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Community Corner

🌱 Winter Storm Covers The City + Rise In Gas Prices + Local Aqua-Dome

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! First and foremost: I hope you're all managing to stay safe and warm amid the winter storm. It's Jessica, your host of the Austin Daily in your inbox bright and early this morning to give you the download on the most important community updates and local news.

Grab a mug of something warm and cozy up while we cover:

  • Noticed a spike in prices at the pumps? We've got the scoop.
  • A winter storm is sweeping across the state — keep scrolling to learn more about what to expect.
  • Rodeo season is around the corner and we've got tips on where to score the best Western wear!

But first, today's weather:

A bit of ice; quite cold. High: 31 Low: 29.

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Here are the top stories today in Austin:

1) Austin remains under a winter storm warning through Wednesday at noon. Several rounds of freezing rain are likely across Central Texas over the next couple of days, resulting in school cancellations (University of Texas at Austin, Austin ISD, Pflugerville ISD and Del Valle ISD are all closed today), and transportation officials warn Austinites to stay off the roads unless driving is absolutely necessary. Learn more about what to expect from the storm here at KUT.

Some helpful resources as we prepare to hunker down:

2) Community members gathered at the Capitol on Sunday to protest Senate Bill (SB) 147, which attempts to ban asylum seekers and immigrants from China, North Korea, Russia and Iran from buying property in Texas. The Austin American-Statesman reports that the bill gained steam after Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted his support and commitment to signing the bill, which many proponents believe is needed for "national security." Protest attendee and Austin resident Lina Sun tells The Statesman: "It can't be: Prohibit all the individuals, or good people, to purchase property for their family. It's unconstitutional." Learn more about Sunday's protest here at The Statesman.

3) Austin Police Department identified the 17-year-old student killed at a North Austin hookah lounge over the weekend. Brayden Bolyard was shot and killed on Saturday at Moon Palace Hookah Lounge in Northwest Austin. He died at the scene despite lifesaving efforts. Bolyard was a student at Jarrell ISD, and the district plans to hold a candlelight vigil for the student after the inclement weather subsides. CBS Austin has more on this story.

4) Austin gas prices saw another double-digit increase this past week. The Austin American-Statesman reports that pump prices are 37 cents per gallon higher than they were a month ago. Industry experts point to nationwide extreme weather patterns and refinery operations as the cause of the spike in prices. The Statesman has more coverage on rising gas prices here.

Today in Austin:

  • (Kid-Friendly) Dual Language Spanish English Storytime at Austin Public Library, St. John Branch. (11:30 a.m.)
  • (Kid-Friendly) Barking Book Buddies at Austin Public Library, Howson Branch. (4 p.m.)
  • Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at The Garden at the 704. (7 p.m.)
  • We Came As Romans with ERRA and Brand of Sacrifice at Empire Garage. (7 p.m.)
  • Rubblebucket at Mohawk. (7:30 p.m.)
  • Odd Ducks (Comedy Show) at Fallout Theater. (9:30 p.m.)

Neighbors: please double-check that the above events have not been canceled due to inclement weather before attending and please travel with caution.

Community Chatter:

  • 🐠 The Austin Aqua-Dome: "Gary Coffman opened the dome-shaped fish store in 1997 and sells marine life shipped in from Indonesia, California and more." Head to The Statesman to take a peek inside. (Austin American-Statesman)
  • ❄️ Winter storm food and beverage closures: "In light of the potential hazards, many Austin restaurants, food trucks, bars, breweries, and such are adjusting their hours, closing early, or temporarily closing for the safety of their employees and customers." Head to Eater Austin for a list of scheduling changes.
  • 🤠 Giddy up — rodeo season is almost upon us! Tribeza rounds up its top shopping picks for cowboy boots, classic hats and other western-inspired items in the city. (Tribeza)

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

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

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