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🌱 Patch AM: Why are Austin shoplifting cases surging just as holiday shoppers arrive?

And check out Craft Custom Cocktail Candles - Candle Making Class by Classpop! on the Austin Patch calendar

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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:

  • Why are Austin shoplifting cases surging just as holiday shoppers arrive?
  • How UT Austin’s new 3D printing method could reshape future microchips
  • Would you recognize this shockingly risky I-35 merge in Austin?

Also on today's calendar: Craft Custom Cocktail Candles - Candle Making Class by Classpop! and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Austinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the little needle say to the mother needle when it brought home a failing report card? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Austinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 78 and low of 63 degrees.
  • Friday: Very warm with some sun, temps: high: 81, low: 65.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 83 and low of 67 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Austin Police data shows 54% increase in shoplifting since 2022 (cbsaustin.com) — Shoplifting reports in Austin have jumped 54% since 2022, with more than 2,400 cases logged this year and both big-box and small South Congress shops feeling the impact. Austin police urge businesses to improve cameras and consider greeters and receipt checks as local owners balance security with a welcoming atmosphere.
   

2. A New 3D Printing Approach for Semiconductor Packaging (supplychainconnect.com) — Researchers at UT Austin are pioneering a DARPA-backed 3D printing method that could radically speed up and shrink semiconductor packaging, using light and metasurfaces to build intricate structures in one step. Their Holographic Metasurface Nano-Lithography approach could influence everything from smartphones to defense systems, positioning Austin as a key player in next-generation chip manufacturing.
   

3. Austin Driver Made a Dangerous Merge on Interstate 35 (1025kiss.com) — A recent dashcam video shows a driver in Austin dangerously merging beneath the load of a concrete-beam truck on I-35, alarming many who’ve seen it. While no one was hurt, the maneuver is being widely criticized as reckless and a reminder to Austin drivers to avoid risky stunts on already busy highways.
   

4. 'Brisket Caper' arrested after allegedly stealing $1700 in meat from grocery stores (local12.com) — Police say a man dubbed the “Brisket Caper” allegedly stole large amounts of meat from grocery stores in Austin, Manor, and Buda before being arrested in Hays County. Officers from multiple departments coordinated after recognizing the suspect, who now faces a felony theft charge and a $2,500 bond. No injuries were reported in the incidents.
   

5. McLennan County Courthouse eagle will land at Bullock Museum in Austin (wacotrib.com) — One of the original eagle statues from the McLennan County Courthouse will soon be displayed at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin, giving locals a closer look at a 1902 architectural relic. The piece, normally stored with other original courthouse statuary, follows another eagle that previously traveled to Austin and now resides in the courthouse rotunda.
   

📸 Around Austin

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • At Austin RNC, the Elves have been VERY busy.
    Nancy and Lynnette have delivered gifts to the nearly 75 residents. The presents were specially requested by each senior and gifted along with gentle… (Nextdoor Crestview)
  • Hello, I wanted to give an update on Bree and Sofia.
    First we would like to say thank you for all your generosity in helping me get these 2 everything they need to start getting settled in our wonderful… (Nextdoor Rattan Creek)
  • Highmark Health posted a job opening for Supervisor Coding in Austin. Apply here.
  • ABM posted a job opening for Janitorial Cleaner 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: I guess I’m not as sharp as I thought.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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