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Community Corner

🌱 UT Coach Suspended + Cold Front En Route + Election Day 🗳️

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)

Good morning, everyone! It's Jessica here with your Tuesday edition of the Austin Daily, filled with the most important local news and community updates – hot off the press!

Cozy up while we cover:

  • It's Runoff Election Day – and we've got you covered with a voting guide.
  • A cold front and rain are headed to Central Texas.
  • The UT Basketball Head Coach has been arrested on a domestic violence charge.
  • Operation Blue Santa needs volunteers this Saturday!
  • A new festival is headed to town – we've got the scoop.

But first, today's weather:

A morning thunderstorm. High: 72 Low: 54.

Here are the top stories today in Austin:

1) The University of Texas has officially suspended Chris Beard, the men's head basketball coach, without pay. Beard was arrested Monday morning on a third-degree felony domestic violence charge at a home in the Tarrytown area. UT reports that associate head coach, Rodney Terry, will serve as acting head coach until further notice. The Texas Tribune has more on this story here.

2) Happy Runoff Election Day! Neighbors, this is your final reminder that this election includes four critical races: Austin mayor and Austin City Council Districts 3, 5 and 9. KVUE has compiled a detailed election voter guide – check it out!

Need help finding your polling location? No sweat. Head here to the Travis County Clerk's website for the details.

3) Bundle up, winter-like temps are on the way! Weather officials report that a cold front is headed to Central Texas starting today. This cold front is also expected to bring scattered rain and potential storms to the area. KVUE has the full weather forecast here.

4) A week after a ransomware attack, the Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD) is fully back up and running. CBS Austin reports: "TCAD said its phone service and online chat are back online after the December 5th attack. Property owners who need assistance can now contact the District's customer service department via both methods during normal business hours." Learn more about this story here at CBS Austin.

5) Volunteers needed: Austin Police Department's "Operation Blue Santa" needs more volunteers to deliver gifts to families, this Saturday! APD also reported that more families have signed up this year to receive donations, but fewer donations have been received. KXAN reports: "Austin Police say typically, around 80% of families are "adopted," meaning their gifts are sponsored by individuals, families, or businesses. This year, though, only 17% have been adopted, or just 320 families." Head to KXAN to learn more about how you can donate to Operation Blue Santa and how you can volunteer this weekend.

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Today in Austin:

  • 2022 Blue Genie Art Bazaar at Blue Genie Art Bazaar. (10 a.m.)
  • Austin Symphony Orchestra's "Sounds of the Season" at Austin Public Library, Central Branch. (12 p.m.)
  • Kids Create at Austin Public Library, Howson Branch. (3:30 p.m.)
  • Ice Rodeo at The Four Seasons Austin. (4 p.m.)
  • Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of the Americas. (6 p.m.)
  • The Moth Mainstage at The Paramount Theatre. (7 p.m.)
  • Mavis Staples with Bobby Rush at Antone's. (7 p.m.)
  • 2023 Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park. (7 p.m.)
  • A Merry-Achi Christmas at ACL Live at The Moody Theater. (8 p.m.)

Community Chatter:

  • ✈️ New flight alert: American Airlines announced it's adding a non-stop route from Austin to Sacramento in May 2023. Pack your bags, neighbors! (KXAN)
  • 🎸 A new festival is coming to town: "Antone's and Waterloo Greenway are proud to present the inaugural Austin Blues Festival on April 29, 2023, at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park!" The festival lineup includes: Los Lobos, Booker T Jones's Stax Revue, Robert Randolph Band, Adrian Quesada's Jaguar Sound, and many more! Tickets go on-sale this Friday. (CBS Austin)
  • 🍔 East Austin eatery, Hi-Hat, celebrates its 10th anniversary! Happy 10th Birthday Hi-Hat Team. For those who've never been: Hi-Hat is my favorite "no muss, no fuss" spot in town to grab brews and burgers with friends. (CBS Austin)

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That's it for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new 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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