Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why are so many autonomous vehicle crashes happening on Austin roads?

Also check out Titanic. The Human Story on the Austin Patch calendar

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Wednesday August 26th Patch AM
Wednesday August 26th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Morning Austin! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why are so many autonomous vehicle crashes happening on Austin roads?
  • Could Austin soon ban hyperscale data centers inside city limits?
  • Planning to tailgate? Here's UT's free Longhorn City Limits concert plan

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!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Toasty conditions, with a high of 106 and low of 79 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 100, low: 77.
  • Friday: Partly sunny, a t-storm; hot, with a high of 101 and low of 76 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

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.
   

📸 Around Austin

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • The New Luxury Is Confidence: Inside the Rise of the Modern Mommy Makeover —LaGuardia Media PR Presswire Read on Patch
  • Hello kind people of Crestview.
    I'm sure some of you have encountered Ed the homeless man who has been living on Hardy Rd at approx the 7800 block across from Enchliadas Y Mas, more… (Nextdoor Crestview)
  • Update - owner and pup reunited!
    This sweet girl followed my husband up to our home. She has no collar identification- I'm going to go to a vet to see if she has a microchip I don't… (Nextdoor Tanglewood Forest)
  • TradeJobsWorkforce posted a job opening for American Airlines Ramp Agent in Austin. Apply here.
  • Oracle posted a job opening for Oracle Health Federal Senior Learning Consultant - 100% travel 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: Meet me at the corner. (Thank you Earlene M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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