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🌱 Patch AM: Could Austin parents close two schools to block a state takeover?

Make time for Rent Party on the Austin Patch calendar

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Friday September 11th Patch AM
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Hi there, Austin! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Could Austin parents close two schools to block a state takeover?
  • How Austin musicians are slashing soaring health insurance premiums this year
  • Planning your Levitation weekend? Here's what's happening across Austin stages.

Also on today's calendar: Deep Blue Something Live at Haute Spot and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: I'm a rock group with 4 members; one member was assassinated. What am I? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 99 and low of 78 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and hot, temps: high: 101, low: 78.
  • Sunday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 98 and low of 77 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Mayor Kirk Watson urges parents to consider school closures amid possible Austin ISD takeover (kvue.com) — Austin families in Burnet and Webb middle schools are being urged by Mayor Kirk Watson to consider a parent-led petition that could close their campuses but potentially prevent a state takeover of Austin ISD's elected board. After five years of failing ratings, the Texas education commissioner must intervene, and Watson argues this legal option lets local parents shape what happens next.
   

2. An Austin Program Helps Pay Musicians' Premiums as Self-Employed Workers Face Pricier Plans and a Shorter Signup Window (medicaldaily.com) — Austin musicians and other gig workers may qualify for major help paying ACA health insurance premiums through the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians and Central Health, even as marketplace costs spike. The story explains how HAAM's subsidies work, who qualifies, and why Texas' lack of Medicaid expansion leaves many residents uninsured, while urging self‑employed Austinites to prepare early for a shorter 2027 enrollment window.
   

3. Gurriers + Radium Dolls (do512.com) — Levitation returns to Austin this weekend, September 10–13, 2026, filling Red River, the East Side, and other venues with four days of psych, punk, metal, indie, and electronic music. With a multi-venue format, Radio/East as the central hub, and both 4-day passes and single-show tickets available, locals can tailor their own festival adventure.
   

4. Man arrested in South Austin deadly shooting connected to other crimes (fox7austin.com) — Austin police have arrested 21-year-old Santana Gonzales in connection with a deadly South Austin shooting near Woodland Avenue and say he's also a suspect in several other recent shootings. Gonzales is jailed in Travis County on murder and deadly conduct charges, while a defense attorney notes his alleged pattern of violence and gang ties could influence how prosecutors pursue the case.
   

📸 Around Austin

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Austin

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Friday September 11
  • Rent Party →
    Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches, 3220 Manor Road, Austin
    7:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Austin Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Harmony School of Innovation-Austin Students Raise Nearly $300 for Children Fighting Cancer During 'Cap Day' —Tracie Seed Read on Patch
  • What could be better than "homemade pineapple upside down" cake with Vanilla Blue Bell Ice Cream ?
    Today residents at Coral Rehabilitation and Nursing Center [formerly Austin R.N.C. ] celebrated John and Diana's birthdays with this awesome treat… (Nextdoor Crestview)
  • This is Frankie, my foster dog!
    Frankie had 5 minutes left before he was scheduled to be euthanized at an overcrowded shelter. Someone pulled him out just in time, and he's been… (Nextdoor Westgate-Cameron Loop)
  • C&W Services posted a job opening for Cleaner, Part Time 2nd Shift in Austin. Apply here.
  • The University of Texas at Austin posted a job opening for Casual Worker - Stagehand, Texas Athletics in Austin. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Austin here.

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: Mount Rushmore (Thank you J.J. W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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