  After discussing difficulties in determining $\alpha_s$ from tau decay due to
the existence of Duality Violations and the associated asymptotic nature of the
OPE, we describe a new determination based on an improved vector isovector
spectral function, now based solely on experimental input, obtained by (i)
combining ALEPH and OPAL results for $2\pi +4\pi$ and (ii) replacing $K^-K^0$
and higher-multiplicity exclusive-mode contributions, both previously estimated
using Monte Carlo, with new experimental BaBar results for $K^-K^0$ and results
implied by $e^+ e^-$ cross sections and CVC for the higher-multiplicity modes.
We find $\alpha_s(m_\tau)=0.3077\pm 0.0075$, which corresponds to
$\alpha_s(m_Z)=0.1171\pm 0.0010$. Finally, we comment on some of the
shortcomings in the criticism of our approach by Pich and Rodriguez-Sanchez.
