Most people look forward to retiring with plans to kick back, relax, and—let’s be honest—avoid dealing with people. However, that wasn’t the case for Martha. After retiring from her position as director of medical records at Austin Diagnostic Clinic, she still had a strong desire to help others. While searching for an interesting part-time opportunity, she discovered the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s Ambassador Volunteer Program and began her volunteering journey in 2008, continuing until this year, 2025. As we bid her farewell on her next journey, we want to take a moment to recognize her remarkable 17 and a half years of service to travelers from all around the world.

Saying that Martha was just a friendly face at the Visitor Information Center in Baggage Claim would be an understatement. She consistently went above and beyond, assisting travelers with everything from navigating the airport to providing support during medical emergencies. For many travelers, her warm demeanor and willingness to help were the shining light at the end of the tunnel they had been seeking.

Reflecting on her time as a volunteer, Martha shared, “It was a great experience for me, and I also had fun people-watching. One of the perks I really appreciated was the ‘free’ parking when I was traveling from the airport.” As she prepares for her second attempt at retirement, Martha said that she will miss her coworkers most of all. Without a doubt, she will always remain a beloved member of the AUS community.

Martha’s story of finding joy in helping others may inspire you to volunteer as well. In case you didn’t know, the AUS Airport Ambassadors Program is a volunteer initiative designed to provide exceptional customer service and assist visitors on their journey. As a volunteer, you’ll become an expert on all things airport-related and provide timely updates from the Department of Aviation to travelers. Benefits of volunteering include discounts at airport stores and restaurants, free Cap Metro I-Ride cards for commuting, special recognition at social events, and, Martha’s favorite, free airport parking for both work and vacation! If you’re interested, contact the Visitor Information Center Supervisor for more information at VolunteerAtAUS@flyaustin.com or call 512-530-2414.

Once again, thank you, Martha, for the many years of service you’ve dedicated with your smile, patience, and expertise at AUS. Your contributions have made a meaningful impact on everyone you’ve helped, and after 17 ½ years, those impacts are truly countless.

AUSTIN, Texas — A Central Texas attorney is taking legal action against the U.S. Department of Education, claiming a sudden and massive spike in her student loan payments is the direct result of a decision by the Trump administration — one that she says left borrowers blindsided and financially vulnerable.

Ashley Morgan, an Austin-based attorney, filed a lawsuit this week against Education Secretary Linda McMahon and the Department of Education after discovering her monthly student loan payment had increased from $507 to a staggering $2,463 — an increase of over 350%.

“I’m not seeking money, I just want what I was told I would get,” Morgan told CBS Austin.

Morgan alleges the increase came after the Trump administration abruptly paused all income-driven repayment (IDR) plans in February — without notifying borrowers. These plans typically allow student loan payments to be calculated based on a borrower’s income, often making them more affordable.

“I logged into my loan account and saw my payments had more than quadrupled,” she said. “It was shocking — and it’s not affordable.”

Morgan, who began repaying her student loans in 2017, said she had never missed a payment in the past eight years. But when she logged into her account recently, she discovered the IDR plan was no longer available, and her loan payments had jumped overnight. There had been no warning, she claims.

“They’re really hurting people that can’t afford to wait around and figure out what to do with student loans or how to pick up the pieces of the Department of Education,” she said.

Morgan says she reached out to the Department of Education, her loan servicer, and Texas Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn — but received no clear answers or help.

“I just realized I wasn’t going to get help and I was going to have to help myself,” she said. “That’s why I filed this lawsuit.”

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Morgan’s lawsuit goes beyond financial hardship. She claims the sudden change has caused “mental and emotional distress” and alleges other borrowers are experiencing similar impacts — including reports of suicidal thoughts due to the financial strain.

“I’m seeing a broad array of reactions from other borrowers,” she said. “It’s clear that people are scared and overwhelmed.”

The lawsuit comes amid sweeping changes at the Department of Education. On Thursday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to begin dismantling the department, transferring authority to individual states.

“It’s doing us no good,” Trump said. “We want to return our students to the states.”

The executive order instructs Secretary McMahon to begin the process of downsizing the agency. However, fully eliminating the department would require congressional approval.

While some Texas leaders, including Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, praised the move, others — like U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett — warned it could further undermine public education and student protections.

For now, income-driven repayment plans remain paused, and borrowers like Morgan are left in limbo — unsure how to manage loan payments that, for some, now exceed rent or mortgage costs.

“I’m not going to default on my loans just because someone is jacking with a couple forms online,” Morgan said. “But I’m not sure how long I can keep this up without help.”

Morgan is hoping the courts step in before she’s forced to drain her savings to keep up with her new monthly bill. She says she’s not alone — and that her lawsuit is about protecting all borrowers who may face the same fate.

The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how the federal government handles student loan repayment plans — especially as the Department of Education’s future hangs in the balance.

Billboard’s iconic live music series The Stage at SXSW returned to Austin, March 13 to 15, 2025. This year they highlighted some of the biggest movers and shakers in Country, Latin and EDM. Billboard and Bulleit teamed up to elevate the experience and extend the celebration with an exclusive after party featuring the hottest music and the coolest cocktails.

As the Official Whiskey Partner of The Stage at SXSW, Bulleit curated a vibe that uplifted artists that not only push the boundaries of music but broaden their respective genres. Koe Wetzel and Grupo Frontera showed how they do it in Texas, repping their home state with electrifying headlining performances for Country and Latin nights. While John Summit, fresh off a globe-trotting series of shows, amped up the energy in the amphitheater with infectious beats and mind-blowing pyrotechnics.

Billboard and SXSW deepened their connection this year thanks to Austin-native mixologist, Ryan Smith, who created custom cocktails with Bulleit to celebrate the creativity and innovation that can only be found at the festival. The Bulleit Bourbon Austin Calling enticed with notes of elderberry, while the Bulleit Rye Wildcard had the perfect balance of basil and strawberry. They perfectly captured the energy of the city and the culture it creates.

At The Stage, guests cooled down in the Bulleit Lounge with whiskey drinks while basking in the beautiful orange neon lights. On the other side of the venue, Bulleit set up a stylish bar where you could sample Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye on the rocks or mixed in a Whiskey Sour or a Mule. Whether attendees were there to kick up their cowboy boots, celebrate Latin cultures, or dance to melodic beats, there was libation for every occasion.

John Summit may have closed out the stage, but the party continued downtown at the After Hours presented by Billboard and Bulleit. KSHMR, the producer and songwriter behind some of the biggest industry shifting hits, brought his one-of-a-kind sound to SXSW when he took to the stage, spinning high-energy tracks and pulse-pounding classics. Those lucky enough to make it to the after party before the venue reached capacity were treated to a performance from KSHMR and Izzy Bizu who performed an upcoming single live for the first time.

KSHMR took a second to share a toast with everyone. With a Bulleit Cocktail in hand, he said “Thanks to Bulleit and Billboard for putting on this amazing party! I wanna put on a little toast… Austin, are we having a good time?” Which was met with thunderous cheers from the audience.

The evening offered the perfect amount of style and edge with genre blending tunes and classic cocktails like Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey Sours and Bulleit Rye Mules. Whether you’re into the tried and true or trying something new, Billboard and Bulleit created an intersection of music and spirits that could only by accomplished by this pairing.

For even more coverage of Billboard The Stage at SXSW and Billboard and Bulleit Present The Stage After Hours, including exclusive photos and video coverage, check out Billboard.com and Billboard’s social channels.

BULLEIT BOURBON Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. 45% Alc/Vol. The Bulleit Distilling Co., Louisville, KY. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.