IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: ATX PULSE 7/12/24: ATXMLB.com Launches to Bring MLB Team to Austin // 5 Test Positive for Dengue Fever // Field Swells to 6 in D7 // Another Day, Another Murder in ATX // 5 New Stores Coming to Barton Creek Mall (1)

In partnership with

ATX Pulse

Everything YOU NEED TO KNOW about Austin.

Friday, July 12, 2024 (re-sending for Sunday, July 14, 2024)

By Matt Mackowiak

For Those Who Seek Unbiased News.

Be informed with 1440! Join 3.5 million readers who enjoy our daily, factual news updates. We compile insights from over 100 sources, offering a comprehensive look at politics, global events, business, and culture in just 5 minutes. Free from bias and political spin, get your news straight.

Join for free today!

ATX PULSE UPDATE: After 4 editions, we have surpassed 100,000 views! Thank you! Please consider becoming a paid subscriber at ATXpulse.com for $5/month or $50/year.

SPONSORED BY

SPONSOR OPPORTUNITY: Want to sponsor ATX Pulse? We’ve had over 100,000 opens in our first 4 editions alone! Email James for rates and availability.

Today’s Weather: H: 92° / L: 75°. Latest forecast from Fox 7 Austin’s Zack Shields here.

FIRST IN ATX PULSE

~ FAN SUPPORT GROUP FOR MLB EXPANSION IN AUSTIN LAUNCHES ATXMLB.com WEBSITE: “Bring Major League Baseball to Austin” — “A group of Austin residents has created the Austin Baseball Commission to build fan support for Major League Baseball (MLB) to come to Austin.

MLB has expressed an interest in adding two teams to bring the league from 30 to 32 teams, and it is believed that one will be in the East (Nashville) and another will be in the West (Salt Lake City or Austin, most likely).

Expansion will not begin before 2029, but there is a lot of work to be done to make the case that it is time for Austin to have a major sports franchise. Fan support groups have already launched in other cities.

Here’s a recent assessment of expansion markets from ESPN.

> Why Austin? Read here.

> Fill out a season ticket interest form (no financial info provided) here.

> Sign up for emails here.

> Follow our Facebook here.

> Donate to support our effort here.

Join the Austin Baseball Commission to Bring MLB to Austin: “Austin is on the brink of embracing America’s favorite pastime at the highest level. We are thrilled to introduce the Austin Baseball Commission’s proposed Major League Baseball team that promises to bring the spirit and excitement of MLB to our great city. Join our growing movement to turn this effort into reality.”

** Learn more: ATXMLB.com

** Questions? Email [email protected].

FIRST IN ATX PULSE

~ Private Screening of the New Film “Reagan” with Dennis Quaid, Penelope Ann Miller, and Jon Voight on Thursday, August 29 in North Austin. Benefiting Travis County GOP. Early bird tickets $30/each. Details here.

TOP NEWS

~ “5 Austin-Travis County residents test positive for dengue fever,” via Fox 7 Austin — “Five Austin-Travis County residents have tested positive for dengue fever, so far this year, after traveling internationally.

Dengue is a viral disease spread to people through mosquito bites, primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, says the CDC.

Dengue is frequently reported in the Caribbean, Central and South America, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.

What can I do to protect myself from dengue?

Health officials say the best way to protect yourself from dengue is to practice the four D's:

• During mosquito season, avoid being outside between Dusk and Dawn when mosquitoes are most active

• Dress in long sleeves and long pants when you are outside

• Use EPA-approved insect repellent that contains DEET

• Drain any standing water in and around your home

If you're traveling internationally to locations known for dengue, the CDC recommends the following while planning:

• Review country-specific travel recommendations, health notices, and warnings

• Visit a travel clinic or your doctor for pre-travel medical care

• Pack an EPA-registered insect repellent

• Pack acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) in your first aid kit, as it can be used to manage fever and body pain in case you get dengue

While you're traveling, the CDC recommends the following:

• Follow steps to prevent mosquito bites to protect yourself and your family

• Stay in places with air conditioning and with window/door screens

• Use a bed net if air-conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors

• See a doctor if you develop a fever or have symptoms of dengue

When coming home, travelers returning from an area where they are at risk should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks, says the CDC. This is to prevent the spread of dengue to mosquitoes, which can then spread the virus to others.

What are the symptoms of dengue?

Symptoms of dengue typically begin within two weeks of being bitten by an infected mosquito.

The most common symptom is fever with any of these:

• Aches and pains (eye pain, typically behind the eyes, muscle, joint, or bone pain)

• Nausea, vomiting

• Rash

• Any warning sign

The CDC says mild symptoms can be confused with other illnesses that cause fever. Symptoms typically last 2–7 days and most will recover after about a week.

However, according to the CDC, symptoms can become severe within a few hours and one in 20 people infected will develop severe dengue.

The CDC says to immediately seek medical attention if you or a family member has any of the following symptoms:

• Belly pain or tenderness

• Vomiting (at least 3 times in 24 hours)

• Bleeding from the nose or gums

• Vomiting blood, or blood in the stool

• Feeling extremely tired or restless

The CDC adds that warning signs usually begin in the 24–48 hour period after fever has gone away.

