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Several groups in Texas have recently sued to expand access to mail-in voting, arguing that a pandemic might keep people away from the polls.
But the state is pushing back with the stance that fear of contracting coronavirus should not qualify voters to request mail-in ballots.
We want to know what you think.
(Charlie Harper III)
The Nov. 3 election promises high turnout.
The upcoming Nov. 3 election is set to be a historic one—in Austin and around the country.
The Travis County Clerk's office expects as many as 100,000 voters will apply for a mail-in ballot by the Oct. 23 deadline, and it has already received nearly double the number of applications it did for the 2016 general election.
"It is most definitely COVID," County Clerk Dana DeBeauvoir told Austonia earlier this month. "People are afraid to come inside."
Ahead of Election Day, we've rounded up key dates to remember, a guide to voting by mail and some background on the major races at the local, state and federal levels.
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Mark your calendars
<ul><li>Last day to register to vote: Monday, Oct. 5<ul><li>Travis County residents can fill out a voter registration application <u><a href="https://travis.go2gov.net/voterreg/vexpress/registration.do" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></u> or find out if they are registered <a href="https://www.votetravis.com/vexpress/display.do" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>here</u></a>.</li></ul></li><li>Early voting: Tuesday, Oct. 13 to Friday, Oct. 30<ul><li>Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. You can find a list of Travis County early voting locations below: </li></ul></li></ul><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=17x85RnH1fkaaaH7GW091vVUYKsYOwKsq" width="640" height="480"></iframe><ul><li>Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot: Friday, Oct. 23 (applications must be received by this date)<ul><li>You can find more information about how to apply for a mail-in ballot below.</li></ul></li><li>Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3<ul><li>Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can find a list of Travis County Election Day polling locations below:</li></ul></li></ul><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=147fzT86_S0ldCJmm3XsBmRv8SOEvsdok" width="640" height="480"></iframe>
How to apply for a mail-in ballot
<p>In Texas, only certain voters are eligible to vote by mail. They include: people who are 65 years or older; out of the country during the entire election period; sick or disabled; in jail.</p><p>Eligible voters must apply for a mail-in ballot by Friday, Oct. 23. The application form, which can be found <a href="https://countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/images/pre/pdf_tc_elections_ABBM_2018.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>here</u></a>, must be mailed to the following address and received by that date.</p><p>Dana DeBeauvoir<br>Travis County Clerk - Elections Division<br>P.O. Box 149325<br>Austin, TX 78714</p><p>Given the <a href="https://austonia.com/vote-by-mail-challenges" target="_self"><u>turmoil at the U.S. Postal Service</u></a>, DeBeauvoir recommends eligible voters who wish to vote by mail submit their applications as soon as they can.</p><p>Once you receive your mail-in ballot, fill it out per the instructions and return it. It must be postmarked by or on Election Day and received the following business day. </p><p>Voters who wish to hand-deliver their mail-in ballot can do so at four drive-thru locations starting Thursday, Oct. 1. Voters can only hand-deliver their own ballot and must present an acceptable form of ID.</p><ul><li>5501 Airport Blvd. (use the tax office's drive-thru payment lanes)</li><li>700 Lavaca St. (at either the Lavaca or Guadalupe entrance to the parking garage)</li><li>1010 Lavaca St. (enter the parking lot from W. 11th St. between Guadalupe and Lavaca streets)</li></ul><div>The hours for these locations are as follows:</div><ul><li>Thursday, Oct. 1 to Monday, Oct. 12: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.</li><li>Tuesday, Oct. 13 to Sunday, Nov. 1: Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday noon-6 p.m.</li><li>Monday, Nov. 2: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.</li><li>Tuesday, Nov. 3: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.</li></ul><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0NjY1My9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1Nzg2MzI0Nn0.8t3qtL-7eVF-q58CjbHbHpB2VzDjmgfbnyWVmM9aPqU/img.jpg?width=1200&coordinates=0%2C1442%2C0%2C1057&height=800" id="cf79a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c3fa3b83962ea2d96f827907f03e8180" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />The last day to apply for a mail-in ballot in Texas is Fri., Oct. 23. Unlike most states, Texas only allows voters who meet certain eligibility requirements to vote by mail.
(Pexels)
Races to watch
<p><em>President </em></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">President Donald Trump faces off against Democratic candidate Joe Biden. The last time a Democratic candidate won in Texas was <a href="https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2020/texas-general-election-ballot/?_ga=2.65352878.1438238273.1601300916-1550764229.1583782951" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>in 1976</u></a>, when Jimmy Carter was on the ballot. </p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">According to <a href="https://texaspolitics.utexas.edu/blog/texas-2020-presidential-poll-tracker" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>a poll tracker</u></a> compiled by the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin, Trump is favored to win Texas in three of four polls conducted this month. The fourth poll predicts a tie. </p> <p><em>U.S. Senate</em></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">Three-term incumbent Sen. John Cornyn is seeking his fourth term against combat veteran and self-described "badass" MJ Hegar. Cornyn has vastly outraised Hegar, but Democrats are hopeful that <a href="https://austonia.com/john-cornyn-mj-hegar-texas-senate-race" target="_self"><u>their candidate can win</u></a>.</p> <p><em>U.S. House</em></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">Travis County is <a href="https://redistricting.capitol.texas.gov/docs/19R0036_116th_Congressional_Tabloid_2020_06_02.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>spliced into five congressional districts</u></a>, three of which the Texas Tribune has identified as <a href="https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2020/texas-general-election-ballot/?_ga=2.65352878.1438238273.1601300916-1550764229.1583782951" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>"races to watch"</u></a> this November. </p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">U.S. House District 10 incumbent Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, faces Democratic candidate Mike Siegel. U.S. House District 21 incumbent Rep. Chip Roy, R-Austin, faces Democrat, and former gubernatorial candidate, Wendy Davis. And U.S. House District 25 incumbent Rep. Roger WIlliams, R-Austin, faces Democratic candidate Julie Oliver. </p> <p><em>Texas Senate</em></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">Travis County is represented by <a href="https://redistricting.capitol.texas.gov/docs/19R0036_86th_Senate_Tabloid_2020_07_31.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>four members of the state Senate</u></a>, two of whom are up for reelection this November. </p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">District 21 State Sen. Judith Zaffrini, D-Laredo, will face Republican candidate Frank Pomeroy, and District 24 State Sen. Dawn Buckingham, R-Lakeway, will face Democratic candidate Clayton Tucker. </p> <p><em>Texas House</em></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">Travis County is represented by <a href="https://redistricting.capitol.texas.gov/docs/19R0036_86th_House_Tabloid_2020_02_06.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>five members of the state House</u></a>. One of those members, District 47 incumbent Rep. Vikki Goodwin, D-Austin, faces Republican challenger Justin Berry, in a race that the Tribune calls a "GOP target."