It’s 6AM somewhere — in fact, if you’re reading this at 8 a.m. local time, it’s 6 a.m. in our sister market SEAtoday. Which brings us to our main point: Did you know there are newsletters just like ATXtoday across the country, providing the same need-to-know local news and events for their communities?
Get to know your community through interactive maps. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Ever wish you had a map that highlighted hiking trails in city limits? Or maybe you want to visually see where local libraries are located.
Look no further, Austin. Meet GIS mapping — a resource used by the city, local organizations, and passionate residents to help discover data about places in our community.
What is GIS?
GIS (geographic information system) is a tool for gathering, managing, and analyzing data. Maps are created through GIS software (like ArcGIS, Google Earth + more) to analyze physical locations and organize layers of info into visualizations in the form of maps and 3D scenes.
How is it used locally?
The City of Austin maintains several websites dedicated to GIS. This treasure trove features maps of public parks + trails, watersheds, flooding zones, power outages, and more. This page gets you maps of bike routes, sidewalk program projects, and Austin Police Department district reps. Zooming out, Travis County offers a robust collection of GIS maps spanning infrastructure, natural resources, and emergency services.
About 6,000 people live in the Mueller neighborhood. | Photo by ATXtoday
Outdoors
Mueller’s Lake Park has been renamed to Girard Kinney Park in honor of the local architect known for his work redeveloping Robert Mueller Municipal Airport. This is the latest park in the Mueller area to be named after a trailblazing individual, joining Ella Wooten, John Gaines, and Isamu Taniguchi Parks.
Eat
Konbini, a sushi concept from the folks behind MICHELIN-recommended restaurant Tare, is now open behind cocktail bar Papercut. The walk-in only spot serves a rotating menu influenced by Texan and Mexican flavors, and the menu will rotate frequently based on seasonality.
Weather
After a stretch of dry weather, Austin will be under Flood Watch starting after midnight tonight and late through Thursday evening. That said, flood risk is low for most of Travis County. (KXAN)
Seasonal
Chef Aaron Franklin, Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes, and “The Daytripper” host Chet Garner. Those are just a few of the local personality guest stars playing Mother Ginger in this year’s Ballet Austin production of “The Nutcracker.” Tickets for the 63rd annual production are on sale now.
Coming Soon
Bohème, a new boutique hotel, is in the works in east Austin. Originally an apartment building near Plaza Saltillo, Bohème will feature 20 rooms and is slated to open in 2026.
Opening
California-based footwear brand Ariat secured a location on South Congress Avenue, right next to Aviator Nation. The space was acquired by investment firm 90Ten, with which Ariat signed a 10-year lease.
Seasonal
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Shop
Meet DUER jeans — aka the world’s most comfortable pants. Each pair blends classic denim with 360-degree stretch, moisture-wicking fibers, and antibacterial treatment. DUER jeans are made to move, not constrict, dig in, or pinch. Explore the collection.*
Health
Worried about hearing clearly at upcoming holiday gatherings? Try this best-selling hearing aid with dual processors for outstanding speech clarity. See if you qualify for the 45-day no-risk trial + experience effortless hearing for the holidays.*
Category
City
📚 Turning a new page
Recycled Reads is closing down, but Austinites will still be able to fill their shelves for just a few dollars. | Photo by @aprilklingmeyer
Recycled Reads Bookstore — the Burnet Road store where Austin Public Library sells its retired material — will close down on Saturday, Jan. 17.
The store opened in 2009 as part of the City of Austin’s Zero Waste Plan and sells materials typically priced around $1 or $2. The closure is due to a Citywide shift away from privately owned leased spaces.
However, Austinites will still be able to buy APL’s used goods. Recycled Reads materials will be sold at all APL locations starting in February 2026. In fact, APL partnered with Better World Books to grow the program.
As a result, APL will only accept donations of books, Blu-rays, DVDs, and CDs, and the final day to drop off donations at the Recycled Reads bookstore is Wednesday, Dec. 31. Get more information on donating.
The Buy
Dinner for two for less than delivery? A spa facial for the price of a sheet mask? With Groupon, these aren’t fantasies — they’re today’s deals waiting for you to claim. Discover up to 70% off restaurants, salons, and adventures near you, so you can try more, spend less, and fall in love with your city all over again.
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.
I love this city, and I want to extend a big virtual “thank you” to our generous giving campaign contributors. Y’all’s sweet notes mean the world to our team.
Shout out to reader Jane M., who brightened my day with this message: “Love your newsletter! You help us keep Austin fresh with new places to eat, shop and explore.”
