ATX Pulse 4/8-10/26 (free): APD: W. 6th Mass Shooting Update ‘in a Couple of Weeks’ // AISD Projects Staggering $181M Budget Shortfall for ’26-’27 // Large Encampment Frustrates S. ATX Neighborhood

In partnership with

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026 - FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026

Compiled by Matt Mackowiak

Thank YOU for reading as a FREE subscriber.

TAKE ACTION: Become a PAID subscriber here — ATXpulsepremium.com.

STATEWIDE NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE

Are you one of the 220,000+ subscribers to Must Read Texas, a newsletter that delivers everything you need to know from across Texas each weekday.

Subscriptions are $7/mo or $70/yr here: http://mustreadtx.substack.com.

> Become a FREE subscriber here.
> Become a PAID subscriber for $7/mo or $70/yr here.

PRESENTING SPONSOR: Kelsey Easton, COMPASS

SPONSOR #2: The Code

Find out why 200K+ engineers read The Code twice a week

Staying behind on tech trends can be a career killer.

But let’s face it, no one has hours to spare every week trying to stay updated.

That’s why over 200,000 engineers at companies like Google, Meta, and Apple read The Code twice a week.

Here’s why it works:

• No fluff, just signal – Learn the most important tech news delivered in just two short emails.

• Supercharge your skills – Get access to top research papers and resources that give you an edge in the industry.

• See the future first – Discover what’s next before it hits the mainstream, so you can lead, not follow.

Join 200,000+ engineers who read The Code to stay ahead of the curve.

SPONSOR #3: CompareCredit

Need a break from high interest?

The right card can give you time—and real savings. Take advantage of 0% intro APR on purchases for an extended period and 0% intro APR on balance transfers for up to 21 months, so you can focus on paying down your balance without added interest.

See current top offers!

SPONSOR #4: Masterworks

Wall Street Just Named the Most Crowded Trades of 2026

AI stocks. Metals. Crypto.

Surprise, surprise; gold crashed 16%. Silver plunged 34%. Bitcoin dropped to 1 year lows.

All supposedly "uncorrelated" assets moving in lockstep largely because of overleveraged margin.

JPM strategists warn that the same leverage is still a risk.

Those markets may be recovering now, but cascading liquidations could trigger quickly across several asset classes simultaneously.

So much for diversifying away risk, right?

But get this–

70,819 everyday investors have allocated $1.3 billion fractionally across 500+ exclusive investments. 

Not real estate or PE… Blue-chip art. Sounds crazy, right?

Now it’s easy to invest in art featuring legends like Banksy, Basquiat, and Picasso, thanks to Masterworks.

They do the heavy lifting from acquisition to sale, so you can diversify with the strategy typically limited to the ultra-wealthy.

(Past sales delivered net returns like 14.6%, 17.6%, and 17.8% on works held longer than a year.)*

Our subscribers skip the waitlist

_{*Investing involves risk.  Past performance is not indicative of future returns. Important Reg A disclosures: masterworks.com/cd}

WEATHER

Today: H: 81° / L: 67°. 50% chance of scattered thunderstorms.

Saturday: H: 82° / L: 67°. 40% chance of scattered thunderstorms.

Sunday: H: 80° / L: 69°. 60% chance of scattered thunderstorms.

Monday: H: 84° / L: 69°. 30% chance of scattered thunderstorms.

TOP NEWS

"Updates expected soon in Austin mass shooting investigation" via KXAN — Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said Thursday that authorities could release updates ‘in the next couple of weeks’, about the March 1 mass shooting that killed three people, and the shooter, and injured 15 others. “The callousness of lives that were lost and just the devastation of three young people who had many, many years ahead of them,” Chief Davis said.

The FBI and APD are working together on the investigation. "It's one of those calls that no chief ever wants to get," Davis said. "Our watch commander calls me and says we have a mass shooting and just hangs up on me. And so at that point, you know the urgency."

The three people killed in the shooting were Ryder Harrington, Jorge Pederson and Savitha Shan. There were fifteen injured, including a “number” of University of Texas students.