</p> <p><em>Travis County Commissioners Court </em></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">Three of the five seats that make up the Travis County Commissioners Court are up this November.</p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">Democrat Andy Brown and Republican Michael Lovins will compete for the position of county judge in a special election after Sarah Eckhardt resigned less than two years into her second term to run for state senator. Both candidates were selected by their respective political parties <a href="https://austonia.com/travis-county-judge-2020-election" target="_self"><u>rather than local voters</u></a>. </p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">The county judge serves as chief executive of the county and oversees the Commissioners Court. The office functions similarly to that of a city's mayor. </p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">Precinct 1 Commissioner Jeffrey Travillion, a Democrat, will run against Republican candidate Solomon Arcoven. </p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">Precinct 3 Commissioner Gerald Daugherty, the sole Republican on the court, is not running for reelection. Democrat Ann Howard will face off against Republican Becky Bray for his seat. </p> <p><em>Austin City Council </em></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">Half of City Council's 10 seats are up for election this November. Twenty candidates have thrown their hats in the ring. </p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">Council seats are nonpartisan, although all current members are affiliated with the Democratic party. You can find out which district you live in <a href="https://www.austintexas.gov/GIS/CouncilDistrictMap/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>here</u></a>. </p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">District 2 Council Member Delia Garza will vacate her seat to serve as Travis County attorney. Four candidates—David Chincanchan, Vanessa Fuentes, Casey Ramos and Alex Strenger—are running to replace her. You can read more about them <a href="https://austonia.com/austin-city-council-seats-up-for-election/district-2" target="_self"><u>here</u></a>. </p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">District 4 Council Member Greg Casar faces two competitors, Louis C. Herrin III and Ramesses II Setepenre. You can read more about the candidates <a href="https://austonia.com/austin-city-council-seats-up-for-election/district-4" target="_self"><u>here</u></a>. </p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">District 6 Council Member Jimmy Flannigan is running for reelection against Deedra Harrison, Mackenzie Kelly and Dr. Jennifer Musthaler. You can read more about them <a href="https://austonia.com/austin-city-council-seats-up-for-election/district-6" target="_self"><u>here</u></a>. </p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">District 7 Council Member Leslie Pool faces one opponent, Morgan Witt. You can read more about the race <a href="https://austonia.com/austin-city-council-seats-up-for-election/district-7" target="_self"><u>here</u></a>. </p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">The most crowded race is in District 10, where incumbent Alison Alter faces six other candidates: Ben Easton, Belinda Greene, Pooja Sethi, Robert Thomas, Noel Tristan and Jennifer Virden. You can read more about the field <a href="https://austonia.com/austin-city-council-seats-up-for-election/district-10" target="_self"><u>here</u></a>. </p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">Elected members will be tasked with rewriting the city's <a href="https://austonia.com/austin-land-use-code-rewrite" target="_self"><u>land use code</u></a>, considering <a href="https://austonia.com/austin-unanimously-passes-4-1b-budget-that-includes-5-percent-cut-to-police-budget-with-promises-for-more-reports" target="_self"><u>further cuts to the Austin Police Department's budge</u></a>t and, if voters approve Proposition A, implementing <a href="https://austonia.com/project-connect-austin" target="_self"><u>the $7.1 billion Project Connect transit plan</u></a>. </p> <p><em>Propositions </em></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">There are two local mobility propositions on the November ballot. </p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">Proposition A gives voters the chance to approve a permanent 8.75-cent increase to the city's property tax rate to pay for and maintain Project Connect, a proposed $7.1 billion, 15-year overhaul of Austin's transit system. </p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">Proposition B allows voters to opt into a $460 million active mobility bond, with funding going toward sidewalks, urban trails, bikeways and Vision Zero, a campaign to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries.</p> <p style="margin-left: 20px;">You can read more about these propositions—including their ballot language, who supports and opposes the measures and the tax impact—<a href="https://austonia.com/austin-propositions" target="_self"><u>here</u></a>.</p><p><em></em><strong><em>Want to continue staying informed with all things Austin? 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(Facebook)
Threadgill's owner Eddie Wilson announced in April that he was selling the restaurant, beer joint and music venue, closing the curtain on one of Austin's most iconic businesses.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the United States, many esteemed local businesses have been forced to shut their doors permanently. Austin is no exception, and over the last six months, some of the city's most beloved local establishments have had to say goodbye. This non-comprehensive list includes some of Austin's most iconic businesses that have closed for good due to COVID-19. May they live in the hearts and minds of Austinites forever.
Iconic Austin businesses that have closed due to COVID-19:
Austin Java (three out of four locations)
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0MzQ0MS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NjA4ODg0M30.ODINaGiHnfT_NH5FeQg_1gC9aPyk6R2VzsNtygZ1qkk/img.png?width=980" id="715fe" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="26efbbc274d52d5fe0f057c02f259d18" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>Popular local coffee chain Austin Java announced in August that it was permanently closing three of its flour locations: in Austin City Hall, Dripping Springs and the Met Center. The cafe opened its inaugural location in 1995 on Parkway Street off North Lamar, which closed in 2017 to make way for the four new spots. Austin Java devotees can still get their caffeine fix at the chain's last remaining location on Menchaca Road in the Westgate neighborhood.<br></p>Buffalo Billiards
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0MzQ0OC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0Mjc1MzI1MX0.uTdNTAratMKRmWbpaq-DYy38CJPx9KyZVtMd6ehdbJk/img.jpg?width=980" id="421b3" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ab19939bb57990f5a5049884f4a1fda0" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>The Wild West-themed watering hole and pool hall <a href="https://www.facebook.com/buffalobilliardsaustin/posts/4568248103215552" target="_blank">announced</a> <a href="https://austonia.com/buffalo-billiards-closes?share_id=5804221" target="_blank">last week</a> that it was permanently closing its doors after 21 years on 6th Street. Long before it became Buffalo Billiards, the historic space was known as the Missouri House, built by the Ziller Family in 1861 and reputed to be Austin's first boarding house (and rumored brothel). Home to many a drunken cowboy brawl in its past life, Buffalo Billiards served as the perfect destination for a revelrous night on the town.<br></p>Capitol City Comedy Club
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzgzNjY2OC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MzA0MzM4M30.OLvTSydqLncPOm2svJsft755prbXG05o4i0PYmTqBdU/img.png?width=980" id="a888a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="243c9fecf407df4c6d237c4f84828852" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Austin's Cap City Comedy closes its doors for good in the wake of the pandemic earlier this month.
