ATX PULSE 11/11/24 (free) (sponsored by No Scrubs): Staffing Issues Causing Flight Delays at ABIA // Veterans Day Parade to be Held Downtown This Morning // BigCommerce Starts Layoffs Amid Restructuring // #5 Texas Routs Florida, Moves up to #3

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2024

Compiled by Matt Mackowiak

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TODAY’S WEATHER

H: 85° / L: 56°. Sunny week ahead. Latest forecast from Fox 7 Austin’s Leslie London here.

TOP NEWS

“Staffing issues cause delays with arriving flights at Austin airport,” KVUE’s Jeff Bell — “Arriving flights at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) are facing delays on Sunday afternoon as the airport deals with staffing issues with air traffic controllers.

According to the FAA, a “traffic management program” is in effect for air traffic arriving into the airport. This is causing some arriving flights to be delayed an average of 36 minutes, the FAA said. Traffic into the airport will be slowed until 11 p.m.

Travelers are encouraged to check flight arrival times with AUS or with their airline.

As the airport continues the process of expanding in an effort to accommodate growth and a rise in passenger traffic, the airport is struggling to fill empty positions.

As of Aug. 1, AUS had an 18% vacancy rate compared to the 38% the airport saw in January 2023, according to an airport spokesperson. At that time, there were 121 open positions, which were in "various stages of the recruitment process."“

In a statement, the airport said it is doing everything in its power to attain the employees needed:

"We are doing everything we can to hire Department of Aviation employees to support current operations, deliver the expansion, and when the time comes, staff the future operations of an expanded AUS.” KVUE

“Phase 1 of Violet Crown Trail complete, connecting Zilker Park to Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center,” KVUE’s Jeff Bell — “On Saturday, the first phase of Austin's Violet Crown Trail was completed.

City leaders, along with the community, celebrated the new 13-mile stretch of trail connecting Zilker Park and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

The project, which has been 18 years in the making, is all about preserving the Hill Country.

"Ultimately, this trail is even going to pass through land that we purchased back in the late ‘90s, early 2000s to protect water quality and to protect the hill, and then everybody will be able to enjoy it," said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson.

The project has three phases and will ultimately stretch for 30 miles when it's all complete.

The Hill Country Conservancy is calling this Central Texas's first regional trail system.” KVUE

“City of Austin to honor Veterans Day with downtown parade Monday; details, traffic impacts,” KXAN’s Abigail Jones — “The city of Austin will host its annual Veterans Day Parade downtown Monday morning to honor the federal holiday.

The city and the Austin Veterans Parade Foundation are hosting the 69th annual parade Monday starting at 9:30 a.m.

Community members and organizations will march from the South Congress Avenue Bridge to the Capitol complex at 11th Street and Congress Avenue.

A memorial ceremony will take place at the south steps of the Capitol after the parade, according to organizers.

Parade organizers are encouraging people to carpool, take CapMetro transportation, use micro-transit like scooters or CapMetro Bikeshare or utilize the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.

A map of the parade route and street closures and downtown parking options are available to help attendees plan ahead of time.

Austin first responders will be working together to create a safe environment where people can enjoy the parade, organizers said in a release. The Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department and Austin-Travis County EMS will be there.” KXAN

THE BLOTTER

“FBI investigating racist texts reportedly circulating around Austin,” KVUE’s John Diaz — “The FBI has launched an investigation into reports of racist texts circulating around Austin.

A screenshot of the text from a concerned Austinite claims the recipient has been picked to be a slave at their nearest plantation by a "Trump representative."

The texts reportedly started the day after the election and come from unknown sources. Each message varies, but they all appear to ask the recipient to report to the plantation to pick cotton or become a "house slave."

Authorities confirmed the racist text messages were real and were reported in several other states. That led to the FBI and attorneys general in Virginia and Washington, D.C., to immediately condemn them.

In a statement, the FBI San Antonio office, which covers South Texas and the Austin area, said it is in contact with the Department of Justice and other federal agencies to investigate.

If you receive the text, you're asked to report it to the FBI or local law enforcement.” KVUE

“One person hospitalized after shooting in SE Austin, no arrests made,” CBS Austin‘s Stephanie Becerra — “One person was rushed to the hospital after a shooting in southeast Austin Friday afternoon.

The Austin Police Department said the call came in at 3:12 p.m. reporting a shooting at 2030 East Oltorf Street.

