ATX PULSE 5/23/25 (free): ATX Council Votes 8-2-1 to Approve $104M for Cap-and-Stitch on I-35 // APD Searching for Two Suspects Who Shot Another Driver on I-35 in S. ATX // Leander Child Contracts Measles // 2nd Rabid Bat Found in Cedar Park in a Week // New LTISD Superintendent Selected // Clemson Beats #6 UT Softball to Put Them on Brink of Elimination // #1 Seed UT Baseball Falls to Tennessee 7-5 in 12 Innings, Awaits Monday Bracket Reveal

FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2025

Compiled by Matt Mackowiak

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TODAY’S WEATHER

H: 97° / L: 76°: Rainy week ahead, per Fox 7 Austin.

Scattered severe storms tonight before brief dry spell, per KXAN.

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TOP NEWS

“First measles case of 2025 confirmed in Leander, patient is school-aged child,” CBS Austin’s Stephanie Becerra — “The Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) has confirmed the first case of measles in a school-age child from Leander. This marks the first reported case of measles in the county for 2025.

Health officials say the child is currently recovering at home in isolation.

WCCHD is collaborating with local school officials and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to investigate and notify individuals who may have been exposed.

The child was contagious from May 15 and may remain so through May 24, 2025, posing a potential exposure risk to the community.

Public health officials have limited information regarding the child's vaccination status or recent travel history, as the family has chosen not to disclose these details. This limits WCCHD's ability to fully assess exposure risks and determine the infection's source.

"We respect the privacy of families while emphasizing that timely communication is critical in protecting the health of our Williamson County community," said Dr. Amanda Norwood, Medical Director and Health Authority for WCCHD. "We strongly urge our neighbors in Williamson County to stay alert and take extra precautions at this time. It’s critical to recognize the early signs of measles and act quickly to protect your family and those around you."

Residents who believe they have been exposed to measles or begin showing symptoms are advised to call their healthcare provider before visiting a clinic or hospital. This allows medical staff to take appropriate precautions and helps keep others safe.

The best protection against measles is staying up to date on vaccinations. The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for children, with the first dose at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years old.” CBS Austin

“Second rabid bat found in Cedar Park within a week,” CBS Austin’s Tara Brolley — “A second bat has tested positive for rabies in Cedar Park within a week, city officials said.

The Cedar Park Police Department said the latest infected bat was discovered at the Motel 6 located at 800 Arrow Point Drive. No individuals are known to have come into direct contact with the animal, police said.

The discovery comes just one week after another rabid bat was found at The View apartment complex at 1430 Main Street on May 15. No human contact was reported in that case either.

Authorities are asking anyone with knowledge of someone who may have encountered the latest bat to contact Cedar Park Animal Control at 512-260-4600, extension 0.

The incident serves as a reminder for residents not to touch stray or unknown animals, police said. Pet owners are also urged to ensure their animals' rabies vaccinations are current.” CBS Austin

“Personal watercrafts banned on Lake Austin for Memorial Day weekend,” Fox 7 Austin’s Lisette Lopez — “The Austin Police Department (APD) Lake Patrol Unit will be enforcing the City Ordinance that prohibits the use and operation of personal watercraft, wet bikes, motorized surfboards, and similar devices on Lake Austin. 

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department and the Austin Police Department want the public to enjoy the parks and lakes but urge people to make this a safe holiday.

This ban will go into effect beginning at sunset on Friday, May 23, 2025, and ending on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at sunrise as outlined in Ordinance 8-5-81. 

Non-motorized devices such as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards can still be used along with watercraft designed for the conventional manner of sitting or standing in the vessel.

The annual ban on personal watercraft is necessary to ensure the safety of many people using the lake and parks over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. This ban only applies to Lake Austin.

Police will patrol Lake Austin this holiday weekend and urge people using waterways to follow the Texas Water Safety Act and City of Austin boating laws and ordinances. Police urge all boaters to practice safe boating and to call 9-1-1 for all reckless operation of boats or emergencies.