<p>The longstanding laugh factory situated on Research Boulevard took its final bow <a href="https://austonia.com/cap-city-comedy-closes" target="_blank">earlier this month</a> after nearly 35 years in business. Houstonians Howard and Sandy Marcus opened the venue, originally called the Laff Stop, in March of 1986; it was rebranded to Capitol City Comedy Club in 1996. "Laughing will always be the key to moving forward," co-owner Margie Coyle said in a <a href="https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/cap-city-comedy-club-shutting-down/#:~:text=AUSTIN%20(KXAN)%20%E2%80%94%20The%20COVID,month%20with%20plans%20to%20reopen." target="_blank">statement to KXAN</a>. "I love Cap City, but if you see the light, get off the stage!"<br></p>Dart Bowl
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQ1ODUxNS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNzUyNDgzNX0.TFT_Wa9goeNLZnLtx9wDnOLkjHwdOcmwgV3wzz93Bps/img.jpg?width=980" id="76486" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1ce4eaf0f07ea7305291f897dcc16f33" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Austin's iconic Dart Bowl to close Friday after COVID slowdown hurts business<p>In July, Dart Bowl co-owner John Donovan <a href="https://austonia.com/business/dart-bowl" target="_blank">announced</a> that the adored bowling alley was permanently closing after 62 years of family-friendly fun. Donovan's grandfather, Harry Peterson, and local businessman Justin Dart co-opened the original Burnet Road location—then outside city limits—in 1958 and operated there for nearly four decades before relocating to Brentwood in 1997. Peterson also partnered with Jerry and Betty Ray to open Highland Lanes and Westgate Lanes, which thankfully remain open.<br></p>Easy Tiger
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0MzQ1MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MTYwODk1MX0.ti6Ybb6b2uJhL6CvbgMDhzLBDUTU6Vn2bWYPXFnPN5k/img.jpg?width=980" id="5d2fa" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="33b40031a6eb06966c6b582d6fd268e5" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>If you haven't washed Easy Tiger's fresh-baked bread or pastries down with a cappuccino or craft beer, you haven't really lived. Unfortunately, Austinites can no longer indulge in that pleasure at the bakery's downtown location, which boasted a gorgeous beer garden overlooking Waller Creek and offered a reprieve from heavy 6th Street foot traffic. The flagship Easy Tiger announced its permanent closure last week, ending an eight-year run downtown. Thankfully, its North Austin location at the Linc is still open for drive-thru, delivery, curbside and patio dining, and its <a href="https://www.easytigerusa.com/pages/pop-up" target="_blank">pop-up truck</a> could be bringing delectable fresh bread to your neighborhood soon.<br></p>Fricano's Deli
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0MzQ1Ny9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwOTY4NjU1MX0.6FzmirUmaf4nBiM9U0r4HFjT9gex5tzXMI5AZTqgxNo/img.jpg?width=980" id="ae482" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7ae4898dbeca1e41b7067c60459b81ec" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Facebook)
<p>The beloved West Campus deli closed its doors for good in April after serving mile-high sandwiches to hungry college students for 14 years. Fricano's first opened in 2006 on East 31st Street, later expanding to Nueces Street in 2011 and closing its original location a year later. Perhaps no testament to Fricano's quality speaks louder than its famous Ainsworth, a constantly-changing variety sandwich that employees assembled from the best ingredients of the day. No matter what each day's Ainsworth yielded, you'd be hard-pressed to find an unhappy customer.<br><strong></strong></p>I Luv Video
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0MzQ1My9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1OTYzODYzMn0.zjfeJruG8T8FLQY5n-uU9tlhbx5cX2N6QpMDnkMuXcA/img.jpg?width=980" id="7387b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0a3e84eb7d3aec7472df26daa58c00e1" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Facebook)
<p>I Luv Video, located on Airport Boulevard, serviced film enthusiasts in Austin for 35 years before owner Conrad Bejarano announced that the self-proclaimed "oldest and largest video store in the world" was closing for good on Sept. 1. But rather than sell his inventory and cut his losses, Bejarano is looking for a potential new owner to faithfully steward his collection of roughly 120,000 films. "It would bring me the utmost joy to pass the torch to a group or individual that has the financial capacity to preserve our immense catalog of films," Bejarano <a href="https://iluvvideos.com/" target="_blank">wrote</a> in his closure announcement. "My only stipulation is that whomever does so gives the community access to our vast film library."<br></p>Magnolia Cafe West (Lake Austin)
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzEzNTM5Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMjE3NDY3NX0.kjDOXfw0Yfm3vqlgrdpZPpOwvQuXvypJFOy3DbgKBhI/img.jpg?width=980" id="4fa96" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0830bc5399b15974fee5a7e5d4068018" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Austonia)
<p>For more than 40 years, Magnolia Cafe welcomed weary students and wired festival-goers, serving up dinner plate-sized pancakes and bottomless coffee 24 hours a day. The omelettry owner Kenny Carpenter originally opened the Lake Austin space in 1979 as an auxiliary location called Omelettry West; he later sold it to partner Kent Cole, who rechristened it to Magnolia Cafe in 1986. The restaurant announced in April that it was closing for good, but mourners can still get their fix at the South Congress location, which opened in 1988.<br><strong></strong></p>Mugshots
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDIzMDM0NC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNjIxMTE2N30.IFcnMI6dRYF0K49fkxBfLSJro7Uk_iDMoqHPzy9gg3g/img.png?width=980" id="f986d" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="79aec2741acc688b9010d141ff8ba52d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Iconic MugShots Bar closes after 18 years(Facebook)
<p>Since 2002, 7th Street dive bar Mugshots offered a respite from the Dirty Sixth mayhem while still giving patrons plenty of opportunities for debauchery. True to its name, the downtown haunt plastered its walls with photos of customers that were taken in the property's photo booth. In a Sept. 13 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/111679072204301/photos/a.340023902703149/3427236430648532/?type=3&theater" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook post</a>, owners Marcos Canchola Brian Hyde announced that Mugshots permanently closed its doors on Aug. 31. The watering hole is survived by a handful of other Canchola-and Hyde-owned properties around Austin, including Barfly's, the Hideout Pub, Bender Bar & Grill, Violet Crown Social Club, the Pour House Pub, and Pourhouse Pints & Pies.</p>Shady Grove
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0NTk3MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwNjU5Njg4NX0.YXxIAuUraCzt594BBSImzAHH7oTKC7asCO8RAYfSBeE/img.jpg?width=980" id="09659" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9fb3ba0a1b37623aa3af09ee10398c08" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Facebook)
