ATX PULSE: You are missing out on the most informative email about Austin!

In partnership with

All Texas News, Quick 5-Minute Reads, Always Free!

Join over 200,000 Texans who start their day with The Texas Flyover. We offer a concise, 5-minute read covering all the news that matters to you, making it easy to stay informed. Created by Texans, for Texans, our newsletter captures the unique essence of our state. Best of all, it's completely free! Experience the fastest-growing daily newsletter in Texas and connect with a community that values accurate, relevant news delivered straight to your inbox every morning.

Subscribe with one Click HERE!

*** IMPORTANT NOTICE ***

On Oct. 1, 2024 ATX Pulse began implementing a paywall, dividing our newsletter into paid subscribers (same email as you have been receiving) and a free version (with only headlines and links).

Paid subscribers will SAVE TIME and be BETTER INFORMED.

» To ensure no interruptions to receiving your complete ATX Pulse email, please become a paid subscriber for $5/mo or $50/yr here now — ATXpulsepremium.com.

Thanks,

Matt Mackowiak

ATX Pulse

[email protected]

TODAY’S PAID SUBSCRIBER EMAIL — SO YOU CAN SEE WHAT YOU ARE MISSING

TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2025

Compiled by Matt Mackowiak

Thank YOU for being a PAID subscriber.

TODAY’S WEATHER

H: 83° / L: 63°. Rain is not done yet, per Fox 7 Austin. Quiet weather to start week, rain & storms to finish, per KXAN.

TOP NEWS

“Austin Tesla dealership bomb investigation; suspicious devices found,” Fox 7 Austin’s Donny Wong and Tan Radford — “The Austin Police Department says it is investigating after suspicious devices were found at a Tesla dealership in North Austin.

Austin police say officers responded to a call at around 8:04 a.m. to a Tesla dealership located at 12845 N. US 183 Highway Service Road northbound.

When the officers arrived, they found suspicious devices.

The APD Bomb Squad was called in to investigate.

The devices were determined to be incendiary and were taken into police custody without incident.

Police say this is in an ongoing investigation.

Austin City Council member Krista Laine's office released a statement in response to the incident. Laine represents District 6 where the dealership is located.

"This morning, APD officers responded to a call at a Tesla dealership in Northwest Austin in District 6. APD bomb squad officers determined the presence of incendiary devices and took them into police custody without incident. I am incredibly thankful to our APD officers for their prompt response to this incident and quick resolution ensuring that no one was hurt."

"I strongly condemn any action that puts the people of Austin in danger. No matter the motivation, violence of any kind is unacceptable. I am deeply relieved that no one was hurt during this incident and am in discussion with APD Chief Lisa Davis about how to ensure our residents’ protection in the case of future violent escalations."

The bomb scare adds to the number of Tesla attacks under investigation across the country.

There have been targeted incidents in at least nine states since the beginning of the year.

The Trump administration is calling for an end to the violent crimes.

"It's despicable, the violence that has taken place against Tesla, the company, its employees and also just Americans who have chosen to drive an electric vehicle. We would like democrats to also come out and condemn this heinous violence that we have seen," says U.S. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

People across the country are protesting Tesla as CEO Elon Musk takes a prominent role in the Trump Administration. FOX 7's Lauren Rangel talked to protesters outside of a Tesla dealership in Austin on Saturday.

There have been Tesla takedown protests held at the dealership this month. The latest one was held on Saturday urging the public to stop supporting Tesla.

Although the group has been vocal about their stance, the protesters have not been linked to Monday’s bomb scare at the car lot.

"This is insane, and we cannot stand for this unelected person wielding almost unlimited power throughout our government. We have to show that the public wants change, and we want Elon Musk out of the federal government and for Austinites, we want Elon Musk out of Austin," said protester Jimmy Flanagan.

The Tesla brand has become a target after Musk began leading the Department of Government Efficiency known as "DOGE" in January. 

DOGE is responsible for cutting back on waste in the federal government and the mass layoff of federal employees.” Fox 7 Austin

“Travis County sees eviction filings surge in 2024,” KVUE’s Morgan McGrath and Daranesha Herron — “A record number of evictions were reportedly filed by Travis County landlords in 2024 when compared to the previous 10 years, according to a report from the nonprofit Building and Strengthening Tenant Action (BASTA).

