ATX PULSE 8/20/25 (free): Capitol Grounds Evacuated Tues Night After Threat // Cow Creek Bridge Reopens // 3 Found Dead in S. Austin Residence // Task Force Launched to Address Downtown Homelessness // Hays County Commissioners Again Delay LPR Vote // NASCAR to Return to COTA in 2026

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2025

Compiled by Matt Mackowiak

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

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TODAY’S WEATHER

H: 99° / L: 75°: Scattered storms expected today, per KXAN.

TOP NEWS

“Parts of Texas Capitol evacuated after social media threat amid redistricting protests“ CBS Austin

“Relief for residents as new Cow Creek bridge reopens after July floods“ KVUE

“Austin's Salvation Army seeks $1M in 'Day of Giving' campaign to aid families“ KVUE

THE BLOTTER

“Three found dead in Austin residence, APD investigating“ KXAN

“Austin gun shop owner body-slams man on South Congress, claims self-defense“ Fox 7 Austin

“Man arrested after found with pounds of fentanyl: APD“ Fox 7 Austin

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

“Austin launches collaborative task force to address downtown homelessness” KKVUE

“Hays County Commissioners again delay vote on license plate readers” KVUE

BUSINESS NEWS

“A regional destination: Texas’ second-largest retail store set to bring visitors to Cedar Park” Community Impact Austin

“HydroGraph relocated HQ to Austin” ABJ ($)

“Viva to launch new nonstop route between Austin and Mexico in November” KXAN

LOCAL SPORTS

TEXAS FOOTBALL: “What Longhorns made preseason All-SEC and AP All-American teams?” AAS ($)

TEXAS A&M FOOTBALL: “2 Aggies named All-Americans, others earn All-SEC honors” AAS ($)

COTA: “NASCAR will return to Circuit of the Americas for 2026 race” AAS ($)

QUICK LINKS

Peter Pan Mini-Golf still limping along on short leases - ABJ

Austin-based JuiceLand taps H-E-B's coattails for expansion - ABJ

Austin ISD superintendent outlines school closure plans - ABJ

Experts predict multifamily market recovery as deals close - ABJ

Austin Proper Hotel adds kappo-style concept to lineup - ABJ

Nuclear power startup raises $100M to fuel growth, double headcount - ABJ

Texas Capitol evacuated Tuesday evening after reported threat - KVUE

Man struck by car in east Austin dies days later: APD - KXAN Austin

Parts of Texas Capitol evacuated after social media threat amid redistricting protests - KEYE

More Texas Democrats plan to spend the night in the state Capitol in protest amid redistricting fight - NBC News

TipToe Nails now open and offering mani-pedis in Dripping Springs - Community Impact

Drivers reminded to remain alert as students return to school this week in Austin - Community Impact

Austin reports improved housing results for homeless clients leaving Marshalling Yard shelter - Community Impact

Paninis, coffee and pizza: 6 new restaurants around Austin - Community Impact

Bee Cave considers stricter ordinance on sex offender regulations - Community Impact

Liberty Hill ISD calls for tax-rate election in November following $10M budget cuts, deficit - Community Impact

Pickleball booms in Central Texas - Community Impact

Check out 13 events happening in Pflugerville, Hutto - Community Impact

3 Austin hospitals earn 5 stars from feds - Austin American-Statesman

Travis County bridge rebuilt in record time after deadly July floods - Austin American-Statesman

'Violet crown' pops up all over Austin. What does it refer to? - Austin American-Statesman

AUSTIN CULTURE

~ DINING: “Japanese-French Twin Chefs Bring Kappo Dining to Austin this Fall” Eater Austin

~ LABOR DAY: “Texas coastal oasis makes 2025 list of best Labor Day getaways” Culture Map Austin

~ FILM: “Macaulay Culkin to visit Austin for Home Alone anniversary screening” Culture Map Austin

WHAT TO DO TONIGHT

None.

WHAT TO DO TOMORROW

~ LIVE MUSIC: Treaty Oak Revival. Whitewater Amphitheater (New Braunfels, TX). 7:30pm. Tix $93 and up here.

COOL JOB ALERT

~ Strategic Negotiator, Industry Coalitions, Public Sector Partnerships. Google. Salary: $171,000 - $254,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Info / apply here.