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Community Corner

🌱 I-35 Expansion Updates + Deadly Shooting On Eastside + Free Movie

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, friends and neighbors! I hope everyone woke up on the right side of the bed this morning! I'm back in your inbox bright and early with your fresh copy of the Austin Daily, packed with the most important local news and community updates.

Settle in while we cover:

  • TxDOT released its build plans for the I-35 expansion – we've got the scoop.
  • Austin FC is shaking up its roster – keep scrolling for more deets!
  • A deadly shooting took place near Givens Park in East Austin yesterday morning.
  • Looking for a free event this evening? The library's "Weeknight Cinema" is one you won't want to miss.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and mild. High: 71 Low: 40.

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Here are the top stories in Austin today:

1) The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) released its build plans for widening Interstate 35 through Austin, and the plans could potentially displace hundreds of residents and businesses if approved. Star Seeds Cafe, Aria Grand Apartments (a relatively new affordable housing complex), The Whip In and Escuelita De Alma Preschool are just a few of the many residences and businesses that would be impacted. TxDOT's proposals would "add two high-occupancy vehicle lanes in each direction from Ben White to 290. Both would sink the main lanes below ground level for most of the distance from Oltorf Street to Airport Boulevard, leaving them largely uncovered except for a chunk or two of blocks downtown." As usual with transportation projects in Austin, this proposal has met with resistance and skepticism from housing, public transportation and environmental advocates. KUT has more on this story here.

2) A Tuesday morning shooting in East Austin leaves three injured and five suspects arrested. Law enforcement officials report that the shooting took place at around 1 a.m. at the 1100 block of Ebert Avenue (near the historic Givens Park). KXAN's account: "Police said they initially responded to multiple 911 calls about a house party, shots fired, people running and vehicles speeding." All five arrested suspects are facing felony charges, while one is charged with evading arrest. Two of the three injured victims are currently at a local trauma center battling life-threatening injuries. KXAN has more on this developing and devastating story here.

3) The 2-month-old, Novah White, who I'd previously shared was missing — was found. As of yesterday, Austin Police Department reports that Novah was located and is safe. The baby's mother, Kayla Washington, and father, Samuel Travis White, are still not in police custody, and the investigation remains active. Check out the full scoop here at KVUE.

4) In spite of selling a record number of vehicles in 2022, local automaker Tesla is seeing the worst drop in stock value in over two years. The Statesman paints the picture of a double-edged sword over at Tesla, reporting that the company sold a record-breaking 1.3 million cars last year, but "the company's stock decline for 2022 was its worst ever, and was more than triple the drop in the overall S&P 500 exchange, which was down 19.4%." The Statesman has a more in-depth piece on what we could expect to see from the electric vehicle automaker in the coming months – check it out.

Today in Austin:

  • (Free Concerts!) Free Week 2023 at various locations. (11 a.m. - 10 p.m.)
  • Family Game Night at Austin Public Library, Pleasant Hill Branch. (5 p.m.)
  • Shuffleboard Tourney at Giddy Ups. (6 p.m.)
  • Weeknight Cinema: American Made at Austin Public Library, North Village Branch. (6 p.m.)
  • Puss In Boots: The Last Wish at Blue Starlite Drive-In, Mueller. (7 p.m.)
  • Butter and Jam Vibe Sessions at The Skylark Lounge. (8 p.m.)

Community Chatter:

  • ⚽ Austin FC Updates: Austin FC officially signed defender, Leo Väisänen, and goalkeeper Matt Bersano, for the 2023 MLS season. Welcome to ATX, Leo and Matt! (Capital City Soccer via Twitter)
  • 🥩 Restaurant relocation: "Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão is relocating to the Austonian." (Community Impact)
  • 📚 Priced out of South Congress: South Congress Books is the latest retailer to leave the pricey neighborhood. (South Congress Books via Facebook)

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That's it for today! See you all tomorrow for your next 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

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

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