ATX PULSE 11/11-14/25 (free) (sponsored by Morning Brew): Jury Deliberations Begin in APD Officer Sanchez Deadly Conduct Trial // Elon Encourages People to Move to Austin // ABIA Warns of Some Delays for a Couple More Days // S. IH-35 to Close This Weekend // Homicide at Downtown Bus Stop // Mackowiak & Loewy Outline Budget Priorities Post-Prop Q in AAS Column // #10 Texas at #5 UGA 6:30pm Sat

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2025 - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2025

Compiled by Matt Mackowiak

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WEATHER

Today: H: 85° / L: 63°

Saturday: H: 86° / L: 63°

Sunday: H: 87° / L: 67°

TOP NEWS

BREAKING: “Jury begins deliberating Friday in APD officer use-of-force trial,” Austin American-Statesman’s Tony Plohetski and Chaya Tong — “Jurors began deliberating Friday, just before 11:45 a.m., in the Deadly Conduct trial for Austin Police Officer Daniel Sanchez.

In November of 2022, Sanchez shot and killed 33-year-old Rajan Moonesinghe while responding to a 911 call reporting Moonesinghe walking around his south Austin home with a rifle. Officers heard gunfire as they arrived. Prosecutors established that Sanchez fired shots within about a half-second of telling Moonesinghe to “drop the gun.”

View the police body camera video of that shooting here.

A grand jury indicted Sanchez on the Deadly Conduct charge about a year after the shooting. When the current district attorney, Jose Garza, took office, he made it a policy to have his team review every officer-involved shooting.

You can follow live updates from the courtroom Friday at the ‘X’ link below.

Prosecutors argue the shooting was a case of excessive use of force, and Sanchez did not give Moonesinghe enough time to comply with commands to drop his rifle. They also said Moonesinghe was not harming or intending to harm the police.

“Rajan Moonesinghe was not in the imminent commission of murder or attempting to use or using unlawful deadly force when Daniel Sanchez shot him five times,” Prosecutor Rob Drummond said.

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He also instructed the jury that “each shot is an independent instance for which Officer Sanchez can be found guilty. And you need not agree on each shot.”

Sanchez’s attorneys said the officer can only be legally judged on the information available to them in that moment, and because officers heard gunfire as they arrived, there was an imminent deadly threat.

“[Sanchez] didn’t know if Moon was a home invader, he didn’t know if he was trying to shoot his family,” Sanchez’s lead attorney, Brad Heilman, said during closing arguments. “You don’t have to wait until a rifle is pointed at you. You don’t have to wait until a shot is fired. Why? Because it is important to save other people’s lives.”

On Thursday, the Defense called its second use-of-force expert witness, Mark Sawa. He explained why he believed Officer Sanchez’s actions were justified. He said the situation officers were presented with before and on arrival would “fall directly in line with active shooter protocols,” and Sanchez acted within the scope of his training to neutralize a potential threat to public safety.

Testimony ended with the State calling its use-of-force expert witness, Chuck Joyner, back to the stand. Joyner was the first witness to testify in this trial. He does not believe Sanchez’s actions were justified and disputed Sawa’s definition of an active shooter situation. He also testified he believes Moonesinghe was “clearly” not an active shooter at the time Sanchez shot him.

During opening statements, defense attorney Heilman revealed Moonesinghe had cocaine in his system at the time of the shooting and had a BAC of .33.

Moonesinghe’s mother, Ruth, was the last person to testify for the State. She gave the jury insight into the type of person her son was. Ruth said Moonesinghe moved to Austin after he and his brother won funding through an entrepreneur competition. She has previously called her son “the best of all of us.”

A Deadly Conduct charge holds a punishment range of 2-10 years in prison. Probation is possible for people who do not have criminal histories.

(KXAN)

"Elon Musk urges people in L.A., New York to move to Austin" Austin American-Statesman's Dante Motley – Elon Musk has a new pitch: Forget L.A. and New York — “move to Austin,” he says.

The billionaire Tesla and SpaceX CEO posted an endorsement of the city on social media Wednesday, noting that "world-class people" from major global cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City and London are moving here.

