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Community Corner

🌱 Texans Urged To Limit Energy Usage + Heat-Related, Pet Injuries Up

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, friends! It's Tuesday in Austin and I'm back in your inbox with updates on what's happening in the community today.

Grab your coffee while we cover:

  • Amid Texas heat wave ERCOT asks Texans to conserve energy.
  • Austin animal clinic sees an increase in heat-related, pet injuries.
  • Austin officially ranks as one of the most expensive cities for Uber rides.
  • And more ➡️

First, today's weather and allergy report:

☀️ High: 109 Low: 78. Mostly sunny and hot, hot, HOT.
🍃 Grass Pollen: low. Ragweed: moderate. Mold: moderate. Dust & Dander: high.

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Here are the top 4 stories today in Austin:

1) Amid the Texas heat wave ERCOT asks Texans to conserve energy and announces the possibility of rolling blackouts. After last Friday's temperatures broke a second record in July for power usage, with 78,204 megawatts, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) appealed to Texans to conserve power today from 2-8 p.m., and by 4 p.m. thousands of Austin homes were out of power.

There are two factors driving this strain on the grid: extreme heat leading to record high electric demand, and extremely low wind generation — less than 10 percent of its capacity. The city of Austin has issued an excessive heat warning lasting until tomorrow, July 12, at 7 p.m. The Austin Chronicle has more on this story here.

2) Austin animal clinic sees an increase in pet heat injuries and has tips for pet owners. With increasing temperatures and harmful algae reports, one Austin veterinary office is reporting higher numbers of pet injuries. Head over to KXAN to learn how you can keep your pets cool and safe.

3) Austin officially ranks as one of the most expensive cities for Uber rides. According to a ranking by online lender NetCredit, the average cost of a ride in Austin is $23.92, which is the seventh highest in the U.S. Meanwhile, if you find yourself a little further south in San Antonio, the average cost dips down to $13.45. Austonia and NetCredit have more on this story.

4) Austin man acquitted of murder charges after pleading insanity. Lex Ervin escaped from a North Texas mental hospital two weeks ago and was taken into custody by Austin police Sunday night. According to APD and Ervin's mother, he was found lying down in an Austin park after someone called concerned that he was possibly experiencing heat exhaustion. Check out the full story here at FOX 7 Austin.

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Today in Austin:

  • Virtual Low-Impact Workout (7 a.m.)
  • Lakeline Petsmart Adoption Event hosted by Austin Pets Alive! (3 p.m.)
  • Virtual Zumba (6 p.m.)
  • Austin FC Vs HOU at Q2 Stadium (8 p.m.)
  • Redbud, Haunted Summer, Flora & Fawna at Hotel Vegas ($10 at door – 8 p.m.)
  • Shelter: A Comedy Showcase Curated by Gina Hyena, The Ballroom @ Spiderhouse (8 p.m.)

Community Chatter 💬:

  • KUT Austin: "The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, says extreme high temperatures across the state, along with low wind power output, could strain the grid, possibly leading to an emergency situation." (KUT Austin via Facebook)
  • Foster Angels of Central Texas: "This Amazon Prime Day, make sure you are using Amazon SMILE so that a portion of your purchases are donated back to improving the lives of children in foster care! Use the link below to set Foster Angels as your charity ahead of the discount shopping days." (Foster Angels of Central Texas via Facebook)
  • Austin ISD: "Join us to learn about the draft 2022 Bond package and how we got here! Participants will review our draft bond package including a list of proposed school modernizations, facility upgrades and other investments within their school communities. Come share your input before a final proposal is presented to the board later in July." (Austin ISD via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday off right. I'll see you around!

— 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

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