<p>After fielding Zilker Park foot traffic for 28 years, Shady Grove slung its last green chili cheeseburger in May. Opened in 1992 by Chuy's co-owners Mike Young and John Zapp, the Barton Springs Road eatery became an Austin staple with its iconic lasso signage, Southwestern cuisine and live music Thursdays during the summer. The one-two punch of skyrocketing rent and COVID-19 closures likely forced Shady Grove to shutter, but patrons can still get their Tex-Mex fill at the walking-distance Barton Springs Chuy's.</p>Threadgill's
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0MzQ3Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxNTg0ODc4MH0.bJmfhFf8XJsQUSVgx-13noyB9R0I4mD_O1v1a4Tw-5k/img.jpg?width=980" id="2b710" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9f2e605e8c7f46762c002fc9086da803" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Facebook)
<p>Threadgill's owner Eddie Wilson announced in April that he was selling the restaurant, beer joint and music venue, closing the curtain on one of Austin's most iconic businesses. Bootlegger and country music enthusiast Kenneth Threadgill secured the first beer license in Travis County and opened the converted Gulf filling station on North Lamar—then outside Austin city limits—in 1933, as soon as Prohibition was repealed. Wednesday night singing sessions attracted droves of hippies, beatniks and folkies in the '60s, including burgeoning blues-rock howler and University of Texas undergrad Janis Joplin. Wilson—who also co-founded the hallowed Armadillo World Headquarters music venue in 1973—bought and renovated the property in 1981. For nearly four more decades, it drew locals and tourists alike with its electrifying performers and mouth-watering chicken-fried steak. (A second location, Threadgill's World Headquarters, operated on Riverside from 1996 to 2018.)<br><strong></strong></p>Vulcan Video
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0MzQ3NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNjYxMTY1MX0.3aC_cNahKEJXeMWMHk38jc6K6t1180tGCebJ3iUwjGM/img.jpg?width=980" id="92c41" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d6cd64cc10aba9dbde75bc3b1c98d423" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Facebook)
<p>After servicing movie buffs for 35 years, Vulcan Video announced in April that it was cutting to black and permanently shutting its doors on Russell Drive. The beloved independent movie shop opened in 1985 amid the VHS rental boom and weathered several seismic industry shifts over the decades, including the rise (and fall) of mega-chains like Blockbuster and the dominance of streaming services. Vulcan Video's inventory comprised renowned classics, underground gems and rare imports, weaving a rich tapestry of movie history and giving fellow cinephiles a place to hang out and talk shop.<br><strong></strong></p>Iconic Austin businesses that are still open
<p>Thankfully, some iconic Austin businesses have weathered the pandemic by experimenting with new business models, implementing new safety regulations or receiving much-needed relief funds. Here are a few of them:</p>El Patio
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0MzUyNi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwMjU1Njc1OH0.5Bd6uhY0ZInTihHnkci0RX-QFH7cw2GtTXOOwUx8tlQ/img.jpg?width=980" id="477db" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e4869b1530681c080529146e5ded6348" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Facebook)
<p>Tex-Mex trailblazer Paul Joseph began working at the Schoonerville restaurant in the early 1950s, and in 1954, he bought the building and transformed it into El Patio. The Guadalupe Street mainstay was one of the first Tex-Mex restaurants to grace Austin, and customers can still enjoy savory enchiladas, crispy tortilla chips and frosty margaritas there today. The dining room is currently open for business, and patrons must wear a mask upon entering and being seated.<br><strong></strong></p>Fonda San Miguel
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0MzUyOC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMDM5MjkwNH0.UjPQa00jlRd13W3RMp60m0Eho7NBsRet8eHr89OdQVs/img.jpg?width=980" id="3c19f" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6677c474b6a78d22d5229dcd2b2f78c9" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Facebook)
<p>Modeled after a colonial-era hacienda, Fonda San Miguel has remained one of Austin's most venerated and visibly striking Mexican restaurants since opening in 1975. Customers can marvel at the exotic plants and breathtaking artwork as they enjoy interior Mexican cuisine from Oaxaca, Puebla, Veracruz and Yucatan. Fonda San Miguel reopened in June, encouraging reservations and requiring customers and servers to wear masks.<br><strong></strong></p>Sam's Bar-B-Que
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0MzUzMC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNzAyNDMwN30.aexJZIwfbDR56cJDquwxX8OujXIwU7NcETVYx_0khx0/img.jpg?width=980" id="b218d" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8c51812084bc4a81d7f4751c6bd6d093" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Top Notch Hamburgers
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0MzUzMS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMjExNDc4MH0._r4mIH4A8P0T2sZrutGceC0G2PyHib3LlrKpEqomcUk/img.jpg?width=980" id="4e001" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d382eaa6ff7f6562081cc299422861c0" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Facebook)
<p>This Burnet Road institution has been serving charcoal-grilled burgers and fried chicken via carhop since 1971, and it was immortalized in Richard Linklater's 1993 coming-of-age stoner comedy <em>Dazed and Confused. </em>Top Notch and Galaxy Cafe co-owner Kelly Chappell received a PPP loan in April, and Top Notch is currently open for pickup orders placed in-person, over the phone or online.<br></p>Quality Seafood Market
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0MzUzNC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MzY3NzM4OH0.B3E8ObbhQbadee91vvmUwsUZjR-yqxc_cTpDI9xFemc/img.jpg?width=980" id="335c5" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="bca67dc7ad396658b127955bc57847dd" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Facebook)
<p>Quality Seafood Market opened in 1938 as a humble stall in Starr's Fruit and Vegetable Market on Congress Avenue and has since evolved into one of the city's best-known seafood markets and restaurants. Now situated on Burnet Road, the market is open Monday through Saturday, and its food truck is open Thursday through Saturday afternoons. Curbside dinners for two are also available with a 24 hour notice.<br></p><p><strong><em>Want to read more stories like this one? Start every day with a quick look at what's happening in Austin. Sign up for Austonia.com's free daily morning email.</em></strong></p>
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(Williamson County)
Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody was indicted and arrested on a felony charge for destroying video evidence related to the Javier Ambler case.
