ATX PULSE 2/13/25 (free) (sponsored by Morning Brew): New Cases of Bird Flu Detected in New Braunfels // ATX Council to Consider Changes to HOME Initiative // Kaluma Injury Further Threatens Texas Men's Bball March Madness Hopes // Texas vs Sam Houston St. Football Game Moved Up a Week

PRESENTING SPONSOR: Morning Brew

The gold standard of business news

Morning Brew is transforming the way working professionals consume business news.

They skip the jargon and lengthy stories, and instead serve up the news impacting your life and career with a hint of wit and humor. This way, you’ll actually enjoy reading the news—and the information sticks.

Best part? Morning Brew’s newsletter is completely free. Sign up in just 10 seconds and if you realize that you prefer long, dense, and boring business news—you can always go back to it.

Join 4.3 Million Readers Now

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Compiled by Matt Mackowiak

You are a FREE subscriber.

Please consider becoming a PAID subscriber for $5/mo or $50/yr here.

TODAY’S WEATHER

H: 46° / L: 37°. Cold temperatures remain, per Fox 7 Austin. Two more cold fronts in the next 7 days, per KXAN. La Niña ending soon: The impact on spring storms, per KXAN.

TOP NEWS

“New cases of bird flu detected in vultures at popular park in New Braunfels” KVUE

THE BLOTTER

“2 found dead after 3rd floor apartment fire extinguished in SW Austin” Fox 7 Austin

“Elgin murder-suicide: Police identify people found dead inside home” Fox 7 Austin

“Action Pawn structure fire in North Austin” Fox 7 Austin

“1 dead, several others injured in SE Austin crash: ATCEMS” Fox 7 Austin

“Del Valle man charged after allegedly leaving toddler with significant injuries” KVUE

“Leander police investigate fatal crash in convenience store parking lot” CBS Austin

“Hays ISD: Pfluger Elementary teacher resigns after dragging student by the arm” AAS ($)

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

“ATX Council to vote on amendments addressing concerns over HOME Initiative” CBS Austin

“Austin police take small but significant step forward in how it handles sexual assault cases” KVUE

“Austin's HALO cameras impact, possible expansion discussed after arrest assist” CBS Austin

LOCAL SPORTS

TEXAS FOOTBALL: “Reports: Texas hires Rutgers’ Mark Orphey to coach safeties, replacing Blake Gideon” KXAN

TEXAS MEN’S BASKETBALL: “Texas men's basketball roster depth tested after Arthur Kaluma injury vs Alabama” AAS ($)

TEXAS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: “Texas basketball: Is Madison Booker on a pace to become school's all-time leading scorer?” AAS ($)

AUSTIN FC: “Austin FC unveils new jersey, inspired by pre-game tradition at Q2 Stadium?” CBS Austin

QUICK LINKS

~ Pflugerville seeks volunteers for tree planting effort funded by $150K grant CBS Austin

~ CapMetro transitions to Umo app for digital fare payments starting Feb. 13 CBS Austin

~ SXSW warns musicians of ongoing scam requiring artists to pay to perform Fox 7 Austin

~ Federal funding cap on medical research fuels more uncertainty for UT Austin scientists - KUT

~ DNA from previously untested sexual assault kit leads to arrest in 1993 Austin cold case - KVUE

~ Gas-powered data center campus planned in San Marcos - ABJ

~ Austin eatery named one of USA Today's 2025 Restaurants of the Year - KVUE

~ Big NorthPointe project in Pflugerville still awaiting liftoff - ABJ

~ Potbelly secures North Austin franchisee, still seeking more for metro expansion - ABJ

~ City of San Marcos asks for citizens' input on federal grant - Community Impact Austin

~ 1 dead after ‘vehicle rescue’ in southeast Austin, ATCEMS says - KXAN

~ Kyle City Council buys more land to continue construction of Vybe Trail - Community Impact Austin

~ After shutting off mental health care for Austin musicians, SIMS Foundation restarts services - Austin Monitor

~ 18 Joann stores in Texas to close amid bankruptcy filing. See list of affected stores - Austin American-Statesman

~ Hello Sweetie BBQ closes in Georgetown, benefit planned for owner in March - Community Impact Austin

~ Panelists explore AI’s growing role in Austin’s economy and policy space - Austin Monitor

~ Council-initiated Dessau Road rezoning for nonprofit office to be returned with dueling recommendations - Austin Monitor

~ Farr Orthodontics now providing care to Georgetown community - Community Impact Austin

~ Texas football moves Sam Houston game up a week to get bye before SEC play in 2025 - KXAN

~ Tuna sold at H-E-B, Costco and Trader Joe's recalled over botulism concerns - KVUE

~ St. David’s becomes first Central Texas hospital to offer new liver cancer therapy - Community Impact Austin

AUSTIN CULTURE

~ BURGERS: “P. Terry's Burger Stand celebrates 20 years of offering classic burger stand experience in Austin” Community Impact Austin

~ BISCUITS: “Little Ola's Biscuits is no more just months after hospitality group outlined major growth plans” ABJ ($)

WHAT TO DO TONIGHT

~ LIVE MUSIC: Kelly Willis. The 04 Center (2701 South Lamar Blvd). Doors at 7pm, show at 8pm. $25 tix here.

~ TEXAS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: #3 Texas at #8 Kentucky. 6pm. ESPN2.

COOL JOB ALERT

~ City Hall Advocate. Environment Texas. Salary: $38,000 - $42,000 / year. Info / apply here.