ATX PULSE 9/13/24 (sponsored by No Scrubs): Arrest Made for School Threats // Arrest Made of 6th Grader in Hays County // ATX Council Bans Use of PFAS for AFD // RR Mayor Faces Ethics Complaint // Mackowiak(s) Birthday Party Tonight

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2024

Compiled by Matt Mackowiak

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TODAY’S WEATHER

H: 99° / L: 76°. Summer is back. Latest forecast from Fox 7 Austin’s Zack Shields here.

**YOU’RE INVITED: BIRTHDAY FOR AMY & MATT MACKOWIAK TONIGHT**

Got plans tonight? Break ‘em.

Trophy wife and speech pathologist to the stars Amy (Sowa) Mackowiak and her consistently underperforming husband Matt Mackowiak are hosting a joint birthday party at the fabulous CABANA CLUB from 5-8pm on Friday, Sept. 13.

Amy is AGELESS and Matt turns 45.

Please bring a canned good as we will make a collection for the Central Texas Food Bank. If you cannot attend or simply wish to give monetarily, we would appreciate you making a charitable contribution to CTFB here.

» Please RSVP here (so we have enough space!).

TOP NEWS

“Arrest made after threats to multiple school districts in Central Texas,” CBS Austin’s Tara Brolley — “Authorities have taken one person into custody in connection with social media threats targeting multiple school districts in central Texas, Llano ISD officials said late Thursday night.

Just before midnight, Llano ISD provided the update on the investigation into threats of potential violence at schools in Johnson City, Marble Falls, Llano and Blanco.

"This remains an active investigation," the district said in a statement. "Llano ISD will have increased law enforcement on campuses [Friday]."

The arrest comes after several school districts in the area received what appeared to be copycat threats following a shooting in Georgia last week that left four dead.

The Llano ISD Police Department is collaborating with local law enforcement agencies and the Texas Rangers to investigate the situation.

Jessica Ploman, whose son attends Llano ISD, told CBS Austin Thursday that her child saw alarming posts on Snapchat and felt uncomfortable attending school.

"We told him, you are not going to go to school if this isn't solved," Ploman said.

The threats reportedly targeted Llano Middle and High Schools specifically. Llano ISD had previously stated that the threats have been circulating throughout Texas and that they had increased police presence at their campuses as a precautionary measure.

Liberty Hill ISD also confirmed receiving a threat but stated it originated from out of state and was not deemed credible. Hays CISD said one person was detained in connection to threats, and Austin ISD announced that an arrest was made in connection to threats against an elementary school. CBS Austin has reached out to determine if these incidents were related.

Law enforcement officials urge anyone with information about potential threats to contact their local police department immediately.” CBS Austin

“Hays 6th grader arrested, charged with making false report as shooting threats sweep Texas,” Austin American-Statesman’s Keri Heath — “The Hays County sheriff’s office on Thursday arrested a sixth grade student for allegedly helping spread threats of a school shooting on social media, according to a statement from the Hays school district. The girl has been charged with making a false alarm or report — a charge in the Texas juvenile justice system that's equivalent to a state jail felony.

Hays school officials don’t believe there is a real threat to any district campus, according to the statement.

The local threat was one of several that circulated on social media throughout Texas this week and caused several school districts to increase security at its campuses.

Hays district administrators and local law enforcement officials learned about and began investigating generic, non-specific threats made on social media around 9 p.m. Wednesday, when a concerned parent notified the district, according to the district's statement. Officials specifically looked into a threat that named Simon Middle School as a target.

District administrators sent parents two emails about the investigation Thursday.

The threat “is likely related to similar vague threats that were circulated in other parts of Texas and the country,” spokesman Tim Savoy wrote in the note.

“Despite the fact these types of posts are sadly far too common, know that we never tire in our efforts to maintain safety and that we continue to take each and every threat seriously,” Savoy said.

Other districts across the state have been fielding similar concerns this week.” AAS ($)

“UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in Austin holds grand opening,” KVUE’s Matt Fernandez — “Downtown Austin continues to see investment and growth in the health care and medical sector.

On Thursday, the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health held its grand opening. The nearly 65,000-square-foot building is nine stories high and situated near Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

It features research labs and has a number of programs including epidemiology, health promotion and behavioral sciences. The school has a goal of helping families and young children.

"The biggest benefit for the community, from a research perspective and community service perspective, has to do with child health," said Steven Kelder. "On top of that [we're here] to train students. That's why we try to make this building so friendly."

Downtown is an area that's really growing in the public health and medical sector. There's already the Dell Medical School and Dell Medical Center.

In a couple of years, the spot that used to be the Frank Erwin Center will transform into an MD Anderson Cancer Center facility.