For more information on dengue, click here.” CBS Austin

“Austin mother sues day care center, says child abuse seen on camera,” KXAN’s Sarah Al-Shaikh — “An Austin mother is suing her 2-year-old’s former day care center after alleged abuse was seen on the center’s live surveillance video, the family said.

The mother is suing The Children’s Courtyard located on West William Cannon Drive.

KXAN went to the day care. We were told their legal department would get back to us. We’ll update this article when we get a response.

What are the allegations?

The lawsuit stated, in July 2023, the child’s father checked on the toddler during the workday through the center’s live surveillance video.

According to the lawsuit, he saw a caregiver trying to keep the toddler quiet during naptime by smothering him with a blanket and slapping the child’s face and head repeatedly. The child’s father immediately left work and reported the incident to the day care’s management.

The family’s attorney Russell Button said the center did not report it to state or local police. He said that’s something they are obligated to do.

“They are mandatory reporters, and this should have been reported immediately by the day care to both the state and the police,” Button said.

The family has since pulled the child out of the day care center. Through the lawsuit, Button said the family wants accountability.

“Send a message to Children’s Courtyard that this is just unacceptable,” Button said.

He said they also want to encourage parents to make sure there are recorded and live cameras in their day care.

“You don’t just want to be able to see something bad happening,” Button said. “You want to make sure that you can tell the day care to preserve the bad thing that you may have seen on live feed. Thankfully that was the case here.”

What did an investigation find?

This Children’s Courtyard location was cited for five violations by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Child-Care Licensing Division, online records showed.

Those citations included physical abuse of a child, using prohibited punishment, allowing a caregiver who posed a risk to a child’s safety to remain with children for additional time and failing to report the incident.

The day care center’s online records showed 70 deficiencies cited from 2019 to 2024.

The Child Care Regulation (CCR) is a statewide program that regulates child care operations by inspecting and investigating these operations and making sure they meet state standards. 

Reports on every inspection are available online so parents can research a center.” KXAN

THE BLOTTER

~ “Austin man sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for selling fentanyl-laced pills,” Austin American-Statesman’s Skye Seipp — “An Austin man will serve 14 years in federal prison for selling pills laced with fentanyl, two years after the man was linked to a fentanyl overdose death.

Trenton Tindall, 24, pleaded guilty in December to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl. The Austin Police Department and the FBI investigated Tindall. The U.S. attorney's office for the Western District of Texas announced Tindall's prison sentence Thursday.

Court records show law enforcement first learned of Tindall after responding to an overdose call in Austin in February 2022. It was later found that the person had fentanyl in their system.

Investigators went through the deceased's phone and found that the person bought fake oxycodone pills from Tindall.

Over months of investigation, Tindall sold fake "M-30" oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl to undercover agents, court records said. However, before Tindall's arrest, a neighbor tipped him off that law enforcement was investigating him and he was able to get rid of some "evidence," court records show.

Despite that, Tindall sold nearly 450 fentanyl-laced oxycodone pills to law enforcement.

Tindall's lawyers did not immediately respond to a request to comment.” AAS ($)

~ “Man dead after Northeast Austin homicide Friday morning; no arrests yet, police say,” Austin American-Statesman’s Skye Seipp — “A man is dead and police have still not arrested his suspected killer after a homicide in Northeast Austin early Friday morning.

Officer Austin Zarling said police were called to the scene in the 4200 block of Grayledge Drive just after 4 a.m. and found a man with "apparent injuries to (his) body" in a home. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but the man was pronounced dead about 45 minutes after the 911 call.

Fielding questions from the media, Zarling said police have not arrested anyone in connection to the homicide at this time. No information was available about the injuries that caused the man's death or a possible suspect.

Zarling said the investigation is in its preliminary stages and asked that anyone with information call the Austin Police Department's homicide unit at 512-477-3588 or the department's tip line at 512-472-8477.” AAS ($)

CITY HALL

~ “Update: Six Candidates enter Austin City Council District 7 race,” Austin American-Statesman’s Ella McCarthy — “Six candidates, including a former congressional candidate, a high-profile lawyer and civil rights advocate, have thrown their hat in the ring for the Austin City Council District 7 seat set for election in November in what is shaping up to be the most crowded City Council election this year.

The seat, which represents part of North Austin, is held by Leslie Pool, whose term will expire in January 2025. Pool has held the seat since 2015. City Council members are term-limited, and Pool told the American-Statesman that she will not petition to get her name on the 2024 ballot.

There is still plenty of time for additional candidates to file to run for the seat, and the American-Statesman will continue to monitor this election as well as others, but these are the candidates who have indicated their interest in the District 7 seat so far and where they stand on key city policy issues:

Edwin Bautista

The 26-year-old Texas native graduated in August with a master's degree from the University of Texas and works at the nonprofit Texas Housers, a low-income housing information policy and advocacy group.

Bautista told the American-Statesman, "Although I'm a political newcomer, I'm no political novice."

He has volunteered for groups such as MoveOutATX and the tenant-focused West Campus Neighborhood Association, according to his campaign website, and he was on the city's College Student Commission in 2021.

"I think I bring a fresh perspective and a lived experience that is contemporary with Austin," Bautista said.

He currently lives in the Allandale neighborhood, according to his website.

