Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a $4.8M grant could reshape Austin’s semiconductor future

And on the Austin Patch calendar - Brisket Taco Tuesday at Taco Flats

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Tuesday December 23rd Patch AM
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Good morning Austin! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

Before we get to what's happening, a big thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Austin PatchAM possible. Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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Find out what's happening in Austinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

In today's newsletter:

  • How a $4.8M grant could reshape Austin’s semiconductor future
  • How a possible shutdown could hit TSA workers at Austin’s airport
  • Why Salvation Army Austin says: please don’t donate through Venmo

Also on today's calendar: Brisket Taco Tuesday at Taco Flats and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Austinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 78 and low of 63 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Very warm with some sun, temps: high: 78, low: 64.
  • Thursday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 80 and low of 63 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Gov. Abbott Announces Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant to UT-Austin's Quantum Institute (texasinsider.org) — A new $4.8 million state grant will fund UT Austin’s Texas Quantum Institute to build QLab, a quantum-enhanced semiconductor metrology facility in Austin that supports local chip and quantum companies. State leaders say the project cements Central Texas as a national semiconductor hub and could help attract thousands of high-paying advanced manufacturing jobs to the region.
   

2. Holiday travel rush hits Austin's airport as TSA agents eye government funding deadline (kvue.com) — Holiday crowds are surging at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, with about 35,000 travelers expected in a single day and TSA agents bracing for long lines. At the same time, local TSA staff are watching a late-January federal funding deadline that could again delay paychecks, prompting workers to prepare savings and stock up on essentials.
   

3. Salvation Army issues final holiday plea, urges donors not to give through Venmo (kvue.com) — The Salvation Army’s Austin Area Command says local need is surging and warns residents not to donate through Venmo, calling those requests illegitimate. Leaders urge Austinites to give instead via SalvationArmyAustin.org, mailed checks, or red kettles so they can meet a holiday goal that’s still about $15,000 short and continue helping thousands of local children and families.
   

4. Sobriety can be tough during holidays, but help is available in Austin (kvue.com) — If you’re working to stay sober in Austin this Christmas, Recovery First ATX on North Lamar is opening its doors all day for marathon meetings and community support. South Austin’s Awkward Recovery is closed on the holidays but is sharing a list of sober-friendly gatherings and resources to help residents navigate a season that can be especially tough for people in recovery.
   

📸 Around Austin

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Austin

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📣 Austin Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Looking for some Christmas fun..
    Join us at Tri-City Event Center in Luling, Texas for the Bobby Rush Concert celebrating his birthday. The 3 Time Grammy Award winner will also be… (Nextdoor University Hills)
  • I lost my puppy.
    He is only four months old. Someone saw him running towards the S. Austin Rec Center I really need my baby home if anybody sees him, please let me… (Nextdoor Galindo)
  • Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in Austin. Apply here.
  • Hersha Hospitality Management, LP posted a job opening for Public Area Attendant in Austin. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Austin here.

Ok Austin! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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