This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

🌱 Early Voting Turnout + Body Found In Lake + Deck The Hall Ball 🎶

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

Jessica Collins's profile picture
Jessica Collins, Neighbor
(Patch Media)

Good morning, and Happy Monday! "Just another Manic Monday" indeed. It's Jessica, your host of the Austin Daily, here with the most important local news and community updates.

Grab your morning java while we cover:

  • Early voting ended last Friday – we've got the scoop on voter turnout.
  • The Central Texas drought continues to cause concern for our local spring-fed pools.
  • Austinites gathered to honor the lives of people experiencing homelessness who died this year.
  • A lakeside vigil was held for deceased members of Austin's homeless community.
  • Comedy legend Janeane Garofalo is in town this evening – and there's still tickets!

But first, today's weather:

A brief afternoon shower. High: 69 Low: 67.

Here are the top stories today in Austin:

1) A 911 caller reported finding a person in Lady Bird Lake on Saturday night. The body was recovered near the 500 block of S Pleasant Valley Rd. The person was declared dead at the scene by ATCEMS. KVUE has more on this developing story here.

2) As early voting came to a close last week, only roughly 11% of Austin voters have shown up for the mayoral/council runoffs. Neighbors, this is your reminder that this election includes four key races: Austin mayor and Austin City Council Districts 3, 5 and 9. KVUE has more on early voter turnout here.

Some helpful links with more information on each candidate's platform:

3) House the Homeless held a vigil for the 298 people that died while living on the streets of Austin over the last year. KUT reports: "The nonprofit has been hosting the vigil for 30 years. Advocates coordinate with the Travis County medical examiner and the community to compile a list of the dead. This year's death toll exceeded last year's 251-person count and set a record." Many who attended the vigil were vocal about their hopes that City Council takes a more aggressive approach to providing housing for Austin's homeless community. Learn more at KUT.

4) The Central Texas drought is still wreaking havoc – even at Deep Eddy Pool. KVUE reports that since Deep Eddy is a spring-fed pool, the pool is drained and refilled every morning before opening. Because of the current drought conditions, the pool is taking much longer to fill and causing delays in the pool's opening hours. KVUE has the scoop here.

5) Austin's first Asian Culture Fair went off without a hitch! The event included live music, dance performances, and good vibes throughout the event. KXAN has a full recap of the event here.

From our sponsor:

Today's Austin Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by DeleteMe, the #1 Privacy Information Removal Service since 2010. DeleteMe makes it easy to remove your name, email, phone number and more from the web. Removing this personal information from data broker websites not only reduces your online footprint, it helps keep you and your family safe from scams, identity theft and personal harassment.

Keep your private life private. Remove your information from the web now. Click here to get started with DeleteMe.

Today in Austin:

  • 2022 Blue Genie Art Bazaar at Blue Genie Art Bazaar. (10 a.m.)
  • Seed Gathering at Austin Public Library, Central Branch. (3 p.m.)
  • Ice Rodeo at The Four Seasons Austin. (4 p.m.)
  • Hanukkah Celebration at Austin Public Library, Hampton Branch. (4 p.m.)
  • Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of the Americas. (6 p.m.)
  • Moontower Comedy Presents: Janeane Garofalo at The Paramount Theatre. (7 p.m.)
  • 2023 Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park. (7 p.m.)
  • Deck the Hall Ball ft. One Republic, The Band Camino and Dermot Kennedy at ACL Live at The Moody Theater. (7:30 p.m.)

Top Events This Week:

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you soon!

— 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

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Austin