"Move to Austin! It gets better very year," Musk wrote in the post.

So many cool, world-class people are moving to Austin from SF, LA, NY, London and many other parts of the world!

Musk’s post was in response to Tesla-focused influencer Farzad, who praised the Texas Triangle.

(Austin American-Statesman)

"Whooping cough hits more Austin schools. Is your school one of them?" Austin American-Statesman's Nicole Villalpando – Ten Austin schools now have received notices of pertussis cases this school year, according to Austin Public Health, as cases of the bacterial illness also known as whooping cough have continued to grow locally.

Pertussis' most common symptom is a barking cough.

These schools have received notices of at least one case:
Austin Achieve Middle School
Bridge Point Elementary School
Austin Achieve Elementary School Northeast
Linder Elementary School
Akins Early College High School
Barton Creek Elementary School
Marshall Middle School
Lamar Middle School
Langford Elementary School

(Austin American-Statesman)

"AUS warns travelers should still expect fight changes despite government shutdown ending" via KXAN – AUSTIN — Officials at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) warn travelers should still expect flight schedule changes despite the record-long government shutdown coming to an end on Wednesday.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Wednesday that a new emergency order was in place. Flight reductions will remain frozen at 6% following a recommendation from the FAA safety team. The FAA originally announced flight reductions would increase to 10% by the end of the week prior to the shutdown ending.

The flight cuts will still impact 40 major airports across the country for now, including airports in Dallas and Houston. AUS Airport is not on the list; however, Austin officials warned fliers should brace for delays.

“The FAA-directed reduction in flights remains in effect & since airlines load schedules in advance, travelers should continue to keep a close eye on their flight status,” an AUS spokesperson said.

There is good news heading into the weekend.

FAA officials said air traffic controller staffing is “improving rapidly” after weeks of working without pay.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said they will continue an hour-by-hour check of system performance and “won’t hesitate” to make further adjustments as staffing improves.

AUS Airport thanked travelers and the federal workforce Thursday for their continued patience. (KXAN Austin)

"Southbound I-35 to close in South Austin this weekend for construction" Austin American-Statesman's Dante Motley – Construction on the Interstate 35 Capital Express South project in South Austin will cause overnight southbound main lane road closures on the highway over the weekend, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

The closure, on I-35 from SH 71/Ben White Boulevard to Stassney Lane, will be in place overnight Friday, Nov. 14, from 11 p.m. to 9 a.m., and again on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 11 p.m. to 10 a.m., weather permitting.

(Austin American-Statesman)

"TAMU System bans courses that ‘advocate’ for race, gender ideology" Austin American-Statesman's Lily Kepner – The Texas A&M System Regents approved a policy prohibiting its 12 universities from teaching course content that “advocates” for race or gender ideology unless they are approved by the institution’s president or a designee, becoming the first system in Texas to impose such a ban.

The policy follows the high-profile firing of Melissa McCoul, a Texas A&M Professor, after a viral video of a student accusing her of “illegally” teaching gender ideology caught the attention of Gov. Greg Abbott. Though no law in Texas bars such teaching, McCoul, her department chair and dean lost their jobs, and president Mark Welsh resigned amid criticism he mishandled it. The university system later approved a $3.5 million payout to Welsh.

(Austin American-Statesman)

THE BLOTTER

“Homicide in Downtown Austin; police investigating“ via Fox 7 Austin — AUSTIN — The Austin Police Department says it is investigating a homicide in Downtown Austin.

APD says the incident happened near 401 E. 5th Street, next to a fire station.

The shoot/stab hotshot call came in shortly after 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 12. The caller reported it appeared someone had been shot at a bus stop.

First responders arrived on scene and found a man with "obvious trauma." Despite life-saving measures from APD, AFD and ATCEMS, he was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:50 a.m.

APD says this does appear to be an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the public.

APD is investigating this as Austin's 48th homicide of the year.

APD did not release any suspect information or any specifics on the victim other than he is a Black male. Also, no weapon has been found or identified.

APD is urging anyone with information or video of the incident to contact the APD Homicide Tipline at 512-477-3588 or CrimeStoppers at 512-472-8477.

