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Community Corner

🌱 Lady Bird Lake Project Approved + Attorney Found Dead + 🎄 Events

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, and good morning, everyone! I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend. It's Jessica here with your fresh copy of the Austin Daily, filled with all of the important local news and community updates.

Cozy up with your morning coffee while we cover:

  • The biggest real estate development in Central Austin has officially been approved.
  • Signing Santa is back at Barton Creek Square!
  • The Longhorns are set to face the Washington Huskies in the Alamo Bowl.
  • A curation of top events happening in and around Austin this week!

But first, today's weather:

Some sun returning; warmer. High: 75 Low: 65.

Here are the top stories in Austin today:

1) As of Dec. 2, Austin City Council has officially approved Endeavor's plan to redevelop the old Austin American-Statesman headquarters on the south side of Lady Bird Lake. The new multimillion-square-foot high-rise project, now named 305 South Congress, "would bring nearly 1,400 residences, 1.5 million square feet of office space, 150,000 square feet of commercial space and a 275-room hotel to the site." This project, easily the biggest real estate development initiative in Central Austin, has been met with both excitement and concern. Community Impact has more on the history of this massive initiative and what it means for the City of Austin.

2) APD is looking for a woman accused of drugging and robbing a man at his home. An unidentified woman was seen on surveillance video at Perry's Steakhouse and Grille in The Domain having dinner with a man who police say is a person of interest in the investigation. Police said once she got to his home, she slipped a drug into his drink and then stole a gun and jewelry. The victim is offering a reward for information that leads to the woman's arrest. Head over to KVUE to learn more.

3) Feel good news: Signing Santa is back at Barton Creek Square this week! FOX 7 Austin reports that Signing Santa is ready to check the lists of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. "Families can come meet Santa at mall entrance B between The Cheesecake Factory and AMC Theater, downstairs on the first floor of the shopping mall starting at 3:30 p.m. until 8 p.m on Wednesday, Dec. 7." FOX 7 Austin has more details.

4) The Austin attorney who was caught on camera trying to shoot his former girlfriend inside a bar – was found dead. Days ago, APD received a call for a welfare check and upon arrival found a dead man (later identified as local attorney Gavin Rush). APD says the death is not considered suspicious, and the investigation is still ongoing. FOX 7 Austin has more on this developing story here.

5) No. 20 Texas to face No. 12 Washington in the 30th Valero Alamo Bowl. The game is officially slated for 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 29. Go Longhorns! Head over to KXAN to learn more about this historic matchup.

Today in Austin:

  • 2022 Blue Genie Art Bazaar at Blue Genie Art Bazaar. (10 a.m.)
  • All Ages Storytime at Austin Public Library, Central Branch. (10 a.m.)
  • Ice Rodeo at The Four Seasons Austin. (4 p.m.)
  • (Kid-Friendly) Ornament Creating at Austin Public Library, Cepeda Branch. (5 p.m.)
  • A John Waters Christmas at The Paramount Theatre. (7 p.m.)
  • Motown Mondays with The Matchmaker Band at The Far Out Lounge. (7 p.m.)
  • Conspirare Christmas at The Long Center. (7:30 p.m.)
  • Modest Mouse: The Lonesome Crowded West 25th Anniversary Tour at ACL Live At The Moody Theater. (8 p.m.)

Top Events This Week:

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with 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

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