"It's devastating. It is really devastating," Davis said. "And it took an emotional toll on a lot of people in this building, a lot of people within this police department, as well as the community." (KXAN)

"Austin ISD projects $181M budget shortfall in 2026-2027 school year, superintendent says" via KVUE — Austin ISD is projecting a $181 million budget shortfall in the 2026-2027 academic year.

In a message sent Tuesday night to families and staff, AISD superintendent Matias Segura said declining enrollment, rising costs and a dip in Austin's property values are all factors behind the current projections.

While some schools are already set to close, Segura says additional changes could impact certain district programs, campus staffing levels, employee stipends, and administrative and support positions. He said 15% cuts are also possible to non-staff related budgets.

"I recognize the anxiety and uncertainty this news may cause," Segura said in the message. "Please know that every decision we make is focused on ensuring that Austin ISD remains a place where students can thrive, even in the face of financial adversity. I know we can get through this together to create strong schools for a stronger Austin." (KVUE)

"South Austin residents frustrated by large homeless encampment" via FOX7 — Residents in a South Austin neighborhood are frustrated with homeless encampments that keep popping back up, even after they're cleared. They want the city to do more to address the issue.

If you look over the bridge at St. Elmo and Vinson, you'll see massive encampments around the train tracks.

Earnest Hoover and Chris Sica are neighbors in the Southwood neighborhood.

"This is never how it should be, but I almost feel like homeless people have more rights than residents and taxpayers and homeowners," Hoover said. "They let the encampments start to build and grow without doing anything about it," Sica said. (FOX7)

"Travis County votes to withhold 9% of Tesla's tax rebate for insufficient documentation" via KUT – The Travis County Commissioners Court voted Tuesday to withhold 9% of Tesla's tax rebate for 2020-2022 for “partial noncompliance with certain provisions” in the company's economic incentive deal with the county.

“The big takeaway is we are holding Tesla accountable,” Travis County Commissioner Brigid Shea said at the meeting.

The deal, which was finalized in 2020, offers Tesla up to 80% off the largest portion of its county tax bill in exchange for spurring economic growth in the region.

The agreement requires Tesla to create at least 5,001 total new jobs, ensure at least half of all Gigafactory employees are Travis County residents and pay employees a living wage, among other stipulations. In 2020, the county estimated the deal would result in $14 million in savings for Tesla over the first 10 years of the agreement. (KUT)

"How Austin’s stunning drop in rents explains housing in America" via Vox – We finally have some good news about housing affordability. Here is one narrative violation in the usual drumbeat of doom that we’re used to hearing about housing in America: The rent, in many cities across the US, is getting cheaper.

After soaring to Covid-era highs, rents have cooled. Last month, the national median rent was down 1.7 percent from one year prior, according to research from the rental marketplace Apartment List. This made it the biggest annual decline since the company started tracking rent data in 2017.

One success story stands out among all the rest: Austin, Texas, where rents dropped by a full 6 percent over the past year, more than in any other large metro area in the US. The Austin area’s median rent, at $1,274, is back to roughly where it was right before the pandemic — which means that, in 2026 dollars, it’s significantly cheaper than it was in 2019.

For the past decade, Austin has been a standard-bearer for the YIMBY (Yes in My Backyard) movement, passing a barrage of policy changes to make it easier to build new housing, especially new apartment buildings. According to a recent report from the Pew Charitable Trusts’ housing policy initiative, these reforms are responsible in large part for the sharp drop in rents enjoyed by Austinites over the last several years. (Vox)

THE BLOTTER

"16-year-old dies days after being struck by vehicle in Northeast Austin" via KEYE — A 16-year-old pedestrian has died days after being struck by a vehicle in Northeast Austin, according to police.

Austin police said the crash happened around 5:56 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, at the intersection of Dessau Road and Shropshire Boulevard. The pedestrian, identified as Ja’Corian Isaiah Helen, was taken to a hospital and later died on April 4.

Police said the driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.

Manor Excel Academy shared a post on Facebook about Helen's passing. (KEYE)

"Austin ISD Winn Montessori teacher arrested on aggravated sexual assault of a child charge" via KEYE — An Austin ISD teacher was arrested Friday on a charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child, the district said in a letter to families.

