🌱 APH Lowers COVID Guidance + Amazon Hiring + Franklin BBQ

Austin TX

21 December, 2021

5:21 PM

Description

Happy Wednesday, people of Austin! It's me again, your host Meagan Falcon. The countdown to Christmas continues this week as many prepare for last minute gifts and travel plans. We'll continue to share our tips throughout the week for the upcoming holiday. In the meantime, here's everything you need to know to get this day started. First, today's weather: Partly sunny; mild in the p.m. High: 74 Low: 57. Weekly forecast: A warming trend begins Wednesday and continues through Sunday. Well above normal temperatures are expected Friday through Christmas weekend. Here are the top 5 stories today in Austin: Many Central Texan families have turned to nonprofits like the Central Texas Food Bank to survive the rough periods during the pandemic and now many of these groups need your help this holiday season. (KXAN.com) Austin Public Health on Tuesday lowered a key threshold in its risk-based COVID-19 guidelines after learning more about the omicron variant of the coronavirus — in particular, dire projections from University of Texas researchers that show the strain could trigger the worst surge yet. (Austin American-Statesman) Franklin Barbecue in Austin is closing its dining room temporarily after several of its employees tested positive for COVID-19. (KEYE TV CBS Austin) The Texas new homes market, particularly in Austin, appears to be "normalizing," according to a December report from HomesUSA.com. (Austin Patch)Amazon plans to hire a thousand more workers as it continues to expand its presence at The Domain in north Austin. (North Austin-Pflugerville Patch) Today's Austin Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at GoodRx — the best way to save money on your prescriptions. GoodRx helps you locate the lowest prices for medications at local pharmacies, so you're not overpaying. Works for pet medications too! To see how much you can save, go to GoodRx.com. 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 see 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. From my notebook: Downtown Austin: "Don't forget to turn in your passports to this festive mailbox by Salt & Time Cafe in Republic Square by the end of the month! #dtatx #downtownaustin #supportlocal #shoplocal #drinklocal #eatlocal #holidaystroll #letterstosanta #holidays." (Facebook) Austin Chamber of Commerce: "Congratulations to all of our Greater Austin Business Awards nominees and award recipients." (Facebook) Austin PBS: "The holiday season is just as much about giving as it is receiving. Pati Jinich shares with us how she plans on giving back this year. #HappyHolidays" (Facebook) Nextdoor Neighbor, Parker Lane West: "Did anyone just hear what sounded like an explosion? Close to Parker and e. Oltorf? Anyone know what it was??" (Nextdoor) Nextdoor Neighbor, Willow Run: "Hello! My kitten (8 months old) got out yesterday evening, while we were bringing groceries in. Please if someone finds her, call/text! 737-802-2669. Her name is Millie. Shoreline/Bratton Road area. Thank you!" (Nextdoor) More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news! Featured businesses: Something More — (Visit website) Add your business here Events: Save 15 Percent On FTD's Christmas Collection (December 25) Add your event Loving the Austin Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved: Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe Get your local business listed in front of readers Send me a news tip or suggestion at [email protected] You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you soon! Your friendly neighborhood journalist, Meagan FalconMeagan 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 most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most." — Ruth Carter Stapleton via CountryLiving.com.