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Community Corner

🌱 ERCOT Announces New CEO + Homicide Downtown + Skyspace Open At UT

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)

Good morning, everybody, and Happy Hump Day! It's Jessica back with your fresh copy of the Austin Daily, filled with all the community news you need to know.

Grab a cup of your morning fuel while we dive into:

  • Texas power grid operator ERCOT announced a new CEO.
  • Gov. Greg Abbott holds a 7-point lead over Beto O'Rourke in the tight Texas governor race.
  • Police are investigating a homicide in Downtown Austin.
  • And much more ➡️

First, today's weather and allergy report:

☀️ High: 104 Low: 80. Mostly sunny and hot.
🍃 Grass Pollen: low. Ragweed: moderate. Mold: moderate. Dust & Dander: extremely high.

🥵 Looking for ways to beat the heat? Check out Do512's "How to Survive a Texas Summer" guide.

Here are the top stories in Austin today:

1) Texas power grid operator ERCOT announced a new CEO. Pablo Vegas has been named as ERCOT's new CEO. The Texas Tribune reports that the power grid operator has been run by an interim chief since the previous CEO was fired following the deadly 2021 winter storm that crashed much of the grid leaving millions of Texans without power for days and costing hundreds of lives. The Texas Tribune has more on this announcement here.

2) Gov. Greg Abbott holds a 7-point lead over Beto O'Rourke in the tight Texas governor race. According to surveys by The Dallas Morning News and the University of Texas at Tyler, the margin is unchanged since the last time the organizations polled Texans on their preference for governor, back in May.

The Statesman reports that of the 1,384 registered voters who participated in the poll Aug. 1-7, 46 percent said they would vote for Abbott while 39 percent said they would vote for O'Rourke. The survey's findings are consistent with other recent polls, which show Abbott 5-7 points ahead of O'Rourke. Check out the full story here at the Austin American-Statesman (Subscription needed).

3) Police are investigating a homicide in Downtown Austin. A man was shot and killed on Tuesday morning in Downtown Austin near the intersection of East 6th and Sabine. Austin-Travis County EMS reports that the person was declared dead at the scene. KVUE has more on this developing story here.

4) Season 2 of the "Tacos of Texas" podcast is officially here! Austin tac journalist, food explorer and podcast host Mando Rayo has traveled across the U.S. to uncover the tastiest tacos. KUT reports that in the new season of "Tacos of Texas," the James Beard Award nominee talks to Texas taqueros, tortilleras, and makers, exploring food cultures and people while exploring taco beats, and taco identity, taco gentrification y más. Learn how you can tune in here at KUT.

Today in Austin:

  • Community Gathering hosted by Various YMCA Branches. (6 p.m.)
  • Virtual Cardio & Strength Class hosted by Stronger Austin. (6 p.m.)
  • Virtual MixxedFit hosted by Stronger Austin. (6 p.m.)
  • Wombo with Queen Serene and Dottieat Mohawk. (7 p.m.)
  • L.A. Witch at Parish. (7 p.m.)
  • Hiatus Kaiyote at Emo's. (Doors at 7 p.m.)
  • "The Inheritance," Pt 1 at ZACH Theatre. (7:30 p.m.)
  • Sonic Seducer at My Oh My. (8 p.m.)
  • Road Dogs: Comedy Showcase at The Ballroom @ Spiderhouse. (8 p.m.)

Community Chatter 💬 :

  • Local rent prices continue to drive concern. "Rents continue to rise with no relief in sight. Why is the rise continuing? Will the price increase slow down anytime soon?" (Austin American-Statesman via Facebook)
  • 🍺 Looking for a new drink to beat the heat? The only certified organic brewery in Texas has put out an organic hard seltzer line – yum! (CultureMap Austin via Facebook)
  • ⚠️ Important Update: Capri Sun has announced a voluntary recall for thousands of juice pouches due to possible contamination. (CBS Austin via Twitter)
  • 🛸 The Skyspace is BACK. The stunning Skyspace installation on the UT Campus is back with a new wellness series and more immersive programming. (CultureMap Austin via Facebook)
  • ⚠️ Jet Blue is canceling routes out of ABIA. Jet Blue is suspending nonstop routes to Newark and Los Angeles out of Austin. American Airlines is canceling nonstop routes to San Juan and Puerto Rico out of Austin. (CBS Austin via Twitter)

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That's it for today! 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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