Morning Austin! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Titanic. The Human Story and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What did the wall say to the other wall. 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Autonomous vehicle operators report 20 Texas crashes (statesman.com) — Autonomous vehicles were involved in 20 reported crashes across Texas in four weeks, and half of them happened in Austin, though none caused reported injuries. Waymo, Tesla, Avride, and Zoox all logged local incidents as their robotaxis expand here, while trucking firm Aurora plans to run more driverless freight along I-35 through Austin, raising ongoing questions about safety and oversight.
2. Austin City Council to weigh data center regulations, possible ban in work session (cbsaustin.com) — Austin City Council is moving toward strict new rules, and possibly an outright ban, on large-scale data centers within city limits, with a work session already underway and a vote expected Thursday. Leaders say they want to protect Austin's water, power grid, and neighborhoods from noise, light, and heavy utility use, and will first launch a months-long process to define and regulate data centers in city code.
3. UT kicks off Longhorns football season with a free concert (statesman.com) — UT Austin is kicking off the Longhorns' Sept. 5 season opener with a free Longhorn City Limits concert on the LBJ Lawn featuring Eli Young Band and Graham St. Claire Band. Gates open at 10 a.m., and the festival-style event includes food, drinks, shaded hangouts, and drink specials, all open to the public even without game tickets.
4. Dave J. Kubicek Named SFRTA Executive Director (aptapassengertransport.com) — A longtime Austin transit leader is moving on, as former CapMetro executive and Austin Transit Partnership director Dave Kubicek takes over the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority. His new role draws on experience overseeing major rail projects and capital programs, including work that helped shape Austin's transit infrastructure. Austin readers may see his departure influence future local transit leadership dynamics.
5. Texas Oil Industry Running Out of Space to Dispose Wastewater (insurancejournal.com) — State senators and regulators met in Austin to confront a looming crisis: Texas may soon run out of underground space to dispose of oilfield wastewater from the Permian Basin. Lawmakers pressed TCEQ in Austin for faster, science-based permits to treat and reuse this toxic water, while environmental advocates warned against rushing rules that could affect rivers, land, and public health statewide.
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Ok Austin! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Meet me at the corner. (Thank you Earlene M. for sending it in!)
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