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Community Corner

🌱 Upcoming Mayor Inauguration + New Toll Rates + Free Concerts

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)

Hi, everyone! As we slowly ease into the New Year, I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh copy of the Austin Daily to get you up to speed on all of the local news you need to know right now.

Today we'll cover:

  • The inauguration of the Mayor-elect and City Council Members.
  • Cedar fever season is here — we've got the scoop on how to find relief!
  • A Texas Longhorn legend has passed at 91.
  • More free concerts in the Red River District and East Austin this evening.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and mild. High: 73 Low: 54.

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Here are the top stories in Austin today:

1) New year, new city leadership: Austin Mayor-elect Kirk Watson will be sworn in this Friday at Austin City Hall. KVUE reports: "The Austin City Council will convene on Friday at 6 p.m. to hold an inauguration for Mayor-elect Kirk Watson, District 3 Councilmember José Velásquez, District 5 Councilmember Ryan Alter and District 9 Councilmember Zohaib "Zo" Qadri. Re-elected councilmembers for Districts 1 and 8, Natasha Harper-Madison and Paige Ellis, will also take the Oath of Office." KVUE has more on the upcoming inauguration here.

2) New toll rates are officially in effect for 183A Toll, 290 Toll, 71 Toll Lane, 45SW Toll, 183 Toll, and the MoPac Express Lane as of Jan. 1, 2023. Head over to the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority site for a breakdown of the new pricing for each impacted roadway.

3) The hillssssss are aliveeeee, with ... cedar pollen! That's right, neighbors: Cedar fever season is officially upon us. Runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes are just a few of the symptoms cedar leaves in its wake. KVUE spoke with Dr. Amin Mery of Hill Country Allergy and Asthma on tips for finding relief and managing the symptoms – check it out.

4) Legendary Longhorn baseball coach Cliff Gustafson died at 91. During his tenure, he led the Texas baseball program to a historic run with national championships in 1975 and 1983, 22 Southwest Conference regular season titles, 11 Southwest Conference Tournament titles, and 17 appearances at the College World Series. Gustafson's career was truly legendary. Learn more about his legacy at The Statesman.

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Today in Austin:

  • Toddler Storytime at Austin Public Library, Pleasant Hill Branch. (10 a.m.)
  • Teen Animanga Club at the Austin Public Library, Central Branch. (6 p.m.)
  • Free Week: Women Rock Day With Lena Luca, Glass Mansions and Subpar Snatch at Mohawk. (7 p.m.)
  • TV Sketch Show at The Creek and The Cave. (7 p.m.)
  • Texas Men's Basketball vs Kansas State at Moody Center. (8 p.m.)
  • Free Week: Mystery Egg, Geranium Drive and Loteria at Volstead Lounge. (8:30 p.m.)

Community Chatter:

  • 👥 Community conversation: "Measure, an Austin-based nonprofit that does research on racial disparities, conducted a survey in May 2022. It found 80% of Black people who leave Austin, said they felt a lack of belonging." KXAN has more on why they believe Austin struggles to retain black professionals. (KXAN)
  • 🍪 Award-winning cookie company: "An Austin couple's cookie company, Wunderkeks, wins a prestigious award for baking up safe spaces." (CultureMap Austin)
  • 🏡 Annual interior design tour: "It's time to get your tickets for Tribeza's 8th Annual Interiors Tour! On Sunday, Jan. 22, hundreds of design fans will tour gorgeous homes across the city from some of Austin's most talented designers." (Tribeza)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow 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

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

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