ATX Pulse 9/8-11/26 (free): Will Austin Ban Flock Cameras? // AISD Financial Rating Declines // Watson: Close Schools to Avoid TEA Takeover // Austin's 1 Hotel Opens

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

Compiled by Matt Mackowiak

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FEATURED SPONSOR: Austin Polo Lounge

The newest bar on 6th street has opened in a soft launch.

It’s called Austin Polo Lounge, an upscale cocktail lounge just 100 feet from the entrance to the historic Driskill Hotel.

Current website: AustinPoloLounge.com.

Located at 217 E. 6th Street (6th street between Brazos and San Jacinto), Austin Polo Lounge offers high end cocktails and several beer options, TVs for football (with sound), and is the perfect place to watch the Longhorns, college football or NFL, or grab happy hour drinks with friends or colleagues at the end of the week.

Austin Polo Lounge is open Thursday through Sunday and has private event space that can handle up to 150 guests on the main floor and 120 guests upstairs.

To learn more or book a private event, email [email protected].

WEATHER

Today: H: 100° / L: 79°. Mostly sunny. 20% chance of rain.

Tuesday: H: 102° / L: 78°. Mostly sunny. 10% chance of rain.

Wednesday: H: 100° / L: 77°. Mostly sunny. 10% chance of rain.

Thursday: H: 98° / L: 77°. Mostly sunny. 20% chance of rain.

Friday: H: 98° / L: 75°. Mostly sunny.

TOP NEWS

"Central Texas is rejecting Flock license plate readers. What will Austin do?" via AAS – At least five more Central Texas cities have moved to end or pause their use of Flock Safety’s automated license plate reader cameras in recent weeks, adding momentum to a backlash against the company — and the surveillance technology it sells — that has spread from local privacy advocates to the governor’s office.

The latest wave began Aug. 25 in Pflugerville, where the City Council voted to cancel the city's contract with Flock after a resident requested logs showing which outside law enforcement agencies had searched the city’s data. The following week, after Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state agencies to stop spending money on Flock cameras, officials in Bastrop, Elgin, Manor and Leander moved to sever ties with the company.

Flock Safety makes license plate scanning cameras used by police departments. But the state says Flock Safety has been operating in Texas as a private security business without a license. In Austin, officials had already decided to part ways with Flock. But leaders have also not ruled out contracting with another vendor—or rejected license-plate-reader technology altogether. (AAS)

"AISD's financial rating slips as deficit lands at $105M" via CIN – Austin ISD's budget deficit for the 2025-26 school year landed at $105 million, and the district's financial rating dropped to a B for the first time since at least 2017, Superintendent Matias Segura and Chief Financial Officer Katrina Montgomery told the board Aug. 27.

The shortfall grew throughout the year, per district data: $19 million at adoption, $121 million after a mid-year amendment and $105 million in the final unaudited number, $86 million higher than first approved. That drop pulled the district's fund balance down to 8.8% for 2025-26, well below the 15.21% target set at adoption , per district data.

The district's Financial Integrity Rating , a state financial-health score separate from academic grades, fell from a 95/100 last year to an 88 this year. The drop came down to a single pass-fail measure comparing staffing levels to enrollment declines, Katrina Montgomery said.

Pressed by AISD board member David Kaufman on whether AISD disputes that fewer students should mean less staff, Katrina Montgomery said the district disagrees with how certain staff, including some special education positions, are classified in the state's formula. The district plans to appeal. (CIN)

"Lakeway parents race to find treatment for their son's ultra-rare disease" via AAS – Marissa Blomstrom adjusts an oxygen tube under her son Everett's nose in their Lakeway home. Everett is one of 50 people in the world fighting an ultra-rare neurodegenerative genetic condition, the hexokinase 1 mutation.

Everett Blomstrom loves to listen to Elmo songs from "Sesame Street" and music from "The Lion King." He's got things to say, but he just doesn't know how to say them. And he loves to be cuddled by his mom, Marissa Blomstrom, and his oma, Tina Blomstrom.

At almost 2 years old, Everett hasn't hit the typical toddler milestones or even some the typical infant milestones. His home in Lakeway isn't baby-proofed, but it is filled with medical equipment like a suction machine, oxygen tanks and a pulse oximeter. And it's filled with love and determination that his medical condition isn't Everett's whole story.