One of the biggest issues the City Council is currently debating is affordable housing. The policy that has come to the forefront is to amend the city's land development code to promote density and different kinds of developments, and much of that effort has been spearheaded by Pool.

As far as changes the city is looking to make now, Bautista said, "I think it's a small step in the right direction."

Bautista said that though he generally supports the proposed changes, he thinks anti-displacement measures need to be outlined in the policy.

"I would like the council to make that more of a priority and understand how we can better protect our communities while ... also making it easier to create housing," he said.

Bautista would like to promote more government transparency and community engagement and would support the creation of an emerging technologies commission.

"I think that this emerging technology commission is a great way to initiate this community conversation around these very important emerging technologies that have really real implications on ... how the future of Austin is developed," Bautista said.

Gary Bledsoe

Gary Bledsoe is a well-established lawyer, civil rights advocate, member of the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas board of directors and president of the Texas NAACP. He launched his bid for Austin’s District 7 City Council seat this summer, becoming the sixth candidate to vie for the position.

Bledsoe, 71, is running for the open City Council seat “to be part of the solution and make our city the best we can make it,” he told the Statesman in an interview. He said he has lived in what is now District 7 in since 1983.

“As the state moves really far to the right, we know that the solutions are going to have to come from the local communities,” Bledsoe said. “We're going to have to get together and solve our problems, because we can't expect others to do that.”

If elected, Bledsoe said some of his main priorities would be promoting government transparency and addressing affordability and displacement. He said he would advocate for a "roundtable" to gather people who may have different interests to discuss city issues and decisions.

Additionally, Bledsoe feels the current City Council has rushed some major pieces of policy, like the HOME initiative, to get federal funding. The city's timeline to pass the HOME initiative and other recently approved land development code changes was largely based on getting federal funding for Project Connect, city Planning Department Director Lauren Middleton-Pratt told the Planning Commission during an April 23 meeting.

"It's not that it wasn't the right thing to do, but you don't rush it because you're going to get a grant," Bledsoe said. "That's not a good idea."

He said, on a District 7-specific level, he would like to educate people about the HOME initiative and "how it will impact the neighborhood, how we can use it effectively."

Other priorities for Bledsoe would be ensuring there is a "workable and effective climate equity plan" and making sure there is "an effective Police Department to address crime."

Bledsoe, if elected to the District 7 City Council seat, would "be the first African American elected to the Austin City Council who didn't live east of I-35," he said in a written statement to the Statesman. "This is a next generation fight to break up what many still point to as a segregated system in which African Americans in Austin are suitable only to represent District 1."

Notably, inside Bledsoe's campaign team is Julie Oliver, a former congressional candidate and co-founder of Ground Game Texas, the nonprofit that helped get the initiative that decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana on several ballots across Texas, including in Austin. Oliver co-founded Ground Game Texas with another candidate for the District 7 seat, Mike Siegel.

Oliver was replaced as executive director of the nonprofit earlier this year. She did not respond to the Statesman's request for comment on her working for Bledsoe's campaign despite her long history working with Siegel by the publication's deadline on July 11, the date this story was updated with information regarding Bledsoe's candidacy.

Pierre Nguyễn

Pierre Nguyễn, 35, is a member of the city's Public Safety Commission and Asian American Quality of Life Commission, a firefighter and an EMT in Travis County, a U.S. Coast Guard reservist and a worker at the nonprofit American YouthWorks, a group that "connects young people with the tools and resources that we all need to reach career goals and achieve academic success," according to its website.

Nguyễn, who said he lives in the Walnut Creek neighborhood, told the American-Statesman he is running for the council seat because he wants "to be able to listen to people and be able to have their voices heard, especially those that are in underserved, underrepresented communities."

"We're all a community here in the city of Austin, and we should all be working together and listening to each other and reaching compromises so that we all can live in a safe and prosperous city," Nguyễn said.

As the city continues growing, Nguyễn said, one of the most important things is "building infrastructure that is going to provide growth."

He said he believes there is a reason Pool is heading up the initiative to promote housing density.

District 7 is experiencing "the challenges that downtown is having and the challenges that Rosedale and Hyde Park is having, but we're not experiencing the same level of support from city services," Nguyễn said.

Nguyễn said he would like to address the city's public transportation system.

"I'm a huge advocate for public transit," he said. "Our public transit system is not working."

Adam Powell

Adam Powell, a 29-year-old Austin-area native, launched his campaign in late November. Powell said he previously worked as a teacher recruiter, a union organizer and is a currently a SAFE Alliance board member and works with the North Shoal Creek Neighborhood Association, where he said he lives.

Powell told the Statesman that he is running for office because he wants to give back to the community.

"I’m running to represent District 7 because of my love for Austin and hope for its future,” Powell said in a news release announcing his candidacy.

According to his campaign website, Powell has also worked with groups like ReThink35 and the Shoal Creek Conservancy and uses social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to talk about Austin's history.

On housing affordability, Powell told the Statesman he wants to address the issue on all levels — including "subsidized affordable housing all the way through permanent supportive housing to make sure that we're reaching the most vulnerable population and ensuring everyone can exist and live in this community."

Additionally, Powell wants to address concerns about displacement and put in "robust anti-displacement policies."