The public is also advised that the scene has blocked off Trinity Street between the 400 and 500 block for the next three to four hours. Drivers and pedestrians are advised to seek alternate routes while the scene is still active. 

(Fox 7 Austin)

"2 dead including suspect following shooting in Round Rock Thursday" via KVUE – AUSTIN, Texas — Two people are dead, including the suspect, following a shooting that happened in Downtown Round Rock Thursday evening.

According to the Round Rock Police Department, the shooting occurred at around 5:30 p.m. in front of TwoRooted Salon in the 400 block of W Main Street.

Officers arrived on the scene and located an adult with multiple gunshot wounds. Lifesaving measures were performed, but the person ultimately died at the scene.

Police said the suspect fled the scene prior to when officers arrived. The alleged shooter was then later found dead in the 500 block of West Liberty Avenue from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Preliminary information from investigators indicates that the shooting appears to be isolated, and that the victim and suspect knew one another. Round Rock police said the investigation is still ongoing.

(KVUE)

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

MACKOWIAK / LOEWY GUEST COLUMN: "Prop Q’s defeat gives Austin a chance to refocus on basics" by Matt Mackowiak an Adam Loewy (Austin American-Statesman) — Austin voters sent a clear message in overwhelmingly rejecting Proposition Q, an ill-considered and unjustified tax hike plan that 109,000 Austinites voted against to deliver a stunning 63%-37% defeat to Mayor Kirk Watson and nine of 10 City Council members.

Only Council Member Marc Duchen had the foresight and the courage to oppose Prop Q. He saw the damage it would do, and diagnosed the deep and undeniable taxpayer distrust.

The message taxpayers sent was this: We don’t trust City Hall right now.

We recognize that many cities face predictable yet tough budget climates, as temporary federal COVID funding has run out.

Faced with a $33 million deficit, the council proposed Prop Q, a 20.2% city property tax hike that would have generated $110 million a year, with $35.5 million going to address homelessness. Taxpayers roundly rejected it.

Prop Q’s defeat was about credibility. When people no longer trust that City Hall is spending wisely, they won’t hand over more control or more money.

Residents see a city budget that now exceeds $6 billion — larger than that of some states. The general fund, the discretionary part of the budget, has risen from about $906 million in 2015 to $1.4 billion this year. That’s a 55% increase over the past decade, during which time the city’s population grew just 10%.

Do residents see results that justify that budget? No, they don’t. They deal with slow emergency response times, short-staffed police and EMS units, a misguided proposal to lower staffing shifts for fire, deteriorating roads and soaring housing costs. For a city that prides itself on innovation, Austin often struggles with basic delivery of core services.

If City Hall wants to rebuild trust after Prop Q, it should start by refocusing its budget priorities.

First, restore public safety capacity. The Austin Police Department is operating well below authorized strength, and morale remains unacceptably low. The same challenges exist in EMS and the fire department. Safe neighborhoods are the foundation for everything else — affordability, community vitality and economic growth. Urgently re-establishing full staffing levels should be priority one. Public safety is the first responsibility of any city.

Second, make infrastructure investment a core value, not a campaign slogan. Voters have repeatedly approved ballot measures for transportation, water and drainage improvements, but they expect projects to be completed on time and on budget. Every major project, including the Project Connect transit expansion, is behind schedule. Austin’s explosive growth demands serious attention to basics: reliable utilities, well-maintained roads and functioning drainage systems.

Third, practice fiscal discipline. Property appraisals continue to rise, pushing effective tax bills higher even when the nominal rate stays flat. City leaders should make it a goal to lower the effective tax rate next year — not just slow its growth. That means setting priorities, pausing non-essential hires, and reviewing every department for savings. An outside audit is urgently necessary, as Houston just showed by conducting one and avoiding a tax rate election.

Fourth, increase transparency. Taxpayers deserve to see where their dollars go. A public-facing “Austin Budget Dashboard,” similar to those used by other major cities, would allow residents to track spending and performance. Real accountability builds real trust.

Prop Q failed because voters are tired of being asked for more without seeing better results. It wasn’t a rejection of reform; it was a demand for focus and responsibility.

