Welcome to Austin News Now. I'm Morgan Riley, your neighbor in the news.
Word on the streets of Austin is buzzing about the upcoming South by Southwest festival. The annual event, set to kick off on March 7th, is expected to draw over 200,000 attendees to our city. This year's lineup includes keynote speeches from tech innovators, film premieres, and musical performances from both established and up-and-coming artists. Local businesses are gearing up for the influx of visitors, with many restaurants and venues offering special SXSW-themed menus and events.
In recent news, the Austin City Council has approved a new affordable housing initiative aimed at addressing the city's ongoing housing crisis. The plan includes $50 million in funding for the construction of new affordable housing units and the preservation of existing affordable housing stock. This comes as welcome news to many Austinites struggling with rising rent costs.
Now, let's turn our attention to a local hero making waves in our community. Meet Sarah Thompson, a 12-year-old student at Murchison Middle School, who has raised over $10,000 for the Austin Pets Alive! animal shelter. Sarah started a neighborhood dog-walking service and donates all her earnings to help homeless pets. Her dedication has inspired others in the community to get involved, with local businesses now matching her donations.
Looking ahead to the weather, we're in for a beautiful week with temperatures in the mid-70s and plenty of sunshine. Perfect conditions for enjoying some outdoor activities or checking out one of Austin's many food trucks.
Speaking of outdoor fun, don't forget about the upcoming ABC Kite Fest at Zilker Park on March 31st. This beloved Austin tradition brings together families and kite enthusiasts for a day of colorful kites filling the sky above our city.
As we wrap up today's update, it's worth reflecting on how events like SXSW and initiatives like the new affordable housing plan showcase Austin's unique blend of innovation and community spirit. Our city continues to grow and evolve, but at its core, it remains a place where creativity and compassion thrive side by side.
This has been Morgan Riley, your neighbor in the news. Remember to subscribe so you never miss an Austin news update. For more information, you can always send an email to
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