What is city ordinance 8-5-81?

• A person may not use or possess a jet ski, wet bike, motorized surfboard, or similar device on Lake Austin:From sunset on the Friday before Memorial Day until sunrise on the Tuesday after Memorial DayFrom sunset on the Friday before Labor Day until sunrise on the Tuesday after Labor DayFrom sunset on July 3 until sunrise on July 5

• From sunset on the Friday before Memorial Day until sunrise on the Tuesday after Memorial Day

• From sunset on the Friday before Labor Day until sunrise on the Tuesday after Labor Day

• From sunset on July 3 until sunrise on July 5

• A person operating a motorboat on Lake Austin shall stay on the right side of the lake, except when assisting a downed water skier.

• A person may not operate a watercraft on Lake Austin at a speed that is greater than reasonable and prudent under the existing circumstances.” Fox 7 Austin

THE BLOTTER

“Two suspects shoot another driver on I-35 in south Austin,” CBS Austin’s Will LeHardy — “Austin police are searching for two men suspected of shooting another driver on I-35 in south Austin last month.

On April 29, around 4:45 p.m., Austin police responded to the shooting near the 6000 block of South I-35 going northbound.

APD says the two male suspects were traveling in a pickup truck with a trailer in the left lane when an occupant of the truck shot several times at another vehicle in the center lane. The victim was hit and suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.

APD describes both suspects as white males with shaggy medium length hair.

Police say the suspect vehicle is a large pickup truck similar to a Ford F-250 that is dark in color and was seen towing a black utility trailer with approximately four-foot mesh sides. Police say the trailer contained landscaping equipment.

The case is being investigated as an Aggravated Assault.

APD asks anyone with information, videos or photos of this incident, the suspects or the suspect vehicle to please submit them to APD investigators within the department's Aggravated Assault unit at 512-974-5245.

Tips may be submitted anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program at austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477.

A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information leading to an arrest.” CBS Austin

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

“Austin City Council votes to spend $104M on foundations of caps and stitches,” Fox 7 Austin’s Angela Shen — “Austin City Council voted to fund foundations for three downtown caps and two northern stitches. It will cost $104 million.

Council voted 8-2 with 1 abstaining. Council Members Krista Laine and Marc Duchen opposed the plan, while Mike Siegel abstained. 

The decision came after a couple of proposed amendments.

The council was split into two subquorums. 

Council Members Vanessa Fuentes, Siegel, Laine, Duchen, and Paige Ellis had a more scaled-back spending plan, starting with $49 million for two foundations. 

The other subquorum, Council Members Natasha Harper-Madison, Jose Velasquez, Chito Vela, Ryan Alter, and Zo Qadri, originally wanted to fund all five for about $200 million.

Qadri proposed a compromise of $104 million for foundations for caps at:

• Cesar Chavez to 4th Street

• 4th Street to 7th Street

• 11th Street to 12th Street

• Two 300-foot stitches from 41st Street to the Red Line or contiguous equivalent within the cost parameters set herein and with the intent to connect Red Line Parkway, the East Avenue Trail, and 41st Street, ensuring viable space for future buildings and trees, and subject to further refinement with the community.

"It's a once in a generation opportunity," Qadri said before the vote. "It's not just about parks. It's about what we can do with that space."

Ellis proposed another compromise that would cost about $72 million. 

It would have foundations for caps at:

• Cesar Chavez to 4th Street

• 11th-12th Street

• 1 stitch at the Redline Parkway north

• 1 stitch around 5th Street

That amendment ultimately failed 5-6. 

"Today we voted on the initial investment for Caps & Stitches over I-35. One subquorum proposed more than $400M without a legitimate plan to pay for it. We proposed a more modest approach that we knew would deliver caps, stitches and still allow us to invest more dollars in our community in the 2026 Bond, as they asked for. We landed at $104M which will accomplish reconnecting our community and still leave enough for community investments," council member Ellis said in a statement.

