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Community Corner

🌱 Many Still Without Power + Chili Cook-Off + AISD's Plans for Monday

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

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Jessica Collins, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Good morning, neighbors! I hope you all have started your Sunday off on the right note. It's Jessica back in your inbox this morning with your fresh copy of the Austin Patch newsletter.

Settle in while we cover:

  • Tens of thousands of Austinites are on day four without power.
  • Austin ISD continues to evaluate which campuses will be open on Monday.
  • A chili cook-off on South Congress today? Keep scrolling for the scoop!
  • We've got a list of the best spots to take your kids after a week of being indoors!

But first, today's weather:

Mild with plenty of sun. High: 72 Low: 54.

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Here are the top stories today in Austin:

1) More than 57,000 Austin Energy customers are still without power as of last night. The number of impacted residents and business owners has steadily declined the last two days, but many are going on their fourth day without electricity. Elton Richards, Austin Energy's Vice President of Field Operations said while workers have made significant progress, he's not providing an estimated timeline for when power will be restored for all. "Until my crews see everything that's out there, it's hard for me to tell you when it's going to be done. I would rather wait and give you something that you can believe," Richards said. Learn more here at The Texas Tribune.

2) Austin Mayor Kirk Watson tests positive for COVID-19 and will isolate at home. As the city continues to deal with the aftermath of this week's storm, Watson assures community members that he will continue to work with local officials. "Thankfully, I am fully vaccinated and boosted. This situation is far from ideal, but I'm still in contact with staff and will continue to work and receive storm recovery briefings," said Watson. The Austin American-Statesman has more here.

3) The Central Texas Food Bank distributed over 500 packages of food yesterday morning to residents impacted by this week's winter storms. The Austin-American Statesman was on-site during the emergency food distribution event – check it out.

4) Most Austin ISD schools and offices will reopen on Monday – but not all. As of yesterday afternoon, 7 schools still are without power: Andrews, Hill, Joslin, Perez, Pillow, Ridgetop, St. Elmo. CBS Austin has the full story here.

Today in Austin:

  • City-Wide Vintage Sale at Palmer Events Center. (11 a.m.)
  • Jo's Annual Chili Cook-Off at Jo's Coffee. (12 p.m.)
  • ZACH Theatre & Deaf Austin Theatre present Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella at ZACH Theatre. (2:30 p.m.)
  • (Kid-Friendly) The Paramount Theatre Presents: The Gruffalo at The Paramount Theatre. (3:30 p.m.)
  • Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at Black Star Co-Op Pub and Brewery. (7 p.m.)
  • Filigree Theatre Presents: Fire In Dreamland at Factory On 5th. (8 p.m.)

Community Chatter:

  • 🪁 Kid-friendly spots to cure cabin fever: Community Impact has curated a list of the best spots to take your kiddos after a week of being cooped up indoors! (Community Impact)
  • 👑 It's king cake season! Eater Austin has a list of the best spots to snag your very own king cake here in Austin. (Eater Austin)
  • 🎨 Art scene update: Big Medium, the community-empowering arts organization behind the Austin Studio Tours, will be leaving Canopy in the spring. (Austin Chronicle)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Sunday! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with another 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

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

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