1 00:00:09,920 --> 00:00:11,259 The Austin Independent School 2 00:00:11,260 --> 00:00:12,659 District has passed a plan that's 3 00:00:12,660 --> 00:00:14,259 going to close 10 of its campuses 4 00:00:14,260 --> 00:00:15,819 across the city. 5 00:00:15,820 --> 00:00:17,759 The plan was altered multiple times 6 00:00:17,760 --> 00:00:19,719 and originally called for 13 7 00:00:19,720 --> 00:00:21,479 school closures, as the local school 8 00:00:21,480 --> 00:00:23,299 district works to reduce a 9 00:00:23,300 --> 00:00:25,219 multi-million dollar budget deficit 10 00:00:25,220 --> 00:00:27,119 and empty seats at many of 11 00:00:27,120 --> 00:00:27,939 its campus. 12 00:00:27,940 --> 00:00:29,119 We're going to talk more about the 13 00:00:29,120 --> 00:00:30,559 plan, the vote, and what happens 14 00:00:30,560 --> 00:00:32,279 next for Austin ISD. 15 00:00:32,280 --> 00:00:33,839 Plus, state officials released a 16 00:00:33,840 --> 00:00:35,359 stash of communications between 17 00:00:35,360 --> 00:00:37,359 Governor Greg Abbott and Elon Musk. 18 00:00:37,360 --> 00:00:39,399 But the nearly 1,400 files were 19 00:00:39,400 --> 00:00:40,979 heavily redacted. 20 00:00:40,980 --> 00:00:42,439 We're gonna hear about how public 21 00:00:42,440 --> 00:00:44,319 information is becoming a little 22 00:00:44,320 --> 00:00:45,489 less public. 23 00:00:45,490 --> 00:00:47,369 The Austin Signal is a production 24 00:00:47,370 --> 00:00:49,469 of KUT News, hosted by 25 00:00:49,470 --> 00:00:50,539 Jerry Quijano. 26 00:00:50,540 --> 00:00:52,379 And what's it like to spend 24 27 00:00:52,380 --> 00:00:54,739 hours in Austin's airport? 28 00:00:54,740 --> 00:00:56,079 We'll have a taste of that coming up 29 00:00:56,080 --> 00:00:57,999 next right here on Austin 30 00:00:58,000 --> 00:00:59,000 Signal. 31 00:01:08,660 --> 00:01:10,799 Howdy out there, this is Austin 32 00:01:10,800 --> 00:01:12,119 Signal. I'm your host, Jerry 33 00:01:12,120 --> 00:01:14,119 Kehannel. It is Monday, November 34 00:01:14,120 --> 00:01:15,039 24th. 35 00:01:15,040 --> 00:01:16,619 Thank you for spending part of your 36 00:01:16,620 --> 00:01:18,039 day here with us. 37 00:01:18,040 --> 00:01:19,559 A very happy Thanksgiving week to 38 00:01:19,560 --> 00:01:20,719 everyone out there if you're 39 00:01:20,720 --> 00:01:22,399 planning to be away from home 40 00:01:22,400 --> 00:01:23,499 sometime this week. 41 00:01:23,500 --> 00:01:24,939 We certainly hope your travel plans 42 00:01:24,940 --> 00:01:26,919 go smoothly and of course that 43 00:01:26,920 --> 00:01:30,059 you enjoy the holiday season. 44 00:01:30,060 --> 00:01:32,459 Let's get into today's 45 00:01:32,460 --> 00:01:33,589 show. 46 00:01:33,590 --> 00:01:35,509 After weeks of public comments and 47 00:01:35,510 --> 00:01:36,929 community rallies, as well as 48 00:01:36,930 --> 00:01:38,709 multiple versions of a strategy put 49 00:01:38,710 --> 00:01:40,329 forward, the Austin Independent 50 00:01:40,330 --> 00:01:42,009 School District has officially 51 00:01:42,010 --> 00:01:44,169 okayed the consolidation plan for 52 00:01:44,170 --> 00:01:46,369 the 2026-2027 53 00:01:46,370 --> 00:01:47,309 school year. 54 00:01:47,310 --> 00:01:48,909 It was a contentious rollout for the 55 00:01:48,910 --> 00:01:50,929 plan that will not close as 56 00:01:50,930 --> 00:01:52,709 many schools as originally proposed, 57 00:01:52,710 --> 00:01:54,609 but still slates 10 campuses 58 00:01:54,610 --> 00:01:56,629 for permanent closure. 59 00:01:56,630 --> 00:01:58,129 For more about the plan and the 60 00:01:58,130 --> 00:01:59,989 vote, we are joined by KUT's Travis 61 00:01:59,990 --> 00:02:01,749 County reporter, Katy McAfee. 62 00:02:01,750 --> 00:02:02,259 Howdy, Katy. 63 00:02:02,260 --> 00:02:02,999 Hey, Jerry. 64 00:02:03,000 --> 00:02:04,639 Thank you for being with us here on 65 00:02:04,640 --> 00:02:05,899 Austin Signal. 66 00:02:05,900 --> 00:02:07,979 So the Austin ISD School Board voted 67 00:02:07,980 --> 00:02:10,159 last week in a meeting on Thursday. 68 00:02:10,160 --> 00:02:11,479 You were at that meeting. 69 00:02:11,480 --> 00:02:12,359 What was it like? 70 00:02:12,360 --> 00:02:14,899 Yeah, the meeting was intense. 71 00:02:14,900 --> 00:02:16,379 It actually ended Friday morning 72 00:02:16,380 --> 00:02:17,599 around 2 a.m. 73 00:02:17,600 --> 00:02:19,099 Oh wow. There were, yeah. 74 00:02:19,100 --> 00:02:20,189 What time did it start? 75 00:02:20,190 --> 00:02:21,119 Start it at six. 76 00:02:21,120 --> 00:02:22,619 Okay, oh my goodness. 77 00:02:22,620 --> 00:02:24,079 It went straight through from 6 to 78 00:02:24,080 --> 00:02:24,829 2. 79 00:02:24,830 --> 00:02:26,809 Straight through from 6 to like 2 30 80 00:02:26,810 --> 00:02:27,269 almost 81 00:02:27,270 --> 00:02:28,389 And that was because I'm guessing 82 00:02:28,390 --> 00:02:30,389 tons of people wanted to get one 83 00:02:30,390 --> 00:02:32,279 last opinion in before the vote. 84 00:02:32,280 --> 00:02:34,939 That's right, there were about 150 85 00:02:34,940 --> 00:02:36,939 parents and community members who 86 00:02:36,940 --> 00:02:38,599 signed up for public comment and it 87 00:02:38,600 --> 00:02:40,139 lasted almost three hours. 88 00:02:40,140 --> 00:02:42,199 Well, you can read some 89 00:02:42,200 --> 00:02:43,659 of the reporting that Katy covered 90 00:02:43,660 --> 00:02:46,039 in that meeting over at KUT.org, 91 00:02:46,040 --> 00:02:47,279 but we're going to talk a little bit 92 00:02:47,280 --> 00:02:49,079 about it right here. 93 00:02:49,080 --> 00:02:50,339 One thing that we've been hearing a 94 00:02:50,340 --> 00:02:52,159 lot throughout this process, Katy, 95 00:02:52,160 --> 00:02:53,159 has been the plan. 96 00:02:53,160 --> 00:02:54,419 The plan is changing. 