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Community Corner

🌱 AISD Scores Show Improvement + Bus Driver Struck By Stray Bullet

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Austin.

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Jessica Collins, Neighbor
(Patch Media)

Happy Monday, neighbors! What a game last night?! Whether your team won or lost, I hope you've managed to start your morning on the right note. I'm back in your inbox bright and early with the most important local news and community updates. Today we'll cover:

  • Squid Games...in Austin!? Keep scrolling for the scoop.
  • The Austin City Council is voting on the city manager's future during this week's meeting.
  • Most Austin ISD schools' state academic scores show improvement – but not all.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy, a shower in the p.m.. High: 69 Low: 58.

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Here are the top stories today in Austin:

1) Test scores continue to rebound for most Austin ISD schools. 2019 and 2022 scorecards from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) show that Austin school district campuses largely improved or remained steady. There were eleven schools that saw a drop in performance (eight of which are on the district's northeast side) but education advocates allege that these campuses lack appropriate resources. The Austin American-Statesman has the full scoop here.

2) A Cap Metro bus driver was struck by a stray bullet while on their route, on Sunday morning. KVUE reports that the driver was taken to a nearby hospital with non-critical injuries and has since been released. Police officials do not believe that the bus driver was the intended target and an investigation is currently underway. Learn more here at KVUE.

3) An addendum was added to Austin City Council's meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 15 to discuss terminating the Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk and appointing an Interim City Manager. If Cronk is fired, he will be paid $388,190.40 (a full year's salary) + six months of COBRA. Cronk said in a statement late Saturday night he was not made aware of the agenda item for the meeting. The Texas Tribune has more on this story here.

4) Community help needed: Mayor Kirk Watson is requesting the community's help with tracking down a missing man last seen on Rainey St. 30-year-old Jason John was last seen Sunday, Feb. 5 wearing a black and white print jacket with black pants. John is described 5'10" tall and weighing around 190 pounds. CBS Austin has more on this story here.

Today in Austin:

  • Recycled Art: Valentine's Day Crafts at Austin Public Library, Pleasant Hill Branch. (3:30 p.m.)
  • Treat Yo Self - Galentine's Party at The Volstead Lounge. (7 p.m.)
  • ATX Short Film February Showcase at The Ballroom at Spiderhouse. (8 p.m.)
  • Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at 400 Rabbits, Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter Lane. (8 p.m.)
  • Intermediate Two-Step Lessons at Sam's Town Point. (8:30 p.m.)

Community Chatter:

  • 🍄 Psychedelic medicine is on the rise in Austin: "Local medical professionals are looking to substances like MDMA and psilocybin to treat everything from PTSD to anxiety and depression." (Austin Monthly)
  • 🎸 Celebrate Austin music: "The Austin Chronicle presents the 41st annual Austin Music Awards LIVE on Sunday, Feb. 26, at Mohawk Austin! Hosted this year in the heart of Austin's downtown live music scene, the #AustinMusicAwards will celebrate the winners of The Austin Chronicle Music Poll! Party with the best bands, musicians, and more with LIVE MUSIC" (Downtown Austin Alliance via Facebook)
  • 🕹 'Squid Game' in Austin? "The virtual reality company is collaborating with Netflix to release a new experience based on the hit show late this year. Austin's Sandbox VR location in Domain NORTHSIDE will offer the game alongside the company's other more than 30 global locations." (The Austin American-Statesman)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! See you tomorrow for another update.

— Jessica Collins

About me: Jessica is happy to call Austin her home for the past 10+ years. She loves the outdoors, arts & cinema, dining, and all of the natural beauty that Central Texas has to offer.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Austin Patch newsletter? Contact me at DowntownAustin@patch.com

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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