Austinites love this city. They want it to work well, spend tax dollars wisely and plan ahead. If the mayor and City Council treat this election result as a wake-up call rather than a setback, they can start to rebuild the confidence that’s been lost. We are all watching.

Matt Mackowiak, a Republican, is the co-chair of Save Austin Now. Adam Loewy, a Democrat, is a longtime Austin business and philanthropic leader and founder of Loewy Law Firm.

(AAS)

"36-mile regional trail project to spur economic growth across Austin" Community Impact | News's Haley McLeod – A 36-mile trail initiative could be the next economic railway plodding through neighborhoods across the Austin metropolitan area.

Leaders of what’s known as the Red Line Parkway Initiative are heralding a renewed effort to plot out the remaining 29 miles of trail that would connect neighborhoods from across Austin, extending up into the suburbs.

The Red Line Parkway, conceived over two decades ago, is poised to become the largest trail system north of Lady Bird Lake, connecting major Austin trails in a unique way, said Tom Wald, executive director of Red Line Parkway Initiative.

“I can perhaps describe it as a central business district combined with Main Street, with Rainey Street on steroids,” Wald said, adding that there are not any other trail system that will connect major trails north of the Colorado River in this way.

The project includes miles of a planned, end-to-end trail along the Capital …

(Community Impact | News)

"8 road updates for Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Buda" Community Impact | News's Sienna Wight – Check out eight upcoming road projects in Hays County Precinct 4, which includes Dripping Springs, Driftwood and Buda.

The following projects, at the current stages, are being funded by certificates of obligation amounting to $240 million. To learn more about the CO and the 2024 road bond, see previous reporting by Community Impact.

Dripping Springs southwest connection
Project: The county is designing a new four-lane divided roadway, to allow easier access to RM 12 and alternative access to Hwy. 290. The project will be 2.4 miles long and is currently in the design process.

(Community Impact | News)

BUSINESS NEWS

"Federal THC ban is an 'extinction-level event' for Texas hemp industry, economist says" KUT's None – The newly passed federal ban on hemp-based products containing THC could have a significant negative effect on the Texas economy, hitting a wide range of Texas industries that rely on hemp in any form, according to leading economists studying the hemp industry.

Language included in the spending legislation that just ended the federal government shutdown would dramatically lower the legal amount of THC — the psychoactive component of cannabis — permitted in hemp-derived products. Advocates, including a bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general, argue this is necessary to close a loophole in the 2018 Federal Farm Bill that has led to the widespread marketing of intoxicating products, including to children.

Notably, the coalition did not include Ken Paxton, despite the significant push by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Texas lawmakers... (KUT)

"After a September surge, Austin’s housing market cools with prices mostly steady" Austin American-Statesman's Travis Webb – According to the latest data from Unlock MLS, 2,238 homes sold across the metro area in October, down 9.6% from a year ago.

After a September surge that marked the strongest sales growth of the year, the Central Texas housing market cooled in October with sales mostly down across the region.

The number of homes sold across the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metro area fell nearly 10% from a year earlier, even as growing inventory and an uptick in pending sales signaled a market settling into a more balanced pace between buyers and sellers. Austin and Travis County, where sales have outpaced the rest of the metro area in recent months, continued to perform slightly better than the region overall in October, though sales were largely flat.

According to the latest data from Unlock MLS, 2,238 homes sold across the metro area in October, down 9.6% from a year ago.

(Austin American-Statesman)

"Korman unveils The Jewel House near downtown Austin" Community Impact | News's Haley McLeod,Elle Bent – Korman celebrated the grand opening of The Jewel House, a new three-story space off North Lamar in late October.

(Community Impact | News)

"Einstein Bros. Bagels plans second San Marcos spot" Community Impact | News's Amanda Cutshall – A national bagel chain is headed to Northgate Road in San Marcos.

Construction on San Marcos' second Einstein Bros. Bagels will begin in March, with a projected end date of mid-2026. The spot will be located near other breakfast-focused eateries, including Starbucks and First Watch.