97 00:02:54,420 --> 00:02:56,259 The plan this, the plan is that. 98 00:02:56,260 --> 00:02:58,419 But the plan to 99 00:02:58,420 --> 00:03:00,459 address a budget deficit that 100 00:03:00,460 --> 00:03:02,059 Austin ISD has been working against 101 00:03:02,060 --> 00:03:03,079 for a while now. 102 00:03:03,080 --> 00:03:05,179 How is, just remind us, 103 00:03:05,180 --> 00:03:06,569 what is that budget deficit? 104 00:03:06,570 --> 00:03:08,409 And how is the district saying that 105 00:03:08,410 --> 00:03:09,949 the plan that they voted on last 106 00:03:09,950 --> 00:03:11,469 week is going to help address that 107 00:03:11,470 --> 00:03:12,069 deficit? 108 00:03:12,070 --> 00:03:13,609 Yeah, so the budget deficit they're 109 00:03:13,610 --> 00:03:14,789 dealing with right now is about 110 00:03:14,790 --> 00:03:17,249 $19.7 million. 111 00:03:17,250 --> 00:03:19,009 And this plan they estimate will 112 00:03:19,010 --> 00:03:20,949 generate about $21.5 113 00:03:20,950 --> 00:03:21,869 million. 114 00:03:21,870 --> 00:03:23,609 And the main way they're going to 115 00:03:23,610 --> 00:03:25,529 get that money is through reducing 116 00:03:25,530 --> 00:03:26,809 staff positions. 117 00:03:26,810 --> 00:03:28,489 So at these closing schools, what 118 00:03:28,490 --> 00:03:29,589 they're doing is they're reaching 119 00:03:29,590 --> 00:03:31,389 out to teachers who are already in 120 00:03:31,390 --> 00:03:33,209 the district and saying, hey, 121 00:03:33,210 --> 00:03:34,609 where would you like to work next 122 00:03:34,610 --> 00:03:35,689 year? And they're gonna try to 123 00:03:35,690 --> 00:03:37,149 reassign those teachers to schools 124 00:03:37,150 --> 00:03:38,699 that are still open. 125 00:03:38,700 --> 00:03:40,539 But they will still be able to 126 00:03:40,540 --> 00:03:42,159 reduce staff positions because the 127 00:03:42,160 --> 00:03:44,159 district hires thousands of 128 00:03:44,160 --> 00:03:45,479 new teachers every year. 129 00:03:45,480 --> 00:03:46,899 And they're gonna put a hiring 130 00:03:46,900 --> 00:03:48,419 freeze for external candidates in 131 00:03:48,420 --> 00:03:50,679 January while they try to 132 00:03:50,680 --> 00:03:51,739 reassign those teachers that are 133 00:03:51,740 --> 00:03:52,719 already there. 134 00:03:52,720 --> 00:03:53,819 And then they're going to make money 135 00:03:53,820 --> 00:03:55,699 by not having to pay utilities 136 00:03:55,700 --> 00:03:57,539 at those schools, not having offer 137 00:03:57,540 --> 00:03:59,239 food service, not having offered 138 00:03:59,240 --> 00:04:00,859 transportation services to those 139 00:04:00,860 --> 00:04:01,879 schools. Things like that. 140 00:04:01,880 --> 00:04:03,759 And that hiring of 1,000 workers is 141 00:04:03,760 --> 00:04:05,479 that just like a normal thing as 142 00:04:05,480 --> 00:04:07,619 part of a turnover at schools? 143 00:04:07,620 --> 00:04:09,099 That's what the superintendent says, 144 00:04:09,100 --> 00:04:09,269 yeah. 145 00:04:09,270 --> 00:04:11,189 Okay, let's talk a little 146 00:04:11,190 --> 00:04:12,309 bit about that meeting. 147 00:04:12,310 --> 00:04:14,109 You were there Thursday, lots of 148 00:04:14,110 --> 00:04:15,609 community input, lots of phone calls 149 00:04:15,610 --> 00:04:16,669 as well. 150 00:04:16,670 --> 00:04:18,588 What was the general consensus 151 00:04:18,589 --> 00:04:20,588 of the comments that you were 152 00:04:20,589 --> 00:04:21,749 hearing ahead of the vote? 153 00:04:21,750 --> 00:04:22,889 Yeah, great question. 154 00:04:22,890 --> 00:04:24,369 So, you know, throughout these 155 00:04:24,370 --> 00:04:25,789 nearly three hours of public 156 00:04:25,790 --> 00:04:27,729 comment, almost every single person 157 00:04:27,730 --> 00:04:29,669 who was there was asking the board 158 00:04:29,670 --> 00:04:30,809 to reject this plan. 159 00:04:30,810 --> 00:04:32,709 Okay. There were a lot of 160 00:04:32,710 --> 00:04:34,509 parents, as there has been for a lot 161 00:04:34,510 --> 00:04:36,089 of these community meetings from 162 00:04:36,090 --> 00:04:37,729 Becker Elementary and from Ridgetop 163 00:04:37,730 --> 00:04:39,649 Elementary, these are schools 164 00:04:39,650 --> 00:04:41,549 that offer dual language programs, 165 00:04:41,550 --> 00:04:43,589 which are being closed and 166 00:04:43,590 --> 00:04:45,189 moved to schools near where more 167 00:04:45,190 --> 00:04:47,729 emergent bilingual students live. 168 00:04:47,730 --> 00:04:49,469 A lot of parent expressed that they 169 00:04:49,470 --> 00:04:51,679 are going to the- they're 170 00:04:51,680 --> 00:04:53,599 sending their kids to AISD so they 171 00:04:53,600 --> 00:04:55,379 can be part of this dual language 172 00:04:55,380 --> 00:04:56,299 program. 173 00:04:56,300 --> 00:04:57,799 And if they go through with this 174 00:04:57,800 --> 00:04:58,899 plan, they're going to consider 175 00:04:58,900 --> 00:05:00,319 sending their kid to a different 176 00:05:00,320 --> 00:05:01,879 school outside the district or going 177 00:05:01,880 --> 00:05:03,879 to private school. 178 00:05:03,880 --> 00:05:05,539 And then there were also some 179 00:05:05,540 --> 00:05:07,399 teachers and a one third 180 00:05:07,400 --> 00:05:09,359 grader from Ridgetop Elementary who 181 00:05:09,360 --> 00:05:11,499 was at the meeting as well. 182 00:05:11,500 --> 00:05:12,819 This third graded got a standing 183 00:05:12,820 --> 00:05:13,820 ovation. 184 00:05:14,960 --> 00:05:16,879 And he kind of bravely stood up on 185 00:05:16,880 --> 00:05:18,499 a chair and spoke into the mic and 186 00:05:18,500 --> 00:05:20,599 said I'm learning a lot about my 187 00:05:20,600 --> 00:05:22,139 feelings at school and how to listen 188 00:05:22,140 --> 00:05:23,999 to my feelings and this plan 189 00:05:24,000 --> 00:05:25,219 makes me feel sad. 190 00:05:25,220 --> 00:05:26,619 I'm going to have to make new 191 00:05:26,620 --> 00:05:28,679 friends and I've built relationships 192 00:05:28,680 --> 00:05:29,539 with my teachers. 