Carlos Ceniceros Nava, a pre-K, pre-kindergarten 4 and kindergarten teacher at Winn Montessori School, was arrested April 3 by Austin ISD Police officers, according to the letter signed by Jennifer Pace, assistant superintendent of elementary schools.

Ceniceros Nava had been a primary class teacher at the school since November 2023, the letter states.

The district said it placed Ceniceros Nava on administrative leave when the allegation was first reported. He had no contact with students and remained off campus throughout the investigation, according to the letter. (KEYE)

"Pedestrian critically injured after being hit by vehicle on Manor Road in East Austin" via KEYE — According to Austin-Travis County EMS, the crash happened in the 7000 block of Manor Road around 9 p.m.

A pedestrian was critically injured after being hit by a vehicle Wednesday night in East Austin.

Medics declared a trauma activation for an adult patient, who was transported to Dell Seton Medical Center with critical, life-threatening injuries.

No additional details about what led to the crash have been released. The incident remains under investigation. (KEYE)

"Former Austin private school bookkeeper embezzled $1M for home pool, mortgage" via FOX7 — A Leander woman was sentenced Thursday to 33 months in prison for embezzling more than $1 million from an Austin private school serving children with special needs and learning disabilities.

Alysa Dietz Gisser, 56, was sentenced in federal court on charges of wire fraud and tax evasion, according to Justin R. Simmons, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas.

Court documents reveal that Gisser, who served as the school’s bookkeeper and accountant, began the scheme in 2018. To misdirect funds, she instructed parents to send tuition and other payments to a PayPal account she controlled. Gisser had renamed her consulting business's PayPal account to match the name of the school to avoid detection.

Federal prosecutors said Gisser also altered the school’s accounting records to show that payments had been received by the institution, while she actually transferred the money to her personal bank accounts. The stolen funds were used to pay for Gisser’s mortgage, credit card bills, and the installation of an in-ground swimming pool at her home. (FOX7)

"Motorcyclist seriously injured after crash with vehicle on West Parmer Lane in NW Austin" via KEYE — A motorcyclist is in the hospital with serious injuries after a crash with a vehicle in northwest Austin.

APD said the crash happened at around 9:07 a.m. in the 10200 block of West Parmer Lane near Cedar Park.

The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital with serious injuries; APD said they are working to confirm the status of their condition.

West Parmer Lane was shut down in both directions at the scene while police investigated. The road is open as of 10:45 a.m. (KEYE)

"Kyle woman gets 20 years in prison for setting fire to home in 2024" via KEYE — A woman will spend the next 20 years behind bars after pleading guilty to setting her Kyle home on fire in November 2024.

The fire occurred in a neighborhood in Kyle on Nov. 4, 2024. Investigators with the Hays County Fire Marshal's Office determined that the fire originated inside a cabinet located between two windows in an upstairs bedroom, concluding that the fire was caused by intentionally lighting ignitable materials on fire.

Although the tenant, Lawanda Moreno, denied having an insurance policy, investigators discovered that two policies for the residence were purchased days before the fire.

Moreno had also been in the process of eviction, telling her property manager that she was skilled at obtaining free rent and threatened to damage the property if the eviction continued. (KEYE)

"Cedar Park police detain teens after discovery of BB guns linked to other crimes" via FOX7 — The Cedar Park Police Department says it detained four people after a call about individuals walking onto a trail with what appeared to be firearms.

On April 8 at around 3:30 p.m., Cedar Park PD posted on social media about the incident.

Police say the incident happened on a trail near the YMCA.

Officers responded and detained three 17-year-olds and one juvenile. (FOX7)

"Taylor fire reveals a component ‘ruptured’ causing explosion" via KXAN — The Taylor Fire Department revealed the cause of the April 2 explosion that sent one person to the hospital. In a Tuesday update, the fire department said an individual was installing or servicing refrigeration equipment.

While doing so, a component ruptured which caused the explosion that injured the individual, the fire department said. The individual was airlifted to the hospital after the explosion. There is no update on the person's condition as of Tuesday.