(Community Impact | News)

TEXAS SPORTS

TEXAS FOOTBALL: "Texas Longhorns: Steve Sarkisian says SEC late scheduling is unfair" Austin American-Statesman's Thomas Jones – Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian: SEC should rethink scheduling
For years, SEC football teams have used November to lighten their loads when it comes to scheduling. Programs often line up a small-conference patsy and use the game as a late-season open week of sorts, resting banged-up players and leaning on their depth.

That hasn’t been the case for Texas football in its first two SEC seasons.

Like last year, the Longhorns face all conference foes in November, which differs from most of their SEC rivals. When asked Thursday about his comfort level with his team’s current SEC schedule, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian didn’t mince words.

“No, I am not comfortable,” Sarkisian said. “I don't think there's enough continuity from a scheduling standpoint in the SEC. I understand with us being new to the conference and how schedules get set earlier (and) years in advance, but I just think there's some distinct advantages that some people have …

(Austin American-Statesman)

» RELATED: “Texas Longhorn fans prepare to travel for showdown in Georgia” CBS Austin

TEXAS MEN’S BASKETBALL: "Texas Longhorns basketball: Horns sign two, waiting on Austin Goosby" Austin American-Statesman's Thomas Jones – Texas basketball added two pieces to its 2026 recruiting class over the past two days with Wednesday’s signing of Bo Ogden from Austin’s Westlake High School and Thursday’s signing of Joe Sterling from Los Angeles.

Now, head coach Sean Miller and his staff can only wait on the decision by five-star wing Austin Goosby.

Goosby, a 6-foot-5 senior at Melissa High School north of Dallas, originally had set a Friday deadline to announce his decision between Texas, BYU, Baylor and Duke. However, this week he postponed his pledge until Monday.

If Goosby picks Texas, he will join an athletic department that already includes his older brother, Trevor Goosby, the starting left tackle for the Texas football team.

(Austin American-Statesman)

AUSTIN FC: "Austin FC 2027 game schedule changing with MLS move" The Business Journals

CENTRAL TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: "What Central Texas high school football teams will excel in the playoffs?" (Austin American-Statesman) — The Texas high school football playoffs are here. 

Following a grueling regular season that started in late August and lasted 11 weeks, teams that qualified for the postseason begin, this week, what they hope are long journeys that see them playing at AT&T Stadium in mid-December for state championships. 

But what Central Texas teams have the best chance for extended runs, or even just get to the regional semifinals? 

American-Statesman high school sports reporters Rick Cantu and Colby Gordon answer the pressing playoff questions surrounding Austin-area teams and give insight into who'll still be practicing on Thanksgiving.  

BI-DISTRICT PLAYOFFS

Thursday

Class 6A: DII — Vista Ridge at Dripping Springs

Class 5A: DII — S.A. Lanier at Liberty Hill

Class 4A: DI — Eastside at S.A. Davenport, Lampasas at Lake View

Class 2A: DI — Thorndale vs. Moody (Temple)

Friday

Class 6A: DI — Bowie at Hutto, Round Rock vs. Lake Travis (Kelly Reeves); DII — Westlake at Vandegrift

Class 5A: DI — Burleson Centennial at Georgetown, Weiss at La Porte, East View at Midlothian, Tyler John Tyler at Cedar Park (Gupton); DII — Pflugerville at S.A. Sam Houston (Alamo), Connally at S.A. Jefferson (SAISD)

Class 4A: DI — Fredericksburg at LBJ (Nelson), Somerset at Manor New Tech (House Park), Taylor vs. Canyon Lake (Lockhart); DII — Wimberley vs. Carrizo Springs (Von Ormy)

Saturday

Class 5A: DI — Friendswood at Anderson (House Park)

What 2 teams could surprise with long playoff runs? 

Cantu: I watched Liberty Hill dismantle Bastrop last week and was impressed. The Slot-T worked for more than 400 yards and the defense led by lineman Alister Vallejo was dominant. Next, I'll take Cedar Park. The offense is averaging 52 points during its four-game winning streak. The defense needs to pick it up.

Gordon: Hutto and Weiss. The Hippos have an offense that can hang with anyone in the region and one of Central Texas’ best players in wideout and defensive back Jaiden Fields. If their defense can provide a turnover and a few stops, they’ll win most games. And considering the Wolves a “surprise” might be a stretch, but they’re arguably the best No. 4 seed in the state. If they beat La Porte in the first round, look for them to be playing past Thanksgiving. 