193 00:05:29,540 --> 00:05:31,239 I really like the lunch lady at my 194 00:05:31,240 --> 00:05:33,199 school and I think you should listen 195 00:05:33,200 --> 00:05:34,879 to your feelings too and not pass 196 00:05:34,880 --> 00:05:36,319 this plan. 197 00:05:36,320 --> 00:05:38,259 And then finally, a lot of teachers 198 00:05:38,260 --> 00:05:39,699 kind of shared similar sentiments. 199 00:05:39,700 --> 00:05:40,739 They've built really close 200 00:05:40,740 --> 00:05:42,659 relationships with their students at 201 00:05:42,660 --> 00:05:44,539 school and they're just sad to 202 00:05:44,540 --> 00:05:46,279 see that go away. 203 00:05:46,280 --> 00:05:48,379 And one teacher said, 204 00:05:48,380 --> 00:05:49,879 If you are going to go through with 205 00:05:49,880 --> 00:05:51,839 this plan, at least follow up with 206 00:05:51,840 --> 00:05:53,219 some accountability. 207 00:05:53,220 --> 00:05:55,239 We as teachers and as the community 208 00:05:55,240 --> 00:05:57,139 members in the district want to see 209 00:05:57,140 --> 00:05:58,499 how this plan is going to make 210 00:05:58,500 --> 00:06:00,619 money. And we wanna see you rebuild 211 00:06:00,620 --> 00:06:02,039 trust with the community because 212 00:06:02,040 --> 00:06:03,749 they feel like that's been lost. 213 00:06:03,750 --> 00:06:06,049 Yeah, that certainly has been echoed 214 00:06:06,050 --> 00:06:07,889 by lots of folks that they feel like 215 00:06:07,890 --> 00:06:09,489 they've lost trust with the district 216 00:06:09,490 --> 00:06:11,529 through the rollout of the plan. 217 00:06:11,530 --> 00:06:13,749 But the plan now has been voted on. 218 00:06:13,750 --> 00:06:15,589 So how is AISD going to go 219 00:06:15,590 --> 00:06:17,129 about implementing it? 220 00:06:17,130 --> 00:06:18,189 You mentioned I think about, you 221 00:06:18,190 --> 00:06:20,429 know, teachers maybe having a survey 222 00:06:20,430 --> 00:06:22,169 as to like which schools might work 223 00:06:22,170 --> 00:06:24,009 best for them, as well as the kids 224 00:06:24,010 --> 00:06:25,319 from these schools that closing. 225 00:06:25,320 --> 00:06:26,679 Yeah, great question. 226 00:06:26,680 --> 00:06:28,859 So yes, all teachers are 227 00:06:28,860 --> 00:06:30,519 getting or have already gotten a 228 00:06:30,520 --> 00:06:31,699 survey asking where they would like 229 00:06:31,700 --> 00:06:32,959 to work next year. 230 00:06:32,960 --> 00:06:34,239 The district is going to spend 231 00:06:34,240 --> 00:06:35,359 pretty much the remainder of the 232 00:06:35,360 --> 00:06:37,499 school year reassigning those 233 00:06:37,500 --> 00:06:39,599 teachers and staff to new schools. 234 00:06:39,600 --> 00:06:41,619 And then as far as 235 00:06:41,620 --> 00:06:43,379 families go and to where students 236 00:06:43,380 --> 00:06:45,319 are going to be going next 237 00:06:45,320 --> 00:06:46,439 school year at these closing 238 00:06:46,440 --> 00:06:48,379 schools, Austin ICD has 239 00:06:48,380 --> 00:06:50,379 a plan for basically every 240 00:06:50,380 --> 00:06:52,288 school. So for example, 241 00:06:52,289 --> 00:06:54,029 Students at Dawson Elementary, 242 00:06:54,030 --> 00:06:56,169 that's in my neighborhood, those 243 00:06:56,170 --> 00:06:57,489 students are gonna be reassigned to 244 00:06:57,490 --> 00:06:59,629 Galindo. But then some students 245 00:06:59,630 --> 00:07:01,009 have more options and it might be a 246 00:07:01,010 --> 00:07:02,449 little confusing for them. 247 00:07:02,450 --> 00:07:03,769 Students at Becker Elementary, for 248 00:07:03,770 --> 00:07:05,649 example, can re-enroll in 249 00:07:05,650 --> 00:07:07,069 the dual language program somewhere 250 00:07:07,070 --> 00:07:08,489 else that might not be near where 251 00:07:08,490 --> 00:07:10,209 they live or they can go to Galinda 252 00:07:10,210 --> 00:07:11,929 or they go to Zilker. 253 00:07:11,930 --> 00:07:13,749 So parents are probably spending 254 00:07:13,750 --> 00:07:15,229 the next few months too trying to 255 00:07:15,230 --> 00:07:16,569 figure out what's best for them 256 00:07:16,570 --> 00:07:17,869 and it's been a long rollout 257 00:07:17,870 --> 00:07:19,849 process. We only have about 25 258 00:07:19,850 --> 00:07:21,129 seconds left. 259 00:07:21,130 --> 00:07:22,709 Is there a chance that more schools 260 00:07:22,710 --> 00:07:24,309 might be closed after this plan now 261 00:07:24,310 --> 00:07:25,109 has been voted on? 262 00:07:25,110 --> 00:07:26,209 Yeah, that's right. 263 00:07:26,210 --> 00:07:27,449 The superintendent, Matias Segura, 264 00:07:27,450 --> 00:07:28,929 has been really clear that this 265 00:07:28,930 --> 00:07:31,369 process isn't over. 266 00:07:31,370 --> 00:07:32,909 Some schools that could be voted on 267 00:07:32,910 --> 00:07:34,209 next year, those three that were 268 00:07:34,210 --> 00:07:35,389 taken off the list, that's 269 00:07:35,390 --> 00:07:37,769 Maplewood, Breaker Woods, and Palm. 270 00:07:37,770 --> 00:07:39,729 And he said a plan could come again 271 00:07:39,730 --> 00:07:41,309 before voters next year. 272 00:07:41,310 --> 00:07:42,869 But a lot of those details are still 273 00:07:42,870 --> 00:07:43,839 up in the air. 274 00:07:43,840 --> 00:07:45,399 Alrighty, well you can read about 275 00:07:45,400 --> 00:07:47,099 some of those details over at 276 00:07:47,100 --> 00:07:48,459 KUT.org. 277 00:07:48,460 --> 00:07:50,019 That is Katy McAfee. 278 00:07:50,020 --> 00:07:52,459 She is KUT's Travis County reporter. 279 00:07:52,460 --> 00:07:53,419 Katy, thank you for your 280 00:07:53,420 --> 00:07:53,909 information. 281 00:07:53,910 --> 00:07:54,910 Thank you so much, Jerry. 282 00:08:01,040 --> 00:08:03,119 Elon Musk and Texas Governor Greg 283 00:08:03,120 --> 00:08:04,699 Abbott have built a close working 284 00:08:04,700 --> 00:08:06,519 relationship over the years, 285 00:08:06,520 --> 00:08:08,559 but details about their partnership, 286 00:08:08,560 --> 00:08:10,519 found in more than 1,000 pages 287 00:08:10,520 --> 00:08:12,419 of emails, are hidden to 288 00:08:12,420 --> 00:08:13,419 the public. 