This story has been updated to include information from two press conferences on Monday afternoon.
Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody has been indicted and arrested on a felony charge for destroying video evidence related to the death of Javier Ambler, a Black man who died in custody last year, according to local reports.
<p>Chody was booked at the Williamson County Jail on Monday and later released after posting $10,000 bond.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="781a2fb5ee0479cf7b3d61b196a75903" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="b2d8f" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0NDIzNy9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1ODQ1MTIzMX0.syddngBmpuPuxxCg8YuOC6fugocCwl6beEwqvwyGYXw/img.png?width=980"/>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Williamson County Jail records show Chody was arrested on Monday.</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">(<a href="https://judicialrecords.wilco.org/PublicAccess/JailingDetail.aspx?JailingID=378334" target="_blank">Williamson County Jail</a>)</small></p><p>Williamson County District Attorney Shawn Dick and Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore opened a joint investigation in June, after the <a href="https://austonia.com/city/javier-ambler-live-pd-footage/particle-3" target="_self"><u>Austin American-Statesman and KVUE reported</u></a> that Ambler's death had been recorded during a taping of the A&E reality show "Live PD," which has since been canceled, and later destroyed.<br/></p><p>"This is a search for the truth and is necessary because even now we have not obtained the information we seek from Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody, despite his public statements pledging cooperation," the district attorneys wrote in <a href="https://www.traviscountytx.gov/images/district_attorney/docs/Press_Releases/2020/pr-200619-javier-ambler.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>a press release issued on June 19</u></a>.</p><p>Ambler, 40, died in March 2019 after WCSO deputies chased him for failing to dim his headlights for oncoming traffic. During the chase, Ambler crashed his car multiple times. The deputies then tased him "four times as he gasped that he had a heart condition and could not breathe," <a href="https://www.statesman.com/news/20200928/williamson-county-sheriff-robert-chody-indicted-in-javier-ambler-case?utm_source=SND&utm_medium=Twitter&utm_campaign=statesman" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>according to the Statesman</u></a>.</p><p><br/></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<a href="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzM4NTExNy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMDg5MzU2MX0.0WcTwOjNlc-z5BGmlnouTYOjMUhXf3clxlXVAQizOPk/img.jpg?width=980" target="_blank"><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="2fb726de4cad4f55a0398cb1f3195940" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="f249b" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzM4NTExNy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMDg5MzU2MX0.0WcTwOjNlc-z5BGmlnouTYOjMUhXf3clxlXVAQizOPk/img.jpg?width=980"/></a>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Javier Ambler died in the custody of Williamson County sheriff's deputies in March 2019. </small>
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">(Facebook)</small>
</p><p>Live PD host Dan Abrams<a href="https://deadline.com/2020/06/live-p-d-host-dan-abrams-speaks-out-on-video-footage-of-javier-amblers-in-custody-death-series-cancellation-1202957021/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u> said</u></a> that producers destroyed their video footage of Ambler's death in accordance with show policy.<br/></p><p>Moore said during a press conference on Monday afternoon that her office is investigating whether there is evidence to support a charge of evidence tampering in Travis County. </p><p>Chody is up for reelection this November against Democratic candidate Mike Gleason. During a separrate news conference on Monday afternoon, he accused Dick and Moore of pursuing a political agenda before the election. </p><p>"I did not tamper with evidence," Chody said. </p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="91b7057d535f6dfe610a549c15d6efec" id="6947c"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1310652196858531841"><div style="margin:1em 0">I'll be holding press conference today at 3:30 pm. https://t.co/4qqMHf4Bmy</div> — Williamson County Sheriff Chody (@Williamson County Sheriff Chody)<a href="https://twitter.com/SheriffChody/statuses/1310652196858531841">1601318809.0</a></blockquote></div><p>Former Williamson County attorney Jason Nassour was indicted on the same charge, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.<br/></p><p>Under Chody's leadership, WCSO has come under scrutiny for rewarding deputies who used force against civilians <a href="https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/williamson-county/williamson-county-sheriffs-office-use-of-force-gift-cards/269-d4c50658-7dc0-4e62-ad4c-ff9c714e3530" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>with steakhouse gift cards</u></a>. The Texas Rangers are <a href="https://www.kxan.com/investigations/5-excessive-force-investigations-into-williamson-county-sheriffs-office-underway/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>currently investigating</u></a> five use of force cases involving WCSO deputies.</p>
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(Joe Lanane)
Kevin Russell of Austin band Shinyribs speaks Monday morning outside of Austin City Hall in a rally to support Austin music industry workers. City Council will consider COVID-19 relief measures this week.
Editor's Note 1:45 p.m.: This story has been updated from the previously published preview to the rally to tell what happened at the rally.
Austin music industry members and supporters rallied Monday morning in front of City Hall to remind elected officials of their essential role in the "Live Music Capital of the World."