Powell said on his campaign website that he supports public transit including the construction of Project Connect. He also seeks to address areas that are not accessible to bikers and pedestrians in District 7.

On the environment, Powell told the Statesman, "Every policy that I pursue needs to be environmentally sound the same way that it needs to be equitable."

Todd Shaw

Todd Shaw, 60, announced in early April that he is running for the District 7 City Council seat.

Shaw served for 6 years on the city's planning commission, three of which he was the chair, he said. He worked as an environmental engineer for Austin Energy for more than 30 years and currently works for the University of Texas at Austin as an environmental engineer overseeing several utility projects.

"Todd's decision to run for Council was driven by his observation of how deeply divided Austin hadbecome during the comprehensive changes to the land development code while serving on the Planning Commission," a press release announcing his candidacy said.

On issues related to the land development code, Shaw told the Statesman in an interview he supported phase one of the HOME initiative as it was making its way through the Planning Commission and on to the City Council.

On his campaign website, Shaw said he would support a complete overhaul of the land development code.

"But this time," he wrote, "it must be done in a way that gains a supermajority of council votes and broad community support."

He also spoke to the incremental changes Austin is making to it's land development code after failed attempts at a total overhaul, saying on his website the individual changes aren't sustainable.

"It exhausts our city’s staff, boards and commissions, and the public," Shaw said on his website. "The new code should prioritize density, particularly missing middle housing, which aligns with our Strategic Mobility Plan and Project Connect."

Some of his other priorities would be climate, homelessness, housing affordability and parkland, according to his website.

"I think I bring that talent and skill as an engineer, environmental engineer, and having knowledge of construction and infrastructure, and that's what kind of sets me apart from the other candidates," Shaw told the Statesman.

Mike Siegel

After two campaigns for Congress, 45-year-old Mike Siegel is making a bid for the City Council. Siegel, who has worked as an attorney for the city and co-founded the nonprofit Ground Game Texas, was the Democratic nominee for Texas' 10th Congressional District in 2018 and 2020 and was edged out both times by incumbent Republican Michael McCaul.

Ground Game Texas, Siegel said, "is a statewide advocacy organization, and we spent the last 2½ years basically organizing in cities across Texas on progressive issues, pushing things like marijuana reform."

Turing his sights toward being a local policymaker, Siegel said, "The City Council is a really important position that has a great ability to impact our lives in a positive way at the local level."

Some of the issues the city is facing are affordability and climate change, Siegel said.

On housing affordability, Siegel said, "This is something that we waited too long to address but we have to address now."

Siegel said he is generally in favor of Pool's HOME Initiative, which would allow for smaller single-family homes and more options for intergenerational living..

"I think there's a consensus in the city that we need to do something about housing and affordability, and that includes increasing the housing supply," Siegel said. "At the same time, I have to say that I do have considerable concerns about displacement."

Siegel said local governments need to push for more federal and state money to address housing affordability and homelessness, which is affecting more than 5,000 people in Austin.

"Even if you adopt the most aggressive land use reform, it's not going to solve the crisis, because the scope of the need is far greater than any additional housing that's going to be built as a result of Council Member Pool's measure, for example," Siegel said.

On climate, Siegel said the city of Austin has the opportunity to become a leader in Texas and the South by taking advantage of federal spending programs such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act and the Inflation Reduction Act.

"We are a city of innovation," Siegel said. "We lead in the technology sector, and I think we could really lead in the environmental sector."

Siegel, Shaw, Nguyễn, Powell, Bledsoe and Bautista have all appointed campaign treasurers and filed paperwork with the city. In that paperwork, each candidate indicated the elected position being sought. The first day to file in person for a place on the ballot for the Nov. 5 election is July 22. The last day is Aug. 19.” AAS ($)

OTHER NEWS

~ “Upgrades for South Lamar Boulevard aiming to increase energy capacity and ease traffic,” KVUE’s Kelsey Sanchez — “South Lamar Boulevard is one of Austin's busiest streets that is constantly riddled with traffic. And it's about to get worse. 

On July 14, crews with Austin Energy will start construction along the corridor, replacing utility poles and upgrading wires as part of the South Lamar Corridor Project. 

The purpose is to increase energy capacity, according to Austin Energy's Power System Managing engineer, John Powell.

Powell said 8,000 customers will benefit from the upgrades.

"It's the kind of service our customers expect," said Powell. "They expect that when they turn the lights on that they have power. And that's that's what this project will provide."

The project is merged with the city's Corridor Program Officer's Mobility Bond Project, which is set to enhance infrastructure to improve areas for drivers, pedestrians and people who use transit for transportation. 

But Powell said the first part starts with Austin Energy and will be broken up into three phases along South Lamar Boulevard. 

The phases will be done at the following areas:

• Phase One: West Oltorf Street to West Mary Street

• Phase Two: West Mary Street to Treadwell Street

• Phase Three: Treadwell Street to Barton Springs Road  

Powell said they should be completed by February with each phase taking one or two months to finish. The other portion of the project directed by the city will begin in January 2025. 

"Anyone who travels on South Lamar will notice the residential and commercial development that's occurred in that region. This project supports that growth," said Powell.

However, some who work in the area have qualms over the upcoming construction.

