Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Planning lake time this fall? Here’s how the drawdown changes everything

And on the Austin Patch calendar - Josh Abbott Band at Haute Spot

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Friday August 21st Patch AM
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Hey there, Austin! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Planning lake time this fall? Here's how the drawdown changes everything
  • What Austin ISD's superintendent says about takeovers, closures, and your child's school
  • Could you soon ride a 125 mph train from Austin to San Antonio?

Also on today's calendar: Josh Abbott Band at Haute Spot and 7 more events.

Today's riddle: What is full of holes but still holds water? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high of 105 and low of 77 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Record-tying heat, temps: high: 107, low: 78.
  • Sunday: Record-tying heat, with a high of 106 and low of 75 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Austin & LCRA Announce First Lake Austin Drawdown Since 2017 — Boat Ramps Temporarily Closing (dallasexpress.com) — Lake Austin will be lowered about 10 feet from October 12 to November 30, closing public boat ramps and banning swimming at Emma Long Metropolitan Park while shoreline owners tackle dock and bulkhead work. The city and LCRA say permits may be required for some repairs, and an open house on September 9 will walk Austinites through rules and timelines. Expect fluctuating water levels and possible schedule changes if weather or power needs shift.
   

2. Austin ISD superintendent answers questions on state intervention, school closures (cbsaustin.com) — Austin ISD's superintendent is addressing parents' concerns about possible state intervention, recent school consolidations, and a $200 million budget shortfall as the new year begins. He says he wants stability, doesn't foresee more consolidations, and emphasizes faster classroom adjustments and improved instruction while the district awaits any state action.
   

3. Study shows Austin-San Antonio rail could hit 125 mph (communityimpact.com) — Travis County's new study finds no engineering roadblocks to a 125 mph passenger rail line linking Austin-Bergstrom International Airport with downtown San Antonio, mostly along SH 130 and I-10. The $13.5 billion concept could cut trips to under 65 minutes but still needs environmental, ridership, and funding analyses. Local leaders are now debating who might operate the line and how to pay for it.
   

4. Hemp supporters rally in Austin amid changing state rules (kvue.com) — Hemp business owners and consumers gathered in Austin for a "Save Texas Hemp Rally," pushing back on new state rules that tighten control over hemp-derived THC products. An Austin shop co-owner says unclear regulations are pressuring local businesses, while several Texas hemp companies have now asked a Travis County judge to block the state's latest restrictions and fee hikes.
   

📸 Around Austin

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Austin

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

📣 Austin Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Friday August 21
  • House Sorting Day for Kinder - parents invited
    Forest Trail El Austin, TX 78746
    2:00 pm
    • Saturday August 22
  • Mad Science @ Laura's
    Westbank Community Library District 1309 Westbank Drive, Austin, TX 78746
    11:30 am
  • 8th Annual Abbey Lights Up COTA Gala
    Westlake Chamber of Commerce Circuit of The Americas Media Ballroom 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd Del Valle, Texas 78617
    4:30 pm
    • Wednesday August 26
  • Space Embroidery @ Laura's
    Westbank Community Library District 1309 Westbank Drive, Austin, TX 78746
    4:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Two Harmony Public Schools Campuses Secure 100% of TEA Distinction Designations —Tracie Seed Read on Patch
  • The Austin Travel Moment That Hit Like Late‑Night Nachos —Rachel K Belkin Read on Patch
  • Harmony School of Endeavor Ranked Among Top 10 High Schools in Austin Metroplex —Tracie Seed Read on Patch
  • SH Hotels & Resorts posted a job opening for Spa Attendant in Austin. Apply here.
  • Unifi Aviation, LLC posted a job opening for VIVA Airport Ramp Agent - AUS 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: A sponge (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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