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Community Corner

🌱 Judge Strikes Down TX Voter Law + Addressing Homelessness In ATX

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, neighbors! It's me, Jessica Collins, your host of the Austin Daily — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town.

Settle in with your morning coffee while we dive into:

  • Federal judge strikes down Texas voter residency law.
  • The City of Austin wants the community's input on how we should address homelessness.
  • Meals on Wheels launches its "Beat the Heat" initiative to provide fans and A/C units.
  • And much more ➡️

📣 Our readers love to celebrate good news! You can now shout out your big announcement at the top of the Austin Daily newsletter. Whether it's a grand opening, new product for sale, birthday, anniversary, engagement, wedding or new baby, let everyone celebrate alongside you! Submit your announcement here.

First, today's weather and allergy report:

☀️ High: 105 Low: 77. Mostly sunny and hot.
🍃 Grass Pollen: low. Ragweed: low. Mold: low ( ⬇️ ). Dust & Dander: extremely high.

Here are the top stories today in Austin:

1) Federal judge strikes down Texas voter residency law. U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel of Austin struck down a Texas law that imposed new residency requirements for voters. Yeakel wrote in his order Tuesday that the law in question is "unconstitutionally vague and overbroad, barring conduct that is squarely protected by the First Amendment." The judge also said the law disenfranchised college students who lived on campus part-time. The Austin American-Statesman has more on this story here.

2) The City of Austin wants the community's input on how we should address homelessness. As the city prepares its half-a-billion dollar budget dedicated to tackling houselessness in the community, Austin's Homeless Strategy Division wants to hear from local residents. Have ideas or thoughts on we tackle this issue? The city is hosting two town hall calls this week. Head over to KUT to learn how you can make your voice heard.

3) Good news: Meals on Wheels Central Texas launches its "Beat the Heat" initiative to provide fans and A/C units to those in need. FOX 7 reports that MOWCTX has launched an initiative to help older adults and those with disabilities stay cool amid extremely hot weather. The initiative seeks to purchase fans and window A/C units for existing MOWCTX clients that are in need and make repairs to existing A/C systems. Learn more about this initiative at FOX 7 Austin.

4) Man arrested for allegedly beating and killing roommate in North Austin. Cristo Jesus Rodriguez, 24, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of 65-year-old Kenneth George Emery. APD responded to a disturbance call just after 11 p.m. and arrived to find Emery unresponsive and with significant injuries. He later died at the scene. KVUE has more on this story here.

Today in Austin:

  • Virtual Cardio & Strength Class hosted by Stronger Austin. (8:30 a.m.)
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at Cunningham Elementary School. (5 p.m.)
  • Virtual Zumba hosted by Stronger Austin. (6 p.m.)
  • Tim Heidecker at The Paramount Theatre. (Doors at 6 p.m.)
  • Big Time Rush with Spencer Sutherland at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park (Doors at 7 p.m.)
  • Red River Cultural District Presents: Hot Summer Nights at Empire Control Room. (7 p.m.)
  • The Drop-In: Think No Think with James Robinson at Long Center (Free – Doors at 7 p.m.)
  • Virtual Yoga hosted by Stronger Austin (7 p.m.)
  • The Dollyrots at The Ballroom. (7 p.m.)
  • Magna Carda (DJ Set) at My Oh My. (8 p.m.)
  • "Mean Girls (The Musical)" at Bass Concert Hall. (8 p.m.)
  • Resound Presents: Caloncho at Parish. (8 p.m.)

Community Chatter 💬 :

  • Good news 🎉 : Austin ISD is making menstrual products free and accessible for all students. (KVUE via Facebook)
  • Terry Black's BBQ is headed to the BBQ Capital of Texas! The local barbecue eatery is spreading its wings and scooping up real estate out in Lockhart. (Austin Business Journal via Facebook)
  • It's not too late to sneak another summer road trip in! Check out CultureMap's Guide to Summer in the Lonestar State. (CultureMap Austin via Facebook)
  • "Taco-bout a dream job! 🌮 Chris Flores' new position as Favor's 'Chief Taco Officer' involves traveling around Texas for two months in search of the tastiest tacos. Who do you think has the best tacos in Texas?" (KVUE via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with your next 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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