Margarito Arando has run the Sazon restaurant on South Lamar for roughly 18 years. He said he isn't 100% behind the project, as he fears it could affect business and cause more accidents along the road. 

"We're a small business and not necessarily a destination spot," said Aranda. "So people will stop on their way home -- leaving the office and whatnot. And with the extra stoppages, the cutting down to one lane or whatnot, people are just going to get ... they're not going to want to stop."

Aranda added, "I think all the added construction and any any lane closures that are eventually going to happen, it's just going to lead to more fender benders.

Powell noted that the department created a city-approved traffic control plan in an effort to best accommodate drivers and bicyclists. 

The overall goal is to support the explosive growth to the neighborhood, which Austin Energy noted is something they can't stop, but can get ahead of. 

"There's going to be growing pains between now and then, and we're just going to have to grin and bear it," said Aranda.” KVUE

BUSINESS NEWS

~ “Austin’s Barton Creek Square announces 5 new stores opening soon,” Austin American-Statesman’s Beck Andrew Salgado — “As the Barton Creek Square shopping center continues to adapt to an unpredictable market for malls and other shopping centers across the country, it has announced it is adding five new stores.

These stores will include everything from sit-down restaurants to mall classics. Here is everything you need to know about the new businesses that Barton Creek Square is betting on.

Chubby Cattle

The meat merchant, Chubby Cattle, is known as a premier meat restaurant and it currently operates 23 multi-concept restaurants in the U.S. Chubby Cattle is a relatively high-end restaurant that is known for its atmosphere, fresh ingredients, and most notably its top-quality Wagyu beef. It uses these elements to create traditional Asian cuisine from around the world in its many restaurants.

Chubby Cattle is expected to open at Barton Creek Square in 2025 and when it does it will be located on the upper level near Nordstrom.

Casper

Casper is a major player in the mattress market and gained popularity, after launching in 2014, for their mattress in a box that would ship straight to customer's doors. In Austin, the company will be pivoting to a brick-and-mortar space, of which they currently have 66.

Casper plans to open in September of this year and will be located on the lower level next to Warby Parker.

Fan Outfitters

Fan Outfitters is a popular destination for hats, jerseys, and fan apparel and is known for being placed in malls and other shopping centers. When Fan Outfitters opens it will carry officially licensed team sports gear across a variety of sports and leagues.

According to Modern Retailers, a retail news cite, Fan Outfitters is focused on growing rapidly this year. Only six months after launching, Fan Outfitters has 12 stores opened in cities like Phoenix, Dallas and now Austin. The sports store plans to open next month and will be located on the lower level across from Men’s Wearhouse.

Journeys Kidz

Journeys is a stalwart in malls and shopping centers across the country boasting over 1100 stores. The company already has a location in Barton Creek Square and it added a more kids-oriented location last month. The store offers shoes, apparel, backpacks, hats and accessories designed specifically for kids ranging from infants to tweens.

Journeys Kidz has already opened and can be found on the upper level next to the Lego store.

Perfume Gallery

Perfume Gallery is another popular brand in malls across America and is even more commonly located in Simon Property — the company that owns Barton Creek Square. When the Austin Perfume Gallery location opens it will be the company's first in the city.

Perfume Gallery will be opening this month and will be housed on the upper level across from JD Sports.” AAS ($)

~ “Dirty Martin’s Place marks 98 years as Austin’s beloved burger joint and UT hangout,” CBS Austin’s Monique Lopez — “It's a big day for an Austin staple and well-known University of Texas at Austin gathering place, as Dirty Martin's Place celebrates 98 years of business.

Through all the changes the city has seen over the years, the iconic business is still alive and kicking and they're celebrating all day.

“Somebody’s doing something right!” said Dirty Martin’s first-time customer Ava Reyna.

For nearly a century, Dirty Martin’s has been bringing people together in Austin.

“You have three counties sitting here,” said Nelli Aguirre of Hays County, who was at Dirty Martin’s with her two friends from Bastrop and Austin.

The iconic business opened its doors at 11 a.m., and people were already lining up for the delicious burgers and to celebrate the beloved bar’s milestone.

“I hope it means part of old Austin, because, you know, we’re one of the oldest businesses, really, I think of any kind,” said Dirty Martin’s owner Mark Nemir. “We’re very, very appreciative of everyone’s support, always have been.”

Long-revered as a University of Texas at Austin hangout

“I would argue that Dirty’s is the number one UT hangout,” said David Bales, who has been stopping by Dirty Martin’s for 45 years.

Customers like Charlie Schotz, who had been frequenting the hamburger joint even before his own UT days, shared fond memories of the place.

“I came here when I was just out of high school – not old enough to drink, but we were old enough to pretend we were old enough!” he said.

It's a place where everybody knows your name.

“It’s kinda like that old Cheers show, you know, Norm; you wanna go where everybody knows your name,” said Bales.

And it's come a long way from a single flat top grill and dirt floors when it opened in 1926. However, an upcoming light rail system called Project Connect that would run through the property threatens to tear down the establishment.

“We are, again, very, very grateful that we are here,” said Nemir. We hope to be here next year, and the year after that, and the year after that, and the year after that, but it’s very much unclear, as far as Project Connect goes.”