The city's overall debt capacity is $750 million. Council members for the larger plan had proposed other funding sources.

"We still want to make sure that we maintain our bond capacity," Qadri said.

In a statement, Davon Barbour, president and CEO of the Downtown Austin Alliance, says:

"The Downtown Austin Alliance commends Mayor Watson and Austin City Council for their thoughtful leadership in committing funding for caps over I-35 between Cesar Chavez and 4th Street, 4th-7th and from 11th to 12th Streets. We’d especially like to acknowledge Council Members Qadri, Vela, Alter, and Velasquez for their leadership in championing these transformational projects.

This once-in-a-generation investment will reconnect East and West Austin, create vital public space and deliver lasting economic, cultural and mobility benefits.

Funding these caps is a critical step toward ensuring I-35 works for everyone—supporting connection, commerce and quality of life.

We look forward to continuing our work with public, private and philanthropic partners to bring this vision to life and help shape a more accessible, inclusive and resilient downtown."

The vote on cap designs could be postponed until November 2026.“ Fox 7 Austin

“Austin City Council to consider a Vape-Free School Resolution,” CBS Austin’s Emilee Miranda — “On Thursday’s Austin City Council agenda is a resolution that aims to protect student health by regulating the sale of vapes and similar products near schools.

The resolution is being brought before the council by Council Member Krista Laine. Laine said many vape shops are popping up in spots that are right where students walk to and from school, and sometimes within 100 feet from a school property boundary.

“We really want to find a way to support our students, our youth, our schools, and have the most effective use of resources and protect our students' ability to stay in the classroom,” said Laine. “One of the tools that we have in the toolbox for that is restricting access to these products close to schools where our students congregate.

The resolution directs the City Manager to explore options to regulate the sale of synthetic nicotine products and e-cigarettes of any kind so that none of these products can be sold within 1,000 feet of a school or daycare.

The 2023 Texas Youth Tobacco survey found that 17% of high school students and 10% of middle school students reported having used or tried e-cigarettes.

“We all know that our youth are young. They're still learning, and even with this type of policy, there still will be access among youth to these types of products, but we owe it to them to at least do what we can to increase the hurdles,” said Laine.

The city has a similar ordinance in place that prohibits the sale of alcohol within 300 feet of a church, school, or public hospital.

The resolution is also being cosponsored by Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes, Council Members Ryan Atler, Jose Vela, and Paige Ellis.

Fuentes said this is a full circle moment for her as before she was elected she worked for the American Heart Association, focused on healthier communities and taking on big tobacco.

Fuentes said they are looking for ways to prevent kids from picking up a nicotine habit.

"We are making it that much easier for our students to be focused on their education, versus having these vape shops so closely located and making it easier for kids to get hooked on nicotine,” said Fuentes.

Council members said this resolution was inspired by feedback they have received from school administrators, teachers, parents, and young adults. They believe it is important to take action now before the issue spreads even further.

“Certain bathrooms get known for being the bathroom that people go to vape just really also illustrated the prevalence of this issue, and just how many kids have picked up the habit of vaping,” said Fuentes.

Council member Laine said this is the first step in a longer process. There will be opportunities in the future for businesses to engage with the city to ensure they are creating the best policy that they can work with and that supports the city’s youth.” CBS Austin

“Lake Travis ISD board votes to select permanent superintendent,” KXAN’s Christopher Adams — “A permanent superintendent has been selected at Lake Travis ISD after board members voted at a special meeting Thursday.

Dr. Curtis Null had previously been named the lone finalist for the position earlier this month. He will assume permanent duties on Monday, June 2, the district said in a press release. Null comes to the district from Conroe ISD, north of Houston, where he has served as superintendent since June 2018.

“I am humbled and honored to be selected by the Lake Travis school board as Superintendent of Schools,” Null said in the press release. “Lake Travis ISD is an outstanding school district with a rich and deep-rooted tradition of success in academics, athletics, and fine arts. This is a privilege and responsibility which I do not take lightly, and I look forward to serving the staff, students, and families of this great community.”

