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Community Corner

🌱 Incoming Weather Could Impact Power Restoration + Free Tax Prep

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)

Hi, Austin! Good morning and Happy Monday. It's me, Jessica, your host of the Austin Patch newsletter with the most important local news and community updates.

Grab your morning coffee while we dive into:

  • The latest on the widespread Austin Energy outage.
  • It's tax season – and Austin Public Library is hosting a free tax prep event today.
  • Texas Longhorn Women's basketball has two home games this week!

But first, today's weather:

Patchy low clouds and fog. High: 74 Low: 61.

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Here are the top stories in Austin today:

1) Incoming rain and high winds will likely complicate power restoration efforts. Strong winds are in the forecast for Tuesday and could result in more trees and branches falling on power lines. Austin Energy now estimates power will be restored for the nearly 30,000 remaining customers by Sunday, Feb. 12. KUT has more on this story here.

2) Austin Energy is hosting community events this week to assist Austinites that are still without power. The events will give impacted customers an opportunity to charge phones and other devices, charge medical devices, and learn about Austin Energy's medically vulnerable program and financial assistance options. Learn more about these upcoming events here at KVUE.

3) Two airplanes narrowly avoided a collision at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Saturday. A FedEx cargo airplane attempting to land at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Saturday morning had to change course after a second plane operated by Southwest Airlines was cleared to depart from the same runway. According to Flight Radar data, the planes were within 71 feet of each other before the FedEx plane began climbing and rerouting. Thankfully no one was injured and the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are currently investigating the incident. The Austin-American Statesman has more here.

4) Austin Police Department reports that one person is dead, and another person is critically injured after a shooting in North Austin yesterday afternoon. The incident reportedly happened in a parking lot near Rundberg Lane and I-35. Law officials said no suspect information is available and that they're still investigating the incident. KXAN has more on this story here.

Today in Austin:

  • Free Tax-Aide at Austin Public Library, Ruiz Branch. (10 a.m.)
  • All Ages Storytime at Austin Public Library, Central Branch. (10 a.m.)
  • Hyperreal Film Club Presents: Miracle Mile + Local Short Film at Hotel Vegas. (7 p.m.)
  • Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at 400 Rabbits, Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter Lane. (8 p.m.)
  • (Free) Intermediate Two-Step Lessons at Sam's Town Point. (8:30 p.m.)
  • Michael Hale Organ Trio at The Continental Club Gallery. (10:30 p.m.)

Community Chatter:

  • 🏀 Let's support our Texas Women's Basketball: "Back in Moody Center for 2 games this week! 🤘 Take a tour with Blair Schaefer and Courtney Lyle." (Texas Women's Basketball via Facebook)
  • 📚 Austin ISD Schedule: "As of 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, all but 2 schools–Hill & Perez–are ready for school Monday. If they don't get power this afternoon, we'll notify those staff and families by 5 pm with details for Monday." (Austin ISD via Facebook)
  • 🚍 CapMetro is back to full operation today: "Rail will operate its normal schedule beginning Monday at 5:40 a.m. from Leander Station." (KVUE via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new 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

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