News Ticker: May 8

Southwest Airlines makes vacation plans, State Health Services smells something fishy, and Rick Perry threatens the Lege. Summer fun is on the News Ticker.

• Maybe the next time Austin ISD has a media briefing, they should check the calendar first. Oh well, we're sure there's nothing else newsworthy happening tomorrow.

• The unarmed man shot at by an Austin Police officer was reportedly hospitalized because of a panic attack. Sounds like someone was overreacting.

• Southwest Airlines has added a daily direct flight from Austin to New Orleans to its schedule. For the return trip, one will have to rely on magic.

• The Austin Board of Realtors yesterday announced their formal support of an independent governing board for Austin Energy.

• The Texas Department of State Health Services has issued a warning against eating eight fish species due to high mercury content. They also advise against eating thermometers, but local chefs tend to use them sparingly.

• The latest pro-AISD bonds flyer targets Austinites with an extreme dislike of Gov. Rick Perry. It seems like a lot of money to spend just to reach Anita.

• True, the ads might find resonance with Texas lawmakers if Perry makes good on his threat to call a special session. But for some reason, very few of them seem to vote in Travis County elections.

• Looks like Perry will have to start buying everyone margaritas. It seems to have worked for Ted Cruz.