ATX PULSE 7/18/24: DOD Selects UT for $840M Facility // Darden Buys Chuy's // Council Approves Kelly's Hospital Safety Measure //

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Thursday, July 18, 2024

By Matt Mackowiak

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Today’s Weather: H: 96° / L: 75°. Latest forecast from Fox 7 Austin’s Zack Shields here.

TOP NEWS

~ “UT’s Texas Institute for Electronics secures $840M to develop semiconductor microsystems,” Austin American-Statesman’s Beck Andrew Salgado — “On Thursday morning, the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency announced that it has selected the Texas Institute for Electronics at The University of Texas at Austin as the recipient of $840 million to build a Department of Defense microelectronics manufacturing center. 

In a news release, DARPA said the contract was designed to ensure America’s national security and global military leadership. According to the agreement, TIE will establish a national open-access research and development and prototyping fabrication facility that will push semiconductor technology forward.

The hope is that this facility will enable the DOD to create higher-performance, lower-power, lightweight and compact defense systems. Technology like this could could apply to radar, satellite imaging, unmanned aerial vehicles or other systems.

“The University of Texas is honored to use our vast talent and expertise in service to our country,” said Kevin Eltife, chairman of the UT System Board of Regents. “This partnership will allow UT Austin faculty, staff and students to bolster our national defense and further demonstrate the University’s global leadership in technology-related teaching and research.”

What is the Texas Institute for Electronics?

TIE is a UT Austin-supported semiconductor consortium. The release specifies that the new microsystem designs will be enabled by 3D Heterogeneous Integration (3DHI) — a semiconductor fabrication technology that integrates diverse materials and components into microsystems using precision assembly technologies. 

UT to receive $1.4 billion in total

The project represents a total investment of $1.4 billion into research at UT. In addition to the $840 million award from DARPA, the Texas Legislature has already invested $552 million in TIE — which has funded modernization of two UT fabrication facilities. 

When all the facilities are complete, they will be available to industry, academia and government, and are intended create dual-use innovations supporting the defense sector and the semiconductor industry, including startups, advancing technology for the betterment of society.

According to the release, DARPA’s Next Generation Microelectronics Manufacturing Program is among the largest federal awards ever to any UT System institution. 

For UT, the investment is a significant step towards President Jay Hartzell’s 10-year strategic plan for the university to become the world’s highest-impact public research university. For students studying at UT, or considering the school, this is also a win as the facilities pull talent directly from the Cockrell School of Engineering.

“We have an opportunity to not only give our military a competitive edge, but this is the kind of major opportunity that creates jobs, attracts businesses, will grow Austin’s innovation ecosystem and cement Texas as a leader in microsystems innovation,” said Hartzell in the release.

“TIE is tapping into the semiconductor talent available in the Cockrell School of Engineering, in Texas and nationally to build an outstanding team of semiconductor technologists and executives that can create this national center of excellence in 3DHI microsystems,” said S.V. Sreenivasan, TIE founder and chief technology officer and UT professor of mechanical engineering.” AAS ($)

~ “Rangers, Astros, or other? Why Austin is a top candidate for an MLB expansion team,” Austin American-Statesman’s Caleb Yum — “The Rangers and the Astros have run professional baseball in Texas for over 50 years. Despite the city's distinct culture, Austin locals have only ever had the choice between supporting a DFW or Houston-based team.

However, with expansion teams on the horizon, the MLB believes that Austin is one of a few cities that has the potential to host a team. Exactly when the league may expand is a question that hasn't been answered, but there are plenty of reasons why Texas could be in line for another professional baseball team. They aren't the only city that could argue for the expansion, though.

Here's how they compare to the other cities that could soon host an MLB team.

Could Austin get an MLB team?

Central Texas, specifically Austin, has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. With a city population closing in on one million and San Antonio an hour away, placing a team in the right spot could capture the fandoms of two cities starved for pro sports.

While the Rangers' Triple AAA affiliate, the Round Rock Express, is in the north, Austin is one of the largest markets in the U.S. without an NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL team. The Texas Longhorns and Austin FC dominate most of the area's sports fans, but the long offseason off college football and the reach of the MLB compared to the MLS mean that there are still plenty of untapped markets in the city.

The Austin Baseball Commission (ATXMLB.com), a new site that's hoping to gain momentum in the MLB movement, cites Austin's economic strength as another key advantage for the city. Also, the Austin Bats would have to be the name of the team, right? It makes too much sense.

What does the competition look like?

Thus far, it seems that Nashville, Tennessee, Portland, Oregon and Salt Lake City, Utah would be the three cities with the most credible case for expansion over Austin, according to the Austin Baseball Commission. Each of those cities has proven that they have the capability to support a pro sports team from the NHL or NBA, giving it a distinct advantage over Austin. Also, a team in Central Texas would still have to compete for national attention with the Rangers and Astros.” AAS ($)

THE BLOTTER

~ “Man killed at Riverside apartment complex; no suspects arrested, Austin police say,” Austin American-Statesman’s Bianca Moreno-Paz — “No arrests have been made in connection with the death of a man at a Riverside apartment complex that occurred early Thursday morning, the Austin Police Department said at a press conference.