289 00:08:13,420 --> 00:08:14,919 The Texas newsroom's investigative 290 00:08:14,920 --> 00:08:16,819 reporter Lauren McGaughy should 291 00:08:16,820 --> 00:08:18,659 know. She tried to get copies 292 00:08:18,660 --> 00:08:20,319 of the communications between Musk 293 00:08:20,320 --> 00:08:21,399 and Abbott's office. 294 00:08:21,400 --> 00:08:23,459 Simple ask touched off 295 00:08:23,460 --> 00:08:25,439 a month's long quest. 296 00:08:25,440 --> 00:08:27,039 When Governor Abbott spoke at an 297 00:08:27,040 --> 00:08:29,039 energy summit in Austin last month, 298 00:08:29,040 --> 00:08:30,559 he gave the businessman there his 299 00:08:30,560 --> 00:08:31,919 pitch for Texas. 300 00:08:31,920 --> 00:08:34,199 But by leading America in 301 00:08:34,200 --> 00:08:36,259 economic development, our motto is 302 00:08:36,260 --> 00:08:38,259 that Texas moves at 303 00:08:38,260 --> 00:08:39,658 the speed of business. 304 00:08:39,659 --> 00:08:41,699 There was one event that 305 00:08:41,700 --> 00:08:42,879 captured that more than anything 306 00:08:42,880 --> 00:08:43,379 else. 307 00:08:43,380 --> 00:08:45,259 That pivotal moment, Elon 308 00:08:45,260 --> 00:08:47,039 Musk's decision to build a giant 309 00:08:47,040 --> 00:08:48,359 Tesla factory near the state 310 00:08:48,360 --> 00:08:49,219 capital. 311 00:08:49,220 --> 00:08:51,079 It was 2020 and Musk had hit 312 00:08:51,080 --> 00:08:52,879 regulatory hurdles in blue states 313 00:08:52,880 --> 00:08:54,899 that he didn't much care for. 314 00:08:54,900 --> 00:08:56,339 The governor told Musk he wouldn't 315 00:08:56,340 --> 00:08:58,259 need to worry about that in Texas. 316 00:08:58,260 --> 00:09:00,099 He was actually able to get 317 00:09:00,100 --> 00:09:01,459 it completed and have vehicles 318 00:09:01,460 --> 00:09:03,639 rolling off of it in less than 319 00:09:03,640 --> 00:09:04,789 18 months. 320 00:09:04,790 --> 00:09:06,389 Since the Tesla Gigafactory was 321 00:09:06,390 --> 00:09:08,089 built, Musk's footprint has spread 322 00:09:08,090 --> 00:09:10,009 across the state, all while he's 323 00:09:10,010 --> 00:09:11,569 maintained a close partnership with 324 00:09:11,570 --> 00:09:12,949 Governor Abbott. 325 00:09:12,950 --> 00:09:14,329 The Texas newsroom wanted more 326 00:09:14,330 --> 00:09:15,969 insight into this relationship. 327 00:09:15,970 --> 00:09:17,809 So back in April, we filed a records 328 00:09:17,810 --> 00:09:19,489 request asking the governor's office 329 00:09:19,490 --> 00:09:21,669 for its emails with Elon Musk and 330 00:09:21,670 --> 00:09:23,609 people from his companies, including 331 00:09:23,610 --> 00:09:25,329 SpaceX and Tesla. 332 00:09:25,330 --> 00:09:26,969 First, Abbott's office wanted to 333 00:09:26,970 --> 00:09:28,629 charge to review the records. 334 00:09:28,630 --> 00:09:30,469 The Texas Newsroom cut a check for 335 00:09:30,470 --> 00:09:32,349 $244. 336 00:09:32,350 --> 00:09:33,809 But after it cleared, Abbott's 337 00:09:33,810 --> 00:09:35,349 office fought against releasing any 338 00:09:35,350 --> 00:09:37,289 emails at all, saying they included 339 00:09:37,290 --> 00:09:39,149 private exchanges with lawyers and 340 00:09:39,150 --> 00:09:40,589 details about policymaking 341 00:09:40,590 --> 00:09:41,649 decisions. 342 00:09:41,650 --> 00:09:42,889 In a letter, which a colleague of 343 00:09:42,890 --> 00:09:44,569 mine will read from, the governor's 344 00:09:44,570 --> 00:09:45,749 lawyer asked the state attorney 345 00:09:45,750 --> 00:09:47,489 general to step in and let them keep 346 00:09:47,490 --> 00:09:49,199 Musk's emails secret. 347 00:09:49,200 --> 00:09:50,959 The release of these deliberations 348 00:09:50,960 --> 00:09:53,079 would have a chilling effect on the 349 00:09:53,080 --> 00:09:55,179 frank and open discussion necessary 350 00:09:55,180 --> 00:09:57,689 for the decision-making process. 351 00:09:57,690 --> 00:09:59,689 An attorney with SpaceX also argued 352 00:09:59,690 --> 00:10:01,509 against making the emails public. 353 00:10:01,510 --> 00:10:02,949 He said doing that would reveal 354 00:10:02,950 --> 00:10:04,169 trade secrets. 355 00:10:04,170 --> 00:10:05,329 All of this was happening while 356 00:10:05,330 --> 00:10:06,949 Texas lawmakers were meeting in 357 00:10:06,950 --> 00:10:07,769 Austin. 358 00:10:07,770 --> 00:10:09,409 At the same time the Texas newsroom 359 00:10:09,410 --> 00:10:11,369 was fighting for these emails, 360 00:10:11,370 --> 00:10:12,489 Musk's lobbyists were in the 361 00:10:12,490 --> 00:10:14,329 capital, drumming up support for 362 00:10:14,330 --> 00:10:15,969 a dozen new state laws to benefit 363 00:10:15,970 --> 00:10:17,229 his companies. 364 00:10:17,230 --> 00:10:18,609 And Musk had a good year. 365 00:10:18,610 --> 00:10:20,829 Most of the bills he wanted passed, 366 00:10:20,830 --> 00:10:22,629 including a major one giving SpaceX 367 00:10:22,630 --> 00:10:24,289 greater control over the beach near 368 00:10:24,290 --> 00:10:26,010 its launch site in South Texas. 369 00:10:27,180 --> 00:10:28,959 Starbase, the newest Texas city 370 00:10:28,960 --> 00:10:31,059 along the coast, and the SpaceX team 371 00:10:31,060 --> 00:10:32,979 got some wins in this last 372 00:10:32,980 --> 00:10:34,999 session of the Texas legislature. 373 00:10:35,000 --> 00:10:36,479 But that insight we were hoping to 374 00:10:36,480 --> 00:10:38,099 gain about Musk's influence in the 375 00:10:38,100 --> 00:10:39,019 Capitol? 376 00:10:39,020 --> 00:10:40,699 Ultimately, we weren't able to find 377 00:10:40,700 --> 00:10:42,279 it in the public records. 378 00:10:42,280 --> 00:10:43,579 That's because when the Attorney 379 00:10:43,580 --> 00:10:44,999 General made his decision about 380 00:10:45,000 --> 00:10:46,899 Abbott and Musk's emails, he let 381 00:10:46,900 --> 00:10:48,499 the governor withhold many of these 382 00:10:48,500 --> 00:10:50,439 communications. And the records 383 00:10:50,440 --> 00:10:51,779 Abbott's office was ordered to 384 00:10:51,780 --> 00:10:54,059 release to us were mostly redacted. 