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Community Corner

🌱 Public Emergency Issued For Monkeypox + Abbott Agrees To A Debate

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 Wednesday in Austin and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

Settle in with your morning coffee while we dive into:

  • Austin-Travis County leaders issue an emergency declaration for monkeypox.
  • New survey shows that safety & security are top concerns for parents ahead of the 2022-223 school year.
  • Abbott agreed to debate Democratic opponent Beto O'Rourke this fall.
  • And much more ➡️

Now, today's weather:

A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 103 Low: 79.

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Here are the top stories in Austin today:

1) Austin-Travis County leaders issue an emergency declaration for monkeypox. Austin-Travis County leaders issued a joint emergency order on Tuesday in response to the outbreak of monkeypox cases in the community. The emergency order was issued to increase local attention on the virus and to enable the community to request more resources. Travis County has received a little more than 3,000 vaccines out of the 56,000 doses that were made available nationwide during the initial phase. Head over to KVUE to learn more.

2) A new survey shows that safety and security are top concerns for local parents ahead of the 2022-2023 school year. Local news station KVUE distributed a back-to-school survey to Central Texas parents, and the top concern was safety and security measures on campus. This was followed by teacher turnover and retention, the spread of COVID-19, and curriculum and learning loss. KVUE has more on the response to their survey here.

3) Abbott agreed to debate Democratic opponent Beto O'Rourke this fall. Gov. Greg Abbott said Tuesday he has agreed to debate Democratic opponent Beto O'Rourke on Sept. 30 in the Rio Grande Valley. O'Rourke has agreed to debate Abbott in the Valley but he has not committed to the Sept. 30 date. O'Rourke has also called for three "town hall-style debates." The Austin American-Statesman has more on this story here.

4) Capital Metro expands its service that provides free rides to cooling centers. KUT reports that CapMetro has announced that it will now provide free rides to cooling centers on "days when a heat advisory is in effect – that is usually when the temperature hits 103 degrees or higher." Previously, free rides were only available on days when the temperature was expected to exceed 105 degrees.

Local homeless advocates feel this expansion does not address the root issue and that people need free transportation, social services, and access to other safe spaces during extreme heat. KUT has more on this story here.

Today in Austin:

  • Virtual Cardio & Strength Class hosted by Stronger Austin. (6 p.m.)
  • Virtual MixxedFit hosted by Stronger Austin. (6 p.m.)
  • Wine Pairing Dinner from William Chris Vineyards at Vista Brewing. (6:30 p.m.)
  • The Dude Ranch with Hey Hey Baby at Empire. (7 p.m.)
  • The Inheritance, Pt 1 at ZACH Theatre (7:30 p.m.)
  • Sonic Seducer at My Oh My. (8 p.m.)
  • Whatever Mike at Mohawk. (8 p.m.)

Community Chatter 💬 :

  • Let there be rain! Scattered showers and storms could be possible across Central Texas during the workweek, this week. (KVUE via Facebook)
  • Rock on 🎸 "The longest-running music television show in history returns to the airwaves at 8 p.m. on Oct. 1 on PBS stations, as "Austin City Limits" kicks off its 48th season with an episode featuring the third appearance of Americana star Brandi Carlile." (Austin360 via Facebook)
  • Iconic bakery, Texas French Bread, announces its return to the Lakelike and Mueller Farmers Markets. You haven't lived until you've tried a loaf of their mouthwatering sourdough bread. (Eater Austin via Facebook)
  • 🧀 Restaurants, chefs and home cooks will face off in a friendly competition to find the city's best queso when the Mohawk hosts its annual Quesoff on Oct. 8. (Austin 360 via Twitter)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning 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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