"Interesting system ... It's very focused on the patient. It's terrifying to have cancer," Kelder said. "They make it so it's easy to find where you need to be and physicians and staff are great. I love that we have MD Anderson coming into this place too."

Providing public health and medical needs in a city that's growing and changing.” KVUE

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

“Austin City Council votes to phase out firefighting gear containing dangerous chemicals,” Fox 7 Austin’s Angela Shen — “Austin City Council has voted to phase out harmful chemicals found in firefighting gear.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that are found in a lot of products, including firefighter gear and firefighting foam. The chemicals have been linked to health problems like cancer.

On Thursday, Austin City Council unanimously passed a resolution directing the city manager to come up with a plan to phase out fire equipment with PFAS in it. 

"The care and concern of our firefighters and their health and welfare is paramount to us," Rob Vires, chief of staff for the Austin Fire Department said.

A mental health rescue package for Austin firefighters was put forward by the Austin Firefighters' Association

"As a volunteer firefighter myself, I know the danger that these individuals take every day when they are fighting fires in homes and eliminating cancer-causing agents from their gear will help ensure their life safety moving forward," District 6 Council Member Mackenzie Kelly said. 

While AFD has taken steps to make sure gear doesn't directly touch firefighters' skin, they're looking at newer, alternative materials that are PFAS-free.” Fox 7 Austin

“New ethics complaint filed against Round Rock mayor,” KXAN’s Barrett Tryon — “A new ethics complaint has been filed against the mayor of Round Rock, Craig Morgan. It was filed in late August by Jill Farris, who lives in the city.

Farris argues Morgan has “profited significantly” by using his law firm as a vendor by the city for collections and fines placed against residents.

“Transparency really is the option here. We just need to be able to talk about it. And if there’s nothing there, then there’s nothing there,” Farris said.

“As of May 2024, Craig Morgan and his law firm, McCreary, Veselka, Bragg & Allen PC (MVBA), earned at least $1,569,620.77 by suing Round Rock citizens to collect late property taxes, court fees, and library fines on behalf of the City – the same City that he represents as Mayor,” the complaint said.

Farris also argues the fines and fees were not approved by the city council — instead improperly approved by city manager Laurie Hadley.

“From all appearances, Morgan is negotiating these agreements behind closed doors with his City Manager, since he ‘oversees’ these services for Williamson County on MVBA’s behalf,” the complaint said.

Morgan said in a statement this concern was investigated in 2017 after a KXAN report.

In a statement, Morgan said:

I have received a copy of the complaint and will fully respond to the Ethics Commission as they may request.

It is important to note that this concern was investigated thoroughly in 2017. At that time, the investigation revealed that I did not violate the Round Rock City Charter or State Law.

There are no new facts under this complaint.

Every citizen has the right to bring an ethics complaint to the City.

We will always do our due diligence to fully investigate any claim made, like we did in 2017.I look forward to the process and remain confident that no violations occurred.” -Mayor Craig Morgan

Farris said she just wants people to be aware and to be able to have a conversation about the city’s financial dealings.

A hearing is set for Oct. 9 on the issue.

You can read the full ethics complaint here.” KXAN

BUSINESS NEWS

~ “British Airways to almost double number of flights from Austin beginning in March,” KXAN’s Christopher Adams – “British Airways will almost double the number of flights it operates from Austin to London beginning in March 2025.

Currently, the airline operates one flight daily between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and London Heathrow Airport. That will increase to 13 flights a week beginning March 31 next year, with daily flights operating Monday through Saturday.

Flights currently leave Austin daily at 6:05 p.m. and arrive in London at 9:35 a.m. the following day. The new flight will take off at 10:15 p.m. and arrive in London at 1:40 p.m. the next day.

ABIA is gearing up for a major expansion aimed at keeping up with what has been a big increase in passenger traffic in recent years.” KXAN

OTHER NEWS

~ “Esperanza Community breaks ground on expansion of shelters, training,” CBS Austin’s Fred Cantu – “A growing effort to help people out of homelessness in Austin kicked off an ambitious expansion project on Friday. When it's finished, Esperanza Community will be able to shelter and offer critical services to hundreds more people every year.

Esperanza Community has grown a lot since the state donated a remote former TxDOT work yard as a place to house people experiencing homelessness. Now it has dozens of shed-size cabins allowing some privacy while the residents get the help they need to get back on their feet.

Esperanza Community is run by The Other Ones Foundation (TOOF), the same people who run the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH) shelter downtown. But Esperanza is specifically for those who need help but don't do well in group settings.

Those are the people who often find themselves back on the streets or in a homeless camp. Here they get the help they need and some privacy with an individual little cabin with a door that actually locks. That was perfect for Angelo Diaz who we spoke with a while back and had been homeless since leaving the military. He told us, “Finally being indoors, finally having a door to lock where my stuff won't get stolen. So much sense of security that this place has provided."“ CBS Austin

~ “Austin credit unions unite to build affordable Habitat for Humanity homes,” CBS Austin’s Stephanie Becerra – “An Austin ISD employee will soon be able to walk into her dream home.

