ATX PULSE 3/20/25 (free) (sponsored by No Scrubs): Rodeo Austin’s Economic Impact for Austin: $80M // Spicewood Home Sales Spike 166% in Feb. // Austin Animal Services Bond in 2026? // Caldwell County is ‘Fastest Growing’ County in US // Austinite Claims $1M Powerball Prize // UT Men’s Bball Ends Season After Another Blown Lead

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THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025

Compiled by Matt Mackowiak

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TODAY’S WEATHER

H: 72° / L: 42°. Cool spring day ahead, per Fox 7 Austin. Chilly Thursday morning; much lower fire danger for the afternoon, per KVUE.

TOP NEWS

“More than just bulls and boots: Rodeo Austin's $80M impact on local economy” KVUE

“Spicewood home sales spike 166% in February, data shows” Community Impact Austin

“Austin metro's smallest county is among the fastest-growing in the nation” ABJ ($)

“Austin resident claims $1M Powerball prize” KXAN

THE BLOTTER

“Man arrested in Manor on murder charge out of Austin” KXAN

“2 more arrests made in connection with Austin car burglaries” Fox 7 Austin

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

“Early March arrest has City Council questioning APD officer's use of force” CBS Austin

“City readies final changes to revised business expansion programs” Community Impact Austin

“Austin Animal Services Office begins developing bond package for 2026 vote” Austin Monitor

“Central Health opens long-awaited Del Valle Health Center” Community Impact Austin

“Georgetown leaders OK incentives for Total Site Solutions to relocate from Round Rock” Community Impact Austin

BUSINESS NEWS

“Austin-based BeatBox sees skyrocketing revenue, lands an investment from Shaq” ABJ ($)

“Colorado call center giant TTEC moves HQ to Austin” ABJ ($)

“Austin architects at Michael Hsu seek nonprofit partner” Culture Map Austin

LOCAL SPORTS

TEXAS MEN’S BASKETBALL: “Texas eliminated from NCAA Tournament after falling to Xavier in First Four” KVUE

TEXAS MEN’S BASKETBALL: Bohls: “UT basketball: A decision on Rodney Terry's future up next” Houston Chronicle ($)

QUICK LINKS

~ Counties north of Austin aim to help Central Texas space industry hit warp drive - ABJ

~ The Shoppes at Bell Blvd to add upscale shops, restaurants to Cedar Park - ABJ

~ National firm buys Texas State University student housing property - ABJ

~ Miller named city’s first poet laureate - Austin Monitor

~ Legislation would make zoning protests more difficult - Austin Monitor

~ HSEM offers preparation advice for wildfires, other emergencies - Austin Monitor

~ Austin has had 5 high-risk wildfire days this month alone. Why are there so many red flag warnings? - Austin Monitor

~ Kyle Nutrition now open, selling healthy shakes and protein shakes - Community Impact

~ Oak Hill Via 313 to close for renovations in April - Community Impact

~ Kyle City Council discusses Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan - Community Impact

~ Crust Pizza Co. coming soon to Georgetown - Community Impact

~ Liberty Hill ISD shares design for expanded maintenance warehouse to support district growth - Community Impact

~ Specialty candy shop IT'SUGAR coming to Round Rock Premium Outlets - Community Impact

~ Pro-Care Medical Center to open in Kyle - Community Impact

~ First women's sports bar in Austin - FOX 7 Austin

~ Unfinished, vandalized homes in south Austin torn down - KXAN Austin

~ Texas lawmaker files bill to change I-35 in Austin to 'President Donald J. Trump Highway' - FOX 7 Austin

AUSTIN CULTURE

~ WEEKEND PLANS: “Here are the top 7 things to do in Austin this weekend” Culture Map Austin

~ MANSIONS: “Austin's most expensive home listing: Inside the $25M property of Torchy's Tacos founder” AAS ($)

~ AUSTIN ICONS: “Austin Icons: The Continental Club's roots on South Congress run deep” ABJ ($)

~ DINING: “Austin Restaurant Openings to Know Right Now, March 2025” Eater Austin

~ DINING: “Salado's Stagecoach Inn reopens restaurant after renovations” Culture Map Austin

WHAT TO DO TONIGHT

~ LIVE MUSIC: Luke Grimes. Rodeo Austin (Travis County Expo Center). Rodeo 7pm, show 9pm. Tix $40 and up here.

~ LIVE MUSIC: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (with Tank and the Banagas). ACL Live. Show at 8pm. Tix $40 and up here.

~ LIVE MUSIC: Jason Boland and the Stragglers (with Jeremy Pinnell). 3Ten (next to ACL Live). Show 8pm. Tix $30 and up here.

COOL JOB ALERT

~ Business Assistance Specialist (Program Specialist II). Office of the Governor. Salary: $4,166.67 - $4,666.67 / monthly. Info / apply here.