Besides Vandegrift vs Westlake, what's the best first-round matchup? 

Cantu: For me it's Vista Ridge-Dripping Springs. Vista Ridge's three losses have been by a total of 15 points. As for Dripping Springs, this is one of the best Tigers teams in school history.

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Gordon: Pflugerville vs. San Antonio Sam Houston. The Panthers are a dangerous No. 4 seed, so this isn't a typical matchup of a district champion versus a team that snuck into the playoffs. Pflugerville was in this position a year ago and defeated a district champion as part of an 8-4 season. Expect Pflugerville to pull the upset again and be playing next week. 

What class does Central Texas have the best chance in?

Cantu: With Lake Travis, Dripping Springs and Westlake, I have to go with 6A. I see all three of them going at least four rounds. Westlake might be a sneaky pick in Division II.

Gordon: Class 4A. LBJ is going to be a tough out in Division I and Wimberley seems to have a very good chance to win another regional title in Division II. Both of these teams are used to playing deep into the postseason. 

What district winner has the toughest route to the semifinals? 

Cantu: I'll say Anderson. The Trojans have never been a state power, but this is their best team in years. A lot will depend the Caleb Crenshaw, the best running back in the area this year.

Gordon: Vandegrift. The Vipers would have to beat Westlake and probably San Antonio Brandeis, San Marcos and Dripping Springs to reach the semifinals. That’s an absolutely brutal slate. 

Who's a player that will be key in the postseason? 

Cantu: Georgetown won't go anywhere unless Jett Walker is at his best. He averaged 196 yards a game in 2024. He missed a few games early this year with an injury, but he should be at his best when Friday rolls around.

Gordon: Dripping Springs quarterback Chase Ames. Arguably the breakout player of the year in Central Texas — he’s thrown for 2,429 yards and 33 touchdowns — he’ll need to continue his impressive season if the Tigers want to play into December.

Who has the best chance of making it to a title game? 

Cantu: Liberty Hill has won state twice and it won't surprise me if the Panthers go again. It's hard to stop a team that averages 480 yards on the ground. David Seaborn has a chance for coach of the year honors in his first season at Liberty Hill.

Gordon: Lake Travis. The Cavs are loaded and should roll into the state semifinals unchallenged in Class 6A Division I. All that stands between them and being in AT&T Stadium is whoever wins Region III.

(AAS)

AUSTIN CULTURE

"After turning vacant lot into a food bank, one east Austin woman feeds hundreds each week" KEYE's None – Austin, TX — As families across Texas face empty pantries and tighter budgets, one Austin woman hasn’t stopped giving, not even with a broken ankle. Every Friday, Jeannette Valdez Duran and her volunteers turn an empty lot in one East Austin neighborhood into a full-scale food bank, feeding hundreds of families. Her dedication inspired Mary Jane to nominate her for our Cash for Kindness segment, and we showed up to surprise her with 500 dollars from Air and Plumbing Today to say thank you.

With her hands raised to the sky, Jeannette Valdez Duran begins each food distribution with a prayer over what she calls “blessings”, tables and trucks filled with meals, fresh produce, and flowers ready to give away.

Through her nonprofit, Mobile Blessings from the Heart, Jeannette helps feed up to 500 people every week in East Austin. What started in her parents’ driveway quickly outgrew the neighborhood as lines stretched...

(KEYE)

"Leslie Jones, Marc Maron and more headline Moontower 2026 — tickets on sale now" Austin American-Statesman's Ana Gutierrez – The Moontower Comedy Festival is gearing up for its 14th year in Austin with the first wave of its 2026 lineup. The festival, known for bringing stand-up heavyweights and rising comics to stages across downtown Austin, will run from April 8 to 19, taking over more than 10 venues, including the Paramount and State Theatres.

This year’s early lineup features more than 75 names, with more to come in future announcements. Badges are available now at moontowercomedyfest.com or through the Paramount Theatre box office. Individually ticketed headliner shows go on sale at noon on Thursday.

