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Community Corner

🌱 Runoff Election Updates + West Nile Virus + Restaurant Closure 💔

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 – welcome back, neighbors! I'm here bright and early in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important local news.

Settle in while we cover:

  • Results from the Austin runoff election.
  • CapMetro questioning plans for its new transit police station.
  • West Nile Virus confirmed in Austin.
  • Looking for lakeside holiday entertainment? We've got you covered.

But first, today's weather:

A shower in the morning. High: 68 Low: 41.

Here are the top stories today in Austin:

1) Kirk Watson is projected to win the runoff election for Austin mayor. The former state senator and former Austin mayor squeaked out a win with roughly 1,000 more votes over his opponent, state representative Celia Israel. The Texas Tribune has more on the outcome of the mayoral race here.

2) Velásquez, Alter, Qadri are projected to be Austin's newly elected city council members. The Statesman reports: "While there was clear separation in the runoff races for Austin City Council District 3 and District 5 seats Tuesday, the margin in the tight District 9 race came down to a few hundred votes. The trio of council members will be joined by Kirk Watson, who appeared to have captured a narrow victory over Celia Israel in the race to be Austin's next mayor." The Statesman has more on the outcome of the Austin City Council race here.

3) CapMetro is reconsidering its plan to build holding cells in its transit police station. Capital Metro initially stated that it would need holding cells in order to detain arrested suspects as required by state regulators to establish a police force. KUT now reports: "In a memo to the transit agency's board of directors Tuesday, CapMetro's chief of staff, Kerri Butcher, said 'after further review' the agency determined having a 'temporary holding area' is not a requirement to get police department certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE)." Check out the full scoop here at KUT.

4) Feel-good news: Austin FC and HEB teamed up to surprise random customers by paying for their groceries. Austin FC Head Coach tells KVUE: "When we can now come in and take some of that burden off of them, you can see the relief and appreciation and it's really rewarding." KVUE has more on this heartwarming story here.

5) Austin Public Health confirms the first case of West Nile Virus for this year. KVUE reports: "...routine testing performed by Austin Public Health found the first West Nile-positive mosquito pool back in July. A total of six positive mosquito pools have been identified in the ZIP codes of 78759, 78754, 78723, 78721, 78704 and 78744." KVUE has more details on what to expect from the mosquito population this time of year, West Nile Virus symptoms to look out for, and how to stay safe – check it out!

Today in Austin:

  • 2022 Blue Genie Art Bazaar at Blue Genie Art Bazaar. (10 a.m.)
  • (Kid-Friendly) Music and Movement at Austin Public Library, Pleasant Hill Branch. (11 a.m.)
  • Ice Rodeo at The Four Seasons Austin. (4 p.m.)
  • ATX Librarians Social Club at The VORTEX (5 p.m.)
  • Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of the Americas. (6 p.m.)
  • 2023 Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park. (7 p.m.)
  • Bobby Rush Revue with Gypsy Mitchell at Antone's. (7 p.m.)
  • Blue Hawaii with Horse Opera at Empire Control Room. (7:30 p.m.)
  • White Christmas at The Paramount Theatre. (7:30 p.m.)
  • A Drag Queen Christmas at ACL Live at The Moody Theater. (8 p.m.)

Community Chatter:

  • 🎄 Enjoy lakeside holiday entertainment: Need to see what the Mozart's Coffee Roasters Holiday Light Show looks like before heading over? Austin360's got you covered with pictures from the spectacular event. (The Statesman)
  • 🍪 Mmm, cookies galore! Eater Austin has compiled a list of the 19 must-try cookies in town! (Eater Austin)
  • 💔 Restaurant closing: Le Politique is officially closed for good. (CultureMap Austin)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you 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

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