The report says that 13,210 evictions were filed in Travis County last year, an increase of 26% from 2023.

Makenzi Brock, a small business owner, was one of those people facing eviction in 2024. She said a few months of bad business last year put her two months behind on rent.

"It doesn't take much, but like a couple bad months to fall behind and that's just what happened to me," Brock said.

BASTA stated that most of these filings were the result of tenants' failure to pay rent. Still, a filing doesn't automatically equate to an eviction. It's the initial step in the process, typically followed by a court order.

"I've never been in this situation before either," Brock said.

From 2019 to 2024, the average judgment amounts rose by roughly $1,500, from $1,423 to $2,984. BASTA defines judgment amounts as unpaid rent combined with money owed to an attorney. These numbers were highest in 2022, at just over $4,300.

As rent prices reportedly increase, "far more tenants are at the precipice of falling behind on rent, leading to evictions," according to the report.

"These are people who are just leaving the hospital from a surgery or people who just gave birth or they just lost a loved one and they're grieving and they fell behind on rent," said BASTA data analyst Peishi Cheng.

Last year, eviction cases typically lasted for 20 days, which was unchanged since 2023. Throughout the county, the top three areas where the most evictions were filed include Abelia Flats in northwest Austin, the Starburst apartment complex in North Austin and The Morgan apartments in North Austin.

BASTA reported that most eviction filings were in apartments near the fringes of Travis County, including in areas like Elgin and Manor. It's uncertain why certain spots saw more filings than others.

The lowest number of evictions filed since 2014 was in 2021, with 1,716. This is likely a result of the COVID pandemic spiking the year before.

BASTA stated that the current trend "does not bode well for the coming years" as evictions seem to be increasing. This is especially true considering that a record number of evictions in a month were filed in January 2025, with just over 1,400.

Makenzie said she was able to get some cash from friends and her church before being kicked out, but due to Texas law, the eviction is still on her record, possibly impacting future moves.

The City of Austin offers various resources for people facing eviction, including tenant rental assistance through "I Belong in Austin" and legal services through partnerships with organizations like BASTA.” KVUE

“After decades in Downtown Austin, one of the city's popular art and music festivals is moving,” KVUE’s John Diaz — “After decades in Downtown Austin, one of the city's longest-running festivals has a new home and a muddled future.

The Pecan Street Festival will move to Bee Cave for its upcoming spring festival on May 3-4. The bi-annual festival is traditionally held in Austin on Sixth Street – historically known as Pecan Street.

Organizers of the festival cited that the recent installation of bollards and rubber skirting on Sixth Street would have forced them to significantly shrink the size of the event.

However, while the festival moves to Hill Country Galleria for the spring, its upcoming fall festival in September still doesn't have a home. In an email sent to vendors on Monday, organizers confirmed they were not sure if the relocation to Bee Cave would be permanent.

"We would enthusiastically return to Austin under the right conditions, but that will depend on future conversations with the city," the email said.

For vendors concerned about why the change was announced so close to the festival, organizers cited the "redevelopment" of Sixth Street "by private real estate groups" has strained the festival.

Organizers said they were assured by city leaders for months that they would be able to produce the festival "without these impediments." They added that they were ultimately told the bollards would stay intact, which would eliminate nearly 100 booths from the festival's floor plan, making it impossible to produce without a financial loss.

The recent changes to Sixth Street have also forced businesses to deal with delivery problems. However, Austin police say they're prepared to shut down the street as needed for pedestrian or public safety reasons, just like they did recently during South by Southwest." KVUE

THE BLOTTER

“Round Rock 10-vehicle crash kills 1 person, injures 3 others,” Fox 7 Austin’s Lisette Lopez — “One person is dead following a 10-vehicle crash in Round Rock, police said.

The northbound and southbound lanes of I-35 near RM 620 were shut down for several hours but have reopened.

Police said on March 24, around 11:40 a.m., officers responded to a major crash on I-35 near RM 620.

RRPD said 10 vehicles were involved in the crash.

Three people were taken to a local hospital for their injuries, and one person was killed.