No arrests have been made at this time.

The circumstances leading up to the shooting and the nature of the victim's injuries are still unknown.” CBS Austin

“Bee Cave special education teacher accused of injuring 6-year-old child,” KVUE’s Brittny Eubank — “A Lake Travis ISD special education teacher was arrested this week for allegedly injuring a 6-year-old student.

Rasid Mohagheghian worked at Bee Cave Elementary School. According to court documents, he allegedly threw a 6-year-old student onto the floor and shoved a table toward them on Oct. 29. Police said video also showed Mohagheghian yelling at the child, saying, "You're the devil. You need to go to church. Nobody likes you."

Video also allegedly showed Mohagheghian grabbing the child by the chest hard enough to leave a bruise, fingernail marks and a tear in the child's shirt.

In a letter to the community, Lake Travis ISD Superintendent Paul Norton said "after a comprehensive investigation," Mohagheghian was arrested on Nov. 6 and charged with Injury to a Child, a state jail felony. Norton said Lake Travis ISD is taking all appropriate actions, and Mohagheghian will not be returning to teach.

"Please know that the alleged behavior is completely unacceptable and does not align with the District's values or our standards for professional, compassionate teaching," Norton said. "We remain committed to maintaining the highest level of care and oversight to ensure that every member of our LTISD family treats our students with respect and nurtures their well-being."“ KVUE

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

“Austin leaders share hope for how elections could shape future of public safety,” CBS Austin’s Andrew Freeman — “Tuesday's re-election of Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza could come alongside a new era of public safety in the city of Austin, coming on the heels of a police contract and a newly sworn-in police chief.

"Getting the contract done, having a significant amount of support both from city council and from officers is a good indicator that we are ready to turn the page." Austin Police Association President Michael Bullock said. "I do believe we're entering a more positive environment, where we're going to be able to get more stuff done, and better policing here in Austin."

Despite losing District 6 Mackenzie Kelly on city council, a lone Republican who was endorsed by the A.P.A., Bullock believes progress will continue.

"Getting the contract passed with only one 'no vote' is an accomplishment, and I think it's indicative of the fact that we can work together," Bullock said. "We can find common solutions, and public safety doesn't have to be a contentious issue."

Kelly was unseated by Democrat Krista Laine, who told us Wednesday after the election that public safety is still one of her big priorities.

"We need a city that feels safe and welcoming for everyone," Laine said. "We also need to know that when we pick up the phone and dial 911, we'll get an effective and timely response."

Bullock says the biggest challenge might be repairing the relationship between Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza and Austin police. The A.P.A. has been a vocal critic of Garza and what it calls his "soft on crime" policies.

Despite the organization publicly backing his challenger, Garza was re-elected to another term Tuesday.

"I would like to see the D.A. willing to have conversations with us and actually talk about the concerns we have and how they get addressed," Bullock said.

CBS Austin spoke with Garza after his win Tuesday night, and he says he's eager to continue working with Austin Police, in particular its new police chief, Lisa Davis.

"She is exactly what our community needs at this moment, I am really excited about her leadership," Garza said. "I'm really excited about the progress we've made and the work ahead of us."

For Bullock, that would be the best-case scenario.

"I hope the chief and the D.A. can develop a positive working relationship because that's the way it's supposed to be," Bullock said.

He says at the end of the day, it's up to elected officials and police to work together to make Austin streets safer.

"We want to be partners in these solutions because officers are vested in not only improving public safety but honoring the profession we swore an oath to, to make sure we have good public safety and we provide the policing that our city deserves," Bullock said. "So we're here to be a part of that solution and I'm looking forward to the future." CBS Austin

“Report: Former interim Austin city manager violated city’s code of ethics,” KVUE’s Lauren Petterson — “A new investigative report shows that former interim Austin city manager Jesús Garza violated the city's code of ethics. But Garza says he disagrees with the claims.

The independent report submitted to the Office of the City Auditor says Garza secured contracts for consultants without city council approval.

The report states that during his first week after Mayor Kirk Watson appointed him as interim city manager, Garza hired two consultants who had previously worked for him when he was the city manager under Watson in the late-1990s and early 2000s. The consultants each earned more than $265,000 from those contracts.

Austin's city charter limits the city manager's purchasing authority to contract amounts up to $76,000, and the report states that Garza didn't submit these subcontracts for city council approved like he should have.

