This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

🌱 More Guns Found At ABIA + Concerns Over Flu Season + Events Galore

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

Jessica Collins's profile picture
Jessica Collins, Neighbor
|
(Patch Media)

Good morning, neighbors! I hope everyone's week is off to a smooth start. It's Jessica here with your Tuesday edition of the Austin Daily filled with the top local news and community updates.

Settle in and grab your morning coffee while we dive into:

  • More guns found at ABIA TSA checkpoints.
  • Fundraising efforts are underway for the family of the APD officer killed in a recent crash.
  • Beto O'Rourke kicks off his college tour at the University of Texas at Austin.
  • Geeks Who Drink, Bitcoin meetup, concerts galore, free movie + snacks, and much more ➡️

Today's weather and allergy report:

☀️ High: 93 Low: 63. Sunny and very warm.
🍃 Grass Pollen: medium (⬇️). Ragweed: high (⬆️). Mold: medium. Dust & Dander: extremely high.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Austin who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our Austin Daily readers to local businesses they need to know about. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top stories today in Austin:

1) More guns were found at Austin-Bergstrom-International Airport TSA checkpoints last week. TSA officials at ABIA reported that six guns were prevented from boarding planes out of the airport last week, bringing the running total for the year to 114 guns intercepted. ABIA currently ranks in the top 10 airports across the country where travelers bring firearms in their carry-on luggage.

Gilbert Almaraz, TSA's Federal Security Director for Austin, wants to remind travelers: "Passengers who are traveling with firearms need to ensure they declare them with the airline and that they are properly packed in their checked baggage." Head over to CBS Austin to get the full story.

2) Community fundraising efforts are underway for the family of the Austin Police Department officer killed in a Liberty Hill crash. Officer Anthony "Tony" Martin was killed in an automotive crash in Liberty Hill just before 6 a.m. last Friday.

FOX 7 Austin reports that Austin Cops 4 Charities and other community members have begun raising money for Martin's family. FOX 7 Austin has more on this story here.

3) Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O'Rourke kicks off his college tour at the University of Texas at Austin. Monday marked the start of O'Rourke's "College Tour" across the state as the race for Texas governor continues to heat up. O'Rourke says the tour serves as an opportunity for young people, including college students, to get registered to vote before the Oct. 11 registration deadline.

"Young people, students like those who are here right now, are literally going to decide the outcome of this election," O'Rourke said at the tour launch Monday. "Polls have been up, polls have been down. They're going to continue to change, and I think they're going to continue to get closer as we get to early voting on Oct. 24." Learn more about this event and the remainder of O'Rourke's campaign plans over at KVUE.

4) Local health officials grow concerned about the upcoming flu season. The Centers for Disease Control publishes weekly flu surveillance reports. For the week ending Sept. 17, it noted that Texas had a moderate number of cases. Most of the rest of the country had a low or minimal case rate.

The Statesman reports that in recent weeks, Travis County has been seeing some influenza A and B strains. Surrounding counties have seen flu-like illnesses mostly, according to the Texas influenza activity map. Austin Public Health will begin its flu surveillance on Oct. 1. Head to the Austin American-Statesman to learn how to monitor your symptoms, where you can get a flu shot, and how to stay abreast of local flu updates.

5) Local businesses are betting on the 2022 Austin City Limits Festival to bring a boost in revenue. CBS Austin reports that in 2021, bars and restaurants got the biggest economic boost from ACL raking in $104 million across both weekends – wow!!! This year, local businesses are hoping to beat that record. Head to CBS Austin for the scoop.

Today in Austin:

  • Virtual Author Talk: Trust with Hernan Diaz (3 p.m.)
  • Texas Blockchain Council's Bitcoin Meetup at Bouldin Acres. (5 p.m.)
  • Stick To Your Guns with Kublain Khan TX, Belmont, and more at Mohawk. (5 p.m.)
  • Lake Street Dive at Stubb's. (7 p.m.)
  • Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at Dave and Buster's. (7:30 p.m.)
  • Florence + the Machine at The Moody Center (7:45 p.m.)
  • Diana Krall at Bass Concert Hall. (8 p.m.)
  • Suxxy Puxxy at My Oh My. (8 p.m.)

Community Chatter 💬 :

  • 🤘 The Longhorns are back home this week! Texas vs. West Virginia 📅 Saturday, Oct. 1 | 6:30 PM CT 📍 DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium 📺 (Texas Football via Facebook)
  • 🎃 Envision Austin's Trail of Lights – but with a spooky twist! We're getting a new immersive, Halloween experience out at Pioneer Farms that you and the kiddos won't want to miss. (Austin CultureMap)
  • 🎤 Hip hop legends bring the house down! Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, and Busta Rhymes put on an incredible show out at Germania Amphitheater this past weekend! Catching FOMO? Fret not, Austin 360 has a full event recap. (Statesman)
  • 🍿 "Movies Under the Stars" is back for another series at Metz Park. Starting this Friday, Sept. 30, Austin Parks & Rec will be playing "The Bad Guys," an animated comedy rated PG. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, pets & snacks! One free popcorn & drink per person. The movie will begin at dusk (around 8 p.m.). (Austin Parks & Rec via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

Events:

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday. I'll be back 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 Daily? Contact me at DowntownAustin@patch.com

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

More from Austin