The End of Weird: Austin's Makeover

 

The recent election has sparked new discussions about changing demographics across America. Austin, Texas is no exception. Long celebrated as a liberal bubble in the heart of red Texas, this once magical and creative city is transforming dramatically. From the controversial new University of Austin, featured this past Sunday on 60 Minutes, to Elon Musk's growing presence with SpaceX, to the influx of tech giants like Larry Ellison and Oracle, along with characters like Joe Rogan and Alex Jones, the city's character is shifting. Add to this the mounting challenges of climate change making Austin hotter and drier than ever. Journalist Alex Hannaford, who lived in Austin for nearly two decades, talks to me aboutthis transformation and his eventual departure from a city that has changed beyond recognition. He writes about it in his new book “Lost in Austin.”