🌱 Coldest Spring Equinox On Record? + Project Connect's New Designs

Good morning again, neighbors! It's Jessica here in your inbox bright and early on this Monday. I hope you started your morning on the right foot (and if not, perhaps this newsletter will help get you back on track). In this latest copy of the Austin Patch newsletter, I've scooped up the most important local news — so you don't have to lift a finger.

Settle in for these stories:

• Guess which SXSW film premiere this weekend brought a star-studded cast to Paramount Theatre?
• Want to see the latest Project Connect Light Rail plans? I've got the scoop below.
• A University of Texas professor garnered national recognition for her community work.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy and cool. High: 57 Low: 51.

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Here are the top stories in Austin today:

1) Spring Break and South by Southwest 2023 are officially over, and Austin-Travis County EMS reports it saw a 24 percent reduction in the number of reported incidents, compared to last year. This year saw 81 incidents compared to 106 in 2022. FOX 7 Austin has more on this story here.

2) As of today, the City of Austin is experiencing one of its coldest spring equinoxes in recorded history. The coldest first days of spring were in both 1965 and 1960, when the temperature peaked at 48 degrees. Today's forecast is set to reach a high of 58 degrees, making it Austin's fifth-coldest spring equinox. Learn more at KXAN.

3) Make your voice heard: The Project Connect team hosts an open house on Tuesday, March 21 from 4-7 p.m. at the Austin Central Library. During this event, mobility leaders will outline what's next for the program's light rail system, after officials paused design on the rail lines last summer. Attendees will have an opportunity to view the new designs and share their feedback on the project. Community Impact has more on this event here.

4) An associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin, Monica Muñoz Martinez, was named one of USA Today's 2023 Women of the Year national honorees! This recognition is given to women across the country who made a significant impact in their communities. Congrats, Monica! The Austin American-Statesman has more on Martinez's work on racial violence at the US-Mexico border here.

Today in Austin:

• Books and Babies at Austin Public Library, Menchaca Road Branch. (2 p.m.)
• Yamato: The Drummers of Japan at The Paramount Theatre. (6 p.m.)
• Adult Story Hour: Women's History Month Edition at Austin Public Library, Southeast Branch. (6:30 p.m.)
• Vance Joy: In Our Own Sweet Time Tour at ACL Live at The Moody Theater. (8 p.m.)

Community Chatter:

• 🎬 Star-studded SXSW premiere: "After nine days of big names and bold cinematic visions, Austin hosted its starriest night Saturday with the world premiere of Ben Affleck's 'Air' with cast members Matt Damon, Viola Davis, Jason Bateman, Chris Tucker and Chris Messina." (Austin American-Statesman via Facebook)
• 🍃 Local foraging... in Austin? "Alexis Nikole Nelson, better known as BlackForager, took her foraging skills to a SXSW stage. Nelson gave a presentation on foraging in urban areas, well-suited for complete beginners, with a bit of additional attention for Austin locals." (CultureMap Austin)
• 🎸 Luck Reunion brought a big crowd! "Willie Nelson's annual Luck Reunion had to move a day and was chillier than usual, but the vibes remained the same." (Austin American-Statesman via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new 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