Through his journalism, Tony Plohetski has held the powerful to account in scores of stories through his joint appointment with the Austin American-Statesman and KVUE.
Background: Plohetski began working in Austin in 2000 as a baby-faced 22-year-old reporter.
We recently caught up with Plohetski, who lives in the Highland Park West neighborhood with his husband , attorney Wroe Jackson, to ask how he likes to spend a working day in Austin.
How are you starting your day?
"It typically involves a run — I try to log 4 miles at least five times a week."
Whereabouts?
"I'm usually running in my neighborhood — it's very hilly, or in Brentwood, my old neighborhood, where I like to run along Arroyo Seco. But the crown jewel, no matter how crowded it may be, is the hike-and-bike trail around Lady Bird Lake. I often run into sources or officials there."
When you see someone like that, are you in reporter mode, or just being friendly, or both?
"If I run into someone in the news, I might be a little more of an active journalist, and ask them questions — though sometimes it's wonderful just to wave hello to someone."
Are you always thinking in terms of news?
"No matter where I am, I'm always looking for the next important major story for Austin. Whether at a coffee shop or on the trail or having lunch or breakfast or dinner with someone. I wake up thinking, 'Where is the next big story and where am I going to get it?'"
It sounds like you're competitive.
"I'm hugely competitive in every way. I've never been a great athlete. But I like competing with myself, more than anything."
What are you doing for breakfast?
"For breakfast or lunch, I always enjoy meeting people at Mi Madre's off Manor Road. It's got a special place in my heart, because my husband grew up going there as a child — his father would take him there — and he has a relationship with the family who runs it.
The morning after we married, we had a send-off celebration there. And Hoover Alexander over the years has been a friend — I like taking an official or source there."
What's your order at Mi Madre's?
"Two tacos: A migas taco and a bacon and egg taco."
And then you head to the office?
"Yes, either to KVUE on Steck or the Statesman out by the airport. But I live on my phone."
What do you do for a break?
"No matter how busy I am, I take our dog for a 15-minute walk at lunch."
What's the dog's name?
"Cal, an adoptee from the Austin Animal Center. Cal's a mixed breed, about 23 pounds."
Cal content with a ball. Photo: Courtesy of Tony Plohetski
Are you getting a bite?
"I might stop by Russell's Bakery and Cafe to get a coffee — I'm very caffeinated, by the way — and I like their muffins."
What's happening for dinner?
"During the pandemic, Wroe became this sort of expert chef. It was a surprise hobby for both of us. He cooks dinner at home several nights a week. At the end of all the things I've juggled, talking to people, racing to meeting deadlines, I enjoy being the dishwasher of our family."
And to unwind?
"The last thing I do every night is watch an episode of an '80s sitcom."
One sitcom in particular?
"'The Golden Girls.' I watch it on Hulu ."
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