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Community Corner

🌱 New Routes At Austin Airport + Free Girl Scout Cookies

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, everybody! Happy Valentine's Day to those who celebrate. It's Jessica, back with your fresh copy of the Austin Patch newsletter. Let's get your Tuesday started off right, with a quick update on the most important local news and community updates. Settle in while we cover:

  • Free Girl Scout cookies? We've got the scoop!
  • Community members unite to support earthquake victims.
  • Adam Sandler is performing this evening – and there's still tickets!
  • New domestic and international routes are in the works at the Austin airport.
  • Still scrambling for last minute Valentine's Day plans? Keep scrolling for the deets!

But first, today's weather:

Turning sunny; breezy, mild. High: 77 Low: 48.

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Here are the top stories today in Austin:

1) Austin's Turkish community is banding together to organize relief efforts for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. Austinites partnered with The Raindrop Foundation Central, a Turkish, cultural nonprofit organization, to collect donations to send to the consulate in Houston. All donations will be flown by officials directly to Turkey. KUT has more on these support efforts and how you can get involved here.

2) A University of Texas (UT) at Austin professor is suing the school for allegedly "violating his First Amendment rights." The associate professor, Richard Lowery, argues that UT retaliated against him for his public conservative views and criticism of the school's "critical-race theory indoctrination," DEI policies, and more. The Austin American-Statesman has the full scoop.

3) An Austin High School baseball coach was arrested following an altercation with a student. The documents state that Coach Billy Brown allegedly kicked a student in the face who was trying to enter an athletics facility entrance that was off-limits. Brown was arrested for the charge of "assault causing bodily injury," and the case is actively under investigation. KVUE has more on this story here.

4) Interested in supporting your community while earning free Girl Scout cookies? Donate blood or platelets at We Are Blood's local donor centers, and this dream could become a reality. KVUE has more on which donor center locations are participating and how to schedule your appointment – check it out!

Today in Austin:

  • Homeschool Origami at Austin Public Library, Central Branch. (1 p.m.)
  • Kids Create at Austin Public Library, Howson Branch. (3:30 p.m.)
  • Duo da Capo Harp and Oboe Series: Valentine's Day Performance at Neill-Cochran House Museum. (6:30 p.m.)
  • J.I.D & Smino - Luv Is 4ever Tour at Stubb's. (7 p.m.)
  • Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at The Butterfly Bar & The Vortex (7 p.m.)
  • In-Person Valentine's Day Speed Dating for Austin Singles (35-50) at Hideaway Kitchen & Bar. (7 p.m.)
  • Adam Sandler at Moody Center. (7:30 p.m.)
  • Israel Garcia: Love & BBQ at Cooper's BBQ, Downtown. (7:30 p.m.)
  • "The Attraction" Cabaresque at Parish. (7:30 p.m.)
  • Valentine's Showcase featuring Star Parks, Sun June & Friends, Hey Cowboy!, and Keeled Scales DJ's at Volstead Lounge. (8:30 p.m.)

P.S.: For those still looking for last minute Valentine's Day ideas, Do512 put together an incredible guide for celebrating Valentine's Day in Austin (on any budget!).

Community Chatter 💬:

  • ✈️ New routes added at the Austin airport: "Four new routes will soon be offered from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, with two new international destinations added to the schedule this summer. Nonstop service to Panama City, Panama, will be offered by Copa Airlines beginning July 6." (KXAN)
  • 🏞 Walnut Creek Trail is expanding! "Join Austin Public Works Urban Trails Program for an afternoon of public festivities celebrating the opening of a new section of the Northern Walnut Creek Trail! Stop by Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park on Saturday, March 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a ribbon-cutting, live music, a food truck, and fun activities on the new 1.3-mile trail." (City of Austin)
  • 🗞 Free zine-making workshop: "Power to the people with paper! For those not in the know, Zines (pronounced /zeenz/) are a hands-on way to share your opinions, drawings, collages and IDEAS with the physical world. Join us on the third Wednesday of every month at Central and make your own!" (Austin Public Library via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at DowntownAustin@patch.com

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