Why did the hipster burn his tongue in Austin?

He drank his coffee before it was cool.

1. Big tech move at the University of Texas at Austin
   The university announced it is acquiring approximately 4,000 of NVIDIA’s newest Blackwell GPUs for its “Horizon” supercomputer, positioning it to be the most powerful academic supercomputer in the U.S. when operational. The move underscores Austin’s growing footprint in AI research, climate modeling, and biomedical innovation.
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   Austin angle: Housed at the Texas Advanced Computing Center (near Round Rock), this investment shows how local infrastructure is scaling up for cutting-edge research and job growth.
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2. Austin City Council reworks budget after Prop Q failure
After voters rejected Proposition Q (a tax-rate increase measure), city leadership is revising the FY 2026 budget — proposing cuts to social services contracts (approx. $38 million) and shifts of funding between EMS, fire, and homelessness strategy. 

Why it matters: Budget changes affect everyday city services — from emergency response to housing support.

Austin angle: For locals, this could mean altered levels of service in neighborhoods, parks, shelters, and infrastructure.

3. Utility rates go up for Austin residents in upcoming fiscal year
The city’s utilities (Austin Energy, Austin Water, and Austin Resource Recovery) have increased rates effective Nov 1 as part of the new budget. Typical combined utility bills are expected to rise by about $80/year for an average single-family household.

Why it matters: This impacts most Austin-area households — especially renters with utilities included or working households budgeting tightly.
Austin angle: If you live in West Campus or within multi-family units, the increases (~3.4% for water/waste-water for some) are already being felt.

Here’s a hand-picked roundup of three standout events in Austin you can enjoy this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

1. Local Maker & Holiday Market – The Front Market (Sat & Sun)

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• When: Saturday Nov 22 & Sunday Nov 23. Austin Texas+

• Where: Waterloo Park (downtown Austin)

• What to expect: Over 150+ local artists, makers, craftspeople, DJ sets, brunch-style food offerings. Statesman+2

• Why go: A great early holiday-shopping atmosphere, supports local creators, and perfect for a Saturday/Sunday outing.

• Pro tip: Bring a reusable tote for your finds. Arrive early on Sunday for best selection before the crowds.

2. Lights, Lake & Night Out – Mozart’s Festival of Lights (Starts Saturday Evening)

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• When: Saturday evening (Nov 22) onward.

• Where: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters – Lake Austin Blvd location

• What to expect: Over a million lights, festive photo spots by the lake, a cozy seasonal mood. 

• Why go: Low-key evening plan with local charm, ideal for a date night or family stroll after dark.

• Pro tip: Bring a light jacket (evenings near the water can cool down). Arrive near sunset for dusk-to-night transition.

3. Live Music & Shows – Top Picks for the Weekend

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Here are three standout shows:

• Friday (Nov 21): Yandel — live at ACL Live at The Moody Theater. 

• Saturday (Nov 22): Joe Bonamassa — same venue, blues-rock vibes.
  

• Sunday (Nov 23): John Crist — stand-up evening to wrap up the weekend.
  

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• Why go: Whether you’re in the mood to dance, groove, or laugh — there’s something for every evening.Pro tip: Check ticket availability early, plan for parking or rideshare downtown.

Pet of the Week!

Oreo Jack is the perfect blend of playful spirit and mellow, snuggly charm. He has plenty of youthful energy when it’s time for fun, but he’s just as content to settle in as your loyal, cozy companion. Whether it’s pets, a round of fetch, a tug-of-war session, or simply stretching out at your feet, he’s happiest when he’s close to his people.

He was a total sweetheart with his former foster family’s kids (ages 6 and 10) — gentle, patient, and even loved curling up to sleep beside them. Oreo Jack also gets along beautifully with dogs of every shape, size, and age. From playful young pups to calm senior buddies, and even big breeds like his foster family’s German Shepherd mix, he’s been nothing but friendly and social.

And the perks don’t stop there: he’s crate-trained, knows a bunch of commands, is eager to learn (especially with treats involved!), loves to splash around in the water, and sleeps like a champ.

When his foster kiddos made a list of words to describe him, they came up with: “sweet, kind, loving, expressive, loyal, funny, playful, goofball, loves to give kisses, and always laying on feet.”

If you’re looking for a pup who brings joy, comfort, and a little silliness into every day, come meet Oreo Jack — he’s ready to be your new best friend.

New in Town (Businesses &  Openings)

New in Town (Businesses &  Openings)Barnes & Noble – Southpark Meadows, South Austin: Books + café + community events.

• Rocco’s – North Loop: Italian-American newcomer with neighborhood charm.

• Hattie B’s Hot Chicken – Domain Northside: Nashville-style heat arrives in North Austin.

• Vintage Market at Palmer Events Center – Indoor artisan fair this weekend.

• Season-pop Café Spots – Across East Austin: rotating menus of fall sweets and cozy seating.

"Keep Austin weird."