Both the northbound and southbound lanes of I-35 near RM 620 were closed for several hours. Around 5:30 p.m., all lanes reopened.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.” Fox 7 Austin

“1 dead after Northeast Austin apartment fire: AFD,” Fox 7 Austin’s Lisette Lopez — “One person is dead after an apartment fire in Northeast Austin.

According to the Austin Fire Department, on March 24, around 3:55 p.m., firefighters responded to an apartment fire in the 3400 block of Lynridge Drive. The caller reported seeing smoke coming from windows and the door of an apartment unit.

When firefighters arrived, they rescued one person and a dog from the apartment.

The person rescued later died, AFD said.

AFD investigators are on the scene working to determine the cause of the fire.

The cause of the fire is not known at this time.” Fox 7 Austin

“Woman charged with driving while intoxicated after deadly crash on Menchaca Road,” Fox 7 Austin’s Adam Fullerton — “A woman believed to be drunk behind the wheel is facing charges in connection to a deadly South Austin crash on Saturday night.

Austin police were called after a car crashed into a pedestrian on Menchaca Road on March 22.

The crash happened shortly after 8 p.m., near Davis Lane.

The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver, 23-year-old Anissa Zapata, was arrested for accident involving death and driving while intoxicated.

The man who was killed in the crash has not been identified.

The incident is being investigated as Austin 20th deadly crash of 2025. 24 people have died in connection to the crashes.

On March 22, 2024, there had been 19 fatal crashes resulting in 19 deaths.” Fox 7 Austin

“San Marcos man sentenced to 17 years in prison for sexual assault,” Fox 7 Austin’s Lisette Lopez — “A San Marcos man was sentenced to 17 years in prison for sexual assault.

He also received a two-year sentence in state jail for invasive visual recording.

According to the Hays County District Attorney's Office, Cory Grado, 23, was found guilty of sexual assault and invasive visual recording. The evidence at trial showed Grado recorded himself sexually assaulting a victim. 

When San Marcos police officers searched his phone, they found numerous pictures and videos of sexual assault. They also found photos of the victim’s intimate areas.

The jury heard testimony from the victim, the victim's boyfriend, and the victim's mother.

Grado was sentenced to 17 years in prison for sexual assault and two years in state jail for invasive visual recording.

"We asked the jury to send a message that these crimes are not tolerated in our community, and that is what they have done with their verdict. We want to thank the jurors for their service, especially since they had to review very disturbing evidence. We also want to thank the victim in this case for her bravery and for having the strength to face the defendant in court," said Assistant Criminal District Attorney Elizabeth Schmidt.” Fox 7 Austin

“Police searching for missing 57-year-old man last seen at St. David's Medical Center,” CBS Austin’s Tara Brolley — “Austin police are looking for a 57-year-old man who went missing from St. David's Medical Center Monday morning. They say he may be in danger due to health conditions.

Jean Francois Poujol was last seen around 10 a.m. at 919 East 32nd Street, according to the Austin Police Department.

Poujol is described as a white male, 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing 200 pounds, with brown eyes and receding brown hair. He has a brown and white goatee beard and was last seen wearing a white shirt with black stripes and blue jeans.

Police expressed concern about Poujol's immediate welfare.

Anyone who sees Poujol is asked to call 911 immediately.” CBS Austin

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

“Bill aims to expand DPS Capitol patrols in downtown Austin,” KXAN’s Brianna Hollis — “A bill lawmakers have discussed this month could expand the patrol area for the Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Capitol division.

“I’ve seen some incidents recently around the Capitol that are probably common to residents but to legislators who don’t live here, a lot of our visitors, some of our staff, has alarmed me,” said Rep. Carl Tepper, R-Lubbock, who authored the legislation.

The Capitol division is in charge of the Capitol grounds, annex buildings and Capitol Mall. Tepper’s bill calls for these troopers to also patrol from 10th Street all the way to Lady Bird Lake between Colorado and Brazos Streets, highlighted in the map below.

“Homelessness and lawlessness and theft, it’s just been festering,” Tepper said. “Wanted to try something a little out of the box to alleviate some of the issues we’re having at the Capitol building.”