However, a spokesperson sent KVUE a statement on behalf of Garza, saying:

"The hiring of these individuals did not require formal City Council approval, as they were brought in as subcontractors under an existing City contract managed and approved by the Finance Department. The process used was vetted and approved by third parties. I believe this report and the allegations unfortunately overlook the urgency of the situation, and the valuable work done by these dedicated professionals."

If the city's Ethics Review Commission agrees with the report, the next step is accountability action. The commission could issue Garza various levels of written reprimands and could also refer a violation to local prosecutors for a potential misdemeanor charge.” KXAN

BUSINESS NEWS

“Layoffs at Austin tech company BigCommerce as company restructures,” Austin Business Journal’s Brent Wistrom — “Austin-based BigCommerce, which helps other businesses operate online stores, is conducting a new round of layoffs as it tries to re-focus its e-commerce business.

The move follows a couple of rounds of layoffs in the past two years, and it comes as the company this week reported 7% revenue growth for the third quarter.

"Despite our growth and many achievements over the last several years, our operational performance has fallen short of expectations," Ellen Siminoff, executive chair of the board, said in a Nov. 7 earnings call.

The company, which recently replaced longtime CEO Brent Bellm, said it is also exiting some of its real estate positions and discontinuing some software projects.

BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC) hasn't responded to questions about the number of people impacted by the layoffs and what real estate it plans to divest.

In its earnings call, the company said the cutbacks are aimed at better aligning operating expenses with current economic conditions and its priorities.

"I’m confident that the actions we’re taking now will set the stage for long-term success," CEO Travis Hess told investors.

“Site near former Statesman building rezoned for dense development,” Austin Business Journal’s Sean Hemmersmeier — “A new development could be coming to an area downtown that's just south of the former Austin American-Statesman building.

The City Council approved a zoning change during its Nov. 7 meeting that would allow for a dense, mostly residential project to be built at the 311 - 315 S. Congress Ave. site.

A proposed plan for redevelopment of the tract — which currently houses a Firestone Complete Auto Care and a small office and retail building — includes 488 residential units, 30,000 square feet of office space and 7,500 square feet dedicated to pedestrian-oriented uses on the ground floor. Under the new zoning, the buildings could have a maximum height of 480 feet.

The owner of the site is listed as Wesley Pearson and Jerry Pearson. It’s unclear when development could start or be completed.

The potential project joins several that are eyeing the South Congress area. They include the planned Statesman unit development — called 305 South Congress — which could add 1,478 residential units, 1.5 million square feet of office space, a 275-room hotel and 150,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space across six buildings. There are also plans to redevelop about six acres at the intersection of South Congress Avenue and West Riverside Drive into a multi-tower project with 800 residential units, a 225-room hotel, 200,000 square feet of office space and 145,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space.

The 305 South Congress project has been complicated by a lawsuit filed by the Save Our Springs Alliance, which contends the city of Austin has violated various required procedures when approving elements of the redevelopment.” ABJ ($)

OTHER NEWS

“Texas DPS announces arrests in ‘clean scanning’ operation,” KXAN’s Matt Grant and Julianna Russ — “The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said it is continuing to address illegal activity surrounding fraudulent vehicle emissions inspections known as “clean scanning,” allowing cars on the roads that are polluting the air and can harm your health.

Clean scanning relates to a fraudulent “pass” for a vehicle’s emissions test that, in many cases, happens when a state inspector takes a bribe. It’s a problem KXAN has investigated for more than a year and one that, law enforcement recently testified, isn’t slowing down.

From Feb. 13, 2023, through Thursday, DPS secured or served 88 arrest warrants related to clean scanning in the state, according to newly released figures.

“Clean scanning is a serious crime and one that the Texas Department of Public Safety is working very hard to combat,” DPS press secretary Sheridan Nolen said. “The arrests made during this latest operation are a result of a tremendous amount of investigative work and collaboration with local, state and federal partners who are committed to detecting, disrupting and arresting individuals who are in engaged in this type of criminal activity which can put the lives of Texans at risk.” …

Over the past several months, the department said it conducted surveillance at vehicle inspection stations throughout the state where illegal activity was believed to be taking place.

While vehicle safety inspections will go away next year, emissions tests will still be required in 17 Texas counties to comply with federal clean air standards.

