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🦖 Keep Austin Ancient
The Onion Creek Mosasaur rivaled the size of the terrifying T. Rex. | Photo by Larry D. Moore via OpenVerse | Larry D. Moore
Though Austin may be but 188 years old, there is tons of history to be found here.
We’ve already told you all about objects in local museums that are older than the Capital City, but we want to go deeper with fossils that were found in town, with some dating back millions of years.
The Leanderthal Lady
Discovered in 1982 at a construction site in Leander, “The Leanderthal Lady” is a prehistoric female skeleton discovered by Texas Highway Department archeologists. Carbon testing revealed that she was about 30 years old, measured 5' 3", lived some 10,000-13,000 years ago, and was buried with great care.
Onion Creek Mosasaur
An enormous, 30-to-50-ft water lizard called a Mosasaur once roamed the waters (up to 600 ft deep) of Central Texas in the late Cretaceous period. Its skeleton, discovered at Onion Creek by UT geology students in 1934, had sharp teeth and a jaw that could open nearly three feet.
The Climate Prediction Center’s latest seasonal outlook is in: Austin can expect a warmer and drier winter than usual. Now through January, temperatures are predicted to trend above average, while rainfall is expected to stay below normal. Translation: Patio season might stick around a bit longer this year.
The Word
Frisson. It means the strong feeling of excitement and chills you get when you hear music or see art. Let’s use it in a sentence — I’m going to get a frisson when I see Lady Gaga at the Moody Center in March.
Trending
“Hey, I just saw a Roseate Spoonbill.” If your partner perked up, congrats — they’ve passed the bird theory test. The trend supposedly tests how tuned-in your sweetheart really is. Bonus: Who doesn’t love local wildlife talk?
Mansion Monday
Did you know there are ~25,000 castles in Germany? National Geographic rounded up their top 10, featuring hilltop views, medieval vibes, and stunning historical charm. Looking for a castle of your own? This Tarrytown palace just hit the market.
Stat
What’s the opposite of a short king? Meet Oliver Rioux, the 7-ft, 9-inch teenager who recently became the tallest-ever college basketball player when he made his debut for the University of Florida. Let’s hope he doesn’t buy the seat in front of you at one of Austin’s live music venues. (The Guardian)
Travel
White-sand beaches, volcanic backdrops, tropical wildlife, and mind-blowing cuisine. That’s what awaits at Travel and Leisure’s No. 1 trending travel destination for 2026 — Limon, Costa Rica. Whether you choose the Central American paradise or somewhere else entirely, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is the place to start your adventure.
Quoted
“I really enjoy this website so I’m gonna give you 25 bucks, but if you misuse it and start getting politically motivated, I’m dropping it.”That’s what reader Jack K. said during our last fundraising campaign, and we’re proud to say that ATXtoday remains politics-free, now and forever. If you support that, make like Jack + contribute.
Wellness
Tried everything for joint pain? Natural gummy Swift Soother provides fast comfort + pain relief, thanks to powerhouse, anti-inflammatory ingredients. Use code 6AM for 20% off.*
Community
Do you need hiring help? We’ve got your back. Post your open roles on our Job Board + get connected with local candidates in no time. Pssst — did we mention it’s free?
Category
Shop
Our Holiday Gift Guide is here fore you
Including best-selling socks and a magnetic golf towel. | Graphic by 6AM City
Grab a holiday gift golfers will love — no ifs, ands, or putts.
Indoor putting green | $64.99 | Golfers won’t be able to resist trying out this 9.5-ft indoor putting green the day they unwrap it.
A really good heating pad to get you through the winter season. The Buy Editor Sarah recently tested one from Pure Enrichment’s selection — its plush cover is ultra soft, it heats up quickly, and it features an automatic shut-off feature. Pro tip: Heat the pad up under your bed covers before you climb in on cold winter nights.
Bonus: Use code HSN2025 to save $10 off $20 through November.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Wondering why the Quetzalcoatlus wasn’t mentioned in my article about fossils? While a UT Austin student discovered the first Quetzalcoatlus skeleton, it was found at Big Bend Park. Renderings of the flying dino are kinda freaky.