Just the thought of this historic place no longer being here is unimaginable for its new and loyal longtime guests.

“It would be tragic,” said patron Debbie Galloway.

For now, people are just happy to celebrate this longstanding Austin staple, sharing great food, great memories, and great times with great people in a spot that oozes the nostalgia of old Austin.

“I hope they make it another 98 years, and I’m sure they will,” Bales said.

Dirty Martin's also offered a cake-cutting and free mini milkshakes at 7 p.m.” CBS Austin

SPORTS

~ TEXAS ATHLETICS: “UT takes fight to keep athletes’ sexual misconduct records private to Texas Supreme Court,” Austin American-Statesman’s Bayliss Wagner — “Five years after the American-Statesman sued the University of Texas for records on students who were disciplined for violence and sexual misconduct, and two years after an appellate court ordered the records released, the school is taking its fight to withhold the information to the state Supreme Court.

Set for a hearing Oct. 1, the case may decide whether public universities in Texas can protect the names of students found responsible for such offenses through campus disciplinary proceedings — and could have broader ramifications for public information access in the state, experts say.

The Statesman requested the records from UT and UT-El Paso in 2019 as part of a USA Today investigation into college athletes who were able to continue playing Division I sports after being found responsible for violent, criminal or sexual misconduct.

While fewer than 40 of the 226 U.S. schools contacted by USA Today produced disciplinary records, the investigation revealed that at least 33 student-athletes had been able to transfer schools and walk onto the field sometimes just months after being charged with crimes or being found responsible for violating school policies on violence and sexual harassment or assault.

The newspaper asked the schools for three pieces of information as authorized for release by the federal Family Education Records and Privacy Act, or FERPA: the name of each student found responsible for a violent offense or sexual misconduct, the violation committed and any punishment imposed.

While FERPA makes most aspects of student records confidential, Congress amended the law in 1998 to allow federally funded universities to disclose those records.

“If students do not know about violent offenders in their college community, how will they know how to protect themselves?” U.S. Rep. Bill Goodling, R-Pennsylvania, said during floor debate on the provision.

The Statesman did not request the names of students who were accused but not found responsible of any violation, nor did it request the names of students who were in the middle of their disciplinary proceedings. FERPA does not allow federally funded schools to release such information.

In response to the Texas Public Information Act requests, UT-El Paso released the records. UT-Austin, home of the third-highest-ranked football program in the country, denied the request.

The Statesman and its parent company, then Gatehouse (which later merged with Gannett), sued UT for the records in 2019.

Both an Austin state District Court and the 8^th Court of Appeals in El Paso ruled in the Statesman's favor. Justice Gina Palafox, a Democrat, wrote that the information contained in the disciplinary records "is directly related to the safety of students on campus" and "is of significant public interest" in the appellate court's majority opinion.

Another Democratic justice joined the majority opinion, while Justice Jeff Alley, a Republican, dissented.

In asking the Texas Supreme Court to overturn the appellate court's ruling, UT — which is being defended by the Texas attorney general’s office — argues that student privacy concerns outweigh the public’s right to access state records.

"The release of that information threatens to expose students to public scrutiny and humiliation," Assistant Solicitor General Kyle Highful wrote in UT’s merits brief. "That includes students who were accused of sexual violations and who were not afforded the protections of a criminal trial."“ AAS ($)

~ TEXAS FOOTBALL: “Why Texas legend Vince Young refused to take Reggie Bush’s 2005 Heisman Trophy,” Austin American-Statesman’s Caleb Yum — “The 2006 BCS National Championship game is one of the greatest games in college football history. Not only because of the level of play between the two teams, but because it also featured Texas QB Vince Young and USC RB Reggie Bush — the runner-up and winner in that year's Heisman Trophy race.

That year's race was controversial not just because of the strong contingent of fans that believed Young deserved the trophy, but also because of what happened after. Once it was discovered that Bush received weekly payments and rent-free housing for himself and his family, he was stripped of his award.

What Young did afterward is something that Bush has never forgotten.

"When penalties were happening and the Heisman Trust stripped me of the Heisman Trophy, one of the things that they did was they went to Vince and they asked him if he wanted the trophy," Bush said in an appearance on the All the Smoke podcast. "Vince says to the Heisman Trust, 'that's Reggie's trophy.'"

You got to think, first of all, he just beat us. So they on top of the world. They just took down the No. 1 team. He would have every right or in that moment, if he wanted to, to be like 'Absolutely. Let me get that."

Young was on top of the college football world in 2006 and led Texas to one of the most legendary wins in football history. During the Heisman ceremony, he was obviously miffed when he realized he hadn't won the award, so Young likely felt some way about losing to Bush.

The USC RB eventually got the Heisman back some years later. Regardless, the respect that Young had for Bush and what they both achieved in that game was bigger than the trophy. Young and his rival went head to head, creating a piece of history that will stand the test of time.

"That respect and that bond you create on the battlefield, on the football field. You can't break that," Bush said.” AAS ($)

~ TEXAS BASEBALL: “Kayson Cunningham, the No. 1 baseball recruit in Texas, commits to Texas Longhorns,” Austin American-Statesman’s Caleb Yum — “Texas baseball's hot recruiting stretch just hit another high, with Kayson Cunningham announcing his commitment to the Longhorns on Thursday afternoon.