Anyone who suspects clean scanning is urged to report it to DPS at (512) 424-0290.” KXAN

LOCAL SPORTS

TEXAS FOOTBALL: “Ewers’ 5 TD passes lead No. 5 Texas in 49-17 rout of struggling Florida,” AP’s Jim Vertuno — “Quinn Ewers passed for 333 yards and five touchdowns and No. 5 Texas rolled over struggling Florida 49-17 on Saturday, two days after third-year Gators coach Billy Napier was given a public statement of support from the school’s athletic director.

Ewers connected on open passes to Matthew Golden and Gunnar Helm for touchdowns in the first quarter. Quintrevion Wisner took a screen pass 50 yards for a score before Ewers connected with Golden again for a 32-yard strike in the second.

Texas (8-1, 4-1 Southeastern Conference, No. 5 CFP) led 35-0 at halftime.

Coach Steve Sarkisian had said the Longhorns had been struggling to find their rhythm offensively in recent weeks, but they dialed up big play after big play against the Gators.

Ewers’ easy day could have been even bigger if not for a couple of deep throws dropped by receivers. He was replaced by Arch Manning in the third quarter after his fifth touchdown pass.

Florida (4-5, 2-4) started Yale transfer Aidan Warner at quarterback because freshman DJ Lagway is still recovering from a hamstring injury. Warner, who was third team when the season started, was 12 of 25 passing for 132 yards and two interceptions.” AP

TEXAS FOOTBALL: “AP poll: Georgia, Miami tumble with losses, allowing Texas to rise to No. 3,” KXAN’s Billy Gates — “Texas moved up two spots to No. 3 in the latest Associated Press Top 25 rankings following losses by Miami and Georgia and the Longhorns’ resounding 49-17 win over Florida.

Georgia, ranked No. 3 going into Saturday’s game, fell 28-10 to Mississippi and tumbled to No. 11. The Hurricanes fell eight spots to No. 12 after a 28-23 loss to unranked Georgia Tech. With the win, Ole Miss landed at No. 10, up six spots.

Oregon was the only top-10 team that didn’t move. They remained No. 1 unanimously, collecting all 62 first-place votes. Ohio State moved up one spot to No. 2, Penn State moved to No. 4, and Indiana moved three spots to No. 5. It’s the first time the Hoosiers have been in the top five since 1967 when they finished the season No. 4.

Tennessee, BYU, Notre Dame and Alabama round out the top 10. Texas A&M was idle and held its spot at No. 15. The Aggies take on New Mexico State on Nov. 16 before getting back to Southeastern Conference play Nov. 23 against Auburn.” KXAN

TEXAS MEN’S BASKETBALL: “Texas comes to life in 2nd half to pummel Houston Christian 90-59 in home opener,” via AP — “Freshman guard Tre Johnson scored 28 points and No. 19 Texas defeated Houston Christian 90-59 on Friday night.

Arthur Kaluma added 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Longhorns (1-1), who began pulling away with a 15-0 run that started late in the first half.

Chendall Weaver had 12 points, five rebounds and three steals. Kadin Shedrick finished with 10 points, six rebounds and four blocks.

Johnson shot 5 of 8 on 3-pointers and made several aggressive driving shots.

Julian Mackey led Houston Christian (1-1) with 20 points. Bryson Dawkins added 13.” AP

TEXAS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: “No. 4 Texas blows out SE Missouri St. 119-47 in season opener,” KXAN’s Billy Gates — “The No. 4 Texas women’s basketball team shot nearly 60% from the field and six players scored in double figures during a 119-47 season-opening win over Southeast Missouri State on Sunday at Moody Center.

Kyla Oldacre led the way for the Longhorns with 21 points and 14 rebounds while Madison Booker scored 18 points with 11 rebounds and six assists. Taylor Jones was a perfect 8-for-8 from the field for 18 points in 19 minutes and Rori Harmon returned to the floor for her first regular season game after a knee injury shortened her season last year to score 10 points with seven assists.

Bryanna Preston and Shay Holle each had 11 points for the Longhorns.

Texas forced the Redhawks into 33 turnovers and outrebounded them 59-24. The Longhorns had 86 points in the paint to the Redhawks’ 18.

Texas led 34-15 after the first quarter and 66-29 at the half.

The Longhorns (1-0) host Lamar at 7 p.m. Wednesday.” KXAN

CENTRAL TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: “Texas high school football scores from Friday, Nov. 8,” KXAN’s Billy Gates — “The Texas high school football regular season wrapped up Friday and teams from Central Texas are either getting ready for the postseason or moving on to the winter sports season.