“It’s not something that I’m for, I don’t support it,” said Austin Police Department Chief Lisa Davis. “I think it’s our responsibility and I think this new team adding numbers to downtown, I think that’s going to help.”

Davis said she has already created a new unit – the downtown Austin response team – to address some of the behavior Tepper is concerned about. Davis formed this group by restructuring a team that would previously run preliminary on-scene investigations before specialized units arrived.

“I think it goes beyond the money and politics of it all and for us it’s about having pride that this is our area and we’re responsible for it,” she said.

Tepper said the money would come from sales tax generated in the city of Austin, but troopers would still be under the command of Gov. Greg Abbott. This would run differently than how things went when DPS and the city entered a partnership in 2023 to increase DPS patrols citywide. During that program – called the Austin Violent Crimes Task Force – APD staff directed troopers where to patrol.

The bill is still currently in committee. There was a hearing about it on March 12.

Texas DPS said it cannot comment on pending legislation.

The city of Austin provided the following statement: “The City is aware of HB 470 and its current state in Committee. Based on an initial review, the City could be impacted in the areas mentioned.”” KXAN

BUSINESS NEWS

“13 female founders from Austin make this year's coveted Inc. 500 list,” Culture Map Austin’s Laura Murr Mericas — “Thirteen innovative female founders from Austin have been recognized by Inc. Magazine for leading their industries forward.

The women were named to Inc.'s Female Founders 500 list, which features female entrepreneurs based in the U.S. The group attracted approximately $9 billion in 2024 revenue and $10.6 billion in funding, according to Inc.

“Female founders know what struggle is, but they’re also experts of improvisation, adaptability, and creativity. The women featured on this year’s list exemplify these qualities," Diana Ransom, Inc. executive editor said in a release. "Through times of uncertainty, their unwavering dedication and steadfast leadership are not only inspiring but vital to driving progress.”

The Austin honorees represent industries ranging from AI tech to jewelry to baby food.

Here are the Austin-area founders, their companies, and why Inc. says they chose them:

Allison Ellsworth, co-founder of Poppi (just acquired by PepsiCo for nearly $2 billion). "For leveraging social influencers and pop-up events to bring its prebiotic soda to 160 percent more households, expanding retail partnerships, and garnering more than 350 million TikTok views."

Ellen Wood, founder of vcfo. "For helping companies streamline their financial operations and achieve sustainable growth with remote, fractional CFO services."

Isabella "Bella" Hughes and Semira Nikou, co-founders of Better Sour. "For driving a 30-fold increase in [their] company's retail presence, including with Hawaiian airlines, and launching a new brand collaboration with Moana."

Jennifer Seay, founder of Art + Artisans Consulting. "For growing a small art consultancy that helps artists and corporations connect on creative real estate projects, and recently installing the largest Mr. Doodle mural in the U.S."

Katie Kime, founder of Katie Kime. "For expanding a fashion and lifestyle brand highlighting distinct 'city toiles' with intentional collaborations and category expansions and launching 20 new prints and six new product categories."

Kendra Scott, founder of jewelry brand Kendra Scott. "For creating a cult jewelry brand with multigenerational appeal that continues to grow through consistently increasing sales and incredibly loyal repeat customers."

Marcela Andrés, founder of designEDengagement, PBC (Pflugerville). "For increasing family engagement in schools among underserved communities with trainings and resources."

Neha Sampat, founder of Contentstack. "For raising nearly $180 million to develop an AI-powered headless CMS that reduces developer time for major companies, including Walmart, Mattel, and Burberry."

Sarah Mayes, founder of Alafair Biosciences. "For making strides in medical device manufacturing, growing revenue by more than 100 percent, and securing contracts with the two largest health care GPOs in the United States."

Serenity Carr, founder of Serenity Kids. "For expanding a line of nutrient-dense baby foods and increasing its retail distribution by 80 percent."

Shanaz Hemmati, founder of ZenBusiness. "For helping 700,000 entrepreneurs launch their ventures, resulting in revenue and customer growth, and partnering with nonprofits such as Synergies Work to expand access to resources."