A San Antonio product that currently attends Johnson High School, Cunningham is rated as one of the best baseball recruits in the nation and the singular best in Texas. The rising senior is Baseball America's No. 8 prospect in the class of 2025.

Cunningham has a career batting average of .445 and a 6.53 60-yard dash at 5-foot-10 and 178 pounds. He could be a key addition for a Texas baseball team that's entering the SEC, a conference loaded with baseball talent.

Ever since he's been hired, coach Jim Schlossnagle has been tackling high school recruiting and the transfer portal with a vengeance. While he's mainly been focused on shoring up pitching and gearing up for the 2024-25 season, this win shows he's also paying attention to the future as well.

The risk in Cunningham, however, is that he may be too good. If he performs up to his 2024 standard and raises his national ranking this coming season, there is a chance that he's selected high enough in the MLB draft that he forgoes his commitment.” AAS ($)

~ TEXAS BASEBALL: “Texas baseball announced as part of the 2025 Las Vegas College Baseball CLassic Field,” Austin American-Statesman’s Ehsan Kassim — “Texas baseball continues beefing up its schedule in its first year in the SEC.

The 2025 Las Vegas College Baseball Classic Field was announced on Thursday and the Longhorns are scheduled to be one of the four teams to play at Las Vegas Ballpark for the second annual event on Feb. 28 to March 2, 2025. Texas will also face off against Texas Tech, Illinois, and Washington at the home of the Las Vegas Aviators ― the Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics.

“We are excited to be back for a second year of the Las Vegas Classic at Las Vegas Ballpark,” said vice president of Peak Events Nathan Wooldridge in a press release. ”Next year’s lineup showcases some of the top teams in the country with great storylines, including a matchup between former conference foes Texas and Texas Tech, plus new Big Ten rivals Washington and Illinois. It is going to be a fun weekend of baseball, and we look forward to providing a great experience for everyone who can make it out to the ballpark!” 

The inaugural event was played in 2024, with Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Oklahoma, and California participating. This year's event will feature a weekend tournament with two games per day in a round-robin format. All six games of the Las Vegas Classic will be streamed exclusively via D1Baseball.com. 

“We’re thrilled to have the Las Vegas Classic back at Las Vegas Ballpark next year,” said Don Logan, the Las Vegas Aviators' president and chief operations officer. “Our award-winning Ballpark is an ideal location and venue for a top-notch collegiate baseball tournament, and we’re ready to welcome teams and fans from around the country for what will be a great weekend of baseball.” 

The Longhorns are coming off an appearance in the College Station Regional in the NCAA Baseball Tournament. After being knocked out by rival Texas A&M, which advanced to the College World Series, Texas hired away coach Jim Schlossnagle as it heads into its first year in the SEC.

Matchups for each day of the tournament will be announced at a later date.

Texas opens the 2025 baseball season at Globe Life Field

The Longhorns will also play in an MLB stadium during the 2025 season. Texas is scheduled to open the season in The Shriners Children’s College Showdown returns at Globe Life Field ― the home of the 2023 World Series Champion Texas Rangers ― from Feb. 14-16, 2025.

The Longhorns will be joined by Arizona, Clemson, Louisville, Oklahoma State and Ole Miss. A full schedule has not been released for the tournament, so it's not known who Texas will play.

Texas baseball SEC schedule

While the 2025 SEC baseball schedule is not yet available, the Longhorns will play Texas A&M and Oklahoma on their schedule, as the Aggies and Sooners are their two permanent opponents in SEC play. The matchup with A&M will be intriguing, with Schlossnagle leaving the Aggies for the Longhorns earlier this offseason after a College World Series final berth with Texas A&M.” AAS ($)

~ AUSTIN FC: “Austin FC vs. Seattle Sounders: Our preview and prediction are in,” Austin American-Statesman’s Colby Gordon — “From a roster standpoint, things will only get better from here on out for Austin FC. 

With the return of midfielder Dani Pereira from national-team duty with Venezuela in Copa America and forward Diego Rubio from suspension for Saturday’s home game vs. the Seattle Sounders and the impending availability of new signings midfielder Osman Bukari and defender Mikkel Desler, the club’s season-long theme of being short-handed is over. 

Though the Verde & Black still won’t have a near-complete roster until July 20 when Bukari and Desler can step on the field at Q2 Stadium vs. Charlotte, head coach Josh Wolff will have lineup options for Saturday and Wednesday’s game at Dallas — something that couldn’t be said multiple times the last few months. 

Here’s what you need to know about the club’s second meeting of the season vs. the Sounders as Austin FC (8-8-6, 30 points) will try and extend its good form at home while cooling off one of the hottest teams in the MLS in the process:

Pereira's return a boost

Pereira’s six-week absence — he hasn’t played for Austin FC since June 1 — showed that, after Sebastián Driussi, he’s arguably the team’s most important player. 

Apart from a good showing in a 1-1 draw vs. LAFC, the Verde & Black drastically missed Pereira’s ability to direct play and be an offensive threat, with their wins over Minnesota and New York City FC coming in contests where they were outplayed for long stretches. 

