🌱 State Troopers Will Help Austin PD + New Longhorn Basketball Coach

Good morning, Austin! It's Jessica here with your fresh copy of the Austin Patch newsletter, packed full of the most important local news.

Grab your morning coffee while we dive into:

• A legendary Texas publication is on the verge of shutting down its operation.
• 512 Brewing is hosting a beer dinner this evening!
• The annual Texas Relays event is around the corner.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy and breezy. High: 71 Low: 52.

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Here are the top stories today in Austin:

1) Mayor Watson partnered with Gov. Abbott and Lt. Gov. Patrick on an agreement to allow the Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety) Troopers to patrol the city of Austin. This partnership is being positioned as a "stopgap measure" while the city tries to fill the 281 police vacancies. “This partnership will improve safety and provide a runway as we recruit more officers and work to retain those currently on the force,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said at a news conference yesterday. KUT has more on this story here.

2) The legendary, liberal magazine "The Texas Observer" is on the verge of shutting down after 70 years. The publication announced it was closing down and laying off its staff after a board decision last week — but staff members are pushing back. "Texas Observer editorial leaders have made a formal proposal to the Texas Democracy Foundation—which oversees the magazine—outlining steps to delay layoffs and ultimate closure." Staffers also set up a GoFundMe to raise emergency funds for those impacted by the layoffs. Learn more here at The Austin Chronicle.

3) Feel-good news: The University of Texas named Rodney Terry as the 26th Head Coach of the Texas Longhorns Men's Basketball Team! What an emotional season it's been for this team and Coach Terry, who replaces former head coach Chris Beard, who was fired earlier this year after he was arrested for allegedly assaulting his fiancée. Terry went 22-8 after he took over as interim head coach and led the Longhorns to the men's Elite Eight for the first time in 15 years. Congrats Coach Terry, we are so proud and excited for you. KVUE has more on this story here.

4) The Texas Department of Transportation is kicking off the I-35 Capital Express North Project this week. The $606 million project will add "one non-tolled, high-occupancy vehicle lane in each direction along the interstate." The project will run from State Highway 45 North to U.S. Highway 290 East. Learn more here at KXAN.

Today in Austin:

• (Free) Midday Concert with the Butler Opera Center Ensemble at Draylen Mason Music Studio. (12:00 PM)
• Southern Exposure Dinner Series at Olamaie (5 p.m.)
• Beer Dinner with (512) Brewing Company at The Driskill. (5:30 p.m.)
• Magnolia Park with Arrows In Action, Poptropicaslutz, and First And Forever at Parish. (6 p.m.)
• (Kid-Friendly) Pajama Storytime at Austin Public Library, Milwood Branch. (6:30 p.m.)
• (Free) Adult Story Hour: Women's History Month Edition at Austin Public Library, Central Branch. (6:30 p.m.)
• Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at The Garden at the 704 (7 p.m.)
• Broadway In Austin Presents: "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations" at Bass Concert Hall. (8 p.m.)

Community Chatter:

• 🦫 Fossil named after Buc-ee's mascot: "The ancient beaver, called Anchitheriomys buceei or "A. buceei" for short, lived in Texas around 15 million years ago and was approximately 30% larger than modern beavers." (CBS Austin)
• 🏃 Longhorn Track Team: "We're just 2 days out from the 95th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays 🤘 Make sure you buy your tickets today: https://hookem.at/TFHomeTix" (Texas Longhorns Track & Field/Cross Country via Facebook)
• 🪁 Upcoming kite festival: "The 95th annual festival will take place April 1 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Zilker Park. The event is free to attend." (Austin American-Statesman via Facebook)

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That's it for today. See you all tomorrow for another 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