Null will replace Steve Flores, who has served as interim superintendent since late February. Flores took over from Paul Norton, who was placed on leave in December 2024, following allegations of misconduct, according to the district. At the time, the school board said in a press release that those allegations were “confidential and protected from disclosure.”

“With assistance from JG Consulting, we found a leader of outstanding character and proven results,” Board President Lauren White said. “Dr. Null brings extensive experience, a commitment to student success, and a passion for public education. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Lake Travis family and are confident in his ability to lead our district forward.”” KXAN

BUSINESS NEWS

“Matthew McConaughey's new wave: Austin Surf Club attracts A-list buyers,” Austin American-Statesman’s Ana Gutierrez — “Austin's latest claim to fame might just be its upcoming landlocked surf scene. That's right, while the rest of the country grapples with fluctuating housing markets, the capital of Texas is getting ready to ride a very exclusive wave, with plans for the exclusive Austin Surf Club making major ripples – and drawing some seriously famous names.

According to the Austin Business Journal, a private surfing community, developed by Arizona-based Discovery Land Co. in partnership with surfing legend Kelly Slater, is currently under construction on the former site of NLand Surf Park. And it’s not just any community; this is a place where a cool $1.25 million can buy you a surf membership, and a home site averages a breezy $2.25 million.

No wonder folks like Matthew McConaughey, skateboard icon Tony Hawk, and NFL great Drew Brees are reportedly among the early adopters willing to paddle out for a piece of this action.

What is inside the planned Austin Surf Club?

Still in its early phases since breaking ground in January, the Austin Surf Club is taking shape on over 330 acres. The vision includes more than 140 condos and homes, along with a brewery, cafe, restaurant, and clubhouse, all orbiting an artificial wave pool. 

While the official website is keeping many details under wraps with no public renderings, property records reviewed by ABJ indicate that entities connected to McConaughey and Brees have already secured home sites, and Hawk is listed as a member.

The Austin Business Journal reports prospective members were schmoozed at high-profile events like the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in Austin, California's Stagecoach Festival, and even Art Basel in Miami.” AAS ($)

TEXAS SPORTS

TEXAS SOFTBALL: “Texas drops opening super regional game to Clemson 7-4,” KXAN’s Billy Gates — “Clemson made the most of its opportunities to beat Texas 7-4 in the Austin super regional opening game in the NCAA softball tournament Thursday at McCombs Field.

The 11th-seeded Tigers plated three runs in the third inning to take a 3-2 lead, and then tacked on four more in the sixth to hold off the sixth-seeded Longhorns, taking a 1-0 lead in the best-of-3 series. It’s the first super regional win in program history for the Tigers since starting in 2020.

If Clemson wins the second game of the series Friday, scheduled for 8 p.m., they’ll advance to the Women’s College World Series. Texas can force a third game Saturday with a win Friday.

Kayden Henry went 3-for-4 with two RBIs for the Longhorns. Ashton Maloney and Mia Scott each had two hits; one of Scott’s was a solo home run in the third inning. Texas’ middle of the lineup hitters and RBI leaders Reese Atwood, Katie Stewart and Joley Mitchell went a combined 1-for-11.

Maddie Moore and Julia Knowler drove in three of Clemson’s four runs in the sixth inning to put the game away. Moore smacked an RBI single through the left side, and Knowler followed with a 2-run double to right-center field to give Clemson a 6-2 lead.

Henry hit a 2-run single with two outs in the Texas half of the sixth, but Scott’s line drive with a runner on went straight to the center fielder for the third out, ending the threat.

Clemson out-hit Texas 11-10. Alex Brown led the Tigers with three hits and Moore had two. Marian Collins drove in two runs with a double in the third.

Teagan Kavan allowed five earned runs on nine hits in five innings, taking the pitching loss for the Longhorns. Clemson pitchers Reese Basinger and Brooke McCubbin didn’t strike anyone out and combined to issue two walks.