Pereira didn’t see the field during Copa America and should be fresh, which will not only allow Wolff to possibly use him for 90 minutes, but also give the club depth at several spots on the field with Owen Wolff freed up to either start at winger or come off the bench at multiple positions. 

“We’ve missed Dani,” Wolff said. “He is a different player for us. When we have the ball, we instantly become more fluid and certainly believable in our buildup (when he’s on the field). … Having his quality is a good thing, and obviously having extra bodies is as well.”

Zardes hopes to keep the goals coming

Forward Gyasi Zardes had his best game in two years with the club Saturday when he scored twice to lead Austin FC to a 2-1 win over New York City FC.

And despite moving into the top 10 of MLS career goals with 105 and having been in the league for more than a decade, he said the thrill of seeing the ball hit the back of the net never gets old.

"It's one of the best feelings in the world," said Zardes, who has played with four different MLS clubs since joining the league in 2013. "As a striker, you want to score goals, but most importantly you want to help your team."

Zardes may not be the player he was five years ago — and he's taken heat in this space for his lack of production while being on a large salary — but he's always been good in the air and his form seems to have ticked up the last month. If he can provide a consistent threat the rest of the season, it will be an immeasurable benefit to the club.

Keep an eye on… 

Center back and right-side winger. 

For one of the few times since the preseason — and a glaring reversal from last year when it played eight different players at center back — Austin FC has roster competition. 

Wolff will have to decide who starts between Leo Väisänen, Brendan Hines-Ike and Julio Cascante at center back, while choosing between Ethan Finlay and Owen Wolff on the right side. 

The good news is that there are no bad choices as all the players have mostly been solid this season. 

New acquisitions live up to billing

Bakari is known for his speed, which is something he’s displayed since he and Desler were able to join practices on July 1. 

Both Wolff and Zardes said Thursday that Bakari's been even more impressive in person than what they saw of him on film. 

“The unique qualities he has are quite exciting,” Josh Wolff said. “His acceleration is exceptionally good. He’ll make it challenging on people on the right side, and his quality on the ball is quite clear. … That will allow us to move some guys into different areas, and I see things that make (lineup possibilities) really enticing.”  

Bakari seems a lock to start on July 20, the first game after the summer transfer window officially opens July 18, but Desler may take more time to see significant minutes. He hasn’t played since mid-May and took time off to get married, while his adjustment to the Austin heat may take longer coming from playing in France and Denmark. He also plays the same position as Jon Gallagher, who has been solid at the spot for nearly two years. 

Still, he’s also made an impression since arriving. 

“Desler has great linkup play running up and down the wings,” Zardes said. “They’re both exciting players and there are exciting times ahead.”

A glance at Seattle

After a slow start, the Sounders have shot up the Western Conference standings the last six weeks thanks to a 5-1-2 stretch where they’ve compiled 17 points. If you include U.S. Open Cup matches, they’re 7-1-2 in that time frame and just advanced to the semifinals of that competition after a 2-1 win Tuesday over USL side Sacramento. 

It should be noted that of the five MLS opponents they've beaten in that stretch, none would currently qualify for the playoffs. 

Seattle is led by forward and former United States men’s national team player Jordan Morris (eight goals), midfielder Albert Rusnak (four goals, 10 assists) and forward Raúl Ruidíaz (eight goals). 

Austin FC predicted starting lineup

Forward: Gyasi Zardes

Midfield: Jadér Obrian, Dani Pereira, Sebastián Driussi, Alex Ring, Ethan Finlay

Defense: Guilherme Biro, Leo Väisänen, Brendan Hines-Ike, Jon Gallagher

Goalie: Brad Stuver

Austin FC vs. Seattle Sounders prediction

Austin FC 2, Seattle 1: The Verde & Black have been good at home going 6-2-3, and I expect that to continue with the return of Pereira and Rubio. The Sounders have yet to play an MLS opponent in hot weather — their game in Houston last month saw temperatures in the mid-70s — and though it will only be in the upper 80s Saturday night, expect that and the humidity to play a factor. 

Saturday's match

Austin FC (8-8-6, 30 points) vs. Seattle Sounders (8-7-7, 31 points), 7:30 p.m., Q2 Stadium, Apple TV, 97.5, 104.3 (Spanish)” AAS ($)

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND

~ LIVE MUSIC: FRI: New Kids on the Block (Germania Amphitheatre, Austin). Doors 6pm, Show 7pm. $25 and up. Info

~ LIVE MUSIC: FRI: Gary P. Nunn (Gruene Hall, Gruene, TX). Doors 7pm. $30 and up. Info (a few tickets remain)

~ EDM / HOUSE: FRI/SAT: Mayan Warrior I & II (Concourse Project). Fri 9pm info. Sat 9pm info. $50 and up.

~ COMEDY: SAT/SUN: Ellen Degeneres (ACL Live, Austin). Show 8pm. $55 and up. Info

~ FOOD: Review: “Journey to a night market at Lao’d Bar, one of Austin’s best new restaurants” AAS ($) Restaurant website

~ COOL OFF: No reservations are needed at the brand new Cabana Club (IG here), a day club in East Austin. Go see GM Matt Napoli and tell him ATX Pulse and Matt Mackowiak sent you.

COOL JOB ALERT

~ATTORNEY (I): Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Compensation: $5,432/month. Apply here.