On Thursday, volunteers with Austin Habitat for Humanity raised a key wall in the construction of a new home for an Austin ISD Executive Assistant and her daughter in the Montopolis neighborhood of southeast Austin.

The construction costs for the house are partially covered by four Credit Unions in the city. They include Austin Telco, UFCU, Greater Texas Federal Credit Union, Velocity Credit Union, and the Austin Chapter of Credit Unions.

"So the house that credit unions built is a special initiative. We are the only Habitat in the nation. There's like 3,000 Habitats that does this build," said Billy Whipple with Austin Habitat for Humanity.

This is the 5th house these credit unions have helped Austin Habitat for Humanity build.” CBS Austin

SPORTS

~ TEXAS FOOTBALL: “Trey Moore, known as Texas football’s ’J. Cole,’ eager to face former team UTSA,” Austin American-Statesman’s Thomas Davis — “At some point Saturday night, Trey Moore will line up on defense during the game at Royal-Memorial Stadium between the UTSA and Texas football teams.

That in itself isn't news. Some have been expecting to see Moore play in this matchup for a while. But the uniform he'll be wearing, though, is what makes this story unique.

Moore spent the last three years at UTSA, setting the school's single-season sacks record in 2023. He had a pair of tackles during the Roadrunners' 41-20 loss at Texas two years ago.

But on Saturday, Moore won't be among the players on the visiting sideline. He'll instead suit up for Texas. An edge rusher, Moore joined the Longhorns as a transfer this offseason.

"He's just excited to play his former team," UT safety Andrew Mukuba said this week. "I'm pretty sure he's going to go out there and do what he's supposed to do."“ AAS ($)

QUICK LINKS

~ Get to know the Austin ISD school board candidates - Community Impact
~ CapMetro proposing nearly 20% decrease in budget for upcoming fiscal year - Community Impact
~ Brass Poppy cocktail lounge opens at Hotel Van Zandt in downtown Austin - Community Impact
~ Small business owner Jeffery Bowen is fifth and final candidate in Austin mayor election - Austin American-Statesman
~ New life science facility breaks ground in East Austin; 1,000 new jobs anticipated - Community Impact
~ 'An eerie feeling': Bus driver testifies in 'Trump Train' trial, says he was traumatized - Austin American-Statesman
~ 'Inspire and motivate': ACC to expand advanced manufacturing programs with Samsung gift - Austin American-Statesman
~ Baskin-Robbins now open in San Marcos - Community Impact
~ TCSO changes hijab policy for Muslim detainees - KXAN
~ Austin considers replacing firefighter turnouts following nationwide movement - KXAN
~ Texas narrowly avoided Hurricane Francine's path. NHC now tracking 3 more tropical waves - Austin American-Statesman
~ Texas angler caught 71-pound smallmouth buffalo fish at Lady Bird Lake, breaks state record - Austin American-Statesman
~ Council delays vote, opts to fine-tune incentive program for creative spaces, legacy businesses - Austin Monitor
~ Evacuation center coming to Caldwell County, able to take in hundreds - KXAN
~ Weak & short La Niña coming: How it impacts winter - KXAN
~ Two people taken to hospital after gas leak at University of Texas campus - KVUE
~ Foster Village aims to expand child services in North Austin - Austin Monitor
~ Austin pottery studio offers unique ceramics experience - KVUE
~ Permit requests detail where else ‘1923’ TV show could film in Austin - KXAN

AUSTIN CULTURE

~ HOTELS: ”Michelin Guide identifies 8 Austin hotels as among world's best under new rating system.” ABJ ($)

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND

Fri

~ PARTY TIME: Joint birthday party for Amy and Matt Mackowiak at Cabana Club (5012 E 7th St) 5-8pm. Bring a canned good to benefit Central Texas Food Bank. RSVP here if you can to ensure adequate space.

~ LIVE MUSIC: Cake. Waterloo Amphitheater. Show 8pm. Tix here.

~ LIVE MUSIC: Booker T. Jones. Antone’s. Doors 7pm, show 8pm. Tix here.

Sat

~ LIVE MUSIC: Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper. Germania Insurance Amphitheater. Doors 5p, show 6pm. Tix here.

~ LIVE MUSIC: Booker T. Jones. Antone’s. Doors 7pm, show 8pm. Tix here.

Sun

~ LIVE MUSIC: The Marley Brothers. Germania Insurance Amphitheater. Doors 6pm, show 7pm. Tix here.

COOL JOB ALERT

~ Director of Development: The Kindness campaign (Austin / remote). Salary: $100k with raise to $120 possible). Info / apply here.