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Community Corner

🌱 ATX Supports Asylum Seekers + William Shatner In Town + AISD Raises

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

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Jessica Collins, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Good morning, everybody! It's a beautiful Sunday in Austin and I'm back in your inbox with the most important local news and community updates.

Grab your morning java while we cover:

  • An AISD executive is advocating for pay increases for teachers and staff.
  • A screening of the classic film Star Trek II and Q&A with William Shatner takes place this evening — tickets are still available!
  • One of the top local pizza makers is opening a brick and mortar location.
  • A local, historic Black-owned farm is fighting to protect its land and heritage.

But first, today's weather:

Breezy in the afternoon. High: 72 Low: 59.

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Here are the top stories in Austin today:

1) Austin is partnering with San Antonio city officials to coordinate travel for asylum seekers needing assistance in reaching their sponsor destinations across the United States. San Antonio experienced a significant influx of migrants in recent months, and reached out to Austin for additional support. In a press release, the City of Austin notes that asylum seekers are legally permitted to move throughout the U.S. KVUE has more on this story here.

2) Austin ISD wants to increase teachers' salaries by at least 5% for the 2023-2024 school year. KUT reports that Austin ISD's Chief Financial Officer Ed Ramos told school board members on Thursday that compensation is the number-one priority for the district's 2023-2024 budget. Ramos believes the pay increase is key for Austin ISD to compete with surrounding Central Texas School Districts (the neighboring Hays CISD is currently one of the highest-paying districts in the area). Austin ISD administrators are also proposing raises for classified staff as well as administrative and professional staff. KUT has in-depth coverage here.

3) A historic Black-owned farm outside of Austin was granted a temporary restraining order to stop a housing development group from building on its land. The Alexander Farm, in Pilot Knob, Texas, a few miles south of Austin International Airport, was founded in 1847 by a formerly enslaved horse breeder named Daniel Alexander. Although the farm is no longer producing commercially, the Alexander family wants to preserve its rich heritage and keep the farm intact: "This is the land that sustained my ancestors when they were enslaved. It sustained our family — their descendants — for generations since. The takers must be stopped, held accountable for their trespass against us and prevented from inflicting further harm to our family land," says Rosalind Alexander-Kasparik of the Alexander Family. Learn more about this story here at KXAN.

4) Austin-based tech company National Instruments is in talks with potential buyers as it explores a possible sale. After reporting record-breaking revenue in 2021 and a strong 2022, National Instruments CEO Eric Starkloff said the company's focus on software and related services has led to growth and better profitability. The Austin American-Statesman has more on what a potential acquisition could look like — check it out!

Today in Austin:

  • Rock and Roll Playhouse: The Music of Phish for Kids at Empire Control Room. (11 a.m.)
  • City-Wide Vintage Sale at Palmer Events Center. (11 a.m.)
  • Austin Pride Presents: Big Gay Drag Brunch at Fourth & Co. (12 p.m.)
  • KUTX 10th Birthday Concert Series with Why Bonnie, Sun June at Antone's. (7 p.m.)
  • William Shatner and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan at The Long Center. (7:30 p.m.)
  • Soul Sundays with Soul Man Sam & The SMS Band at The Skylark Lounge. (8 p.m.)

Community Chatter:

  • 🍕 Food trailer moves to brick and mortar: "Food truck Sammataro moved into the former 40 North space with new drinks and an expanded menu." (Eater Austin)
  • 🕺 New after-hours club: "A familiar spot on Red River is now home to a rare kind of Austin nightlife." The new club, called "The Cut," will be hosting members-only DJ parties. (Austin Chronicle)
  • ✨ Glow-in-the-dark fun: "On Wednesday, January 25, from 7-9 p.m., the Dougherty Arts Center Theater will be transformed into a black-lit environment ready for you to experiment with glow-in-the-dark drawings, prop making, makeup, and where you will get the opportunity to create your very own glow in the dark photography. This event is free and all ages!" (DAC Nights)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with 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 Daily? Contact me at DowntownAustin@patch.com

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