This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

🌱 Latest ATX Crime Data + DPS Investigating Uvalde Shooting Response

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

Jessica Collins's profile picture
Jessica Collins, Neighbor
|
(Patch Media)

Hello again, neighbors! It's Tuesday in Austin and I'm back in your inbox with the most important local news.

Grab your morning coffee while we dive into:

  • 2022 Austin crime data shows murders trending town, and aggravated assaults trending up.
  • The Texas Department of Public Safety is reviewing how 91 state troopers and Rangers responded to the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School.
  • Rent prices continue to surge in Austin.
  • And much more ➡️

First, today's weather and allergy report:

☀️ High: 106 Low: 77. Partly sunny and hot.
🍃 Grass Pollen: low. Ragweed: moderate. Mold: moderate ( ⬇️ ). Dust & Danger: extremely high.

👀 Attention local businesses & marketers: Attract more customers in Austin by sponsoring this daily newsletter, which gets read by the same people you're trying to reach. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top stories today in Austin:

1) 2022 Austin crime data shows murders trending down, and aggravated assaults trending up. The Police Chief's Monthly Report for January 2022 - June 2022 shows crimes against persons is down 2 percent citywide. Murder is down 29 percent while aggravated assault is up 17 percent. The department is working to reduce violent crime but can't say any one strategy is working yet. CBS Austin has more on this story here.

2) The Texas Department of Public Safety is reviewing how 91 state troopers and Rangers responded to the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School. Texas DPS is currently trying to determine whether the law enforcement officers violated any policies or laws while on-site. The Texas Tribune has more on this developing story here.

3) Rent prices continue to surge in Austin. According to data from Rent.com, the 108 percent surge in Austin rent, to an average of $3,257, is by far the largest year-over-year increase in the country. Check out the full story here at Bloomberg.

4) City of Austin to end contracts with homeless services nonprofit that runs the downtown ARCH shelter. The city is planning to end its contracts with Front Steps, the nonprofit that manages the downtown-based, Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH). "After much discussion, the Board has identified a need for an intensive strategy and reimagining of the organization to better prepare its staff and leaders to provide homeless services in the wake of the pandemic. While Front Steps redefines its operations, the City has determined that all Front Steps contracts will be discontinued no later than Sept. 30," a city statement read. KXAN has the full story here.

From our sponsor:

Are you ready to take care of your health for good? Most diets are about cutting things out, preventing you from eating and doing what you really want. Noom doesn't make your diet to feel like a punishment. Their psychology-based approach helps you understand yourself and the decisions you make. With daily psych-based lessons, guided coaching, and group accountability to keep you on track, you'll learn tools to forgive, practice, and stick to the plan. They'll help you create a new routine that doesn't starve you or stress you out, so you'll see lasting results. Build a routine that will last and take Noom's easy 5-minute quiz to get going.

Today in Austin:

  • Virtual Low-Impact Workout hosted by Stronger Austin. (7 a.m.)
  • Virtual Zumba hosted by Stronger Austin. (6 p.m.)
  • RuPaul's Drag Race Werq The World Tour 2022 at ACL Live at The Moody Theater. (Doors at 6:30 p.m.)
  • Blues On The Green Ft. Shinyribs, Tomar & The FC's, And Scott Strickland at Zilker Park. (Free – 7 p.m.)

Community Chatter 💬:

  • "Uvalde officials have released police body camera footage from seven Uvalde police officers who responded to the May 24 attack at Robb Elementary School, including one who approached the classroom three minutes behind the gunman." (Austin American-Statesman via Facebook)
  • "Quick help for suicidal thoughts and other mental health emergencies will soon be as easy as 9-8-8." (CBS Austin via Facebook)
  • "The new MetroRail station is expected to open in late 2023." (KVUE via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

Events:

  • Webinar on Business Commercial Insurance by a Top San Angelo Insurance Broker (July 21)
  • Glow Party at Goldfish-Northwest Hills! (July 22)
  • Add your event

Announcements:

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?

More from Austin