ATX PULSE 8/7/25 (free): 3 Design Firms Selected for Project Connect // COA Considers Civilian Staff to Fill Police Roles Amid Shortage // ATX Council Wrestles with Rate for Tax Rate Election // ACC Announces new Police Chief // Djordjevic Joins Austin FC

THURSDAY, AUGUST 7, 2025

Compiled by Matt Mackowiak

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P.S. Some personal news: Amy and I are expecting our first child!

TODAY’S WEATHER

H: 100° / L: 75°: Temperatures trending hotter, per Fox 7 Austin.

TOP NEWS

“3 firms selected for Project Connect's light rail design proposal“ KVUE

“Austin considers civilian staff to fill police roles amid officer shortage“ AAS ($)

THE BLOTTER

“Man dies in late-night motorcycle crash in NE Austin“ CBS Austin

“Williamson County man charged with manslaughter in Burnet County crash that killed five“ CBS Austin

“Man found dead in a Manor field, no foul play suspected“ CBS Austin

“Body recovered after boater drowns at Lake Belton in Bell County“ CBS Austin

“Leander man sentenced to federal prison for wire fraud scheme“ Fox 7 Austin

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

“As state considers further constriction, Council wrestles with how high to go on tax rate election” Austin Monitor

“Austin ISD launches campaign to rally support for schools” KXAN

“'One incident is too many': Austin school buses add stop arm cameras to safeguard students, crackdown on careless drivers” KVUE

“South Austin street upgrades bring safety but parking woes for residents” KVUE

“ACC announces Gizette Disher as new chief of police” Community Impact Austin

BUSINESS NEWS

“Austin's American Ventures eyes $500M project in San Marcos” ABJ ($)

“Austin-based drinkware company YETI sees 4% dip in sales” AAS ($)

LOCAL SPORTS

AUSTIN FC: “Austin FC acquired an international roster spot from the Philadelphia Union” AAS ($)

TEXAS FOOTBALL: “Glen Powell helps make scholarship announcement for Longhorns fifth-year senior” KXAN

TEXAS MEN’S BASKETBALL: “Sean Miller to face defending national champs at home in first year with Longhorns” KXAN

QUICK LINKS

Apple boosts investment in Austin and across Texas - ABJ

The eastern part of Central Texas is growing faster than the west - ABJ

Austin San Antonio megaregion: A powerhouse for growth and innovation - ABJ

Texas THC industry awaits its fate with Legislature at a standstill - ABJ

Austin considers civilian staff to fill police roles amid officer shortage - Austin American-Statesman

Firefly Aerospace reportedly to begin trading on Nasdaq tomorrow - Austin American-Statesman

Greg Casar demands answers on immigration arrests near Austin construction site - Austin American-Statesman

Leander park has mosquitoes with West Nile virus - Austin American-Statesman

Calls for change on North Lamar after faith leader dies - KVUE

Where does Texas volleyball rank in the preseason AVCA poll? - Austin American-Statesman

DPS: Williamson County man arrested related to crash that killed 5 people on US 281 - KXAN Austin

City provides update on construction of Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center - KXAN Austin

Austin app helps homeless find resources in real time - KXAN Austin

Texas surgeon says UnitedHealthcare dispute may force her into bankruptcy - NBC News

Award-winning TX hot pot shop to close for good after 6 years - MySA

ACC expands food pantry to every campus to help meet student needs - KXAN Austin

Lady Bird Lake access, parks to close as I-35 construction begins in Austin - Austin American-Statesman

Texas agencies review flood response after deadly July 4 incident at Camp Mystic - KEYE

APD investigating fatal northeast Austin motorcycle crash - KXAN Austin

Lakeway shares first pass of FY 2025-26 budget amid slowing city growth - Community Impact

Doc’s Drive-In Movie Theatre hosts underground scene, destination stay - Community Impact

Travel through sci-fi worlds and throw axes at South Austin’s Axe Force - Community Impact

Vivo Barefoot opens first Texas storefront on South Congress - Community Impact

Riverbat Bites Food Pantry brings accessible, healthy food to ACC campuses - Community Impact

Financial assistance applications now open for flood survivors in Travis, Williamson counties - Community Impact

AUSTIN CULTURE

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

~ DINING: “Hunt for Austin's best spritz + 8 more tips on where to drink in August” Culture Map Austin

~ TRAVEL: “10 top Texas travel ideas before going back to school this August” Culture Map Austin

WHAT TO DO TONIGHT

~ LIVE MUSIC: Teddy Swims. Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park. 7:30pm. Tix $152 and up here.

WHAT TO DO TOMORROW

None.

COOL JOB ALERT

~ Executive Director. State Office of Risk Management. Salary: $13,297 / month. Info / apply here.