Authorities responded to the Array Apartments, at 2101 Burton Drive, in the Riverside neighborhood at 2:01 a.m. and found a victim with "life-threatening injuries" inside an apartment, officer Austin Zarling said. He did not specify the victim's age nor whether he lived in the apartment complex.

Zarling did not have a suspect description to provide and said the department had not detained or made any arrests as of 4 a.m. Thursday. There are no known threats to the general public, he said.

Anyone with information can contact the Austin Police Department's homicide unit at 512-477-3588 or the department's tip line at 512-472-8477.” AAS ($)

CITY HALL

~ “Austin Council approves hospital safety measure sparked by KXAN report,” KXAN’s Matt Grant — “Austin City Council members unanimously approved a measure backed by the city’s EMS union that would require new hospitals beef up security, and encourage existing ones to do the same, in direct response to a KXAN investigation.

“The team at KXAN did such a good job of explaining the problem and providing potential solutions that it would have been stupid for me not to have looked into this as a solution for the city of Austin,” said Council Member Mackenzie Kelly, who directed her staff to look into a code change in the middle of watching a KXAN investigation into the Feb. 13 fatal crash at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center.

The Bernard family – who were badly hurt in the incident and shared their story exclusively with KXAN – strongly supports the resolution, their attorney said.

“Nadia cried when she heard that news that lawmakers are taking this seriously,” Levi Bernard told KXAN after learning the council was looking into a measure to prevent future tragedies in May. “[A]mazing how quickly your story is getting attention.”

It was the reason the family decided to speak out in the first place.

“One of the main reasons we’re talking to (KXAN) now, and having this conversation, is because we’re hoping it will have an impact,” Levi said in May. “The fact that it happened to us is something that should just be used as an example of what shouldn’t happen in an ER.”

‘Special thank you to KXAN’

In her remarks, Kelly said she extended her “heartfelt gratitude” to her resolution’s co-sponsors, gave a “special thank you to KXAN” for “bringing this issue to light” and applauded the Bernard family for sharing their story publicly – which sparked this “critical public safety item.”

“To the family: Your willingness to share your story publicly … is admirable,” Kelly said, noting they couldn’t be in attendance due to a scheduling conflict. “My deepest sympathies are with you.”

Nadia has all-day doctor appointments, her attorney said.

Kelly credited the Bernard family with “driving significant public change to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.”

The council unanimously approved Kelly’s resolution “relating to safety barriers at medical facilities,” according to the meeting agenda and a news release Kelly sent out Wednesday, crediting KXAN’s investigation. The resolution – which also credits “a KXAN investigation” – will require new hospitals install crash-rated vertical safety barriers, called bollards. It also directs the city manager to look into ways to incentivize existing hospitals to do the same, and potentially require it, whenever a hospital applies for a new permit.

That plan needs to be finalized by Oct. 31.

Five months ago, a drunk driver plowed into the ER lobby “at a high rate of speed,” according to the police report and surveillance video viewed by KXAN. She died and injured at least five people, including Nadia and Levi Bernard and their two toddlers. The hospital installed a dozen vertical security posts, called bollards, after the crash. A million-dollar lawsuit filed by the victims accuses St. David’s, one of the largest health systems in Texas, of “gross negligence” for not having bollards, arguing that could have prevented the deadly crash had they been in place beforehand.

“For my clients, the fact that this happened to them is completely unacceptable,” Austin trial attorney Sean Breen, who represents the Bernard family, previously told KXAN. “They’re still dealing with it. It was totally unnecessary. It was totally preventable. And, what they really, really want is for nobody else to have to go through what they’ve gone through.”

St. David’s would not comment on the lawsuit.” KXAN

OTHER NEWS

~ “Allegiant cutting 7 nonstop routes from Austin airport,” via KXAN — “Allegiant Air will cut seven nonstop routes out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport as the airline plans to end base operations in Austin early next year.

Allegiant Travel Co. (Nasdaq: ALGT) established the base for employees and aircraft in 2021 at a cost of $75 million. At the time, the airline said it would create at least 89 new jobs. Base operations are scheduled to end on Jan. 7.

The nonstop flights that will be discontinued are to: Bozeman, Montana; Eugene, Oregon; Louisville, Kentucky; Omaha, Nebraska; Santa Ana, California; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Washington Dulles, according to an airport spokesperson.

Our partners at KXAN News have more on the story here.

Allegiant is the only airline to currently offer direct service to Bozeman, Eugene, Louisville, Omaha and Sioux Falls, according to the airport's website as of publication time.” ABJ ($)

~ “Austin-based acupuncturist ordered to pay over $2M after overcharging veterans,” KVUE’s Johanna Castro— “An Austin-based acupuncturist has been ordered to pay millions in restitution after his clinic overcharged veterans for acupuncture services.

