Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why this iconic South Congress Italian spot is shutting down soon

And on the Austin Patch calendar - The International Gem & Jewelry Show - Austin, TX (January 2026)

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Good morning Austin! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

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

In today's newsletter:

  • Why this iconic South Congress Italian spot is shutting down soon
  • Why a North Austin clock tower suddenly filled with smoke Monday
  • Which six big-name directors are quietly building careers in Austin?

Also on today's calendar: The International Gem & Jewelry Show - Austin, TX (January 2026) and 9 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did the hair spray say to the hair when it got back from vacation? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Partly sunny and warmer, with a high of 83 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Mostly cloudy and very warm, temps: high: 79, low: 65.
  • Thursday: Morning rain, with a high of 81 and low of 61 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Austin's Vespaio Ristorante to close on South Congress (mysanantonio.com) — A longtime South Congress staple, Vespaio Ristorante, is closing its Austin doors on February 28 after nearly three decades, along with neighboring Chapulin Cantina. Owners say their new Vespa Rossa restaurant in Dripping Springs will carry on the spirit, but they’re inviting Austinites to stop by the South Congress location for a final meal over the next several weeks.
   

2. Firefighters extinguish North Austin clock tower fire, no injuries reported (cbsaustin.com) — Firefighters quickly contained a blaze in the clock tower at Quail Creek on Rutland Drive in North Austin Monday, with no injuries or evacuations reported. Rutland was temporarily closed between Parkfield and Grouse Meadow as Austin Fire Department crews used a ladder truck to reach and extinguish the flames. Officials have not yet released the cause.
   

3. 6 Notable Directors Living and Working in Austin (austinmonthly.com) — Austin’s film community is in the spotlight with a roundup of six notable directors who live, work, or keep deep roots here, from Richard Linklater and Robert Rodriguez to rising talents like Greg Kwedar. The piece highlights how Austin Film Society, East and North Austin studios, and the city’s collaborative culture help drive major projects, jobs, and national attention to the capital’s creative scene.
   

4. Why Austin Is One of the Country's Best Locales for Film Geeks (austinmonthly.com) — Austin film lovers can dive into everything from DIY screenings at Hyperreal Film Club in East Austin to arthouse gems at Austin Film Society’s North Austin theater. The piece highlights how local venues, festivals, and even a revived video store keep the city’s cinephile community thriving and nationally connected.
   

5. Austin records 90th fatal crash of 2025 (mytexasdaily.com) — A late-night single-vehicle crash on East William Cannon Drive left a 34-year-old Austin man dead and became the city’s 90th fatal crash of 2025. Austin police say the wreck has contributed to 94 traffic deaths so far, slightly below 2024’s pace. Investigators are seeking tips from anyone who may have information about the incident.
   

📸 Around Austin

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Homicide detectives are en route to conduct an investigation in the 60 block of East Ave. PIO is en route to brief the media who is encouraged to... (X: Austin_Police)
  • The latest drought map for conditions as of 12/30 shows an increase in drought area, the 7th weekly increase in the last 9 weeks. Without additional... (X: twdb)
  • Whataburger posted a job opening for Restaurant Porter - Unit # 884 in Austin. Apply here.
  • Gold's Gym International, Inc. posted a job opening for Front Desk Team Member - GOLD'S GYM - Austin Burnet Rd 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 mist you!
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