🌱 Toxic Algae Back + Free NASA Event + Legendary Restaurant Closure

Hi there, Austin! I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know that's going on in town, including:

• Austin's airport is getting some serious improvements!
• One of Hollywood's most beloved actors surprised SXSW Film Attendees.
• I told you earlier this week to pull your jackets back out — now you also need your mittens and scarves! Keep scrolling for the scoop.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and nice. High: 75 Low: 62.

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Here are the top stories today in Austin:

1) As if this week's weather wasn't already an emotional rollercoaster, we expect to see temperatures in the 40s by Friday morning! The cold temperatures are expected to last through the weekend. Weather experts report "light precipitation is mainly expected to fall as cold rain Sunday and Monday, but a few wet snowflakes may mix with rain in the Hill Country." Brrr, neighbors! Head over to KXAN for the full weather report.

2) The toxic algae is back in Austin’s bodies of water. City officials are warning dog owners to keep their pets away from any noticeable blue-green algae growths (photos in the article show what this toxic algae looks like), as exposure can kill pets. The city’s Watershed Protection Department spotted the algae at Red Bud Isle and Jessica Hollis Park on Lake Austin. KUT has more on this story here.

3) A car crashed into the beloved music venue Hole in the Wall on Monday night. During a busy night of SXSW performance, Austin PD reported that two vehicles were involved in a collision resulting in one of the vehicles crashing into the side of the venue and bystanders. A Hole in the Wall employee was struck and injured but is expected to recover. Get the full story here at KVUE.

4) Good news for frequent fliers: Austin-Bergstrom International (ABIA) is getting major upgrades! The local airport is adding more security lanes, hiring more TSA agents and updating its existing technology to speed up security checkpoints. By the end of this summer, visitors won't even have to take out their laptops or liquids, due to the new X-ray system being installed. Learn more here at KUT.

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Today in Austin:

• (Kid-Friendly) LiteratureLive! Presents Wiley and the Hairy Man at Austin Public Library, Howson Branch. (11 a.m.)
• M for Montreal x BrooklynVegan SXSW Daytime Party at Mohawk. (12 p.m.)
• SoundOn Open House at 3Ten. (12:30 p.m.)
• (Free, All Ages) Waterloo Records 2023 Day Parties (Day 2) at Waterloo Records. (1 p.m.)
• (Free) Exploring the Universe with the James Webb Space Telescope at Austin Public Library, Central Branch. (2 p.m.)
• Caritas of Austin Presents: South By Soupfest of Austin at Guero’s Taco Bar. (2 p.m.)
• (Free) Jam In The Van Experience at Armadillo Den. (5 p.m.)

Community Chatter:

• 🎥 Surprise for SXSW Film Attendees: "The Paramount crowd roared, hundreds springing to their feet as Keanu Reeves stepped on stage to introduce 'John Wick 4' for a secret SXSW screening." (Austin American-Statesman via Facebook)
• 💔 Restaurant closure: "Z'Tejas, which serves Mexican cuisine, announced on Tuesday the closure of its restaurant located at 1110 West Sixth Street after over three decades in business." (CBS Austin via Facebook)
• 🦇 Know any bat experts? "The City of Austin is looking into hiring a bat biologist to help examine and manage bat colonies across the city." (CBS Austin via Facebook)

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• Cedar Park Market Days (March 18)
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You're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow morning 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