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Community Corner

🌱 East Austin House Fire + Uvalde Shooting Surveillance Video Updates

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

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Jessica Collins, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Hello, friends! Happy Hump Day! I'm back in your inbox with updates on what's happening in the community today.

Grab your morning coffee while we dive into:

  • Fire in East Austin leaves three homes damaged.
  • Video footage officially released from inside the hallways during the Uvalde school shooting.
  • Austin's "Barking Springs" is being tested for toxic algae after dog death.
  • And more ➡️

First, today's weather and allergy report:

☀️ High: 107 Low: 78. Partly sunny and hot, hot, HOT.
🍃 Grass Pollen: low. Ragweed: moderate. Mold: moderate. Dust & Dander: high.

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Here are the top 4 stories today in Austin:

1) Fire in East Austin leaves three homes damaged. The Austin Fire Department said a two-story house under construction caught fire and burned to the ground near East 4th and San Saba Street around 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday. AFD says the two houses next to the home also caught fire, but the crew was able to prevent the fire from spreading indoors. CBS Austin has more on this story here.

2) Video footage was released from inside the school hallways during the Uvalde school shooting. The Austin American-Statesman and KVUE's Senior Reporter Tony Plohetski have obtained video footage during the May shooting at Robb Elementary School. Both media outlets stated that they want to "provide transparency to the community, showing what happened as officials waited to enter that classroom."

More on this developing story can be found here at KVUE. **Warning: Graphic Content**

3) Austin's "Barking Springs" is being tested for toxic algae after dog death. City officials were notified of a dog's death within one hour of swimming at the popular "Barking Springs" on Sunday, July 10. The current cause of death is unknown, but exposure to toxic algae is a possibility. City of Austin has more information on this story here.

4) Climate experts grapple with the impact Austin's growth has had on the weather. Local climate experts are investigating the correlation between Austin's rapid growth and our record-breaking temperatures. KXAN has more on this story here.

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Today in Austin:

  • Austin ISD Teacher Hiring Event at the Austin ISD Central Office. (9 a.m.)
  • Ohlen Petsmart Adoption Event hosted by Austin Pets Alive! (3 p.m.)
  • Virtual Cardio & Strength Class. (6 p.m.)
  • Virtual Cardio & Strength. (6 p.m.)
  • Virtual MixxedFit. (6 p.m.)
  • The Aristocrats at Parish. (Doors at 7 p.m.)
  • The Sound of Music at ZACH Theatre. (7:30 p.m.)

Community Chatter 💬:

  • Austin Parks and Recreation Department - Families: "Have you ever wanted to grill outdoors but, you had no clue where to start? Well, pretty soon the kids will know enough to teach you. Register them for the Outdoor MasterChef classes NOW!" (Austin Parks and Recreation Department - Families via Facebook)
  • The University of Texas at Austin Police Department (UTPD): "Excessive Heat Warning until 7 p.m. tomorrow, (July 12)! Please remember to stay hydrated and check on your neighbors. Never leave children, pets or elderly in the car. Thank you and be safe everyone! #SeeSomethingSaySomething" (The University of Texas at Austin Police Department (UTPD) via Facebook)
  • KUT Austin: "Block out the heat by keeping blinds and drapes closed, especially on windows that receive south and west sunlight. Make sure windows and doors are closed tightly to keep cool air in." (KUT Austin via Facebook)
  • The Library Foundation ATX: "Calling readers of all ages! Cool off this summer with Banned Camp, a summer program series celebrating the freedom to read. Austin Public Library and BookPeople are partnering to host events all summer. See the schedule and join the conversation." (The Library Foundation ATX via Facebook)
  • Austin Parks and Recreation Department - Families: "The Summer Playgrounds program will close at 1 p.m. (after lunch) today for the safety of staff and participants due to excessive heat." (Austin Parks and Recreation Department - Families via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you all tomorrow morning for another update.

— Jessica Collins

About me: Jessica is happy to call Austin her home for the past 10+ years. She loves the outdoors, arts & cinema, dining, and all of the natural beauty that Central Texas has to offer.

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

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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