in Austin!
Full-Service Gyms
Life Time
Image credit: Life Time Austin North
Life Time is ideal for those who want a premium, all-in-one fitness experience. Members have access to expansive workout floors, boutique-style classes, pools, recovery amenities, and family-friendly programming.
Where: 1301 S Lamar Blvd, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 6:00 am – 10:00 pm | Monday – Friday 4:00 am – 11:00 pm
Gold’s Gym
Gold’s Gym remains a staple for strength training and general fitness in Austin. With multiple locations, members benefit from large free-weight areas, machines, group classes, and personal training options.
Where: 13435 N Hwy 183, Austin, TX 78750
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm | Monday – Friday 5:00 am – 11:00 pm
Hyde Park Gym
Hyde Park Gym is a longtime favorite among serious lifters in Austin. Known for its old-school atmosphere, it prioritizes heavy lifting, strength equipment, and a focused training environment.
Where: 4125 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78751
Operating Hours: Saturday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm | Monday – Friday 6:00 am – 9:00 pm | Saturday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Affordable & Budget-Friendly Gyms
Korrect Fitness
Image credit: Korrect Fitness
Korrect Fitness is a premier 10,000-square-foot training facility in South Austin that specializes in functional performance through small group conditioning, unconventional equipment like steel maces and kettlebells, and elite recovery amenities including cold plunges and saunas.
Where: 4401 Freidrich Ln, Unit 301, Austin, TX 78744
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 6:00 pm | Monday – Friday 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is best for beginners or anyone looking for a low-pressure, affordable gym membership. The gym focuses on cardio equipment, circuit training, and a welcoming environment.
Where: 1807 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78748
Operating Hours: 24/7
Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness offers 24-hour access and smaller gym footprints, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. It’s a solid choice for members who value consistency and flexibility.
Where: 8516 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin, TX 78729
Operating Hours: 24/7
FeV Iron Vault Gym
Image credit: FeV – Iron Vault Gym
Iron Vault Gym caters to powerlifters, bodybuilders, and experienced strength athletes. The gym emphasizes high-quality equipment and a no-frills approach to training.
Where: 2101 W. Ben White BLVD #105, Back of building facing Redd St, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Monday = Friday 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Group Fitness & Specialty Studios
Orangetheory
Orangetheory delivers coach-led group workouts combining cardio, rowing, and strength intervals. The structured format appeals to members who want accountability and efficient, results-driven sessions.
Where: 401 W 3rd St, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 2:00 pm | Monday – Thursday 5:00 am – 8:00 pm | Friday 5:00 am – 6:00 pm
F45 Training
F45 focuses on fast-paced functional training in a group setting. Daily workout variations keep classes engaging, making it popular with members who enjoy high-energy, team-based fitness.
Where: 500 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Saturday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Sunday 9:30 am – 11:15 am | Monday – Thursday 5:30 am – 7:15 pm | Friday 5:30 am – 6:15 pm
Big Tex Gym
Image credit: Big Tex Gym
Big Tex Gym is a veteran-owned, old-school strength sanctuary in North Austin that provides 24/7 access to specialized equipment for powerlifting, bodybuilding, and strongman training within a supportive community atmosphere.
Where: 1921 Cedar Bend Dr A 130, Austin, TX 78758
Operating Hours: 24/7
Many gyms offer free trials or seasonal promotions at the start of the year, making January an ideal time to explore. And once you’ve locked in your workouts, you can also check out our weekend guide of activities and events!
Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.
Accident or crime scene cordon tape, police line do not cross. via Getty Images
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas – A juvenile has been arrested Saturday after an early morning double-homicide near Round Rock.
The situation ended after officials successfully negotiated a barricade situation with the minor, they say.
Williamson County double-homicide
What we know:
Williamson County authorities got the shooting call around 2 a.m. from the 8900 block of Brushy Gate Cove, outside the Round Rock city limits.
Williamson County sheriff’s deputies found two men dead of gunshot wounds at the scene. The suspect was barricaded inside a bedroom in the home.
Williamson County SWAT and crisis negotiators responded, and the suspect peacefully surrendered around 6:30 a.m.
Officials say there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Williamson County officials comment
What they’re saying:
“On our arrival, we found two deceased people from the residence, adult males,” said Commander John Foster of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
“Anytime you have a barricaded subject inside of a home where we believe two people are deceased, you know, we’re going to take all precautionary measures that we can to ensure our safety and the safety of the neighbors as well,” said Foster.
Investigators say everyone involved resided in the house and that this was an isolated incident.
“Information is going to be very limited, because this is a juvenile investigation, and certain laws protect certain information regarding juveniles,” said Foster.
What we don’t know:
The identity of the minor suspect has not been released.
The victims were not identified.
The motive behind the shooting has not been commented on.
The Source: Information in this article came from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
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