The report came in at around 3 p.m. It happened in the 1800 block of Grace Street, which is off W Lake Drive. When firefighters got to the scene, they found a person in the backyard. The person had been working on the house, officials said.

At the time, evidence behind the home showed some kind of explosion. (KXAN)

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

"Advocates demand accountability after homeless camp sweep in East Austin" via KVUE — Advocates for Austin’s unhoused population want answers regarding a recent camp sweep outside the Terrazas Public Library.

“On March 31, APD conducted the latest in a series of sweeps at this site," Paulette Soltani with VOCAL-TX said.

Advocates say officers with the Austin Police Department have bypassed city policy, claiming that APD did not coordinate with other agencies that could help those camping along East Cesar Chavez Street find resources that can truly help.

“Not only are they inhumane by driving people further into crisis, [but] by driving people away from services, throwing away vital documents, vital medications,” Soltani said. (KVUE)

"$26.8 Million Awarded to Build and Preserve Affordable Housing in Austin" via City of Austin (.gov) — Austin Housing is pleased to announce that Austin City Council and the Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) have recently approved just under $26.8 million to support eight affordable multi-family and ownership housing developments across the city. These developments span across several city council districts, including Districts 1, 2, 3 and 5. These investments create and preserve both rental and ownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income households, reinforcing Austin’s ongoing commitment to affordability, stability, and equitable growth.

The funding from AHFC supports the Rental Housing Development Assistance (RHDA) and Ownership Housing Development Assistance (OHDA) programs, which will assist in the construction of a total of 590 affordable rental and ownership units. These units will be made available to households earning at or below 30, 50, 60 and 80 percent of the median family income (MFI). The units are expected to come online over the next several years.

“By supporting a mix of ownership and rental developments, we are strengthening neighborhoods, expanding opportunity, and helping ensure residents can remain in the communities they call home,” said Deletta Dean, Director of Austin Housing.

Funding for these developments comes from a combination of General Obligation Bonds, Project Connect Anti‑Displacement funds, HOME Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) funds, and Homestead Preservation District Tax Increment Financing. Developers leverage AHFC financing with additional public and private resources in order to bring more affordable homes online over the next several years. (City of Austin (.gov))

LOCAL SPORTS

"Luke Harrison has often been a SEC series saver. Can he be a series securer vs Texas A&M?" via AAS – Since joining the SEC last year, Texas baseball has won 12 of its 14 conference series. That's part of the reason why the Longhorns won the 2025 conference title in their debut and why they currently sit in second place in the conference standings with a 9-3 mark. Why has Texas succeeded in the SEC? Good coaching? Timely hitting? How much credit does Luke Harrison deserve?

Texas' veteran left-handed pitcher has posted an overall record of 9-1 with a 2.93 ERA since landing in the weekend rotation last year as the Saturday starter. But more notable has been how Harrison has pitched after the Longhorns have lost a series opener in SEC play. Last year, Harrison started after Texas dropped Game 1 in three-game series against LSU, Arkansas and Florida. This season, he's done the same after UT's first-game losses against Ole Miss, Auburn and South Carolina.

In those matchups last year, Harrison was 0-1 with 13 strikeouts, four walks and a 4.85 ERA. This year, he's 3-0 with 19 strikeouts, six walks and a 1.96 ERA in those games. Combined, Texas won five of those six games. The Longhorns also went on to secure a series win in four of those six series.

"I've always wanted to be the guy who's able to pick his teammates up," Harrison said. "In a game that I don't have any control over, like on a Friday night game, it kind of sucks just to sit there and watch things happen, but I know that I get the ball the next day and I'm going to make it happen."

(AAS)

TEXAS SOFTBALL: “No. 4 Softball preview: No. 2 Oklahoma" via University of Texas Athletics — No. 4 Texas Softball welcomes the No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners for a three-game series on April 10-12 at McCombs Field. Friday's series opener will begin at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN2. Beth Mowins (play-by-play), Jessica Mendoza (analyst) and Michele Smith (analyst) will be in the booth for all three games. Fans can also tune into Andrew Haynes on Texas' radio broadcast for all three games on 103.1 FM, texas.leanplayer.com or the iHeart Radio app.

