Insider Today: Austin’s genius housing fix

Austin’s real-estate market was on fire during the pandemic, but the boom went bust within a couple of years. Now, home prices are down compared to where they were a year ago.

Still, the boom-bust cycle will be good for Austin in the long run. There might be short-term pain for those who bought at the peak, but the city gets one major benefit: More housing supply, which will avert an affordability crisis. Other cities could stand to take a page out from the Lone Star playbook.

How Austin slashed home prices.

What we’re watching this weekend

Deals we love

• Calling all Madewell shoppers: The bi-annual Madewell Insiders sale is here with 25% off almost everything full-price and an additional 40% off sale. Sign up with your email and save big on some of our favorite denim and basics.
• It’s spooky season: Fall is officially here, so it’s time to let our guide to the best Halloween decorations inspire you. From tabletop centerpieces to ghostly candles, we’re here to help you get the creative juices flowing.
• iPhone 16 hot take: Our senior tech reporter explains in his iPhone 16 review why you might not need to upgrade from the base model to the Pro version.

More of this week’s top reads:

• We spent $275 at Fleming’s Steakhouse. It’s better suited for business dinners than date nights.
• A 70-year-old who got into weightlifting explains how she lost 70 pounds.
• Millennials and Gen Zers share their top hidden-gem travel destinations.
• I paid $120 for a fine-dining experience narrated by AI. High-brow restaurants should take notes.
• The US’ top supplement expert takes these three when he’s busy.
• A mom describes the differences in quality of life between Switzerland and the US.
• Step inside a 5-star resort in one of Panama City’s wealthiest neighborhoods.
• Traveler who’s been to over 50 countries ranks this Central Asian gem as one of her favorites.

Aldi shoppers have spoken: These are the best things to buy at the chain right now.

The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York City. Jordan Parker Erb, editor, in New York. Lisa Ryan, executive editor, in New York. Amanda Yen, fellow, in New York. Grace Lett, editor, in Chicago.