🌱 Downtown Arson Suspect Arrested + Tech Layoffs + Free Craft Event

Morning, friends and neighbors! I'm back bright and early with your fresh copy of the Austin Patch newsletter providing you with the most important local news and community updates.

Grab your morning coffee while we cover:

• University of Texas professor received a prestigious computing award.
• Major tech employer cut thousands of jobs.
• Free Women's History Month film screening this evening!
• Austin airport's patio became a new private lounge.

But first, today's weather:

Humid; a morning shower. High: 85 Low: 68.

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Here are the top stories in Austin today:

1) Austin-based job search platform Indeed cut 2,200 jobs worldwide. Indeed CEO Chris Hyams cited "a cooldown in the overall job market and demand for its technology" as the reason for laying off 15% of its global team. Indeed is one of the largest tech employers in the Austin area. KVUE has more on this story.

2) A suspect was arrested by the Austin Fire Department Arson Investigators in connection with a downtown fire on Tuesday night. John Daniel Banks is suspected of setting the abandoned Granberry Building (907 Congress Avenue) on fire. Banks is charged with arson, a state jail felony, and fire officials estimate the damages from the incident at around $1 million. Learn more here at CBS Austin.

3) University of Texas Professor Bob Metcalfe won the prestigious Turing Award, often referred to as the the "Nobel Prize of computing." Metcalfe won the award for "the invention, standardization and commercialization of Ethernet"—the foundational technology of the Internet, which supports more than 5 billion users and enables so much of our modern, online lives! Congrats to Professor Metcalfe!! KXAN has more on this story.

4) Travis County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution that directs staff to find funding for a new Central Booking and Diversion Center. The newly approved center would provide shelter and support services for individuals experiencing mental health crises instead of putting them in jail. The Austin American-Statesman has more here.

Today in Austin:

• (Free) Get Crafty: Journal Decorating at Austin Public Library, Old Quarry Branch. (2 p.m.)
• (Free) Women's History Month Movie Screening: "Frida" at Austin Public Library, Old Quarry Branch. (5:45 p.m.)
• Joanne Shaw Taylor at The Paramount Theatre. (7 p.m.)
• The Glow Show with Joey Z at The Ballroom at Spiderhouse. (7:30 p.m.)
• Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at Independence Brewing. (7:30 p.m.)
• Elle King: A-Freakin-Men Tour at ACL Live at The Moody Theater. (8 p.m.)

Community Chatter:

• 🤠 Honoring an Austin legend: "Willie Nelson receives prestigious honor and inaugural endowment at UT Austin." The award will be presented at a special gala tribute dinner on May 12. (CultureMap Austin)
• 🍔 Foodie news: "Austin's iconic burger joint Top Notch Hamburgers is opening a second location Wednesday — more than 50 years after its first restaurant opened on Burnet Road in 1971." (KUT Austin via Facebook)
• 🍹 New cardholder lounge: The public patio at Austin's airport was turned into a private terrace for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders. The terrace includes indoor and outdoor seating, complimentary drinks, and grab-and-go food. (KUT)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with your next 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