Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a new UT Austin lab could reshape Austin’s chip economy

Spotted on the Austin calendar: Sharon Bourbonnais

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Good morning Austin! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a new UT Austin lab could reshape Austin’s chip economy
  • How you can bring home a pet and free up shelter space
  • Why South Congress shops are suddenly packed with last-minute holiday buyers

Also on today's calendar: Sharon Bourbonnais and 5 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did the windowsill say to the glass? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Monday: Clouds and sun with a shower, with a high of 74 and low of 64 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Partly sunny and very warm, temps: high: 78, low: 64.
  • Wednesday: Decreasing clouds and warm, with a high of 80 and low of 64 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Governor Abbott Announces Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant to Texas Quantum Institute (thequantuminsider.com) — A new $4.8 million state grant will fund QLab, a quantum-enhanced semiconductor metrology facility at UT Austin that’s expected to boost Austin’s role in chip and quantum research. The lab will support local industry, academic research, and future high-paying manufacturing jobs, reinforcing Central Texas as a major semiconductor hub under the Texas CHIPS Act.
   

2. Austin Humane Society offering adoption deals ahead of Christmas (kxan.com) — Austin pet shelters are packed heading into Christmas, and the Austin Humane Society is waiving adoption fees for dogs over six months while offering $25 cats, kittens, and puppies. The “Home for the Howlidays” promotion aims to free up desperately needed kennel space, and the group is also asking for donations and volunteers to keep animals out of overcrowded shelters.
   

3. South Congress stores seeing higher rates of shoppers for Christmas (cbsaustin.com) — If you’re heading to South Congress for last-minute gifts, expect bigger crowds than in recent years as Austinites flock to local shops before Christmas. Store owners say in-person shopping surged after a recent Texas A&M game in Austin, bringing a renewed holiday buzz to the corridor.
   

4. In Austin, this 100% geothermal neighborhood is designed to shrink utility bills (devicedaily.com) — A new fully geothermal neighborhood near Austin is being built to slash utility bills, with Habitat for Humanity offering highly efficient, solar-equipped homes far below the city’s median price. Using shared geothermal loops, tight insulation, and smart appliances, the project aims to keep monthly energy costs near zero for qualifying families while modeling a more affordable, climate-friendly way to grow the region.
   

5. Two fatal twisters swooped down on Austin in 1922 (statesman.com) — A look back at Austin’s deadliest tornadoes revisits the devastating twin twisters of May 4, 1922, which killed 13 people and ravaged areas from East Austin to Oak Hill and Kincheonville. The story traces how a family plot in southwest Austin connects to that storm and reflects on how today’s population boom could magnify similar future impacts.
   

📸 Around Austin

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Austin

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Today’s event was beyond successful!
    We gave out 200+ blankets and towels! I want to specifically thank Mt Zions Baptist Church, Aloft South Austin Hotel, And Yolanda For the… (Nextdoor Tanglewood)
  • Ok Belvedere I am doing it again.
    I am taking on another challenge for January 2026, I am doing the 62 mile challenge for Prevention of Soldier Suicide. If you see me out please wave… (Nextdoor Belvedere)
  • Whataburger posted a job opening for Restaurant Porter - Unit # 884 in Austin. Apply here.
  • Hilton posted a job opening for Guest Service Agent (Full Time) - DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Austin Downtown Capitol 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 feel your pane.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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