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Community Corner

🌱 Hottest January On Record? + Free Workout Classes + Film Club Event

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)

Hello, friends and neighbors! Happy Monday. It's me, Jessica, your host of the Austin Daily — here to break down the most important local news and community updates.

Grab your morning coffee while we dive into:

  • HAAM has an additional $1 million in funding for health care coverage for local musicians – we've got the scoop on how to apply.
  • Austin Shakespeare is gearing up to kick off its 2023 programming.
  • Free virtual workout classes – today! Keep scrolling for info on how to attend.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny to partly cloudy. High: 69 Low: 50.

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Here are the top stories today in Austin:

1) It's been a "scorching" start to 2023 here in Austin. The city is currently pacing towards having the warmest January on record. KXAN reports that for Austin, January is typically the city's coldest month of the year with an average temperature of 52º. Through the first week of the year, average temperatures have reached 63.9º. KXAN has more on what to expect from the weather forecast here.

2) It's almost Girl Scout cookie season here in Central Texas! The Girl Scouts of Central Texas had their kick-off event yesterday swapping tips from experienced scouts, learning how to set goals, and Wells Fargo was even in attendance showing the girls business skills. Cookies officially go on-sale on Wednesday, Jan. 18. Get your orders ready! KVUE has more on this event here.

3) Austin Musicians: Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) has funding available for 500 additional musicians to receive health care coverage. In December, Central health approved an additional $1 million in funding to HAAM. If you or a loved one is interested, the enrollment period ends on Sunday, Jan. 15. Head over to HAAM's website to get started. KVUE has the full scoop on the impact that HAAM has had on our local creative community here – check it out!

4) Burgalary suspect accused of attempting to sexually assault victims. KXAN reports that Austin Police Department's Sex Crimes Unit is currently investigating burglaries at apartments near Berkman Dr. and U.S. 290. A press release from Austin Police Department states: "...these burglaries were committed with the "intent to commit sexual assault."" Neighbors, please make sure you're locking your doors, fences, and additional entrypoints into your home at night. KXAN has more on this developing story here.

Today in Austin:

  • Cardio and Strength Workout by Stronger Austin at virtual. (7 a.m.)
  • Chair Yoga Class by Stronger Austin at virtual. (8:30 a.m.)
  • All Ages Storytime at the Austin Public Library, University Hills Branch. (11 a.m.)
  • Seed Gathering at the Austin Public Library, Central Branch. (3 p.m.)
  • Zumba Class by Stronger Austin at virtual. (5 p.m.)
  • Mixxed Fit Class by Stronger Austin at virtual. (6 p.m.)
  • "Pathways to Racial Equity in Our Food System" with P. Wade Ross at Zilker Botanical Garden. (6 p.m.)
  • Silent Book Club Austin at Austin Beerworks. (6:30 p.m.)
  • Hyperreal Film Club Presents: Erica's First Holy Sh*t at Hotel Vegas. (7 p.m.)
  • (Ages 13+) Paranormal Cirque at Barton Creek Square. (7:30 p.m.)
  • Michael Mordecai's Monday Night Jazz Jam at Elephant Room. (9 p.m.)

Community Chatter:

  • 🏀 Support the Texas Women's Basketball Team: "We need you at Moody Center this week! Grab tickets at: https://hookem.at/TicketsWBB" (Texas Sports)
  • 🖼️ Art exhibit alert: "An art series honoring state parks is on exhibit at the Bullock Texas State History Museum. (CBS Austin)
  • 🎭 Austin Shakespeare kicks off its 2023 programming: "Austin Shakespeare Stages Reading of South African Play 'Master Harold' … and the Boys. The thought-provoking work by Athol Fugard will be performed by Austin Shakespeare the weekend of Jan. 13." (Tribeza)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday! See you all tomorrow for your next 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 Daily? Contact me at DowntownAustin@patch.com

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

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