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Community Corner

🌱 Median Home Prices Down In Central Texas + New Food Bank Location

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, and Happy Friday, everybody! We made it through the week — yeehaw!! It's Jessica back in your inbox on this chilly morning with the most important things happening in town.

Grab your morning java and settle in while we cover:

  • The latest report from the local Board of Realtors includes some shocking stats about the state of home sales in Central Texas — keep scrolling for the scoop.
  • Looking for a Friday evening activity? Tickets are still available to "Aladdin."
  • A new restaurant opened its doors in the Seaholm District. Let the battle for a reservation begin!

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 56 Low: 33.

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Here are the top stories in Austin today:

1) Median home prices in Central Texas had the largest drop since July 2011. A recent report compiled by the Austin Board of Realtors (ABoR) showed median home prices in the Austin-Round Rock MSA market dropped 6.3 percent, and home sales were down 27.3 percent year-over-year. KVUE has more on ABoR's full report here.

2) A University of Texas at Austin official delayed the student vote set for Feb. 27 - Feb. 28 that would allow students to decide whether to replace the school's controversial spirit song, "The Eyes of Texas." The Austin American-Statesman reports that Soncia Reagins-Lilly, UT's dean of students and senior associate vice president for student affairs, told three student government leaders that the poll on replacing the school song will not take place during the February campus election, as "the integrity of the process has been polluted" by a "misleading and inaccurate" tweet from the Student Government Assembly's Twitter account.

3) If you're using a pedestrian signal on Lamar Boulevard, you're in for a treat! Instead of a computer-generated voice, you'll now hear the voice of local country legend Ray Benson telling you when you can safely cross the street. Benson, lead singer for Asleep at the Wheel, recorded messages for 18 crossings along Lamar Boulevard. Community Impact has the full scoop here.

4) Central Texas Food Bank opened a new pantry in South Austin for those impacted by food insecurity. This is Central Texas Food Bank's first location with an on-site pantry. At 6500 Metropolis Drive, it's open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The organization's CEO, Sari Vatske, told KUT that it expects to serve roughly a hundred people each week. Learn more about the new pantry and its services at KUT.

Today in Austin:

  • Deep Dives into Popular Films: "Black Panther" at Austin Public Library, Central Branch. (1 p.m.)
  • (Kid-Friendly) Lego Lab at Austin Public Library, Menchaca Branch. (3:30 p.m.)
  • ZACH Theatre & Deaf Austin Theatre Presents: Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella at ZACH Theatre. (7:30 p.m.)
  • Quasi with Yuvees, On Being An Angel at Parish. (7:30 p.m.)
  • Hit List Stand-Up Comedy at Vulcan Gas Company (7:30 p.m. & 10 p.m.)
  • Broadway In Austin Presents: Disney's "Aladdin" at Bass Concert Hall. (8 p.m.)

Community Chatter:

  • 🥩 New restaurant alert: Ember Kitchen and Subterra Agave Bar are now open in the historic Seahold District, and reservations are going fast. (CultureMap Austin)
  • 🎤 "Austin City Limits" is gearing up to shoot its 49th season: "The show will kick-off with two acts who are no strangers to the Live Music Capital: country singer Margo Price and indie-pop band MUNA." (The Austin American-Statesman)
  • 📝 On the hunt for your dream job? "Downtown Austin Alliance is hiring a Director of People + Culture to plan, lead, direct, develop and coordinate the policies, activities and staff, ensure legal compliance and implementation of the organization's mission and talent strategy." Check out the job posting for more. (Downtown Austin Alliance)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at DowntownAustin@patch.com

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