Game two between the Longhorns and Sooners is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN, and Sunday's series finale is scheduled for 1 p.m. on ESPN.

Following a three-game slate vs. the Sooners, Texas goes back on the road to Athens, Ga., to tussle with No. 14 Georgia on April 18-19 at Jack Turner Softball Stadium. (University of Texas Athletics)

TEXAS FOOTBALL: "UT's Will Muschamp may not know how to turn on a TV but he can turn on a defense" via HOU CHRON — The decision couldn’t have been any easier for Will Muschamp. When he was considering returning to Texas as its new, old defensive coordinator, he and his family were on board almost instantly. He asked his wife’s opinion. “I’ll go tomorrow,” Carol told her husband. He asked his youngest son, Jackson. “Dad, there’s only one Texas,” he said. “You got to do this.” So he did.

The 54-year-old former Longhorn defensive coordinator under Mack Brown accepted the job as the new defensive coordinator under Steve Sarkisian last December. In so doing, Texas got the best defensive wizard since Darrell Royal’s chief lieutenant, Mike Campbell. And Muschamp got the opportunity to bring Texas the national championship that eluded him and Brown in his three seasons here from 2008 to 2010 when they had one of college football’s top defenses.

Sarkisian parted ways with Pete Kwiatkowski, who had been with him five seasons. Coach Kwit was hardly a problem on his staff or remotely a liability, but Muschamp has proven to be one of college football’s best defensive minds. Anyone who hires Muschamp has made an upgrade. And Muschamp has changed little from the fiery, driven, uncompromising coach who was the master at in-game adjustments and maximized the potential of the talented roster he helped assemble and tutor.

Brown knew what a stud he was and, in fact, even steered the decision to name Muschamp his head coach-in-waiting, if only to hang onto this talent. It didn’t come to be. He wasn’t interested in waiting and instead took head coaching jobs at Florida and then South Carolina. Neither of those panned out. In his nine collective seasons, he had losing records in four of them. He won more than seven games in a season just twice, both in his second years on the job. His Gators went 11-2 in 2012 and finished in the top 10. His Gamecocks were 9-4 in Year Two. (HOU CHRON)

QUICK LINKS

Friday brings heavy rain to Texas. Severe threat rises in Austin. - AAS

Upcoming El Niño may mean positive news for Atlantic hurricane season, forecast says - KXAN

APD searching for suspect who crashed stolen vehicle in SE Austin before fleeing the scene - KEYE

Williamson County Sheriff's Office asks public's help finding missing 53-year-old man - KEYE

Stolen puppy returned to Austin Humane Society with handwritten apology note - KEYE

Austin community responds to AISD's projected $181M budget deficit - KVUE

Over $50M dedicated to affordable housing across Austin - CIN

$26.8 Million Awarded to Build and Preserve Affordable Housing in Austin - City of Austin (.gov)

Austin ISD Board of Trustees meets amid $181 million projected budget gap - KVUE

Austin ISD to consider staffing, program cuts as it faces $181 million budget shortfall - Spectrum News

New UT student government says they won't be 'bulldozed' by admin - AAS

City council approves $13 million purchase for south Austin park along Onion Creek - KXAN

Austin firefighter's union rallying behind firefighter battling terminal cancer who was denied workers' compensation - KVUE

Hutto residents air concerns over proposed data center - CIN

CARTS boosts metro-bound Bastrop County routes to cut traffic, emissions - CIN

City finds Round Rock mayoral candidate Kelly Hall ineligible - CIN

Austin leaders approve Mexic-Arte Museum's move amid renovation - KVUE

Businesses feeling pain after one year without the Austin Convention Center - ABJ

Another 300-foot tower planned for Austin's West Campus - ABJ

Kyle semiconductor supplier seeks key trade zone designation as it mulls expansion - ABJ

Austin-based Rambler seizes opportunity during Topo Chico shortage - ABJ

Georgetown developers acquire 150-acre Pflugerville property - ABJ

Second-chance hiring: How one program gives inmates experience for Texas restaurants - KXAN