Lightning delayed the game for about 90 minutes after the second batter of the game.” KXAN

TEXAS BASEBALL: “Texas Longhorns eliminated from SEC baseball tournament in 12 innings by Tennessee,” Houston Chronicle’s Reid Laymance — “Texas came to its first SEC baseball tournament as the No. 1 seed but not quite on the same roll it started the season in its new conference.

The Longhorns, who won 19 of their first 21 SEC games, were just 3-6 in their last nine as they held on for the regular season title.

That slide continued in Texas' opener against Tennessee as the second-ranked Longhorns fell 7-5 in 12 innings to No. 21 Tennessee, the defending national champions.

The afternoon in sunny Hoover, Ala., started out just fine for Texas.

The Longhorns took a 4-0 lead – a two run-triple by Ethan Mendoza being the big blow.

Surprise starter Ethan Walker didn't allow a run in his first four innings. But then things started to fall apart for Texas.

The Volunteers tied the game with a pair of runs in the fifth and sixth, thanks in part to an error by Texas shortstop Jalin Floris, who bobbled a potential inning-ending double play ball in the fifth that kept the inning alive for Tennessee.

The Texas offense also went quiet about that time as reliever Brandon Arvidson struck out nine in 5⅓ innings. For the day, Texas struck out 18 times.

Arvidson was quite familiar to the Longhorns and Texas coach Jim Schlossnagle.

Arvidson went to Texas A&M, coached by Schlossnagle, from Dripping Springs but didn't play as a freshman and went to San Jacinto for a season. He was originally committed to Texas but when the Longhorns fired David Pierce and hired Schlossnagle, Arvidson changed his mind and landed at Tennessee.

Gavin Klein homered in the top of the 10th off Max Grubbs to give Tennessee its first lead of the game. Klein's smash stayed fair, where a half inning before Max Belyeu's drive off Arvidson had gone foul.

Texas finally got to Arvidson in the bottom of the 10th to tie the game on singles by Rylan Galvan and Kimble Schuessler. That got Arvidson out of the game but the Longhorns couldn't find any success against Dylan Loy and Nate Snead.

Klein hit a two-run double in the top of the 12th off Texas closer extraordinaire Dylan Volantis for a 7-5 lead and that was it.

The Longhorns went down in order in the bottom of the inning, managing three fly balls of Snead.

Now, the Longhorns wait for the NCAA bracket announcement on Monday. They likely will remain a top eight seed, meaning they would host a super regional if they advanced from the regional.

The way Texas has played down the stretch, that could be a big IF.” Hou Chron ($)

QUICK LINKS

Lime debuts small seated e-bikes in Austin, increasing accessibility CBS Austin

AUSTIN CULTURE

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

~ SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: “Popular free concert series at Austin's Bullock Museum returns for 2025” Culture Map Austin

~ ATX REAL ESTATE: “Actress Emma Stone selling her Austin home for $26.5 million" Culture Map Austin

WHAT TO DO TONIGHT

~ TEXAS SOFTBALL: Game 2: #6 Texas vs. #13 Clemson. Super Regional. McCombs Field (Austin). 8pm. Ticket info here. Airs on ESPN2. Clemson leads 1-0.

~ LIVE MUSIC: Ryan Adams. ACL Live. 8pm. More info & tix here.

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND

Sat

~ LIVE MUSIC: Ryan Bingham and the Texas Gentlemen. Whitewater Amphitheater (New Braunfels, TX). Doors 6:30pm, show 8pm. Tix here.

~ LIVE MUSIC: Mark Chesnutt. Buck’s Backyard (Buda, TX). Show 8pm. Tix here.

~ AUSTIN FC: Austin FC at Minnesota. 7:30pm. Airs on Apple TV.

Sun

None.

COOL JOB ALERT

~ Policy Advisor. Texas Sunset Advisory Commission. Salary: $95,000-$110,000/annually. Info / apply here.