From Texas Independence Day to Super Tuesday, here's what's going on in Central Texas this week.
In The News This Week
Election Day Is Tuesday.
Election Day for the March primaries is Tuesday in Texas and about a dozen other states. It’s known as “Super Tuesday” because more states vote and more delegates are up for grabs than on any other day in the primary campaign season.
Aside from the presidential election, a number of other federal, state and local seats are up for election. Find out what will be on your ballot here.
During early voting, which took place Feb. 18 through Feb. 28, Travis County broke its early voting record during a presidential primary election with about 116,000 voters. The previous record was 93,000 in 2016.
RELATED | Political Reporting Needs Work. Help Us Set The Agenda For Our Reporting On the 2020 Election.
There’s A Slight Risk Of Severe Storms On Tuesday, Too.
The National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio says severe storms are possible Tuesday afternoon and night. There is a “slight risk” some storms could lead to hail and damaging winds.
⚠️ Showers and storms are forecast Tuesday afternoon and night. There is a Slight Risk some storms could be severe, producing hail and damaging wind gusts. Isolated pockets of heavy rainfall are also possible. Timing and location details will be refined over the upcoming days. pic.twitter.com/5Yn7dZPHuY
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) March 1, 2020
Artists Will Paint Two Large-Scale Murals In Downtown Austin.
The Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation is launching its inaugural Writing on the Walls project March 4-11.
The event features film screenings, artist demonstrations and live mural painting. Artists will be creating two murals that will become a permanent part of the downtown landscape.
Canadian artist Sandra Chevrier worked with American street artist Shepard Fairey to design a 12-story mural that highlights the history of women’s rights in the U.S. It will be painted on the west side of The LINE hotel at the corner of Congress Avenue and Cesar Chavez Street.
Austin-based artist Sadé Lawson will paint a large-scale mural on the northbound side of Lamar Boulevard, near Sandra Muraida Way, that explores identity and mental illness. Work begins on both murals on Wednesday.
Findings From An Independent Review Of UT Austin’s Sexual Misconduct Policies Are Expected This Week.
In response to growing calls for transparency, findings from an independent review of UT Austin’s sexual misconduct policies are expected to be released this week.
Last year, students held a series of protests after two professors found to have violated UT’s misconduct policies were allowed to continue teaching. Students have been calling for increased transparency, the firing of a faculty found guilty of violating the policies and long-term solutions.
RELATED | UT Austin Students Demand Transparency In Sexual Misconduct Cases At Town Hall Event
UT created the Misconduct Working Group, a coalition of students, faculty, staff and university leaders tasked with identifying ways UT can improve how it reviews and communicates sexual misconduct cases. It also hired the firm Husch-Blackwell to review the university’s sexual misconduct policies and procedures. The firm’s recommendations are expected to be shared with the UT campus sometime this week.
Events Happening This Week
Texas Independence Day
Texas Independence Day commemorates the day Texas declared its independence from Mexico — March 2, 1836. Each year, the organization Celebrate Texas hosts a parade on Congress Avenue to celebrate. This year’s event is on Saturday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. The parade will cause road closures on Congress and nearby streets.
Other venues around Austin are having special events to honor the day. The Driskill is celebrating on Monday with Texas-inspired cocktails, a pop-up shop and live music. Scholz Garten is also celebrating that day with live music and drink specials.
Rock The Park
KUTX is hosting its first of three Rock the Park events of the Spring on Friday in Mueller. The family-friendly concert features Joe McDermott and Tomar & The FCs. Attendees can grab a spot on the lawn to watch and order dinner from nearby food trucks. Kids can get free face painting starting at 6:15 p.m., and the show starts at 6:45 p.m. Admission is free.