The 2026 lineup includes names like Kevin Pollak, Leslie Jones, Marc Maron and Kathy Griffin.

(Austin American-Statesman)

"You can't miss the new doorway to the Hill Country on Violet Crown Trail" Austin American-Statesman's Michael Barnes – The Violet Crown Trail and the Barton Creek Greenbelt just earned a portal worthy of their key roles in Austin outdoor life.

From 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, visitors may embark on the partially twinned trails through the new Mile Zero Trailhead at the far end of the Barton Springs Pool parking lot. They will enter through a circular steel arch, stroll along the reconstructed gravel path — now ADA compliant — and linger at a steel-and-limestone Butterfly Pavilion and, beyond that, a raised scenic overlook above Barton Creek.

(Austin American-Statesman)

"Austin FC and Q2 Announce the 2025 “Q-mmunity Gives” Grant Recipients; $150,000 Awarded to Local Nonprofits" Business Wire's – I could not process this article, please visit the link manually. (Business Wire)

"After turning vacant lot into a food bank, one east Austin woman feeds hundreds each week" KEYE's None – Austin, TX — As families across Texas face empty pantries and tighter budgets, one Austin woman hasn’t stopped giving, not even with a broken ankle. Every Friday, Jeannette Valdez Duran and her volunteers turn an empty lot in one East Austin neighborhood into a full-scale food bank, feeding hundreds of families. Her dedication inspired Mary Jane to nominate her for our Cash for Kindness segment, and we showed up to surprise her with 500 dollars from Air and Plumbing Today to say thank you.

With her hands raised to the sky, Jeannette Valdez Duran begins each food distribution with a prayer over what she calls “blessings”, tables and trucks filled with meals, fresh produce, and flowers ready to give away.

Through her nonprofit, Mobile Blessings from the Heart, Jeannette helps feed up to 500 people every week in East Austin. What started in her parents’ driveway quickly outgrew the neighborhood as lines stretched...

(KEYE)

QUICK LINKS

"Hutto loses another big industrial project as developer pulls out of megasite" The Business Journals 

“Austin ISD is selling naming rights to some athletic complexes” Fox 7 Austin

"Comfort apparel brand Bombas to open standalone store at The Domain" Community Impact | News

"AI voice agents startup Vida Global raises millions" The Business Journals

"Austin's airport sees passenger growth in third quarter" The Business Journals

"GVA Property Management allegedly cooked books and fleeced investors, lawsuit claims" The Business Journals

"Layoffs hit at Austin startup AI Fleet Inc." The Business Journals

"Strengthening local economies: How Jefferson Bank is powering business growth in Austin" The Business Journals

"Expansive redevelopment of Northwest Austin office campus still on tap" The Business Journals

"EV company Austin Motor Works aims to serve demand for niche vehicles" The Business Journals

"Texas' Barbecue Capital aims to redevelop part of its downtown" The Business Journals

"'Life-changing': Another TV personality departs Central Texas screens" MySA

"Austin commuters lose 64 hours a year to traffic" San Antonio Express-News

"Missing birds: Central Texas skies appear quiet despite fall migration" KXAN Austin – I could not process this article, please visit the link manually. (KXAN Austin)

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND

Fri

~ COMEDY: John Mulaney. Bass Concert Hall. 7:30pm. Tix here.

~ LIVE MUSIC: Billie Eilish. Moody Center. 7pm. Tix here.

Sat

~ TEXAS FOOTBALL: #10 Texas at #5 Georgia (Athens, GA). 6:30pm kickoff. Airs on ABC.

~ TEXAS MEN’S BASKETBALL: Kansas City at Texas. Moody Center. 12pm. Sold out. Re-sale tix here. Airs on SEC Network+.

~ COMEDY: John Mulaney. Bass Concert Hall. Two shows: 7pm and 10pm. 7pm show tix here. 10pm show tix here.

~ LIVE MUSIC: Ray Wylie Hubbard. Paramount Theater. 8pm. Tix here.

Sun

None.

COOL JOB ALERT

~ External Affairs Specialist. Office of Public Utility Counsel. Salary: $8,334 - $10,000 / month. Info / apply here.