Veronica Garza, founder of Siete Family Foods. "For leading a heritage-inspired Mexican-American food brand into a $1.2 billion acquisition by PepsiCo and launching two product lines in Starbucks stores nationwide."

In all, 28 Texas female founders made this list. See the full list of winners here.” Culture Map Austin

“A Zara expansion and Cartier store are on tap for The Domain,” Austin Business Journal’s Sahar Chamais — “The Domain in North Austin is getting some expanded offerings for shoppers on the hunt for fashion.

Clothing retailer Zara plans to more than double the size of its store at the popular mixed-use development that's often referred to as Austin's second downtown, while luxury jeweler Cartier is aiming to open a store there.

Spain-based Zara has a roughly 12,000-square-foot store on Esperanza Crossing and will be expanding into a portion of the space formerly occupied by Forever 21, according to Monica Esparza, director of marketing and business development at The Domain. Forever 21 closed its location at The Domain in September — and will likely close its two remaining stores in the Austin area, including at Barton Creek Square Mall and the San Marcos Outlets, reported KVUE — following the company's Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Zara’s new store will total about 34,500 square feet and open in late 2025, Esparza said in an email. The other portion of the previous Forever 21 store will be occupied by Urban Outfitters, slated to open in the summer.

A filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation estimated the cost of the Zara expansion at $5 million. Information in TDLR filings is preliminary and subject to change.

“Zara has been thriving at The Domain since it first opened,” Esparza said. “Continued and increased customer demand for their products has led to the ideal opportunity to expand their footprint and offerings this year.”

Cartier, meanwhile, appears to be adding a location at 11601 Century Oaks Terrace, according to a late January TDLR filing. The store, which would open in place of Ben Bridge Jeweler, is expected to be about 6,400 square feet, according to the filing, with renovations estimated to cost $1.5 million.

It would mark the French retailer's only Austin location and third in Texas. The retailer previously had operations in Austin decades ago, sources said.

The Domain, a Simon Property Group Inc. property, started a multimillion-dollar facelift project about 18 months ago in a bid to attract more luxury tenants. The Domain has ushered in several high-end retailers over the past year, including Dior, Zimmermann, Versace, and Balenciaga.” ABJ ($)

“Austin robotics startup secures $13.5M in funding after winning SXSW Pitch award,” Austin American-Statesman’s Karoline Leonard — “​An Austin-based robotics startup has secured millions in funding after winning the South by Southwest Conference and Festival's Pitch Award.

Contoro Inc. recently filed paperwork with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission stating the start-up has raised $13.5 million from 11 investors. The company had previously raised $8.5 million from backers like South Korean firm SV Investment, Bass Investment, Future Play, Kakao Ventures and UT Seed Fund, among others.

Contoro develops autonomous robots, called "Dock Duck," for trailer and container unloading, with its primary technology being the artificial intelligence and remote operation of its robotic arms. The company is led by founder and CEO Youngmok ”Mok” Yun, who also co-founded the Austin-based robotic rehabilitation startup Harmonic Bionics.​

The additional funding comes after the company announced its bots have unloaded at least a hundred trucks through its partnerships with States Logistics.

Contoro was one of two Austin-based startups to win pitch awards during SXSW's first weekend. The company won in the robotics, web3, voice & extended reality category. The other Austin company, Polygraf AI, won the enterprise, smart data, fintech and future of work category as well as best in show.

Contoro did not respond to requests for comment.

Contoro is not the only Austin-based startup to see large amounts of funding in recent months.

Apptronik received additional $53 million investment led by Mercedes-Benz last week for the company's autonomous humanoid robots, called Apollo. Mercedes is also planning to incorporate the startups's robots in its manufacturing lines in the near future.

And NinjaOne, an Austin startup that makes an endpoint monitoring and management platform that helps IT professionals and companies secure computer devices, recently announced that it had raised $500 million in a funding round at a $5 billion valuation. The funding more than doubled the company's value from a year ago.” AAS ($)

“Austin insurance tech co. Ethos reportedly exploring an IPO,” Austin Business Journal’s Brent Wistrom — “Earlier this month, Austin-based TV advertising software company MNTN Inc. filed its initial paperwork to go public on the New York Stock Exchange.

