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Community Corner

🌱 TikTok Blocked On UT Campus + $2M Funding For Opioid Programs

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! I'm back in your inbox bright and early this morning with your copy of the Austin Daily — hot off the press. Let's get this Wednesday started off right, with a quick dive into the most important local news and community updates.

Grab your coffee and get comfy while we cover:

  • Greg Abbott takes third oath of office as Texas Governor.
  • Guess which pop megastar just announced their return to Austin for the first visit in over 20 years? We've got the scoop.
  • Austin 911 is struggling to keep up with high call volume.
  • Drag Queen Bingo this evening — be sure to snag a ticket!

But first, today's weather:

A couple of morning showers. High: 73 Low: 51.

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Here are the top stories in Austin today:

1) Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick shared their priorities for Texans during yesterday's inaugural addresses. Gov. Abbott focused his third inaugural speech on the strategic allocation of Texas' historic budget surplus, emphasizing that "parental rights" in schools, public safety, and investment into the state's power grid were at the top of his list. The Texas Tribune has more coverage of yesterday's inauguration events here.

2) Following a directive from Gov. Abbott, the University of Texas at Austin blocked access to the popular social media platform, TikTok. KUT reports that in a December letter addressed to state agencies, the governor said "the app posed a security threat to Texas' information and critical infrastructure." He then instructed all notified state agencies to ban employees from downloading TikTok on any government-issued devices, including cell phones, laptops, tablets and desktop computers. Students and University of Texas staff members won't be able to access TikTok if connected to any campus networks. This decision has met with mixed reactions from students and staff members. Learn more here at KUT.

3) Austin 911 continues to feel the strain of severe understaffing. KUT reports: "Under national standards, 90% of 911 calls should be answered within 15 seconds." According to Communications Supervisor Casey Callahan, the percentage of calls answered in a timely fashion plummeted to 1% on New Year's Eve. Lt. Kenneth Murphy, director of APD Emergency communications, said the department streamlined the training timeline in order to get new hires properly onboarded, but it still takes roughly two and half months. With South by Southwest on the horizon, the department hopes to have additional team members hired and trained. KUT has more in-depth coverage of this story here.

4) Austin-Travis County received $2 million in federal funding for opioid overdose prevention and opioid dependency treatment programs, said Rep. Lloyd Doggett. This funding comes after a significant spike in the number of fatal drug overdoses in 2022. KXAN reports that the funding "will help support overdose prevention efforts, including expanding training for first responders and community members as well as increasing Narcan access. The money will also assist with treatment and peer recovery counseling services for those struggling with addiction, officials added." Review the full breakdown of how these funds will be allocated here at KXAN.

Today in Austin:

  • Preschool Storytime at Austin Public Library, Menchaca Branch. (11 a.m.)
  • (Kid-Friendly) Board Game Fun at Austin Public Library, Windsor Park Branch. (3:30 p.m.)
  • Screening of Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 with Austin Justice Coalition and Six Square at The Paramount Theater. (6 p.m.)
  • Drag Queen Bingo with Louisianna Purchase at St. Elmo Brewing Company. (7 p.m.)
  • Just Desserts: Stand Up Comedy at East Austin Comedy Club. (7 p.m.)
  • Pretty Woman: The Musical at Bass Concert Hall. (8 p.m.)
  • Still Sounds (Photo Exhibition) at Mohawk. (8:30 p.m.)

Community Chatter:

  • 🎤 Madonna is coming to Austin for the first time in over 20 years! "The Celebration tour will feature hits from the "Vogue" queen's 40-year career, including 38 songs that ranked in the Billboard Hot 100." The tour will stop in Austin in September. (Austin American-Statesman via Facebook)
  • 💔 Layoff announcement: "Ryder, a company known for its fleet of commercial rental trucks, is laying off approximately 800 workers from a plant in Northeast Austin." (CBS Austin via Facebook)
  • 🤠 Rodeo Austin's 2023 concert lineup. "Get your cowboy hats and boots ready, Austin! This year's event will run from Friday, March 10, through Saturday, March 25. Last year's rodeo was reportedly the most attended event of the year in Austin." (KVUE)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. See you all tomorrow for 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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