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Community Corner

🌱 Police Union Rejects City's Proposal + Austin Marathon Kicks Off

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

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Jessica Collins, Neighbor
(Patch Media)

Hello again, friends and neighbors! It's me, Jessica, your host of the Austin Patch newsletter. I hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend! I've got the scoop on the most important local news and community updates.

Settle in with your morning java while we dive into:

  • Tensions rise as the Austin Police Union and City Council struggle to reach a consensus.
  • Today is the last day to catch Broadway in Austin's Aladdin. There are two showings later today – and tickets are still available!
  • Get ready for runners, road closures, and rambunctious energy as the Austin Marathon kicks off bright and early this morning. Keep scrolling for deets.
  • Looking for some creative inspiration? A new exhibit is open at the Blanton Museum of Art.

But first, today's weather:

Increasing clouds and warmer. High: 72 Low: 57.

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Here are the top stories in Austin today:

1) The Austin Police union rejects the city's one-year contract proposal. KUT reports that the union board's decision comes just "days after the Austin City Council voted to pursue a one-year deal to allow Austinites to decide between two police oversight-related ballot measures in May." The existing contract between the police union and the city is set to expire at the end of March 2023. Without a contract, officers would be covered by a civil service agreement but would be without the benefits of a union-city deal — such as payouts for vacation and sick time accrued. KUT has more on this story here.

2) Today is the annual Austin Marathon! Roughly 17,000 runners are expected to hit the streets when the race kicks off at 7 a.m. Some helpful resources ahead of the race:

  • "Here's how to get around road closures during the Austin Marathon" (KUT)
  • "How to watch the 2023 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon" (KXAN)

Sending best wishes to any readers that are participating in the race!

3) Leaders from Travis County Commissioners, Austin ISD, and Austin City Council met on Friday to discuss legislative priorities around public school funding. AISD's Chief Financial Officer, Eduardo Ramos, stated the district's top two priorities were: 1) increasing the basic student allotment (AISD reportedly gets about $4,000 less than the national average), and 2) decreasing the district's recapture payment (the process through which districts send some of their local property-tax revenue to the state). Community Impact has more coverage from this meeting here.

4) The Trail Conservancy pushes to prioritize safety measures along the Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. Following the death and discovery of Jason John's body from Lady Bird Lake, The Trail Conservancy, and John's family is holding the city accountable for improving safety measures (lighting, managing encampments, etc..) on the trail. Get the full scoop here at CBS AustinGet the full scoop here at CBS Austin.

Today in Austin:

  • (Kid-Friendly) Rock & Roll Playhouse Plays the Music of Stevie Wonder at Parish. (11 a.m.)
  • Cocktales: A Sex And Dating Storytelling Show at Pershing Hall. (12 p.m.)
  • Broadway In Austin Presents: Disney's Aladdin at Bass Concert Hall. (1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.)
  • Modern Times Lecture Series: Black Influences on the Founding of the University of Texas at Austin at The Neill-Cochran House Museum & Zoom. (2:30 p.m.)
  • ZACH Theatre & Deaf Austin Theatre Presents: Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella at ZACH Theatre. (2:30 p.m.)
  • Conscious Breathwork & Sound Healing at Sanctuary Yoga. (5 p.m.)
  • Dopez at My Oh My. (7 p.m.)
  • Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at Black Star Co-Op Pub and Brewery (7 p.m.)
  • Imagine Muny II feat Asleep at the Wheel, Lyle Lovett & Special Guests at ACL Live at The Moody Theater. (8:30 p.m.)

Community Chatter:

  • 🏡 For the design and interior decor lovers: The 14th Annual Austin Modern Home Tour will take place Feb. 25 - 26 and will showcase the talent and hard work of architects, designers, and developers around the Central Texas area. This will be an event you won't want to miss! (CultureMap Austin)
  • 🧀 Mmm, cheesy goodness! Eater Austin put together a "map of the best queso found in Austin spans from the most popular spots like Torchy's Tacos and Kerbey Lane Cafe to classic gems like Fonda San Miguel and Magnolia Cafe to newer iterations from Better Half and others." (Eater Austin)
  • 🎨 A new exhibition is in town: "Using 1,600 forks, artist Violette Bule installs "Homage to Johnny" for "Day Jobs." The exhibition is open at the Blanton Museum of Art through July 23, 2023." (The Blanton Museum of Art)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Sunday off right. See you all tomorrow for 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 Patch newsletter? 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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