Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why a Waymo car drove the wrong way on I-35 frontage

And on the Austin Patch calendar - The Truth about 'The Christmas Story': There are Two Stories, Neither One is True, and Scholars Know

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Saturday December 20th Patch AM
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Hi Austin! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why a Waymo car drove the wrong way on I-35 frontage
  • How fast will the new 183 express lanes really get you downtown?
  • Why an Austin officer is off the job indefinitely right now

Also on today's calendar: The Truth about ‘The Christmas Story’: There are Two Stories, Neither One is True, and Scholars Know and 9 more events.

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

Today's riddle: Last night I had a dream. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Saturday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 77 and low of 51 degrees.
  • Sunday: Sunny and delightful, temps: high: 67, low: 52.
  • Monday: Some sun with a stray shower, with a high of 74 and low of 65 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Waymo seen driving down wrong side of street in Austin, Texas (washingtontimes.com) — A self-driving Waymo car was recently filmed going the wrong way on an I-35 frontage road in Austin, raising fresh questions about autonomous vehicle safety in local neighborhoods. Waymo says safety is its top priority and notes millions of driverless miles in Austin with fewer crashes than human drivers, even as Austin ISD has pressed the company over school bus interactions.
   

2. Hwy 183 North Project almost complete (fox7austin.com) — North Austin drivers are about to see major changes on Hwy 183, with northbound express lanes expected to open right after Christmas and southbound lanes following in February. The $612 million project will speed trips between Liberty Hill and downtown Austin, expand non-tolled lanes, and serve as a key bypass to I-35, though some locals doubt how long congestion relief will last.
   

3. Austin officer suspended indefinitely after use-of-force incident, arbitration pending (cbsaustin.com) — An Austin police officer has been indefinitely suspended without pay after an internal investigation found his takedown of an intoxicated woman downtown violated department policy, with the case now headed to arbitration. City leadership cites concerns about his judgment and accountability, while the Austin Police Association insists a third-party review will show he acted within policy, leaving APD staffing and discipline in the spotlight.
   

4. City of Austin to cut funding for social services (kxan.com) — Austin is cutting and reallocating more than $5 million from its FY26 social services contracts after voters rejected Proposition Q, affecting departments from Public Health to Homeless Strategies. Local nonprofit Foundation Communities expects reduced hours and services, while city leaders and political advocates debate whether the cuts unfairly hit vulnerable residents or responsibly protect taxpayers. More reductions are anticipated in FY27.
   

5. Neighbors react after suspect connected to numerous explosions arrested (kvue.com) — South Austin neighbors say they’re finally sleeping easier after police arrested a man suspected in a string of late-night explosions across several neighborhoods. Residents near St. Edwards Drive and Krebs Lane described weeks of loud blasts and anxiety, and now hope the investigation, which turned up improvised explosives at a local home, will fully explain what happened and why.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Apple, Inc. posted a job opening for AppleCare Enterprise Customer Success Manager in Austin. Apply here.
  • At Home Decor Superstore posted a job opening for Team Member 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 dreamed I was swimming in a pool of orange soda, but it was just a Fanta-sea.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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