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Community Corner

🌱 Silver Alert Issued + Freezing Temps In Our Future? + MLK Events

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, everyone! Happy MLK Day! Today we celebrate the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America. That said, I've got all the local news and community updates that you need.

Settle in while we cover:

  • A comet is set to make a rare appearance near Earth.
  • A Silver Alert was issued for an 80-year-old community member in South Austin.
  • Award-winning author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates is in town this evening — be sure to snag a ticket!
  • An East Austin convenience store owner takes a controversial approach to manage loitering outside his store.

But first, today's weather:

Very warm with clouds and sun. High: 76 Low: 51.

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Here are the top stories in Austin today:

1) Several fun, educational and dynamic events are being held around Central Texas to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Austin's 30th annual community march will start at 9 a.m. at the MLK Statue on the University of Texas campus, before ending at the south steps of the Capitol for a rally. Then, attendees will head over to Huston-Tillotson University for more exciting activities. KVUE has a list of Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations taking place across Central Texas – check it out!

2) A Silver Alert was issued for John Bunton, who was last seen in South Austin. KVUE reports that Bunton, 80, is diagnosed with a cognitive impairment and his health and safety may be endangered. He was reportedly last seen around noon yesterday at 110 E. Live Oak St. Head over to KVUE for more details.

3) A local meteorologist thinks freezing temperatures can still arrive in the coming months. KXAN reports: "It doesn't have to be winter to freeze in Austin. The earliest date of the colder months that temperatures have ever dropped to 32º or below was Oct. 26, 1924. It can also freeze into the spring months too. The latest we've had a freeze in Austin at Camp Mabry was April 9, 1914." So neighbors, in spite of the warmer weather these past few days — we're not in the clear! Don't box those coats and scarves up just yet. KXAN has more on what to expect this winter here.

4) An East Austin 7-Eleven is using loud opera music to push away the homeless. Jagat Patel, owner of the 7-Eleven at East Oltorf and Parker Lane, tells KVUE: "We heard of other businesses coming up with solutions to figure out how to eliminate people from congregating in the parking lot. Studies have shown that classic musical, opera music is annoying and keeps people from congregating." Community members staying at a nearby homeless encampment feel this gesture is "absolutely obnoxious" and "unnecessary." Check out the full story here at KVUE.

Today in Austin:

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Community March at the MLK Statue on the University of Texas Campus. (9 a.m.)
  • (Free) The MLK Community Festival at Huston-Tillotson University. (11:15 a.m.)
  • BRAVE Communities Conversation: Let Every Voice Be Heard - Honoring MLK Day at Austin Public Library, Central Branch. (12 p.m.)
  • KING: A Filmed Record...Montgomery To Memphis Screening at Austin Film Society. (6 p.m.)
  • Hyperreal Film Club Presents: The Hidden at Hotel Vegas. (7 p.m.)
  • A Conversation with Ta-Nehisi Coates at The Long Center. (7:30 p.m.)

Community Chatter:

  • ☄️ Bright green comet set to make a rare appearance: "This newly discovered 'icy visitor' is headed to a night sky near you." (KVUE via Facebook)
  • 🏢 New Braunfels has a retention problem? "This city south of Austin is faced with a unique challenge as it has a significant inflow of workers filling its lower-wage jobs and a net outflow of highly educated residents who are having to commute daily for various management, financial and technical work elsewhere in the region." (Austin Business Journal)
  • 🫶 Nominations now open: "Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to help others in our community? Nominate your loved ones for 5 Who Care today!" (KVUE via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow 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

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