SXSW Austin festival sees strong start, weak finish - KXAN

These old Austin businesses have moved, but are not entirely gone - AAS

Long-standing dive bar Hole in the Wall gets new owners - ABJ

Homegrown market with Central TX ties tees up new nearly $1M spot in buzzy area - MySA

K+W and KWRE Strengthen Their Texas Presence in Austin - EIN News

Waymo, Waze partner for pilot program to detect potholes in Austin - KVUE

Table of Experts: More than a barbecue town - ABJ

One bounce short: Salado’s title hopes end in heartbreak as Celina’s dynasty adds another chapter - Austin Sports Journal

Can Texas softball knock off powerhouse Oklahoma in key SEC series? - AAS

Gold medalist Kellyn Taylor has won marathons. Here's why she's back in Austin for Cap10K - AAS

New assistant coaches for UT football team - FOX7

Gators Men’s Tennis Heads to Austin to Face Top-Ranked Texas Longhorns - WRUF

Jim Schlossnagle returns to A&M for first time since abrupt departure to Texas - HOU CHRON

Men’s Basketball earns spots in both major final national rankings - University of Texas Athletics

Texas softball: How to watch Longhorns play Red River rival Oklahoma - SAEN

Wimberley finishes the job: Lady Texans win 4A Division II state championship - Austin Sports Journal

Texas reserve guard Simeon Wilcher will enter the transfer portal - 247Sports

Texas football: Why a T-shirt can help explain Will Muschamp's defensive philosophy - AAS

No. 4 Softball preview: No. 2 Oklahoma - University of Texas Athletics

Austin musicians learn business side of the industry during free classes at St. Edward's University - KUT

San Marcos artist crafts feminine sculptures that are fed up — and unapologetic about it - KUT

#TBT: Huston-Tillotson’s jazz orchestra brings big band legacy back to East Austin - KEYE

Slice of Pflugerville planned for April 25 - CIN

KidsUnited opens new soccer facility in Round Rock - CIN

This Is the Unofficial Capital of Texas Hill Country—and It Has Dozens of Wineries and Incredible Restaurants - Travel + Leisure

Seafood, brunch and wine: 7 dining updates from Smithville to Lakeway - CIN

Statesman Cap10K race day weather update - AAS

Want to catch catfish in Austin? Stocking starts Friday - AAS

AUSTIN CULTURE

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

~ BEST OF AUSTIN: “Austin's best restaurants and chefs revealed at 2026 Tastemaker Awards” Culture Map Austin

~ FILM: “Comedy film shot on Willie Nelson's golf course hits streaming platforms” Culture Map Austin

~ BRUNCH: “Favorite Austin diner for brunch crowd opens Shady Hollow location” Culture Map Austin

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND

Friday 4/10/26

~ TEXAS SOFTBALL: #2 Oklahoma at #4 Texas. McCombs Field. 6pm. Sold out. Re-sale tix $44 and up here. Airs on ESPN2.

~ TEXAS BASEBALL: #2 Texas at #18 Texas A&M (College Station, TX). 7pm. Airs on SEC Network.

Saturday 4/11/26

~ TEXAS SOFTBALL: #2 Oklahoma at #4 Texas. McCombs Field. 7pm. Sold out. Re-sale tix $63 and up here. Airs on ESPN.

~ TEXAS BASEBALL: #2 Texas at #18 Texas A&M (College Station, TX). 2pm. Airs on ESPN2.

~ LIVE MUSIC: George Strait. Moody Center. 7pm. Sold out. Re-sale tix $166 and up here.

~ EDM: Fatboy Slim. Concourse Project. 9pm. Sold out. Re-sale tix $106 and up here.

Sunday 4/12/26

~ TEXAS SOFTBALL: #2 Oklahoma at #4 Texas. McCombs Field. 1pm. Sold out. Re-sale tix $38 and up here. Airs on ESPN.

~ TEXAS BASEBALL: #2 Texas at #18 Texas A&M (College Station, TX). 1pm. Airs on SEC Network+.

FEATURED JOB

~ DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS: Texas Oil & Gas Association (TxOGA). No salary info provided. Info / apply here.