"I feel like he's going to do all the things one day," said Marissa Blomstrom. "He's going to run and play and jump one day." Everett is one of only 50 people in the world who has a mutation on his hexokinase 1 gene. There are no treatments available to stop his hexokinase gene from causing his body to atrophy. (AAS)

"‘Making private wealth work for public good’: Austin to start imposing new fees for private planes" via Austin Current – Austin plans to charge new fees on private and other corporate planes touching down at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, a move city leaders say will make private aviation shoulder more of the airport’s infrastructure costs.

The new fees and revenue, Council Member Vanessa Fuentes says, are intended to make “private wealth work for public good,” as an increasingly busy airport undergoes a multibillion-dollar expansion and renovation.

But the new changes would extend beyond private jets Fuentes has targeted. They would also apply to smaller general aviation aircraft, raising concerns that an effort aimed at wealthy travelers could increase costs for recreational pilots, flight students, and other pilots paying out of pocket.

As early as Oct. 1, pilots of non-commercial aircraft could start paying a new landing fee, higher hangar rental fees and a higher fuel rate. The new fees are expected to generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in new revenue for the airport, but general aviation advocates warn they could have unintended consequences for pilots of modest aircraft who lack the financial resources associated with luxury private jet owners, according to Tom Chandler, a regional manager with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. (Austin Current)

"UT Austin construction: Where 5 major buildings and renovations stand" via AAS – The University of Texas is getting a makeover. As thousands flock to campus this fall to start class, they’ll navigate ongoing Forty Acres construction projects – including new buildings and major renovations. UT President Jim Davis, who formerly oversaw campus operations, has pledged to increase the operational efficiency of campus, including by chipping away at aging buildings’ hefty deferred maintenance needs.

The projects worth $2.4 billion – include two new academic buildings, new housing and the restoration of the famous UT tower. A new medical campus in the works will cost another $5 billion to complete.

The University of Texas is partnering with MD Anderson Cancer Center to build two specialty hospitals by 2030. The $5 billion project – funded in part by a $750 million donation from the Dell family – is aimed at expanding advanced and specialty health care in Central Texas. It builds on the launch of UT’s Dell Medical School in 2009. (AAS)

"Austin's newest luxury hotel is now open in Texas' tallest tower" via AAS – Visitors to Austin — or curious Austinites — can now spend the night in the tallest building in Texas. 1 Hotel Austin officially opened Thursday inside Waterline, the new downtown Austin skyscraper that recently became the tallest building in the state. The 252-room hotel is the first Texas location for 1 Hotels, a luxury hotel brand founded by hospitality executive Barry Sternlicht.

The hotel brand has put sustainability at the center of its pitch for the Austin property, from reusable items in guest rooms to its working apiary, or bee yard. The hotel is part of the massive mixed-use Waterline development at 98 Red River St. The 1,025-foot tower also includes apartments, office space, restaurants and retail.

Its 252 rooms include 60 suites, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out toward Lady Bird Lake, Waller Creek or the downtown skyline, depending on its orientation. Every room features filtered water taps, reusable glassware and yoga mats, and minibars include products from local Austin businesses such as Desnudo Coffee, Austin Pretzel Co. and Wildflower Caramels. (AAS)

"Red River for sale: Will Austin's downtown music district survive?" via AAS – The announcement that the building across the street housing venues Elysium and The 13th Floor is for sale might have twisted the knife for Austin music lovers, following news of metal club Valhalla’s closure in less than 60 days. 701-713 Red River St. was listed for sale on Sept. 1, with an asking price of $4.1 million for the 8,200-square-foot property. No potential buyers have been named, and it is unclear if the space will remain a music venue.

Elysium owner John Wickham has been a pivotal figure for decades, and James Moody, owner of Mohawk, told the Statesman that John Wickham is the heart and soul of the street. Wickham did not respond to requests for comment, and The 13th Floor co-owner Jake Garcia declined to comment for this story.

The section of Downtown Austin around Red River Street between Sixth Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard has long been an epicenter of Austin's music scene. In a conversation in June, Valhalla co-owner Seth Levy recalled vibrant nightlife defined by live music throughout the early 2000s and 2010s. Bars like Red Eye Fly, Room 710, Beerland, and Emo’s eventually closed or left the area, while legacy clubs such as Stubb’s and Mohawk remain.

