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Community Corner

🌱Church Memorial For Uvalde + AISD PD Cuts + Local Adult Prom Night

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Austin.

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Gabriela Cantu Couvillion, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Hello all. Gabriela Cantu Couvillion here with your fresh copy of the Austin Daily, filled with all the things you need to know about what's happening in town. I'll get right to it.

First, today's weather:

An afternoon thunderstorm. High: 92 Low: 71.

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Here are the top stories in Austin today:

  1. After the shooting in Uvalde, "members of Westlake United Methodist Church, located at 1460 Redbud Trail in Austin, created a makeshift memorial for the public to use to grieve the loss of the kids and teachers killed at Robb Elementary." It's made up of "19 small chairs, labeled with the names of students killed, and two adult-sized chairs, labeled with the names of the two teachers killed," as well as "19 small hearts and three big hearts on a cross." Curt Davis, associate pastor at the church, said, "Sometimes people feel a little bit lost after a horrific tragedy like this and they don't know where to begin." He added, "They don't know how to process those feelings, and sometimes having a central location can be helpful." (KVUE.com)
  2. Due to staff reductions at the Austin Independent School District (AISD), 15 "Austin ISD Police Department officer positions" are going to be cut by the district. Fortunately, "the number of school resource officers (SRO) will not be impacted by the reductions," as according to AISD officials, "the positions cut are already vacant." Per district officials, "the district will have 76 sworn officers in the district police department for the 2022-23 school year," allowing "positions at the high school and middle school campuses to be fully staffed and provide daytime patrol coverages." For more information and for a video interview visit: (KVUE.com)
  3. After a "fire that caused over $1 million in damage" at the Texas French Bread (TFB), located at 2900 Rio Grande St., the restaurant and bakery is now "making a comeback." So far, the venue has received much "support from loyal customers and other Austin businesses," and TFB representatives said, "We are so grateful to be part of this Austin community. Throughout this process we have felt lifted up and reassured knowing that we are not going through this alone. Your generosity allowed us precious time to process and grieve. And the donations financed severance pay and extended health insurance coverage for TFB staff in the weeks after the fire. We truly cannot thank you enough for your generosity and support." (FOX 7 Austin)
  4. If you didn't go to prom when you were in high school, or if you want to relive prom night, now you can do it at the "Puttin on the Ritz: An Adult Prom" on Friday, June 3 at the Summer Break Theatre in Austin. Tickets are $30 each or $50 for couples, and there will also be "live food, a live DJ and a photo booth." The money raised will be used for teachers' supplies and to help Annie Dragoo, a theater director at Austin High School who "recently received a heart transplant." Purchase tickets here, and for more information visit: (Spectrum News)
  5. The "City of Austin's Office of Sustainability" is seeking applicants "for its 2022-23 Community Climate Ambassadors Program." The program is meant "to advance equitable solutions to climate change and support the implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan." It's "a paid opportunity for individuals who can meaningfully engage with communities that have been systematically left out of, misrepresented in, or ignored during climate change conversations." For more information and to apply visit: (AustinTexas.gov)

Today in Austin:

From my notebook:

  • "Another graduation is in the books, this time for more than 90 graduates from Eastside Early College High School. Principal Andrew Bailey honored the graduating class with these remarks: 'Class of 2022, you have earned over a half-million dollars in scholarships and financial aid. You have earned associates degrees for free and are set to go to college two years ahead of your peers. You have excelled in scholarship, community activism, and making your voices heard. Now is the time: work towards your passion. Find those things that you want to give your all to. Make a difference where you are.'" (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! See you all tomorrow for your next update.

— Gabriela Cantu Couvillion

About me: I'm an active mom of two grown sons and lifelong San Antonio resident. I received a BA in Spanish from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and in my free time I immerse myself in creative writing. Thanks for reading Patch, and feel free to reach out if you have any news and happenings that you think may appeal to our readers!

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Austin Daily? Contact me at DowntownAustin@patch.com

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