<p><a href="https://www.austintexasmusicians.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Austin Texas Musicians</a> and <a href="https://www.theamplifiedsoundcoalition.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amplified Sound Coalition</a>, advocacy groups recently formed to support local music industry workers, co-hosted the rally ahead of City Council meetings scheduled this week to potentially approve a COVID-19 relief proposal that music industry workers say "doesn't go far enough." Several speakers instead proposed a three-point plan in support of Austin musicians, venues and support staff:</p><ol class="ee-ol"><li>Music Venue Preservation Fund: Dedicated, fast-tracked funding for music venues</li><li>Clear Eligibility/Requirements: Simple application process and reasonable requirements for qualifying for relief aid</li><li>Transparency: Clear understanding of how relief money is distributed and who receives it</li></ol><p>"It's time to put up or shut up," Kevin Russell, frontman for Austin band <a href="https://shinyribs.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shinyribs</a>, said repeatedly to the 200-plus people in attendance. "Too long this city rode our cultural coattails while taking us to the cleaners."</p><p>Russell was among almost a dozen musicians and music industry advocates to call for dedicated music industry relief money from city officials.</p><p>"We can't turn back time and we don't aspire to turn back time," Russell said. "But we can ask the city to repay our debt to this world-famous culture."</p><p>Other speakers included musicians Guy Forsyth, Lauryn Gould, Jesse Dayton and Anthony Farrell of Greyhounds as well as Reenie Collins, executive director of the <a href="https://www.myhaam.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Health Alliance of Austin Musicians</a>, and Patsy Bouressa, executive director of the <a href="https://simsfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SIMS Foundation</a>.</p><p>Nakia Reynoso, another musician who led the event as president and co-founder of Austin Texas Musicians, repeated a rallying cry throughout the event, "No money, no music," to emphasize the critical emergency in Austin's music scene amid a half-year of pandemic-related closures and canceled gigs.</p><p>"They know how valuable the brand of live music in Austin is, and they damn sure know it when they see how much tax revenue we drive to this city every single year," Reynoso said. "For six months, they keep telling us how valuable Austin music is with 'blah, blah, blah' resolutions. But we have yet to see any actual substantial help for the venues that employ us."</p><p>Musicians, as well as venue workers, engineers, site security and other essential workers, are struggling right now, said Jeannette Gregor, a longtime bartender at Mohawk and co-founder of Austin Sound Coalition.</p><p>"I recognize all of you for who you are: skilled laborers who are a crucial part of Austin's identity," Gregor told the crowd.</p><p>The option to pivot to another paying job isn't practical, she said, and it denies the fact that music industry jobs represent legitimate careers.</p><p>"These gigs are part of our careers and our work may be what defines us individually, but our work is what defines this town, too," Gregor said. "We want to go back to work, desperately."</p><p>Gregor called for the industry to unite regardless of past allegiances or grudges, starting with agenda items slated during Thursday's City Council meeting. </p><p>"Together if we stand united we can amplify our voices and they will have no choice but to listen," Gregor said.</p><p>City Council meets for its routine <a href="http://austintexas.gov/department/city-council/2020/20200929-wrk.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">work session</a> at 9 a.m. Tuesday before its <a href="http://austintexas.gov/department/city-council/2020/20201001-reg.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">full meeting</a> at 10 a.m. Thursday to potentially discuss COVID-19 relief money for essential Austin industries, including music workers.</p>
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(Matt Smith/Shutterstock)
Austinite and former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles returns the field for another win with the Chicago Bears.
Quarterback Nick Foles, an Austin native who attended Westlake High School, is making waves again in a relief role for an NFL team.
<p>Foles, who <a href="https://www.texasmonthly.com/the-culture/just-game-nick-foles/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">garnered fame in 2018</a> for winning the Super Bowl MVP as the backup quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, entered as a substitute for the Chicago Bears midway through their game Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.</p><p>Down 16 points in the fourth quarter—familiar territory for Foles, who has gained a reputation for come-from-behind wins—the former University of Arizona product helped score 23 unanswered points en route to a victory.</p><p>In addition to his leadership on the field, Foles follows in his family's footsteps as a restaurateur. He co-owns <a href="https://www.atxcocina.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ATX Cocina</a> with his father, Larry Foles, who is part of the restaurant empire <a href="http://www.guyandlarryrestaurants.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Guy+Larry Restaurants</a>—the group behind Roaring Fork, Salty Sow, Tumble 22 Hot Chicken, Red Ash Italia and ATX Cocina. Larry also co-founded Eddie V's, which he later sold.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="edd73bf1ce527c6f780baa93d7cebb6b" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="4b8ce" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0NDAyMS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNjI2MTU1MH0.LCbta8GWXwaloMCHqsUKXcrWMzo0L6PjFSM1URX4J78/img.jpg?width=980"/>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">ATX Cocina is one restaurant Larry Foles, the father of NIck Foles, owns with his son.</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">(Courtesy ATX Cocina)</small></p><p>Larry said he actually predicted his son would make his Chicago debut Sunday based on a change of helmet that mirrored the helmet he used during Super Bowl 52 in 2018.<br/></p><p>"Yesterday I had that one pegged—I told my wife, he's playing tomorrow," Larry said. "She asked, 'How do you know?' and I said it's because he changed helmets."</p><p>But even Nick Foles was ultimately "shocked" to replace Bears starter Mitchell Trubisky, according to his father.</p><p>Foles has already been named the Chicago Bears starter next week, giving the Austin Metro three starting quarterbacks in the NFL. Drew Brees, another Westlake product, has long been the leader of the New Orleans Saints, and Baker Mayfield, the No. 1 pick of the Cleveland Browns in 2018.</p><p>And adding to the intrigue, the Chicago Bears are slated to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Oct. 8 as part of Thursday Night Football. If Foles were to start, he would compete against former New England Patriots star quarterback Tom Brady who he defeated two years ago in the Super Bowl.</p><p>"It'd be Super Bowl 52 revisited—different teams, but it'd be pretty cool," Larry said.</p><p><br/></p><p><strong>More on weekend football:</strong></p>
<h2><a href="https://austonia.com/photo-essay-westlake-football" target="_self">Photo essay: State champs Westlake High dominates the field despite limited fans in season opener</a></h2>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0MTM4OC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxNTU5NDMxM30.DYuZvX4T6XoQ2oiQ7RvHnhxaYO3Unj4HkKockUp4-RU/img.jpg?width=980" id="29b95" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e554c3b0f46c98b6f7185ae93c7ec09f" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Westlake football players on the field with Clemens players" />Photo essay: State champs Westlake High dominates the field despite limited fans in season opener(Bob Daemmrich)
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A new report by the COVID-19 Modeling Consortium at the University of Texas at Austin projects how transmission among students could amplify spread in the Austin metro.
The reopening of the University of Texas at Austin could amplify community transmission of COVID-19 in the Austin area, according to a new report published by the COVID-19 Modeling Consortium.