385 00:10:54,060 --> 00:10:56,079 As in completely blacked out so that 386 00:10:56,080 --> 00:10:58,219 not one word was readable. 387 00:10:58,220 --> 00:10:59,999 According to a note on the records, 388 00:11:00,000 --> 00:11:01,579 many were kept secret because they 389 00:11:01,580 --> 00:11:03,059 included information related to 390 00:11:03,060 --> 00:11:04,839 competitive advantage. 391 00:11:04,840 --> 00:11:06,259 Experts say this case is 392 00:11:06,260 --> 00:11:07,659 representative of how hard it's 393 00:11:07,660 --> 00:11:09,359 become to get public records in 394 00:11:09,360 --> 00:11:10,539 Texas. 395 00:11:10,540 --> 00:11:11,879 Corporations can object to the 396 00:11:11,880 --> 00:11:14,099 release of proprietary information. 397 00:11:14,100 --> 00:11:15,539 And Reid Pillifant says governments 398 00:11:15,540 --> 00:11:17,559 are siding with them more and more. 399 00:11:17,560 --> 00:11:19,499 The fact that a governmental body 400 00:11:19,500 --> 00:11:21,339 can withhold more than 401 00:11:21,340 --> 00:11:23,299 a thousand pages or redact more than 402 00:11:23,300 --> 00:11:25,239 1,000 pages of 403 00:11:25,240 --> 00:11:27,859 documents that are directly related 404 00:11:27,860 --> 00:11:29,719 to a major business's activities 405 00:11:29,720 --> 00:11:32,569 in Texas is certainly problematic. 406 00:11:32,570 --> 00:11:33,429 Pillifant is an Austin-based 407 00:11:33,430 --> 00:11:34,909 attorney specializing in public 408 00:11:34,910 --> 00:11:36,389 records and media law. 409 00:11:36,390 --> 00:11:37,649 He says there is a clear public 410 00:11:37,650 --> 00:11:38,829 interest in whether government 411 00:11:38,830 --> 00:11:40,549 documents like this are released. 412 00:11:40,550 --> 00:11:42,569 Every Texas citizen should care 413 00:11:42,570 --> 00:11:44,489 about access to these 414 00:11:44,490 --> 00:11:46,629 kinds of records because they 415 00:11:46,630 --> 00:11:48,109 shed light on how our public 416 00:11:48,110 --> 00:11:50,309 officials are making big decisions 417 00:11:50,310 --> 00:11:52,349 that affect the land where 418 00:11:52,350 --> 00:11:54,409 people live and how 419 00:11:54,410 --> 00:11:56,389 their taxpayer dollars are 420 00:11:56,390 --> 00:11:57,339 being spent. 421 00:11:57,340 --> 00:11:59,079 Pilafont has represented some of the 422 00:11:59,080 --> 00:12:00,499 Texas newsroom's partners in 423 00:12:00,500 --> 00:12:01,899 lawsuits seeking the release of 424 00:12:01,900 --> 00:12:03,559 public information. 425 00:12:03,560 --> 00:12:05,439 We reached out to Musk, his lawyers, 426 00:12:05,440 --> 00:12:06,879 and his various companies for 427 00:12:06,880 --> 00:12:09,039 comment. They didn't respond. 428 00:12:09,040 --> 00:12:10,479 In an emailed statement, Abbott 429 00:12:10,480 --> 00:12:11,639 spokesman said the governor 430 00:12:11,640 --> 00:12:13,459 rigorously complies with state 431 00:12:13,460 --> 00:12:15,319 open records laws and make sure 432 00:12:15,320 --> 00:12:16,779 to release anything that's not 433 00:12:16,780 --> 00:12:18,119 confidential. 434 00:12:18,120 --> 00:12:19,439 The Texas news room has published 435 00:12:19,440 --> 00:12:21,099 more information about the saga in 436 00:12:21,100 --> 00:12:22,319 our latest collaboration with 437 00:12:22,320 --> 00:12:24,219 ProPublica and the Texas Tribune. 438 00:12:24,220 --> 00:12:26,059 You can find it online now. 439 00:12:26,060 --> 00:12:27,699 I'm Lauren McGaughy in Austin, 440 00:12:27,700 --> 00:12:28,700 Texas. 441 00:12:29,310 --> 00:12:30,669 Thank you for tuning in. 442 00:12:30,670 --> 00:12:32,309 This is Austin Signal here on 443 00:12:32,310 --> 00:12:34,409 listener powered public radio 444 00:12:34,410 --> 00:12:37,389 KUT news 90.5. 445 00:12:37,390 --> 00:12:39,649 We are on the KUT app and online 446 00:12:39,650 --> 00:12:42,369 at KUT.org. 447 00:12:42,370 --> 00:12:43,849 Well, as I said at the top, it's a 448 00:12:43,850 --> 00:12:45,809 busy travel season for lots 449 00:12:45,810 --> 00:12:46,929 of Texans. 450 00:12:46,930 --> 00:12:47,969 We're going to head on out to the 451 00:12:47,970 --> 00:12:49,689 airport and spend a little time 452 00:12:49,690 --> 00:12:50,869 there. Stay with us. 453 00:12:50,870 --> 00:12:51,870 We'll be back in a moment. 454 00:12:58,960 --> 00:13:00,679 This is Austin Signal, welcome back, 455 00:13:00,680 --> 00:13:02,519 thank you for being here with us. 456 00:13:02,520 --> 00:13:03,799 This week is one of the busiest 457 00:13:03,800 --> 00:13:05,559 weeks at the Austin Airport, no 458 00:13:05,560 --> 00:13:07,659 doubt about it, but have you ever 459 00:13:07,660 --> 00:13:08,939 stopped and just looked around and 460 00:13:08,940 --> 00:13:10,639 noticed all the stories and emotions 461 00:13:10,640 --> 00:13:11,939 happening at an airport? 462 00:13:11,940 --> 00:13:13,579 It's a lot to take in if you take a 463 00:13:13,580 --> 00:13:14,599 moment. 464 00:13:14,600 --> 00:13:16,599 Well, KUT's project manager, 465 00:13:16,600 --> 00:13:17,919 Matt Largie, and a group of 466 00:13:17,920 --> 00:13:19,599 reporters from the KUT newsroom 467 00:13:19,600 --> 00:13:21,479 decided to take a snapshot 468 00:13:21,480 --> 00:13:23,679 of sorts for the podcast 469 00:13:23,680 --> 00:13:25,359 24 Hours in Austin. 470 00:13:25,360 --> 00:13:27,239 And here we join them on a 471 00:13:27,240 --> 00:13:29,359 day in May last year. 472 00:13:29,360 --> 00:13:30,660 Right around lunchtime. 473 00:13:32,880 --> 00:13:34,939 1113, a woman named Cynthia and 474 00:13:34,940 --> 00:13:36,779 her husband Alejandro are 475 00:13:36,780 --> 00:13:37,759 waiting at the bottom of the 476 00:13:37,760 --> 00:13:38,579 escalators. 