🌱 Missing Man Found Dead + Superintendent Search + Grammy Noms 🏆

Good morning, friends and neighbors! I hope you've all started your morning off on the right note (and coffee helps for those who haven't). It's Jessica, your host of the Austin Daily — here to break down the most important local news and community updates.

Today we'll cover:

• School board outlines a plan to replace its current superintendent by year-end.
• New service coming to the Austin airport just in time for the holidays.
• Have a little one interested in piano? The library is offering free lessons today.
• Learn which Austin acts landed Grammy nominations!

---

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 63 Low: 39.

---

Here are the top stories in Austin today:

1) Austin police confirmed a body found in North Austin belonged to 76-year-old Paull Patterson. A Silver Alert had been out for Patterson since Nov. 7, after he went missing from his memory care facility. Such a tragic update to this case — my condolences to Patterson's family. Learn more about this story here at KVUE.

---

2) On Tuesday, Nov. 15, current and future members of the Austin ISD school board met to discuss the plan for hiring a new interim superintendent while also searching for a permanent replacement. Applications for the temporary role are set to be open by today, Nov. 17. Both internal AISD candidates and external candidates are encouraged to apply. A new interim superintendent will then be named by Dec. 15. KXAN has more on AISD's plan here.

---

3) TxDOT officially broke ground on the 1-35 Capital Express South Project. TxDOT states: "The project will improve safety and mobility with two high-occupancy-vehicle managed lanes in each direction along I-35 from SH 71/Ben White Boulevard to SH 45 Southeast." This initiative has met with resistance and even a legal challenge in federal court, as mobility advocates and transportation experts feel "...it won't improve traffic at all..." and will merely result in more vehicles on the road. Get the full scoop over at KUT.

---

4) Austin airport is launching a new service, SkySquad, ahead of the busy Thanksgiving holiday. KVUE reports: "[SkySquad] connects passengers with a trained airport assistant to help passengers from the curbside to their gate and help with ticketing, checking bags, loading items on the security belt, keeping an eye on travel items and more." The new service was designed for mobility-impaired and elder travelers, as well as families traveling with children, who haven't flown in a while due to the pandemic. KVUE has more on how to take advantage of SkySquad's services.

---

Today in Austin:

• The Junior League of Austin Presents: A Christmas Affair 2022: Passport to the Nutcracker (Brunch & Private Shopping Experience) at the Palmer Events Center. (9 a.m.)
• (Kid-Friendly) Dinovember Party at Austin Public Library, Southeast Branch. (4 p.m.)
• (Free) Piano Lessons for Kids at Austin Public Library, Central Branch. (5:30 p.m.)
• 2022 Creek Show at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park. (6 p.m.)
• Joe Satriani at The Paramount Theatre. (7 p.m.)
• The 1975 with BLACKSTARKIDS at Moody Center. (7 p.m.)
• The Junior League of Austin Presents: A Christmas Affair 2022: Shake Your Sugarplum (Girls' Night Out) at the Palmer Events Center. (7 p.m.)
• Oddisee & Good Compny with Magna Carda at Empire Garage. (7:30 p.m.)
• A Christmas Carol at The Topfer at ZACH Theatre. (7:30 p.m.)

---

Community Chatter:

• 🥖 Texas French Bread is BACK: "After the devasting fire, the beloved restaurant and bakery reopens with alfresco coffee, teas, baked goods, and lunches." (Eater Austin)
• 🏆 The Lone Star State collected plenty of Grammy nominations: "With 9 Grammy nods, Beyoncé is Texas' top nominee. Willie Nelson leads Austin with four nods and Spoon earns its first nod for 'Lucifer on the Sofa.'" (Austin 360 via Facebook).
• 🌲 'Tis the season! "The Domain Northside kicks off the holidays with Its 'Grinchmas,' tree lighting ceremony this Saturday!" (KEYE TV CBS Austin)

---

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right. I'll catch up with you bright and early 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