<p>"The projections suggest that transmission among UT students could spill over into the Austin community, leading to increasing numbers of COVID-19 hospitalizations," the researchers wrote.</p><p>The consortium, which is based at UT Austin and led by Dr. Lauren Ancel Meyers, projected transmission rates for the period between Aug. 26, when the fall semester began, and Dec. 20.</p><p>Under the mildest scenario, which assumes that transmission rates among UT students and Austin residents are lower than current estimates, the researchers estimate that 638 students will be infected and approximately 527 individuals will be hospitalized with COVID in the Austin area during the four-month period. </p><p>The university has already exceeded these projections, <a href="https://coronavirus.utexas.edu/ut-austin-covid-19-dashboard" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>according to its public dashboard</u></a>. Since Aug. 26, 743 students have tested positive for the disease. A spokesperson said the university does not share hospitalization data.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1f253176c2f3620fca0b966e57fe47b4" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="5947d" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0MzkxNi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2Mzg4OTM1Nn0.0QX56Ys3Mwt8KcrThjijOymN5YGw20r1ZaljlRi_FOc/img.png?width=980"/>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">The University of Texas at Austin has fallen short of its stated goal of testing 5,000 asymptomatic community members each week. </small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">(<a href="https://coronavirus.utexas.edu/ut-austin-covid-19-dashboard" target="_blank">UT Austin COVID-19 Dashboard</a>) </small></p><p>In this scenario, the consortium expects hospitalizations to peak at around 157.<br/></p><p>For context, there are currently 84 people hospitalized with COVID in the five-county Austin metro. The peak number of hospitalizations occurred in mid-July, during the surge, when 492 people in the metro were hospitalized due to the disease.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0ff00b42de96a9c4e40567ebbc5a4e62" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="84f50" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0MzkxOS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMDk5NTkwMX0.UGzNTg3CEorH4FcxFUr94Y6P9gFPizTYqy_fvgRJkq4/img.png?width=980"/>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Nearly 500 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 in the Austin metro in mid-July, during the surge. </small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">(<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/RationalAnarchy" target="_blank">Rational Anarchy/Reddit</a>)</small></p><p>Under a more severe scenario, which assumes a higher transmission rate among students and a moderate transmission rate community-wide, the researchers expect 19,675 students to be infected and approximately 8,188 individuals will be hospitalized over the same period.<br/></p><p>In this case, the consortium expects hospitalizations to peak at around 942, or nearly double the number seen at the peak of the surge. </p><p>"Austin has an estimated COVID-19 hospital capacity of 1,500 beds, not accounting for potentially reduced capacity during influenza season," according to the report. "[S]tudent-to-student transmission can amplify the strain on Austin healthcare systems and increase the risk that COVID-19 cases will exceed local resources." </p><p>UT Austin can slow the spread of the virus among students—"and minimize spillover into the surrounding community"—by prohibiting large gatherings and providing rapid testing and contact tracing resources, the researchers wrote.</p><p>While the university has said it will test 5,000 asymptomatic community members a week, it has fallen short of this goal. Since classes began in late August, it has tested an average of 1,758 a week.</p><p>In an update provided on Monday, the university said it has not been able to meet this threshold because of federal and state health information laws that prevent it from mandating testing.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="73e63ae07a131a2024be51848c688d8b" id="b467f"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1310609350285766659"><div style="margin:1em 0">Why doesn't @UTAustin make testing mandatory? Why isn't UT performing the advertised >5,000 tests per week?
A UT F… https://t.co/u2ovklHfS3</div> — Andrew Zhang (@Andrew Zhang)<a href="https://twitter.com/andrewczhang/statuses/1310609350285766659">1601308593.0</a></blockquote></div><p>"The answer, in part, is that we have fewer than 5,000 people a week who have been willing to take the tests," according to the university's faculty council.<br/></p><p>While UT has prohibited parties on and off campus, it has not prohibited large gatherings. Earlier this month, more than 15,000 people attended the Texas Longhorns' first home game of the season. The university required student attendees to be tested prior to admission into the stadium; of the 1,198 students who were tested, nearly 8%—or 95—<a href="https://austonia.com/ut-austin-football-covid" target="_self"><u>received positive results</u></a>.</p><p>The next home game is on Oct. 3, when the Longhorns will face off against Texas Christian University. The 100,000-person Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium will be limited at 25% capacity, although local health officials have repeatedly cautioned against attendance even with the capacity limits.</p><p><strong>Read more: </strong></p>
<h2><a href="https://austonia.com/ut-austin-football-covid" target="_self">95 students tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of UT Austin football game</a></h2>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDIzMDE2My9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMzU3MDEyN30.Y0_64q6j3PkxscNWe0Jtpalki4u8-2hYeaA9GYxtEFk/img.jpg?width=980" id="39514" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="99b4900957bdcdf2dc846d51d1cda3a5" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />95 students tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of UT Austin football game
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(Emma Freer)
This November, Austin voters will decide whether to approve Proposition A, which would increase the city's property tax rate to fund and maintain Project Connect.
Austin voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to back Proposition A, which would increase the city's property tax rate to fund and maintain a $7.1 billion, 15-year overhaul of the city's transit system.
If approved, Project Connect will expand Austin's rapid bus system and add two new light rail lines, which will be served by a multi-block underground downtown tunnel.
Here is a closer look at the light rail component of the plan:
<p>Project Connect proposes two new light rail lines: the orange line, which will run approximately 21 miles from the North Lamar Transit Center at North Lamar Boulevard and Hwy. 183 to Stassney Lane; and the blue line, which will run approximately 15 miles from the North Lamar Transit Center through downtown and east to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1237e699e8327b47e414c310b359bccd" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="bc1bb" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0MDA5Mi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMTAwMDU1MX0.wyv6Y1b35F926sHy7W0jhO1b0A9PgS4dpsXjwoQ6lgc/img.png?width=980"/>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">The orange line is one of two light rail lines proposed in the Project Connect transit plan.</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">(Capital Metro)</small></p><p>Both lines will run along the same route from the North Lamar Transit Center to Republic Square, where they will diverge. The orange line will head south, while the blue line will head east to the Downtown Station before crossing Lady Bird Lake on its way to the airport.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0367102e45537840688d63ea2be56c83" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="5d578" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0MDA5Ny9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNjQ2MjE5OX0.eY1IM2B7d7N8U5PFerCisXYVDs14yne6V2eBDjuQu08/img.png?width=980"/>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">The blue line is the second light rail route. Austin voters will decide whether to approve Proposition A, a tax rate increase to fund Project Connect, this Nov. 3. </small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">(Capital Metro)</small></p><p>There is also a plan for an extension of the orange line, pending federal funding commitments, that would lengthen it north to Tech Ridge and south to Slaughter Lane. The extended portions will be serviced by the MetroRapid bus system unless voters approve the plan and federal funding is secured. </p><p>A third light rail line, called the Gold Line, was initially proposed but eventually switched to the MetroRapid bus service because of <a href="https://austonia.com/transportation/project-connect-austin" target="_self"><u>funding concerns</u></a> due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will run from Austin Community College's Highland campus to downtown. </p><p>If voters green light Project Connect, both light rail lines are expected to begin construction in 2024, which is expected to take around five years. The total cost for the two lines is estimated to be $3.8 billion, with an additional $2.5 billion earmarked for the downtown tunnel. As a result, the line rail component is by far Project Connect's largest expense—but it allows for <a href="https://austonia.com/transportation/project-connect-austin-coronavirus" target="_self"><u>a much higher ridership ceiling</u></a> than a bus-only system would.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube">
