ATX PULSE 1/8/25 (free) (sponsored by No Scrubs): UT President Hartzell to Become SMU President // Taylor Lawyers Seek New Trial // Austin Energy, Austin Water Prepare for Freeze // CoA Selects Vendor for Light Rail Construction // TxDOT Gives Advice for Traveling to Cotton Bowl

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2025

Compiled by Matt Mackowiak

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TODAY’S WEATHER

H: 44° / L: 36°. Another cold day, snow is possible tomorrow. Latest forecast from Fox 7 Austin’s Zack Shields here. Trending towards mainly a cold rain on Thursday; spotty wintry mix in the Hill Country, per KVUE.

TOP NEWS

“UT-Austin President Jay Hartzell leaving for Southern Methodist University” AAS ($)

“Convicted former APD officer Christopher Taylor's attorneys push for new trial” KVUE

“‘Lessons learned’: Austin Energy, outage map prepared for cold-weather storms” KXAN

“Water utility says preparations are in place following 2021 winter storm” KXAN

“Austin has highest rent prices in Texas for 2025, per report” Culture Map Austin

THE BLOTTER

“I-35 southbound reopens after 1 dead in shooting involving officer in Round Rock” KVUE

“Police searching for man accused of robbing convenience store on Christmas” CBS Austin

“Car crashes into CapMetro train in Central Austin, no injuries reported” CBS Austin

“Lotz of BBQ food truck reunited with its owner after being stolen in SE Austin” Fox 7 Austin

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

“Austin selects delivery partner to lead light rail construction” KXAN

“MoPac Expressway tolls increase with new year, rise $0.08” CBS Austin

“Hays County judge outlines his 2025 legislative priorities” KXAN

“West Lake Hills to install license plate readers to improve public safety” Community Impact Austin

“City of Kyle hires new director of transportation and public works” Community Impact Austin

“Pflugerville library to reopen on Wednesday after potential threat” KVUE

BUSINESS NEWS

“Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons selects franchisees for Travis County; real estate sought” ABJ ($)

“Deaf woman sues ER in Round Rock for being denied interpreter & treated against her will” Fox 7 Austin

LOCAL SPORTS

TEXAS FOOTBALL: “Texas vs Ohio State: The NFL-style challenge awaiting UT in College Football Playoff” AAS ($)

TEXAS FOOTBALL: “TXDOT gives advice for Texas fans planning to travel for Cotton Bowl” CBS Austin

TEXAS A&M FOOTBALL: “Texas A&M football: Analyzing Aggies' top-rated transfer portal class” AAS ($)

TEXAS MEN’S BASKETBALL: “Texas basketball vs Auburn: No. 2 Tigers hold on for win, knock UT to 0-2 in SEC play” AAS ($)

QUICK LINKS

~ 3 major luxury fashion brands move into famous North Austin mall Culture Map Austin

~ Iconic Austin staples see changes: Check out 8 business updates near UT campus, downtown - Community Impact Austin

~ QQ Barbershop bringing modern cuts to north Austin - Community Impact Austin

~ Rally House opens sports gear shop on The Drag in central Austin - Community Impact Austin

~ Donations needed for Bastrop Empty Bowl on Jan. 25 - Community Impact Austin

‘Lessons learned’: Austin Energy, outage map prepared for cold-weather storms - KXAN Austin

~ Torchy’s Tacos shutters iconic UT campus location in Austin - Community Impact Austin

~ Austin-based American Canning files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy - ABJ

~ The Learning Experience opens childcare facility in far Northwest Austin - Community Impact Austin

~ Density proponents encouraged by HOME six-month progress report - Austin Monitor

~ Lost Creek neighborhood sues city over tax efforts - Austin Monitor

~ City's emergency resources on standby as rainfall expected in Austin during Arctic freeze - Austin American-Statesman

~ LivAway Suites hotel breaks ground in San Marcos - Community Impact Austin

~ Commissioner Travillion finds integration of public services as key to success - Austin Monitor

~ Firefighters rescue residents and pets from large North Austin apartment complex blaze - Austin American-Statesman

AUSTIN CULTURE

~ BLOODY MARY FESTIVAL: “Austin gets spicy for competitive Bloody Mary Festival” Culture Map Austin

WHAT TO DO TONIGHT

~ LIVE MUSIC: William Harris Graham (9:30pm), Jon Dee Graham (10:30pm), The Light Aluminum (12am). Continental Club (1315 S. Congress Ave). $10 cover at the door.

COOL JOB ALERT

~ Government Relations Officer. Texas Veterans Commission. Salary: $6,431.25 - $6,431.25 (monthly). Info / apply here.