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Community Corner

🌱 Christmas Day Dining Options + Hard Freeze Warning Extended

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Austin.

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Jessica Collins, Neighbor
(Patch Media)

Good Morning, everyone! Merry Chrismahanukwanzakahfestivus!!! I hope you are all staying warm and enjoying the time with friends, family, and loved ones. I'm here bright and early in your inbox today to quickly get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town (and then I promise I'll let you go enjoy your day!).

Settle in while we cover:

  • Many restaurants are open for Christmas Brunch + Dinner – we've got the scoop.
  • ERCOT requested permission to bypass emission standards due to weather conditions.
  • The hard freeze has been extended another day.
  • Austin Fire experienced a 200% increase in calls.

But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 49 Low: 27.

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Here are the top stories in Austin today:

1) The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) requested an emergency order from the U.S. Department of Energy on Friday to bypass certain emission standards for power plants due to the impact of extreme cold weather in Texas. The U.S. Department of Energy has officially given all Texas power plants leeway to pollute more than is usually allowed to ensure electricity for Texans through Christmas morning. The Texas Tribune reports: "Plants will be able to take advantage of the waived requirements only if ERCOT issues a level 2 or higher energy emergency alert, which includes asking residents to cut back power and interrupting large industrial customer's electricity, according to the letter." Head over to The Texas Tribune for more on this story.

2) Most of Central Texas will continue to be under a hard freeze warning until 10 a.m. today. Neighbors, please continue to take steps to protect your people, plants, pets, and pipes! KVUE has more on what to expect from today's weather forecast here.

3) Have you seen Sam Grey Horse roaming through the streets of Downtown Austin? He began the tradition of trotting around with his mule dressed as Santa Claus about 10 years ago and can be spotted in and around Central Austin year round. KUT managed to track down the "Sixth Street Cowboy" and learn of his story filled with tragedy and rebirth – check it out here!

4) Austin-Travis County EMS and Austin Fire crews responded to an overall 1,205 incidents across Central Texas in the 24-hour period on Friday. For reference. Austin Fire stated that they typically average 275 calls in a 24-hour shift. KXAN has more on Austin Fire's 200% uptick in calls and precautions you can take to stay safe.

Today in Austin:

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Sunday. I'll see you around!

— 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 Daily? Contact me at DowntownAustin@patch.com

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