<span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="907cac166e32a6b77c4bc6d8e5b40ab4" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" type="lazy-iframe" scrolling="no" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OLZM_FXO8Bw?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Project Connect massive underground rail tunnel</small>
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=OLZM_FXO8Bw&feature=emb_logo" target="_blank">www.youtube.com</a></small>
</p><p>Multiple studies determined that bus rapid transit along the orange and blue lines would reach capacity during peak periods by 2040, a spokesperson for the city's transit agency, Capital Metro, said. After a two-year period of technical analysis and community engagement, a light rail was selected as "the locally preferred alternative" because of its <a href="https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/austin-city-council-and-cap-metro-board-to-discuss-cap-metro-project-connect" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>increased ridership potential</u></a>. </p><p>Capital Metro, which was founded in 1985, provided <a href="https://www.capmetro.org/ridership-stats" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>nearly 20 million rides</u></a> between January and July of this year, according to the latest available data. This represents a 21.6% decline in ridership year-over-year, but until the pandemic first arrived in March, the agency had reported increased ridership for <a href="https://communityimpact.com/austin/northwest-austin/transportation/2020/02/12/capital-metro-reports-ridership-gains-for-16-consecutive-months-sees-metrorail-numbers-return-to-preconstruction-figures/#:~:text=Capital%20Metro%2C%20Central%20Texas'%20transit,as%20compared%20to%20January%202019." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>17 consecutive months</u></a>. </p><p><strong>Different tracks</strong> </p><p>Despite the cost, Capital Metro told council members that community members overwhelmingly support the light rail component of Project Connect based on feedback collected during a three-week virtual open house in May. Of the 3,574 participants, 92% agreed with the orange line plan and 90% agreed with the blue line plan. Overall, 90% of participants agreed with the recommended system plan.</p><p>Capital Metro declined an interview for this story, citing election law. But in an interview with local safety advocacy group Farm & City <a href="https://www.farmandcity.org/2020/08/25/policy-drivers-episode-seven-randy-clarke/" target="_blank"><u>last month</u></a>, CEO Randy Clarke touted the plan's ability to ease traffic congestion, inequity and climate change.<br/></p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="08ab25be5f881629b3c8a727a576ada1" id="85b71"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1309133104108494849"><div style="margin:1em 0">We're proud to join with @texpirg @CleanWaterTx @PublicCitizenTX and many other environmental leaders in support of… https://t.co/ZaBw9gVOp5</div> — Environment Texas (@Environment Texas)<a href="https://twitter.com/EnvironmentTex/statuses/1309133104108494849">1600956629.0</a></blockquote></div><p>"Generally speaking, unless you're completely anti-transit or … don't want to spend any money, most everyone is really positive about this plan," he said. </p><p>Clarke also emphasized that infrastructure spending is a long game.</p><p>"Project Connect is not about next year," he said. "Project Connect is five, 10, 15, 30 and 100 years. When we're all gone, what (the city will) look like will be massively determined by this November." </p><p>An earlier light rail proposal was <a href="https://austonia.com/transportation/project-connect-austin-coronavirus" target="_self"><u>rejected</u></a> by city voters in 2014, including some transit advocates such as Urban Rail Action, who said it was limited in scope and included too much funding for <a href="https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2020-09-25/will-the-third-time-be-a-charm-for-an-austin-rail-system/" target="_blank"><u>highway expansion projects</u></a>.</p><p>Timothy Bray, an AURA board member, said previous efforts didn't go where people actually live, but Project Connect "gets rail right" and will help make Austin a "more sustainable and equitable city." </p><p>The investment corresponds with the impact, Bray argued, and does a lot more toward making Austin a modern city than <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2019/05/13/i-35-expansion-austin-adds-lanes-has-8-billion-price-tag-2019-plan/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>an $8 billion plan to widen I-35</u></a>, which is also underway. </p><p>Project Connect retains vocal opponents, however. </p><p>Travis County Commissioner Gerald Daugherty is one of the top donors to Our Mobility Our Future, a political action committee that is against Project Connect, which he said is too expensive, outdated and limited in scope. </p><p>"The overwhelming majority of people do not take transit, nor will they ever take transit," he said.</p><p>Daugherty added that the cost of the plan will be carried by everyone who lives in the city—regardless of whether they're served by the new lines being added, own property or are facing financial hardships because of the pandemic. </p><p>"If you're a renter, get ready, because whoever owns your apartment complex, they're going to pass (the tax increase) along to you," he said. </p><p>As an alternative, OMOF advocates that the solution to traffic congestion is micromobility, like electric scooters, and the promise of autonomous vehicles and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/23/21233085/v2x-vehicle-to-everything-fcc-safety-spectrum-airwaves-wifi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>vehicle-to-everything, or V2X, technology</u></a>, an argument that pro-transit advocates <a href="https://twitter.com/TransitForATX/status/1309153179561492481" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>have characterized as specious</u></a>. </p><p>"Bottom line on this, it is ridiculous for the city of Austin and Capital Metro to promote such large spending on something that is not cutting-edge technology," Daugherty said. "Light rail is not cutting-edge technology."</p><p>Voices of Austin, another relatively new group, has also come out against Project Connect, which its staff says is slick marketing with little actual planning behind it. </p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="bcc3b3eec7c8dbba53f7ba6ebe8102e3" id="73f10"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1307020336974749699"><div style="margin:1em 0">Is #ProjectConnect good for #ATX?
Make sure you’re registered to vote. #VoteATX https://t.co/gjrrrxP5nB https://t.co/49GSt2DcnM</div> — Voices of Austin (@Voices of Austin)<a href="https://twitter.com/voicesofaustin/statuses/1307020336974749699">1600452906.0</a></blockquote></div><p><strong>Next stop</strong> </p><p>Ultimately, Austin voters will determine whether the light rail has a future in Austin when they vote on the Project Connect plan as Proposition A this November. </p><p>You can learn more about the local mobility propositions, including the ballot language, on the upcoming ballot <u><a href="https://austonia.com/austin-propositions" target="_self">here</a>.</u></p><em>This story has been updated to clarify the orange line route. </em>
<h2><a href="https://austonia.com/austin-propositions" target="_self">Voting guide: local mobility propositions on the November ballot</a></h2>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzI4ODE4MC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMjc5NzM5M30.4jNJp9rcUfuP6eJkTlCeBwO04E1wMrFsbD2LvCrJqsA/img.jpg?width=980" id="ec6e4" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="efc0f53eb8127f4553d431447e09dcab" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Voting guide: local mobility propositions on the November ballot
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