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In this week’s newsletter:

🌩️ Severe Storms Threaten Austin on Memorial Day

⚽ Austin FC Prepares for Midweek Clash Against Real Salt Lake

🛍️ Blue Genie Art Bazaar’s May Market Continues

🎶 Leon Bridges and Charley Crockett Announce Austin Tour Date

🚓 SWAT Team Responds to Barricaded Suspect in North Austin

👉 First time reading?

A MESSAGE FROM SAGUN: WEATHERING THE STORM

As we honor Memorial Day, Austin faces the dual challenges of commemorating our heroes and bracing for severe weather.

Stay informed, stay safe, and let’s navigate this week together.

🌩️ SEVERE STORMS THREATEN AUSTIN ON MEMORIAL DAY

A somber day of remembrance turned stormy as Austin faced powerful Memorial Day weather. A strong cold front swept through Central Texas, triggering severe thunderstorm warnings and causing disruptions across the city.

Local officials responded quickly, activating weather alerts and opening up public shelters where needed.

⚠️ Wind gusts over 60 mph, hail, and heavy rainfall were reported across multiple neighborhoods

🌧️ Flash flooding briefly impacted areas near Shoal Creek and Onion Creek

📱 Emergency alerts encouraged residents to stay indoors and avoid low-water crossings

Mother Nature showed up loud and uninvited. Thankfully, the community stayed prepared and responsive.

⚽ AUSTIN FC PREPARES FOR MIDWEEK CLASH AGAINST REAL SALT LAKE

After a tough string of matches, Austin FC is gearing up for a high-stakes clash with Real Salt Lake this Wednesday at Q2 Stadium.

This home game is a chance to bounce back and rally the fanbase as the Verde look to climb the Western Conference standings.

🎟️ Kickoff is 8:30 PM CT, and the vibe is expected to be electric

🎉 Fans are planning a Verde Out, wear your green loud and proud

🔥 All eyes are on forward Gyasi Zardes, who’s heating up at just the right time

It’s more than just a match, it’s a chance to turn the season around under the lights.

🛍️ Local Love on Display at Blue Genie’s May Market

If you haven’t hit up the Blue Genie Art Bazaar yet this month, you’ve still got time and it’s worth the visit. This Austin staple has turned 6100 Airport Blvd into a curated haven for art lovers and gift seekers.

✨ Over 200 local artists and makers are showcasing their work

🖼️ Think handmade jewelry, wall art, ceramics, textiles, and more

📅 The May Market runs daily through May 31, with extended weekend hours

Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or pick up something thoughtful, this market is full of local soul and creative spark.

🎶 Leon Bridges and Charley Crockett Are Coming to Town

Two Texas legends. One stage. One night only.

Leon Bridges and Charley Crockett are teaming up for their Crooner & the Cowboy Tour, with an Austin stop at the Moody Center on September 23.

🎤 Expect a genre-crossing mix of soul, blues, and outlaw country

🎟️ Presales open this Friday and will go fast, these two don’t miss

🤠 Austin’s show is one of the few Texas stops on the tour

This is the kind of night Austin was built for soulful, southern, and unforgettable.

🚓 North Austin SWAT Situation Ends Safely After Standoff

A tense scene unfolded Sunday night in North Austin, where a suspect involved in a robbery investigation barricaded themselves inside a home near East Rundberg Lane.

Austin Police responded with their SWAT unit, closing off the area and working for several hours to de-escalate the situation.

🚔 The suspect was taken into custody without injuries

🕵️ APD confirmed the person was wanted in connection to an aggravated robbery

🏘️ Neighbors nearby were asked to shelter in place during the standoff

It was a long evening, but thanks to a coordinated response, it ended without harm.

THIS WEEK’S WRAP-UP

🎽 CapTex Triathlon returned downtown, bringing hundreds of athletes to the heart of the city for a swim, bike, and run through Austin’s most iconic views all under the looming threat of storm clouds. And they still showed up.

💡 Heads up, Austin: With storm season kicking in early, now’s a good time to check your emergency kits, review power outage plans, and make sure your weather alerts are on. Prepared is powerful.

🛍️ Weekend plans? The final stretch of Blue Genie’s May Market is calling. Local art, good music, and one-of-a-kind finds await. It’s like walking through the creative heartbeat of Austin.