477 00:13:38,580 --> 00:13:40,099 They're looking up at the line of 478 00:13:40,100 --> 00:13:42,059 people coming down to baggage claim. 479 00:13:42,060 --> 00:13:43,419 They're waiting for her cousin, 480 00:13:43,420 --> 00:13:44,979 Olivia. She's on leave from the 481 00:13:44,980 --> 00:13:46,719 military, coming home from Korea. 482 00:13:46,720 --> 00:13:48,779 She left right after Christmas, 483 00:13:48,780 --> 00:13:50,379 so a few months. 484 00:13:50,380 --> 00:13:51,380 She's been gone. 485 00:13:52,440 --> 00:13:53,539 Are you looking forward to seeing 486 00:13:53,540 --> 00:13:53,619 her? 487 00:13:53,620 --> 00:13:55,939 Yes, I want to cry right now, 488 00:13:55,940 --> 00:13:57,680 so I'm excited to see her. 489 00:13:59,750 --> 00:14:01,589 No, it's 490 00:14:01,590 --> 00:14:02,389 fine. 491 00:14:02,390 --> 00:14:04,529 It looks like he wants to cry now 492 00:14:04,530 --> 00:14:06,609 after this 493 00:14:06,610 --> 00:14:08,409 we're gonna go surprise her mom at 494 00:14:08,410 --> 00:14:10,309 work like my older cousins 495 00:14:10,310 --> 00:14:11,789 don't know that she's here yet so 496 00:14:11,790 --> 00:14:13,169 I'm picking her up to surprise 497 00:14:13,170 --> 00:14:14,170 everybody 498 00:14:14,780 --> 00:14:16,659 Her mom doesn't know either? 499 00:14:16,660 --> 00:14:18,699 We told her that she was in 500 00:14:18,700 --> 00:14:20,499 like some secret training that she 501 00:14:20,500 --> 00:14:21,500 had to do. 502 00:14:22,420 --> 00:14:24,379 So nobody knows that she's here 503 00:14:24,380 --> 00:14:26,259 yet, except for me and my husband. 504 00:14:26,260 --> 00:14:26,829 Thank you. 505 00:14:26,830 --> 00:14:28,209 How do you think they're going to 506 00:14:28,210 --> 00:14:29,179 react? 507 00:14:29,180 --> 00:14:31,639 Just as bad as I am right now, 508 00:14:31,640 --> 00:14:33,539 but my older cousin Lydia 509 00:14:33,540 --> 00:14:35,939 her boss is in on it So 510 00:14:35,940 --> 00:14:37,239 they're actually having like a 511 00:14:37,240 --> 00:14:39,159 potluck and stuff like that for her 512 00:14:39,160 --> 00:14:41,199 So it's gonna be 513 00:14:41,200 --> 00:14:42,379 really exciting. 514 00:14:42,380 --> 00:14:44,359 I think her dad's gonna Be the worst 515 00:14:44,360 --> 00:14:46,139 though like way worse than I am. 516 00:14:46,140 --> 00:14:48,019 Right now. He'll break down and cry 517 00:14:48,020 --> 00:14:49,860 like a huge baby 518 00:14:51,350 --> 00:14:52,869 Cynthia's husband, Alejandro, was in 519 00:14:52,870 --> 00:14:54,089 the Marines. 520 00:14:54,090 --> 00:14:55,929 He's been out for eight years, but 521 00:14:55,930 --> 00:14:57,409 he still struggles with it. 522 00:14:57,410 --> 00:14:58,869 These events, you know, with her 523 00:14:58,870 --> 00:15:00,029 coming home, still brings up a lot 524 00:15:00,030 --> 00:15:01,070 of emotions for me. 525 00:15:02,090 --> 00:15:03,969 My brother, who's four years 526 00:15:03,970 --> 00:15:05,429 older than me, passed away in Iraq 527 00:15:05,430 --> 00:15:06,430 in 2006. 528 00:15:07,630 --> 00:15:09,529 And so, like I said, these 529 00:15:09,530 --> 00:15:11,049 emotions, that's kind of a mixture 530 00:15:11,050 --> 00:15:13,029 for me, because of everything, but 531 00:15:13,030 --> 00:15:14,909 at the same time, I'm not 532 00:15:14,910 --> 00:15:16,429 going to put a damper on her coming 533 00:15:16,430 --> 00:15:17,909 home, because, of course, it's her 534 00:15:17,910 --> 00:15:19,009 moment. 535 00:15:19,010 --> 00:15:21,469 So try to be as 536 00:15:21,470 --> 00:15:23,529 uplifting and happy as 537 00:15:23,530 --> 00:15:24,530 possible. 538 00:15:25,780 --> 00:15:27,299 That's really complicated though. 539 00:15:27,300 --> 00:15:28,300 Yes it is. 540 00:15:29,200 --> 00:15:31,399 I've been watching this staircase 541 00:15:31,400 --> 00:15:33,179 and off and on to this one. 542 00:15:34,720 --> 00:15:36,259 Alejandro wanders off closer to the 543 00:15:36,260 --> 00:15:38,059 escalator to get a better look. 544 00:15:38,060 --> 00:15:39,159 He seems tense. 545 00:15:39,160 --> 00:15:40,179 Do you think this is hard for your 546 00:15:40,180 --> 00:15:41,180 husband? 547 00:15:41,450 --> 00:15:44,069 A little bit, yeah, but 548 00:15:44,070 --> 00:15:46,369 knowing that it's something good, 549 00:15:46,370 --> 00:15:47,870 it kind of outweighs the bad. 550 00:15:49,430 --> 00:15:50,669 I kind of have to talk to him about 551 00:15:50,670 --> 00:15:52,009 certain things just to make sure it 552 00:15:52,010 --> 00:15:53,230 doesn't mess with his PTSD. 553 00:15:54,390 --> 00:15:55,929 So last night I was like, are you 554 00:15:55,930 --> 00:15:56,949 sure you're okay? 555 00:15:56,950 --> 00:15:58,249 You don't have to come with me? 556 00:15:58,250 --> 00:15:59,169 So he's like, no, no. 557 00:15:59,170 --> 00:16:00,589 I want to be there for you and for 558 00:16:00,590 --> 00:16:01,829 her. 559 00:16:01,830 --> 00:16:03,689 And I think he's okay for 560 00:16:03,690 --> 00:16:05,229 right now because he knows it's 561 00:16:05,230 --> 00:16:07,069 something good. It's not anything 562 00:16:07,070 --> 00:16:08,549 bad. 563 00:16:08,550 --> 00:16:10,969 But then Alejandro calls to Cynthia. 564 00:16:10,970 --> 00:16:11,970 What 565 00:16:13,080 --> 00:16:14,640 Olivia is coming down the escalator. 566 00:16:15,830 --> 00:16:17,290 Every time we go in, it's like... 567 00:16:19,370 --> 00:16:21,169 Cynthia drops her bag and runs over 568 00:16:21,170 --> 00:16:22,149 to her cousin. 569 00:16:22,150 --> 00:16:23,769 She's in tears. 570 00:16:23,770 --> 00:16:25,169 Alejandro waits his turn to greet 571 00:16:25,170 --> 00:16:26,170 Olivia. 572 00:16:30,170 --> 00:16:32,169 So this is my cousin Olivia. 573 00:16:32,170 --> 00:16:33,329 Yes. 574 00:16:33,330 --> 00:16:34,119 I'm ready to get home. 575 00:16:34,120 --> 00:16:35,539 I know you've had a long trip. 576 00:16:35,540 --> 00:16:37,539 I want some Mexican food, don't 577 00:16:37,540 --> 00:16:38,540 you? 578 00:16:38,900 --> 00:16:39,599 What did you mention there? 