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Community Corner

🌱 Juneteenth Celebrations In Austin + Cool Off At Barton Springs Pool

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

Gabriela Cantu Couvillion's profile picture
Gabriela Cantu Couvillion, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Juneteenth commemorates "the date on which federal troops freed the last of the enslaved people in the United States" on June 19, 1865. In honor of that federal holiday, I will not be writing on Monday, June 20, so you will not see a newsletter on Tuesday, June 21. But I'll be back bright and early on Wednesday, June 22, with your local daily news and events! — Gabriela Cantu Couvillion

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny; hot, less humid. High: 105 Low: 75.

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Here are the top stories in Austin today:

  1. On June 19, 1865, "Union Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that they were free (two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation)." Last year, that day called "Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday." On Saturday, June 18, families in Austin "gathered for a parade and festival" to celebrate Juneteenth. See photos of the event at: (Subscription: Vogue)
  2. Austin is known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," and with "it's cool vibes, epic cultural attractions, and cool craft beer and hip cuisine scene," the name fits it well! "However, a whole other world exists at the heart of Austin, an aquatic wonder that's just as well-known as the city's famed live music scene." It's the Barton Springs Pool, located at 2131 William Barton Drive, and it's "the best place to cool off this summer!" (TheTravel)
  3. "According to a new Quinnipiac University poll" from Wednesday, June 15, "Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's lead over challenger Beto O'Rourke has significantly decreased." Per the poll, "48 percent of Texas voters supported Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, and 43 percent supported Democratic challenger Beto O'Rourke." Last year in December, the same poll showed "Abbott was up 15 percentage points with 52 percent compared to O'Rourke at 37 percent." For race details visit: (KXAN.com)
  4. A 45-year-old man from Houston "who was reported missing in Downtown Austin" this past weekend was found, according to "the Austin Police Department (APD)." Samuele Sellers "was last seen on Sunday around 9:30 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn at 500 N. I-35 southbound." He was visiting the area and got lost. As he suffers from a medical condition, "there were concerns for his safety," but fortunately he was found around 3:15 p.m. in the nearby city of San Antonio. (KVUE.com)
  5. America's National Football League (NFL), "one of the most popular leagues in the world," will "one day" most likely "get bigger" too. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk said, "The conversations about possibly growing to 40 teams already are happening at the highest levels of the league. It will take time to get there, but in time it will happen." But "where will new teams be established?" For a list of "eight cities that would be perfect" visit: (Bleacher Report)

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Today in Austin:

From my notebook:

  • "Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom. Reflect. Learn. Grow." (Texas Longhorns via Facebook)
  • "Looking for some summer fun? Join The Library Foundation of Austin from June 23-26 to catch the most exciting independent films from the Asian and Asian American diaspora! Details at https://bit.ly/3MbsodJ." (The Library Foundation ATX via Facebook)
  • Pease Park Conservancy would like to thank Panacea Collective and Circle Brewery for making their sponsors adult lounge at Pride Picnic fabulous! If you'd like access to this lounge at the Tudor Cottage & Terrace on Sunday, June 26, become a Queer AF sponsor today." (Pease Park Conservancy via Facebook)

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Featured businesses:

You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another 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

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

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