U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman ordered an Dongxin Ma and his clinic, Ma Acupuncture Center, to pay $2.3 million to the United States under the False Claims Act. The order stems from a lawsuit that alleged Ma submitted inflated bills to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for acupuncture services provided to veterans under the VA’s community care program.

The lawsuit alleged that Ma billed the VA for 60 minutes of one-on-one personal contact for each veteran he treated, despite never spending more than 15 minutes with any patient. The government's complaint alleged Ma billed as much as 61 hours of one-on-one contact with veterans in a single day.

“Health care providers that treat our nation’s veterans must be held to the highest standards,” U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas said. “This office is committed to holding accountable any provider that defrauds a VA health benefits program.”

“This civil settlement is a testament to the VA OIG’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of VA’s health care programs and preserving taxpayer funds,” said Special Agent in Charge Kris Raper with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s South Central Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts in this case.”” KVUE

BUSINESS NEWS

~ “Darden Restaurants, owner of Olive Garden, acquires Chuy’s Tex-Mex for $605 million,” Austin American-Statesman’s Beck Andrew Salgado — “An iconic Austin eatery and a fast-casual titan have announced a team-up after Darden Restaurants, Inc., the company that owns Olive Garden, among other restaurants, and Chuy's Holdings, Inc. jointly announced today that Darden will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Chuy's for $37.50 per share.

According to a release from Darden, the agreement was made as an all-cash transaction with an enterprise value of approximately $605 million. Chuy's will be the latest addition to Darden's portfolio of familiar American food brands, which currently houses Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V's and Bahama Breeze.

"Chuy's is a differentiated brand within the full-service dining industry with strong performance and growth potential," said Darden president and CEO, Rick Cardenas. "Based on our criteria for adding a brand to the Darden portfolio, we believe Chuy's is an excellent fit that supports our winning strategy. I am excited to welcome their 7,400 team members to Darden and diversify the Darden portfolio into a new dining category."

A hometown hero enters its next phase

Founded in Austin, Texas, in 1982, Chuy's quickly became a fan favorite for its creative dips, cheap drinks and authentic, made-from-scratch, Tex-Mex-inspired dishes. Chuy's is also known for it’s maximalist and gaudy interior design and atmosphere.

As of July 16, Chuy's has 101 restaurants in 15 states and in the 12 months ending March 31, 2024, generated total revenues over $450 million, and average annual restaurant volumes of $4.5 million.

Steven Hislop, Chairman, CEO and President of Chuy's, said in a statement, "We are excited about the opportunity to join the Darden family and its portfolio of well-respected brands. Darden shares many of our same core values, particularly our operating philosophy and strong team member cultures. Together we will accelerate our business goals and bring our authentic, made-from-scratch Tex-Mex to more guests and communities."“ AAS ($)

SPORTS

~ TEXAS FOOTBALL: “‘Horns Down’ gesture by Texas’ SEC opponents will not county as penalty,” Austin American-Statesman’s Caleb Yum — “Texas has finally joined the Southeastern Conference — where the Longhorns won't be safe from the infamous "Horns Down" celebrations from other schools and teams. Flashing the Horns Down does not fall under the category of unsportsmanlike conduct, SEC coordinator of officials John McDaid said at SEC media days.

"The act itself needs to be offending to the senses," McDaid said. "If you took that act out of a football stadium and did it in a shopping mall or a grocery store, would it offend the senses to a majority of the reasonable people in the area? That signal would not. You might have some people that share that signal with you, if you did that at a grocery store or a shopping mall, depending where you are. We're going to evaluate it in context."

Rodney Terry, Nick Saban respond to 'horns down' gesture

Whether or not Horns Down is actually insulting depends on who you ask. Texas men's basketball coach Rodney Terry got some heat for calling UCF players "classless" when they flashed it after a game. Football coach Steve Sarkisian and athletic director Chris Del Conte seem to "embrace the hate."

Nick Saban once bashed his players for doing the gesture after beating Texas. Oklahoma defensive lineman Ethan Downs did it during halftime of the Sugar Bowl and got booed relentlessly.

For what it's worth, ask any media member and you'll get a resounding and exasperated "who cares?" But with rivalry games against Texas A&M, Arkansas, and Oklahoma on the schedule, the gesture will become even more prevalent with the SEC's blessing.

"It shouldn't be a penalty anyway," Sooners safety Bill Bowman Jr. said on Tuesday. "Everyone has a hand signal. If you let a hand signal affect you and affect the game, maybe you shouldn't be there."

Well, the SEC settled that quickly. Surely, it won't be an issue once the season begins.” AAS ($)

WHAT TO DO TONIGHT

~ LIVE MUSIC: Missy Elliot, with Ciara, Nusta Rhymes and Timbaland. Moody Center (Austin, TX). Doors, 6pm. Show, 7pm. Tix $39 and up. More info here.

~ FILM: “Do the Right Thing”, wi

COOL JOB ALERT

~EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Texas House Republican Caucus (Austin). Info / apply here.