Good morning, Austin! Your host Meagan Falcon, here. I am back on this Tuesday to give you the tea on the latest edition of the Austin Daily.
We are officially five days away from Christmas, which means it’s time to start getting your plans ready for the upcoming holiday. I’ll be sharing more stories on what to know with weather, travel and closures as Christmas approaches.
But first, let’s get you all caught up to start this day off on an informed note. These are the most important things going on today in Austin.
Find out what’s happening in Austin with free, real-time updates from Patch.
First, today’s weather:
Plenty of sunshine. High: 68 Low: 47.
Find out what’s happening in Austin with free, real-time updates from Patch.
This week’s forecast:
Seasonal temperatures return Tuesday, but these don’t last long as above normal and dry conditions return by the middle to end of the week. Sorry to say, but Christmas is more likely to be sunny with highs in the upper 70s to near 80. But hey, at least we won’t have mornings in the upper 60s and lower 70s.
Here are the top stories in Austin today:
- Although the Austin area is seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases as the holidays approach, the hospitals in Central Texas are not struggling as a result. Here’s what we know. (KVUE.com)
- A dead bat found in Cedar Park over the weekend has tested positive for the rabies virus, according to city officials. (Austin Patch)
- Booster shots, available at pharmacies and clinics in Austin, are the best defense against COVID-19 illnesses as the omicron variant of the coronavirus spreads across the country, according to health officials. Here’s where you can get one in Austin. (Austin Patch)
- Williamson County confirmed its first case of the omicron variant on Monday.
The county said a resident was confirmed positive with the virus after lab results indicated the presence of the variant. Here’s what we know. (Round Rock Patch) - A warrant was issued for a woman suspected of stabbing and killing her mother in Manchaca in early December, according to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. (Austin Patch)
Today’s Austin Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at Ring, the home security company. Ring does a lot more than doorbells: check out their full suite of smart home products at Ring.com. And thank you Ring for helping to make local news happen in Austin!
Your Holiday Guide
Christmas is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start preparing for your trip back home for the holidays and what’s open and closed on the day.
Christmas 2021 Gas Prices: What You’ll Pay At Austin Pumps.
Looking for things to do? From holiday shows to Christmas light displays, there will be plenty of things to do. Here’s our list of events happening in the metro area for the holidays this season.
- Holidays 2021: Musicals, Shows, Movies In Austin Metro.
- Best 2021 Holiday Light Displays To See In Austin.
- Holiday-themed Bars In Austin You Have To Visit.
- Holidays 2021 Guide: Festivals, Light Displays In Austin Metro.
Today in Austin:
- A Christmas Carol. (7:30 a.m.)
- “We Are Blood” Holiday Mall Drives return to Barton Creek Square, Lakeline Mall and The Arboretum. (9 a.m.)
- Holiday Movie Trivia at Vigilante Gastropub. (7 p.m.)
From my notebook:
- Texas Longhorns Rowing: “Very sad to report the passing of Carie Graves, our program’s first coach. A pioneer and true legend in our sport, Coach Graves was an impressive athlete, outstanding coach and wonderful ambassador for women’s athletics.” (Facebook)
- Texas Women’s Basketball: “Answered the call. Nothing but respect for the Toreros ? #HookEm” (Facebook)
- Texas Longhorns Track & Field/Cross Country: “It’s official! Welcome to the Forty Acres family, Hector.” (Facebook)
- KUT Austin: “As many people traveled over the weekend, health officials and state leaders issued serious warnings about the coronavirus as the U.S. experienced record new infections. via NPR” (Facebook)
- Downtown Austin: “You’ve survived the holiday season so far, let’s celebrate! Treat yourself with a view and some delicious drinks while checking off passport stops! #dtatx #downtownatx #downtownaustin #drinklocal #starbar #theline #dumonts #downlow .” (Facebook)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I’ll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update!
Your friendly neighborhood journalist,
Meagan Falcon
Meagan covers local news for Patch in Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander and Pflugerville.
About Meagan: I was born and raised in Corpus Christi and spent three years covering breaking news and things to do in South Texas before I moved to the Austin Metro. When I am not reporting the news, I am enjoying a good book, tending to my garden and spending time with my pup. I am a green thumb novice so if y’all have gardening tips, I would love some.
Christmas Quote of the Day:
“Christmas is the day that holds all time together.” — Alexander Smith
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