579 00:16:39,600 --> 00:16:41,159 Yeah, yeah, like she really wants 580 00:16:41,160 --> 00:16:42,239 some Mexican food. 581 00:16:42,240 --> 00:16:43,379 Yes. Did you tell him I was been in 582 00:16:43,380 --> 00:16:44,799 Korea? Yeah 583 00:16:44,800 --> 00:16:46,619 I will let you guys get on with your 584 00:16:46,620 --> 00:16:48,259 reunion, I'll get out of your way, 585 00:16:48,260 --> 00:16:49,559 but thank you, thank you for your 586 00:16:49,560 --> 00:16:50,560 service. 587 00:16:54,420 --> 00:16:55,420 All the way up. 588 00:16:57,580 --> 00:16:59,659 Around 12.15, I'm outside watching 589 00:16:59,660 --> 00:17:01,519 the jumble of cars pull up to the 590 00:17:01,520 --> 00:17:03,679 curb to drop people off. 591 00:17:03,680 --> 00:17:04,939 Security people with whistles are 592 00:17:04,940 --> 00:17:06,338 doing their best to manage the 593 00:17:06,339 --> 00:17:07,339 chaos. 594 00:17:08,869 --> 00:17:10,348 It's funny because the grackles seem 595 00:17:10,349 --> 00:17:11,868 like they're responding to the 596 00:17:11,869 --> 00:17:13,349 whistles singing along with them. 597 00:17:19,230 --> 00:17:20,390 Pull up all the way, 598 00:17:21,490 --> 00:17:22,490 pull up and around. 599 00:17:23,780 --> 00:17:26,159 Fascinated by these guys directing 600 00:17:26,160 --> 00:17:27,618 traffic. 601 00:17:27,619 --> 00:17:29,979 People are just so bad 602 00:17:29,980 --> 00:17:31,899 at pulling up to the curb 603 00:17:31,900 --> 00:17:33,539 and not blocking other people at the 604 00:17:33,540 --> 00:17:34,319 airport. 605 00:17:34,320 --> 00:17:35,900 Just like, needs constant tending. 606 00:17:37,459 --> 00:17:39,139 12:25, waiting for grandma to come 607 00:17:39,140 --> 00:17:39,269 in. 608 00:17:39,270 --> 00:17:40,869 Who's this baby? 609 00:17:40,870 --> 00:17:42,169 This is Stella. 610 00:17:42,170 --> 00:17:43,209 Hi Stella. 611 00:17:44,750 --> 00:17:45,849 She's a girl. 612 00:17:45,850 --> 00:17:47,089 Is that your little sister? 613 00:17:47,090 --> 00:17:48,109 Mm-hmm. 614 00:17:48,110 --> 00:17:49,469 Do you want to talk? 615 00:17:49,470 --> 00:17:50,289 What do you got there? 616 00:17:50,290 --> 00:17:51,089 Is that Barbie? 617 00:17:51,090 --> 00:17:51,829 Yeah. 618 00:17:51,830 --> 00:17:53,249 You're waiting for Grandma? 619 00:17:53,250 --> 00:17:54,029 Mm-hm. 620 00:17:54,030 --> 00:17:54,849 Yeah? What are you going to do when 621 00:17:54,850 --> 00:17:55,799 she gets here? 622 00:17:55,800 --> 00:17:57,659 I don't know. She got a surprise for 623 00:17:57,660 --> 00:17:58,139 me. 624 00:17:58,140 --> 00:17:58,979 She has a surprise? 625 00:17:58,980 --> 00:18:00,539 What do you hope it is? 626 00:18:00,540 --> 00:18:01,359 I don't know. 627 00:18:01,360 --> 00:18:02,360 We don't know. 628 00:18:03,260 --> 00:18:04,679 Is it another Barbie doll? 629 00:18:04,680 --> 00:18:06,299 I like your boots, though. 630 00:18:06,300 --> 00:18:07,019 Thank you. 631 00:18:07,020 --> 00:18:08,859 Your whole outfit is very nice. 632 00:18:08,860 --> 00:18:09,479 Thank you. 633 00:18:09,480 --> 00:18:11,079 Do you like dinosaurs? 634 00:18:11,080 --> 00:18:12,329 Uh, no. 635 00:18:12,330 --> 00:18:13,799 They're very scary. 636 00:18:13,800 --> 00:18:15,719 They don't look very scary 637 00:18:15,720 --> 00:18:16,720 on your dress! 638 00:18:18,040 --> 00:18:20,359 Yeah, but these ones are pretty, 639 00:18:20,360 --> 00:18:22,489 but real ones look scary. 640 00:18:22,490 --> 00:18:23,590 What's your favorite animal? 641 00:18:24,630 --> 00:18:26,369 Um, I don't know. 642 00:18:26,370 --> 00:18:27,769 You don't know? 643 00:18:27,770 --> 00:18:29,629 Please pay attention to 644 00:18:29,630 --> 00:18:30,611 the area in front of the terminal 645 00:18:30,612 --> 00:18:31,919 building. 646 00:18:31,920 --> 00:18:34,059 At 2.38 p.m., producer Greta 647 00:18:34,060 --> 00:18:35,979 Diaz Gonzalez Vasquez meets 648 00:18:35,980 --> 00:18:38,159 a guy coming back to Austin from 649 00:18:38,160 --> 00:18:39,589 visiting family in Brazil. 650 00:18:39,590 --> 00:18:40,969 It's complicated. 651 00:18:40,970 --> 00:18:42,489 For me, I don't feel like here is 652 00:18:42,490 --> 00:18:44,169 home and I don´t feel there is home 653 00:18:44,170 --> 00:18:44,949 as well. 654 00:18:44,950 --> 00:18:46,589 So when I'm here, sometimes I'm 655 00:18:46,590 --> 00:18:47,989 missing there. When I'm there, I'm 656 00:18:47,990 --> 00:18:48,990 missin' here. 657 00:18:49,670 --> 00:18:51,629 And I think the most complicated for 658 00:18:51,630 --> 00:18:53,890 me was I got divorced last year. 659 00:18:55,290 --> 00:18:56,689 So now I don't have family. 660 00:18:58,390 --> 00:19:00,209 When I moved here, I moved with 661 00:19:00,210 --> 00:19:02,229 the idea to have a family, 662 00:19:02,230 --> 00:19:03,549 have kids. 663 00:19:03,550 --> 00:19:05,049 And at the end I didn't, and I got 664 00:19:05,050 --> 00:19:06,050 divorce. 665 00:19:07,510 --> 00:19:09,369 And what do your parents say? 666 00:19:09,370 --> 00:19:10,529 What did they say when they knew 667 00:19:10,530 --> 00:19:12,329 that you were moving to the US? 668 00:19:13,560 --> 00:19:15,339 My mother still thinks I will move 669 00:19:15,340 --> 00:19:16,340 back. 670 00:19:17,350 --> 00:19:18,569 Does she ask, like, well, when are 671 00:19:18,570 --> 00:19:20,509 you coming back or? 672 00:19:20,510 --> 00:19:22,589 Not anymore in the beginning she 673 00:19:22,590 --> 00:19:24,569 was she was okay well you 674 00:19:24,570 --> 00:19:26,089 move it only because you're ex-wife 675 00:19:26,090 --> 00:19:27,269 now you're your god 676 00:19:28,899 --> 00:19:31,089 You moved here because of her? 677 00:19:31,090 --> 00:19:32,929 That's what my mother thinks 678 00:19:32,930 --> 00:19:33,930 about me. 679 00:19:34,720 --> 00:19:35,720 Oh, wow. 680 00:19:36,330 --> 00:19:37,749 325 p.m. 681 00:19:37,750 --> 00:19:39,069 The information desk. 682 00:19:39,070 --> 00:19:40,789 I'm sorry, can I help you? 683 00:19:40,790 --> 00:19:42,449 I'm just trying to figure out which 684 00:19:42,450 --> 00:19:44,549 claim my bag is 685 00:19:44,550 --> 00:19:45,729 at. 686 00:19:45,730 --> 00:19:47,689 Southwest, they use baggage 687 00:19:47,690 --> 00:19:49,509 claim four, and when it 688 00:19:49,510 --> 00:19:50,969 gets crowded, they used five. 689 00:19:50,970 --> 00:19:51,829 Okay, thank you. 690 00:19:51,830 --> 00:19:52,830 You're welcome, 691 00:19:54,370 --> 00:19:55,919 I'm a volunteer. 