Now, we might have a second IPO in the works. 

Austin-based life insurance company Ethos Technologies Inc. is said to be working with Goldman Sachs Group Inc. on exploring a public offering, according to a report in Bloomberg that cites people familiar with the matter. The company wasn't immediately available for comment Monday.

Ethos, co-founded by Peter Colis and Lingke Wang in 2016, has raked in over $400 million of funding from firms including Sequoia, Accel, Google Ventures, Goldman Sachs and Softbank. It opened its Austin office in 2019 before expanding its presence here in 2021.

After the expansion, it called Austin its second headquarters. Now, it appears the company's space at 1606 Headway Circle in Northeast Austin is its official home base, although it has offices elsewhere.

During its latest round of funding in 2021, Ethos was valued at about $2.7 billion. The Bloomberg report suggested Ethos' IPO could happen this year, though no dates have been floated in SEC filings. 

Ethos' primary offerings include life insurance policies that are granted without medical exams. That includes term life insurance for ages 20 to 65 and guaranteed issue whole life insurance for ages 65 to 85. 

The company says its proprietary underwriting technology algorithmically assigns each customer to the products that best fit their needs and provides up to $3 million in coverage, often in under 10 minutes.

Ethos partners with life insurance carriers including Legal & General America, TruStage Financial Group Inc., Ameritas Life Insurance Corp., Mutual of Omaha and John Hancock.” ABJ ($)

LOCAL SPORTS

TEXAS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: “Madison Booker leads No. 1 Texas to Sweet 16 after taking down No. 8 Illinois,” via AP — “Madison Booker scored 20 points and No. 1-seed Texas used a smothering defense to earn a 65-48 victory over No. 8 Illinois on Monday, sending the Longhorns to the Sweet 16 for the fourth time in the last five seasons.

Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda added 19 points for Texas (33-3), which will meet Southeastern Conference rival No. 5 Tennessee (24-9) in Birmingham, Alabama, on Saturday.

Texas outscored Illinois 18-6 in the second quarter, then broke the game open at the start of the third when the Longhorns stretched the lead to 24 after steals by Booker and Rori Harmon led to quick baskets.

Texas' relentless ball pressure harassed Illinois (22-10) the entire game, and the Longhorns scored 23 points off 20 Illini turnovers.

Mwenentanda had started 12 of the Longhorns' previous 14 games but was on the bench for tipoff again as Texas inserted freshman guard Jordan Lee in her place.

She responded by scoring a career-high in points on 7 of 10 shooting and also grabbed six rebounds.

Adalia McKenzie led Illinois with 13 points.

Illinois: The Illini earned the program's first NCAA Tournament win in 25 years in the first round against Creighton, but they will lose four senior starters, notably Kendall Bostic, the program's career rebounds leader.

Texas: A No. 1 seed for the second consecutive year, the Longhorns will be looking to make the Elite Eight for the fourth time since 2022.

Texas didn't make a 3-pointer and has just three in its first two tournament games. The Longhorns averaged just three per game during the season.” AP

TEXAS MEN’S BASKETBALL: “Texas football to hold fan event in place of spring game, according to Chris Del Conte,” Austin American-Statesman’s Cedric Golden — “New Texas basketball coach Sean Miller has yet to hold an introductory press conference at his new school, but the never-ending cycle of college athletics never stops.

The spring portal window opened Monday, and rebuilding Texas' roster that will likely lose almost every rotation player seems like an immediate concern for Miller, who replaced the fired Rodney Terry as the Longhorns' coach on Sunday.

Six Texas players used up their collegiate eligibility: forwards Arthur Kaluma, Jayson Kent, Ze’Rik Onyema and Kadin Shedrick as well as guards Tramon Mark and Julian Larry. And Tre Johnson, the SEC’s freshman of the year, is expected to declare for the NBA draft any day.

That leaves Miller with three players — junior guard Jordan Pope, junior guard Chendall Weaver and sophomore wing Devon Pryor — as the only eligible returning players who averaged at least 10 minutes a game from a team that went 19-16 and lost to Miller’s Xavier squad in a First Four game.