Bastrop outlasted Liberty Hill for the District 11-5A1 championship 35-31 and Wimberley cruised to a 44-6 win over Lago Vista to win the District 13-4A2 title.

A&M Consolidated 63, Lockhart 0

Bastrop 35, Liberty Hill 31

Bellville 63, Caldwell 7

Blanco 40, Comfort 7

Brownwood 42, Marble Falls 14

Buda Hays 42, Kyle Lehamn 3

Bullard Brook Hill 33, Brentwood Christian 13

Cameron Yoe 35, Little River Academy 31

Canyon 52, San Marcos 7

Del Valle 45, Akins 15

East View 35, Leander 28

Elgin 55, Navarro 7

Franklin 83, Rockdale 24

FW Lake Country 57, LASA 0

Granger 40, Burton 20

Jarrell 49, Gonzales 7

Lake Travis 56, Austin High 7

Llano 35, Ingram Moore 14

Manor 27, Cedar Ridge 22

Manor New Tech 39, Northeast 12

Marion 65, Florence 20

Mason 35, San Saba 0

McCallum 69, Crockett 10

McNeil 42, Hutto 24

Pflugerville 52, Pflugerville Connally 14

Randolph 35, Luling 7

Regents 35, Hyde Park 13

Round Rock Concordia 90, Veritas 44

Rouse 35, Glenn 10

SA Holy Cross 46, Hill Country 0

Smithville 76, Salado 59

Somerset 35, Fredericksburg 28

Stephenville 51, Burnet 7

Taylor 44, Travis 36

Tomball Concordia Lutheran 45, St. Michael’s 14

Vandegrift 35, Round Rock 6

Weiss 38, Anderson 9

Westlake 35, Dripping Springs 14

Westwood 34, Vista Ridge 33

Wimberley 44, Lago Vista 6” KXAN

QUICK LINKS

~ “Study finds Leander as #1 boomtown in state of Texas” CBS Austin

~ ‘Booked 2 to 3 years out’: Some Central Texans face long waits for doctor appointments - KXAN

~ Affidavit: 18-year-old arrested in connection with southeast Austin homicide - KXAN

~ BCSO: ‘Fraudulent transactions’ happening at local hardware stores - KXAN

~ Amid red wave, Northwest Austin voters booted the only conservative on City Council. Why? - Austin American-Statesman

~ Austin developer Nate Paul was ordered to serve 10 days in jail. Here's why. - Austin American-Statesman

~ Casa Grande Supermercado now open in South Austin - Community Impact Austin

~ 480-foot mixed-use tower plans approved in Austin's South Central Waterfront - Community Impact | News

~ ‘Homophobic and misogynistic’: Texas State University president condemns campus demonstration - KXAN

~ Urban Outfitters coming soon to The Domain - Community Impact Austin

~ Travis County readies 6 priority bills for Texas’ 89th legislative session - Community Impact Austin

AUSTIN CULTURE

~ BROKEN SPOKE ANNIVERSARY: “Broken Spoke on South Lamar celebrates 60 years” CBS Austin

~ KIMBAL MUSK’S NEW RESTAURANT OPENS DOWNTOWN: New restaurant Kitchen opens in 6th & Guad building Eater Austin

~ BRUNCH: “The best brunches in Austin” Eater Austin

~ DINING: “The hottest new restaurants in Austin, November 2024” Eater Austin

~ GEORGETOWN: “Austin neighbor saw 4th biggest population boom in U.S. for 2023” Culture Map Austin

~ BBQ: “New barbecue joint brings craft meats and creative cocktails to Austin” Culture Map Austin

~ APA! TRAIL OF LIGHTS HOLIDAY BAZAAR: Austin Pets Alive! hosts Tail of Lights Holiday Bazaar to gear up for the holiday season” CBS Austin

WHAT TO DO TONIGHT

~ LIVE MUSIC: The Black Crowes (with Big Sugar). ACL Live. 7:30pm. Tix $69 an up here.

~ LIVE MUSIC: John Oates (of Hall and Oates). Antone’s (305 E. 5th St). Doors 7pm, show 8pm. Limited tix remain here.

COOL JOB ALERT

~ District Director: State Rep. John Bucy (D-Austin). No salary info. Info / apply here.