692 00:19:55,920 --> 00:19:57,029 Oh, okay. 693 00:19:57,030 --> 00:19:59,869 I'm what they call an ambassador, 694 00:19:59,870 --> 00:20:01,329 and most of us are seniors. 695 00:20:03,080 --> 00:20:05,379 Why volunteer at the airport? 696 00:20:05,380 --> 00:20:06,839 Oh, because it's lots of fun. 697 00:20:06,840 --> 00:20:08,579 I get to talk to people from all 698 00:20:08,580 --> 00:20:10,479 over the world sometimes. 699 00:20:10,480 --> 00:20:12,079 You know, I enjoy it. 700 00:20:12,080 --> 00:20:13,419 It gives me people to talk. 701 00:20:13,420 --> 00:20:14,839 I'm a widow. I live alone. 702 00:20:15,840 --> 00:20:18,019 Sir, did you need some help? 703 00:20:18,020 --> 00:20:19,019 Did you need help? 704 00:20:19,020 --> 00:20:21,209 Yes. May I help you? 705 00:20:21,210 --> 00:20:24,949 Where can I find 706 00:20:24,950 --> 00:20:26,829 door L so I can 707 00:20:26,830 --> 00:20:29,389 release my 708 00:20:29,390 --> 00:20:30,390 cargo? 709 00:20:32,260 --> 00:20:34,179 Okay, what airline is your cargo 710 00:20:34,180 --> 00:20:35,400 on? Okay, 711 00:20:36,580 --> 00:20:37,659 you need to go to their baggage 712 00:20:37,660 --> 00:20:39,299 officer. It's all the way down there 713 00:20:39,300 --> 00:20:41,179 where baggage claim seven is 714 00:20:41,180 --> 00:20:42,059 yes 715 00:20:42,060 --> 00:20:43,099 Appreciate it. Okay. 716 00:20:44,409 --> 00:20:45,369 Door L. 717 00:20:45,370 --> 00:20:47,129 I mean, what the heck is door L? 718 00:20:47,130 --> 00:20:48,709 We don't have a door L! 719 00:20:51,700 --> 00:20:53,239 A few minutes later, the same guy 720 00:20:53,240 --> 00:20:55,139 comes back to the information desk. 721 00:20:55,140 --> 00:20:56,759 I better help this gentleman right 722 00:20:56,760 --> 00:20:57,739 here. 723 00:20:57,740 --> 00:20:58,740 Can I help you, sir? 724 00:20:59,800 --> 00:21:01,779 I just need to clear it's customs 725 00:21:01,780 --> 00:21:03,679 so I can pick it up from 726 00:21:03,680 --> 00:21:04,780 a different location. 727 00:21:07,280 --> 00:21:09,099 So you're picking something 728 00:21:09,100 --> 00:21:10,899 up from customs. 729 00:21:10,900 --> 00:21:12,899 They told me 730 00:21:12,900 --> 00:21:15,039 either door L, 731 00:21:15,040 --> 00:21:16,040 door 25, 732 00:21:17,040 --> 00:21:19,179 go to door L straight ahead 733 00:21:19,180 --> 00:21:21,319 or volunteer desk to the right 734 00:21:21,320 --> 00:21:23,219 Okay, well the letter L 735 00:21:23,220 --> 00:21:25,659 is all the way down at the end and 736 00:21:25,660 --> 00:21:26,700 then go out to the curve. 737 00:21:27,710 --> 00:21:29,529 So it's outside or 738 00:21:29,530 --> 00:21:30,970 is it where 7 is located? 739 00:21:33,160 --> 00:21:35,019 I have Asperger's, sorry, so... 740 00:21:35,020 --> 00:21:37,379 Okay, I'm old. 741 00:21:37,380 --> 00:21:39,199 I'm elderly and I'm getting 742 00:21:39,200 --> 00:21:40,479 confused. 743 00:21:40,480 --> 00:21:41,739 I don't know what to say. 744 00:21:41,740 --> 00:21:43,220 What are you trying to find? 745 00:21:44,470 --> 00:21:46,449 Are you trying to find a bag 746 00:21:46,450 --> 00:21:48,049 that has been shipped? 747 00:21:49,230 --> 00:21:50,949 It's a live animal, so it was 748 00:21:50,950 --> 00:21:52,619 shipped, a dog. 749 00:21:52,620 --> 00:21:53,999 It's a dog. 750 00:21:54,000 --> 00:21:55,359 Oh, thank goodness. 751 00:21:57,020 --> 00:21:58,939 From abroad and I'm here to just 752 00:21:58,940 --> 00:22:00,759 clear the customs so I can 753 00:22:00,760 --> 00:22:02,149 pick it up from Terminal T. 754 00:22:02,150 --> 00:22:04,309 The customs agents are all behind 755 00:22:04,310 --> 00:22:06,129 the locked door working with 756 00:22:06,130 --> 00:22:07,769 international arrivals. 757 00:22:07,770 --> 00:22:08,969 I can do that. 758 00:22:08,970 --> 00:22:10,949 You can try, when those doors 759 00:22:10,950 --> 00:22:13,109 open, you can try talking 760 00:22:13,110 --> 00:22:14,439 to a customs person. 761 00:22:14,440 --> 00:22:16,259 Yeah, I get tackled 762 00:22:16,260 --> 00:22:18,459 and shot maybe or something. 763 00:22:18,460 --> 00:22:20,539 I don't want to go into 764 00:22:20,540 --> 00:22:21,040 a locked door. 765 00:22:21,041 --> 00:22:23,359 They don't carry guns, and it's 766 00:22:23,360 --> 00:22:24,999 illegal to have a gun in the 767 00:22:25,000 --> 00:22:26,000 airport. 768 00:22:26,820 --> 00:22:29,359 I don't look so... 769 00:22:29,360 --> 00:22:30,809 OK, I appreciate it, thanks. 770 00:22:30,810 --> 00:22:32,169 Okay, good luck soon. 771 00:22:34,200 --> 00:22:36,099 That's the podcast, 24 Hours in 772 00:22:36,100 --> 00:22:37,639 Austin, and don't worry, reporter 773 00:22:37,640 --> 00:22:39,699 Greta Díaz González Vázquez followed 774 00:22:39,700 --> 00:22:41,339 that man to find the dog at the 775 00:22:41,340 --> 00:22:42,259 airport. 776 00:22:42,260 --> 00:22:43,439 You can find out what happens by 777 00:22:43,440 --> 00:22:45,399 listening to the podcast episode 778 00:22:45,400 --> 00:22:49,639 by going to kutkutx.studio. 779 00:22:49,640 --> 00:22:51,099 That's our show for today. 780 00:22:51,100 --> 00:22:52,519 I'm your host, Jerry Quijano. 781 00:22:52,520 --> 00:22:54,799 We will talk to you tomorrow. 782 00:22:54,800 --> 00:22:55,800 Have a great day out there.