Max Epstein, bass player in the Los Angeles hardcore band Militarie Gun, has performed at the Mohawk, and Eva Hendricks, lead singer of the band Charly Bliss, has performed at Cheer Up Charlie’s. City Councilmember Zo Qadri told the Statesman that Austin is known for its live music and culture scene, and every day we see our cultural fabric deteriorate with the loss of beloved venues. District leaders have been pushing the city to implement a package of incentives that could keep and foster those live music venues that do so much to promote the cultural vitality of Austin, John Wickham told the Statesman in June. (AAS)

"Fall allergy season is here in Austin. What’s worst in the air now?" via AAS – Ragweed pollen is wreaking havoc with allergies in Austin. School is back in session, and with kids spending their days in the classroom, plenty of germs are sure to be passed around. Symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and coughing can leave parents wondering: Is it early fall allergies or something more?

While the guessing game continues in your household, it is worth noting that Central Texas boasts a menu of airborne allergens during the fall season. Tree, grass, and weed pollens can overlap with mold, dust mites, pet dander, and other indoor allergens.

“Different plants are genetically programmed to pollinate at different times of the year,” said Dr. Robert Butler, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Austin ENT Clinic. “From the plant’s perspective, they wait until a change occurs in the temperature, humidity, or even hours of daylight. Weather can influence the prosperity of these plants and how much of their pollen is transported into the air we breathe.”

Currently, weed pollen and mold are the highest allergens, both in the moderate category. Grass, ragweed, and tree pollen remain at lower levels, according to AustinPollen.com. This fall, ragweed and mold will likely remain the biggest allergy concerns, with cedar pollen possibly starting earlier than usual, That’s because we are settling into a wetter and stormier fall and winter pattern, influenced by the strong El Niño climate pattern. (AAS)

"The Receipts: Austin tenants report issues, struggle to get help from property management" via KEYE – When repairs pile up and property managers don’t respond, some Austin renters say they’re left living with problems they can’t get fixed and unsure where to turn next.

Tenants at multiple apartment complexes across Austin said they have struggled with issues including air conditioning failures, electrical problems, broken appliances, and water leaks, along with what they describe as a lack of communication from property management. Miles Gratz, a tenant at Anderson Flats, said he wants basic communication from his property management company. “Please! Respond. Just give me a courtesy notice on the door,” Gratz said.

Gratz was among tenants who contacted CBS Austin after earlier reporting on concerns at ATX Tower downtown. Residents there said they have dealt with window panes falling, water leaks, and air conditioning problems. “I don't feel very safe anymore, and it's just proven to become unlivable,” a resident named Nat said.

After that report, tenants at other complexes said they were experiencing similar issues. Multiple tenants at properties managed by G & B Property Management said they have had problems with air conditioning, electricity, and appliances, but said the biggest issue has been getting someone to respond. “Sometimes it just feels like you’re typing into the void,” said Collin Taylor, a tenant at Eastwood Apartments. At Anderson Flats, tenant Nia Delmast said, “The electricity in our bedroom is completely out except for one outlet, and our dryer doesn’t work, and our AC doesn’t reliably work either.” Gratz said he has tried repeatedly to reach management. Mike Siegel, who represents District 7 and sits on the city’s Housing and Planning Committee, said, “You have the right to good conditions in your apartment.” (KEYE)

"After fire, Perla’s and other businesses remain closed" via KXAN – AUSTIN — Firefighters quickly extinguished a fire Sunday evening at Perla’s restaurant on South Congress Avenue after employees discovered flames in a kitchen vent hood and evacuated the building, according to the Austin Fire Department. A box alarm was reported at about 6:15 p.m. at Perla’s, located at 1400 S. Congress Ave.

Callers reported seeing black smoke and flames coming from the roof, according to AFD. Scout Harrison, Belen Gonzales and Eleanor Calver were driving down South Congress Sunday when they saw the smoke and flashing lights. “There was like firefighters, EMS trucks, and like police,” said Eleanor Calver, 16, who snapped a photo. “There was a lot of people.”