But Miller, 56, can point at his team this season as an example of how to rebuild a roster with both speed and sense. After a disappointing 16-18 record in the 2023-24 season, Miller lost nine players to the portal and welcomed in seven new Musketeers. The result? A 22-12 season, a fourth-place finish in the Big East and a spot in the NCAA Tournament’s round of 64, in which Xavier lost to Illinois on Friday.

Here are three questions as Miller begins to reconstruct the Texas roster:

Chendall Weaver: Sean Miller's top priority at Texas?

Besides trying to somehow convince Johnson to stay one more season, the first conversation for Miller may be with Weaver. The 6-foot-3 guard averaged just 6.4 points in 20.7 minutes this season, but he posted 4.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists per contest and sets a physical and relentless tone in each game and every practice. He seems like a natural for Miller, himself a fiery guard back in playing days at Pittsburgh. And he would provide a sense of familiarity for the fans and the program entering his third season at Texas.

Texas basketball boosters: Will they loosen the purse strings?

They didn’t for Terry and basketball general manager Chris Ogden, by most accounts. If fans need a reminder of the importance of NIL funding in the modern era of college athletics, watch Texas Tech play Arkansas this weekend in the Sweet 16. First-year Texas Tech forward JT Toppin, the Big 12's player of the year, considered Texas, but the Longhorns’ basketball collective didn’t match Texas Tech’s reported $1 million payment to the former New Mexico player. Will the hiring of Miller add a jolt to the financial commitment for UT basketball? Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte certainly hopes so.

Xavier basketball: Will any Musketeers join the Texas program?

It’s not uncommon for a coach to bring along several players from a previous school. Texas will have plenty of open roster spots, especially since the NCAA will now allow for 15 men’s basketball scholarships, two more than allowed this season. Five Xavier players that joined Miller for one season in 2024-25 have at least one more year of collegiate eligibility, including star guard Ryan Conwell (16.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists). In addition, sophomore wing Dailyn Swain had a breakout season for Xavier with 11 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists. Swain, a former four-star recruit and one of the top prep basketball players in the state of Ohio for the 2023 class, picked Miller and Xavier over a plethora of other offers.” AAS ($)

QUICK LINKS

~ Preservationists praise developer for giving Sixth Street historic buildings ‘some love’ - Austin Monitor

~ ZAP recommends first-time zonings of former ‘Hickmuntown’ on city’s northwest edge - Austin Monitor

~ APD officers move Waymo vehicles pulled over during severe weather - KXAN Austin

~ Cook-it-yourself Gen Korean BBQ House opens in North Austin - Community Impact

~ Parkside Family Vision now open for comprehensive vision care in Mueller neighborhood - Community Impact

~ Mediterranean food truck Breeze & Bites now open in far Northwest Austin - Community Impact

~ Low-cost pet microchipping offered March 30 ahead of possible mandate - Community Impact

~ Lakeway removes age minimum for The Jovie apartments in Tuscan Village - Community Impact

~ Journal Profile: The struggles of his hometown led Davon Barbour to a career helping cities thrive - ABJ

AUSTIN CULTURE

~ EPIC EVENTS: “Cirque du Soleil's creative look at insects crawls into Austin” Culture Map Austin

~ FOOD FAVORITES: “How Crumpets Became Austin’s Cult-Favorite Bread” Eater Austin

~ DINING: “14 openings bring hot chicken and vegan burgers to Austin food news” Culture Map Austin

~ DINING: “Home is where Austin's 10 best neighborhood restaurants are” Culture Map Austin

WHAT TO DO TONIGHT

~ LIVE MUSIC: Robert Earl Keen, Jr. Rodeo Austin (Travis County Expo Center). Rodeo 7pm, show 9pm. Tix $30 and up here.

** We will be there! Let me know if you’re going ([email protected]).

~ TEXAS SOFTBALL: Stephen F. Austin at #2 Texas. McCombs Field. 6pm. Tix for $6 here. Airs on SEC Network+.

~ TEXAS BASEBALL: Sam Houston State at #7 Texas . 6:30pm. Tix for sale here. Airs on SEC Network +.

COOL JOB ALERT

~ Legal Policy Operations Triage Lead, Americas - Trust and Safety. TikTok. No salary info. Info / apply here.