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Community Corner

🌱 NASA Headed to SXSW 2023 + Free Winter Kits + Best Mocktails In ATX

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, friends and neighbors! It's Jessica here with your Wednesday edition of the Austin Daily, filled with the most important local news and community updates.

Cozy up while we cover:

  • A local tech titan plans to pour $240 million into its campus in Northwest Austin.
  • Cutting back on your drinking this month? We've got a list of the best spots in town to grab an elevated mocktail.
  • Did you hear? NASA is coming to SXSW 2023 in a major way! We've got the scoop below.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and very warm. High: 77 Low: 54.

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Here are the top stories today in Austin:

1) South by Southwest, whose programming spotlights the convergence of technology with the film and music industries, announced the featured speakers for this year's conference, and it's one you won't want to miss! This year's featured speakers include: Eric André, Blxst, Josh D'Amaro, Tommy Dorfman, Ashley Flowers, Gottmik, Nick Jonas, Martin Luther King III, Damon Lindelof, Eva Longoria, Alexis Ohanian, Maya Penn, Austin Russell, RZA, Dan Schulman, Simran Jeet Singh, Cheryl Strayed, Jen Wong and more. NASA will also have a keynote session, "Unfold The Universe: NASA's Webb Space Telescope," which will include members of the James Webb Space Telescope team and feature a never-before-seen image. Head to The Statesman to learn more about what to expect from SXSW 2023.

2) The 88th Texas Legislature began on Tuesday, Jan. 10 at the Texas Capitol Building here in Austin. Leading into the legislature sessions, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar shared that lawmakers will have "an unprecedented amount of money to spend as they create the state's next budget: $188.2 billion." Hegar attributes this surplus of funds to high sales tax revenue, spikes in energy prices and overall economic growth across the state in recent years. Learn more at Community Impact.

3) Reminder: Austin is giving away free winter-weather supply kits this week at customer service centers. The kits include water meter keys, styrofoam hose covers, hand-crank flashlights, first-aid supplies and winter weather tip sheets. Learn how you can pick up your kit here at KUT.

4) Apple ramps up expansion plans at its Northwest campus. According to filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the tech titan plans to build 3 million square feet of offices on Parmer Lane, with room for up to 15,000 employees. The Real Deal has more on Apple's Austin campus expansion plans here.

Today in Austin:

  • Low Impact Workout hosted by Stronger Austin at virtual. (7 a.m.)
  • Homeschool Day at Bullock Texas History Museum. (10 a.m.)
  • Toddler Storytime at Austin Public Library, Menchaca Branch. (10 a.m.)
  • Oak Hill Chess Club at Austin Public Library, Hampton Branch at Oak Hill. (5 p.m.)
  • Adult Holistic Wellness Program at Austin Public Library, Carver Branch. (6 p.m.)
  • Juicebar: Freshly Squeezed Sketch Comedy at Fallout Theater. (9:30 p.m.)
  • Pop-Up Karaoke: Ariana Grande Edition at Volstead Lounge. (10 p.m.)


Community Chatter:

  • 🥬 New year, new you? If you're looking to start the year off with healthier habits and more nutritionally dense meals, The Statesman has a list of the best spots in town for healthy eating! (The Austin American-Statesman)
  • 🍸 For those participating in Dry January: "Austin has its fair share of craft cocktail destinations and local breweries scattered around the city, but there's a rising scene of nonalcoholic cocktails accessible to those who don't partake." Eater Austin has curated a list of 13 bars and restaurants serving creative non-alcoholic cocktails! PS: I can confirm that the "Castaway" at Roosevelt Room is DELISH. (Eater Austin)
  • 🖼️ Free weekend creative inspiration: "Join us for an artist talk with Renee Lai and Rosa Nussbaum on Saturday, January 14 from 6 to 8 pm. During this evening event, the artists will discuss their exhibit, "The Bathing of the Sphinx" and how the installation connects to Elisabet Ney's art and personal history." Event Details: "The Bathing of the Sphinx" Artist Talk & Closing Reception at Elisabet Ney Museum on Saturday, Jan. 14, 6 - 8 p.m. (Austin Parks & Rec)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll be 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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