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

Community Corner

🌱 New Skyscraper 🏗️ + Flu Vaccine Updates + Hollyweird In ATX 🎬

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)

Hi, friends and neighbors! It's a cool Tuesday in Austin, and I hope you're bundled up and warm this morning. It's Jessica, back in your inbox with the most important local news and community updates – hot off the press.

Settle in while we cover:

  • Another local project sets out to be the tallest building in Texas.
  • The city manager releases an independent assessment of APD's sexual assault procedures.
  • Health officials suggest flu vaccines as a Thanksgiving appetizer.
  • The scoop on how to get free Torchy's Tacos!

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and cool. High: 54 Low: 39.

Here are the top stories today in Austin:

1) A new report shows the Austin Police Department still needs to improve how sexual assaults are reported, investigated and processed. On Nov. 14, the city manager's office released a report independently performed by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) that assessed APD's sexual assault protocols. KXAN reports: "The memo states 'APD immediately made several positive revisions to their policy and procedures to improve outcomes for sexual assault survivors...'". That said, the report also called for updates to "antiquated sexual assault policies" and flagged that APD officers, detectives and supervisors tasked with responding to sexual assaults are "insufficiently trained to do so." KXAN has the full scoop on this newly released report here.

2) Austin schools will soon need a new permanent superintendent. AISD's current interim superintendent, Anthony Mays, will be "leaving the district for a permanent position in the Houston area" by the end of the year. This is the third time since 2020 that the district will be looking to fill the position of superintendent. KUT has more on what the transition will look like for AISD.

3) In today's skyscraper news, the new "Wilson Tower" is set to become the tallest building in Austin – and across the Lone Star State. The tower will be 80 stories high, on E. 5th Street between Neches and Trinity streets. The Statesman reports: "Plans call for Wilson Tower to be 1,035 feet tall, which would make it taller than Waterline, a project already underway at 98 Red River St. that is slated to be 74 stories and 1,022 feet tall." Everything truly is bigger in Texas, huh? Head over to The Statesman for more on this project.

4) Flu season arrived much earlier than anticipated throughout Central Texas this year. As a result, state health officials are encouraging those who are eligible, to get the flu vaccination before the Thanksgiving holiday to "protect themselves and family members." KVUE has more info on how to protect yourself during the flu season – check it out.

Today in Austin:

  • 2022 AfroTech Conference at various locations. (7 a.m.)
  • Donate at We Are Blood and Receive Free Torchy's Tacos. (9 a.m.)
  • KMFA Midday Concert: Alt Improv Music Ensemble at Draylen Mason Music Studio at KMFA. (12 p.m.)
  • Kids Create! at Austin Public Library, Windsor Park Branch. (3:30 p.m.)
  • Teen Creative AI Lab at Austin Public Library, Central Branch. (5:30 p.m.)
  • AISD's Community Bond Oversight Committee Meeting at AISD's Central Office. (6 p.m.)
  • (Art Installation) 2022 Creek Show at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park. (6 p.m.)
  • (Comedy Show) Daniel Howell: We're All Doomed at ACL Live at Moody Theatre. (6 p.m.)
  • Tuesday Night Trivia at Easy Tiger South Lamar. (7 p.m.)

Community Chatter:

  • 🤘 Texas Longhorn Football Updates: "🚨 Game time announcement 🚨 Texas vs Baylor on Friday Nov. 25 will kick off at 11 AM CT and be televised on ABC or ESPN" (Texas Football via Facebook)
  • 🎞️ Hollyweird in Austin: "A John Waters Christmas is coming to Austin's Paramount Theatre on December 5." (CultureMap Austin)
  • ⚠️ Trail Closure: "A short section of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail near the Mopac Bridge area will be re-routed due to work on the Zilker Pump House through Nov. 16." (Austin Parks & Rec via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

For sale:

You're officially in the loop for today! See you tomorrow morning for 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

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

More from Austin