“And we were like very confused on what was happening,” her friend, Scout Harrison, added. Employees told firefighters they had found a fire in the restaurant’s vent hood and promptly evacuated the building. A sign outside Perla’s says it will be closed “until further notice” and apologized for the inconvenience. (KXAN)

"Austin shelter asks Major's owner to say goodbye before euthanasia" via AAS – Austin officials are attempting to arrange a final visit this week between Major, a dog that has spent more than 525 days in isolation at the city shelter, and his owner Shane Lilly as public outrage mounts over a court order requiring the city to euthanize the animal.

The city said in a statement Tuesday it must “move forward with complying with the court order” after a judge denied a last-minute appeal from Lilly, who has spent more than a year fighting the case in four courts.

Lilly said he’s unsure what he’s going to do and is exhausted after representing himself throughout the legal battle. “I don’t really get up anymore,” Shane Lilly said, noting that he relied on Major for companionship and assistance with some physical tasks, such as opening doors. (AAS)

"Federal judge temporarily blocks Austin from euthanizing Major the dog" via AAS – A federal judge has granted a temporary restraining order blocking Austin from euthanizing Major, a dog who has been held in isolation at the Austin Animal Center for more than 500 days as the owner has fought a court order to put down the animal because of aggression issues.

In his latest legal maneuver, Shane Lilly filed a federal disability lawsuit arguing that the 3-year-old Belgian Malinois is a service animal trained to help him manage a traumatic brain injury and seizure disorder. The petition requested an immediate order blocking Major’s impending euthanization, which the city had delayed as it attempted to arrange a final visit between owner and dog . Filings show Lilly had been asked to come to the shelter at 9 a.m. Friday.

Senior U.S. District Judge David Alan Ezra granted Lilly’s request Thursday afternoon, overriding a previous judge’s euthanization order in a case that started with a dog bite in March 2025 and wound its way to the Texas Supreme Court with Lilly representing himself.

The case, first reported by the American-Statesman last week, has generated significant public outrage with more than 10,000 people signing an online petition calling for Major to be freed. Even Willie Nelson, known for his animal advocacy, has weighed in, warning the city that the way it handles the case “will have a lasting effect on your relationship with the people of Austin.” (AAS)

"Austin, LCRA to lower Lake Austin 10 feet this fall, businesses brace for hit" via KEYE – Lake Austin businesses are bracing for impact this fall as lake season is being cut short for a lake drawdown.

In August, the Lower Colorado River Authority and the city of Austin announced they will begin lowering Lake Austin for maintenance and shoreline cleanup. The process is set to begin on Oct. 12 and finish Nov. 30. The LCRA said the lake will lower by about one foot each week until the lake is 10 feet lower.

"Property owners may take advantage of exposed lakebed areas to repair shoreline structures, dredge boat slips, remove debris and manage nuisance vegetation," the agency said in the announcement. (KEYE)

THE BLOTTER

"Austin drug case: DEA seeks yacht, planes and Lake Travis mansion" via AAS – The house at 6412 Lantern View Drive overlooking Lake Travis — which rents for $21,500 a month — is among the assets being targeted for forfeiture by federal authorities as part of what they say is a multi-state drug trafficking case.

At least 14 people have been charged in connection with what federal narcotics authorities have dubbed the Valle Drug Trafficking Organization in Austin, a group with luxury assets including a yacht, aircraft and Lake Travis mansion targeted for forfeiture.

According to filings in the case in U.S. District Court, Valle was active in at least six states from March 2022 until December. (AAS)

"Minor tried as adult gets 40 years after 2020 murder" via KXAN – A now 21-year-old man was sentenced to serve 40 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of a 2020 murder in Kyle. Isaac Arispe was 15 years old at the time of the December 2020 murder of Christopher Trevino, and he was certified to stand trial as an adult, according to the Hays County District Attorney's Office.

The DA's office said Isaac Arispe arranged to buy drugs from Christopher Trevino's younger sister and messaged "other friends and family asking for bullets and stating that he planned on robbing someone."

During the trial, the DA's office said Christopher Trevino's sister testified, saying Isaac Arispe pointed a gun at her and then shot Christopher Trevino in the chest when he ran over to help her.

When considering Isaac Arispe's sentence, the DA's office said the judge heard evidence from corrections officers and staff about several incidents he was involved in, including assaulting other inmates and possessing dangerous contraband. (KXAN)

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