Ever since Justin Tucker’s kick in 2011 framed what the victors called the “eternal scoreboard” in the in-state rivals’ last meeting, the Aggies have stewed. They have chirped.

They turned their noses up and in the other direction. They even rebuilt their home field as a show of opulence and boasted loudly about the bold new era they embarked upon without the burnt orange in the SEC.

But most of all, they waited with anticipation for the day they could finally get one back between the lines on the Longhorns. They prepared as such, too, making sure there was not a luxury spared that could hold them back (nor a buyout too large to find the coach capable of doing it).

On Saturday night, back at Kyle Field to play No. 3 Texas yet again before a near-record 109,028 feverous fans, No. 20 Texas A&M had the opportunity, twice, to all but deliver on every one of those 13 years it spent waiting. Nine inches, give or take, from seizing momentum on a pair of fourth downs and delivering a much-needed catharsis to all that angst built up in a fan base that doesn’t know much outside it.

Each time, however, the Longhorns had a simple response to their far more experienced SEC foe in order to secure a 17–7 victory: No… 🟪 (LINK TO FULL STORY)

➡️ Zilker Park holiday tree lighting returns for the 58th year (CBS Austin)

The Zilker Park holiday tree lighting ceremony is back this year for its 58th year this Sunday.

The event will begin at 5:15 p.m. with a pre-live music event by the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble.

Around 6 p.m. the tree lightning ceremony will take place featuring local entertainment, food, and live music located at 2100 Barton Springs Road.

People are encouraged to carpool or ride with CapMetro. There will be free parking on site on a first come, first served basis, entry is suggested via eastbound Barton Springs Road... 🟪 (LINK TO FULL STORY)

➡️ H-E-B plans to open a new store Southeast Austin (Austin Business Journal)

H-E-B LP has solidified plans for a new location in an underserved pocket of Southeast Austin.

The retail bellwether is expanding with a new grocery store at McKinney Falls Parkway and William Cannon Drive, “a project that will support growth throughout the area,” H-E-B officials said in a Nov. 27 announcement. Construction is slated to begin next year with a late 2027 opening.

H-E-B is largely considered the authority of retail-oriented real estate moves, doing much homework to know when a critical mass of residents pops up in the region. Such moves are watched widely by real estate brokers and smaller retailers eager to set up shop next to the consumer magnet.

H-E-B purchased the property at the corner at McKinney Falls Parkway and William Cannon in 2019, according to Travis Central Appraisal District records, in a part of the metro that is scant on grocery and retail but has seen a surge in population. It did not disclose store size, but its new construction has been trending in the direction of a minimum of 100,000 square feet. The new store will be about 10 minutes west of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport… 🟪 (LINK TO FULL STORY)

➡️ Liberty Hill City Manager says staff needs immediate contract management training (Community Impact)

Liberty Hill City Manager Paul Brandenburg told City Council he believes there is an immediate need to review processes and training regarding engineering contract management.Brandenburg said the city is too small to hire in-house engineers because it would still need to contract out for various services.The council requested Brandenburg provide a report before moving forward with any further engineering service tasks at its Nov. 21 meeting. He noted that processes need to be reviewed and training considered to ensure fiscally responsible management… 🟪 (LINK TO FULL STORY)

➡️ Trump picks longtime ally Kash Patel to replace current FBI director (NPR)

President-elect Donald Trump intends to install Kash Patel, a close ally and former national security aide who has berated the Justice Department and the news media, to replace Christopher Wray as the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Trump wrote in a post on social media Saturday that Patel is a "brilliant lawyer, investigator, and 'America First' fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People."

Patel came to national attention as a congressional aide investigating the feds who were probing Russian interference in the 2016 election, before he pivoted into roles in Trump's National Security Council and Pentagon.

He's a regular on right-wing podcasts, where he has issued threats to prosecute political adversaries. Patel also pledged to shutter the FBI headquarters "on day one" and to disperse employees there across the country… 🟪 (LINK TO FULL STORY)

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💡 LINK TO THIS WEEK’S CITY OF AUSTIN HEARINGS + AGENDAS💡

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