ATX PULSE 10/31/24 (free) (sponsored by The Rundown AI): Austin Has Highest Property Taxes in Country // Groundbreaking for I-35 Project Held // DEA Warns of 'Pink Cocaine' in Austin // Theft Ring Arrested // City Announces $3M in Rent Aid

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2024

Compiled by Matt Mackowiak

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TODAY’S WEATHER

H: 85° / L: 66°. 90 degree days are over. Rain is coming and cooler temps are here. Latest forecast from Fox 7 Austin’s Zack Shields here.

TOP NEWS

“Homeowners shell out a lot more in property taxes than they did in 2019”ABJ ($)

“Groundbreaking takes place on I-35 Capital Express Central Project” KVUE

THE BLOTTER

“DEA warns of pink cocaine, a deadly drug mix in Austin” CBS Austin

“4 people arrested in connection to dozens of high-value thefts across Austin” Fox 7 Austin

“Group of men charged after allegedly assaulting man at Lakeway H-E-B” CBS Austin

“Man arrested for arson after allegedly setting fire to SE Austin bridge” CBS Austin

“Stolen AirPods lead police to vehicle with meth and stolen gun in Buda” CBS Austin

“APD seeks help identifying suspect in South Chevron robbery” CBS Austin

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

“Austin unveils 300 affordable apartments, $3M rent aid” KXAN

“Council to consider $5.5M contract for redo of city’s website” Austin Monitor

2024

“Travis County GOP sues over lack of Republican poll workers, had sent in ‘over 900’ names” KXAN

SPORTS

TEXAS FOOTBALL: “Texas football’s Halloween frights: 3 things for Longhorns to be scared of down the stretch” AAS ($)

QUICK LINKS

~ “Austin police officer Christopher Taylor awaits sentencing. Austin American-Statesman

~ Passengers removed from Austin-bound flight after altercation over ‘MAGA’ hat, report says - KXAN

~ Manor ISD Superintendent answers questions about Manor Senior High fatal stabbing - KEYE

~ Was your 2024 election ballot counted? Texas voters can check here - KXAN

~ New reports show PACs at work in Austin Council races - Austin Monitor

~ Bastrop County burn ban extended through Nov. 12 - Community Impact

~ Austin Icons: Fonda San Miguel in the spotlight - ABJ

~ Round Rock data center supplier TSS eyes expansion six miles up the road - ABJ

~ Hays CISD considers 5th attendance zone map for Ramage Elementary - Community Impact

~ Bastrop 552 film studios no longer waiting in the wings, building to begin - Community Impact

~ Council to consider $5.5M contract for redo of city’s website - Austin Monitor

~ San Marcos City Council adopts updated Vision SMTX Comprehensive Plan - Community Impact

~ City still reviewing options for redevelopment, affordable housing at HealthSouth site downtown - Community Impact

AUSTIN CULTURE

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

~ NOVEMBER: “Festivals, holiday shopping and more things to do in Austin this November” Culture Map Austin

~ THANKSGIVING: “Where to Eat on Thanksgiving Day in Austin, 2024” Eater Austin

~ RESTAURANT SCENE: “5 Austin Restaurant Closings to Know, October 2024” Eater Austin

WHAT TO DO TONIGHT

~ LIVE MUSIC: Fatboy Slim. The Concourse Project (8509 Burleson Rd.). Show 9pm. Tix $60-$100 here.

COOL JOB ALERT

~ Associate General Counsel: Texas Department of Agriculture. Salary: $5,100-$6,300 per month. Info / apply here.