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Community Corner

🌱 TX AG Suing Biden Admin + Monkeypox Spreading + Body Found In Lake

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 Friday in Austin and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town.

Grab your morning coffee while we dive into:

  • Texas sues after Biden administration issues guidance saying doctors can perform abortions in emergencies.
  • Monkeypox is now considered 'community spread' in Austin-Travis County.
  • Body found floating in Lady Bird Lake.
  • And much more ➡️

First, today's weather and allergy report:

☀️ High: 99 Low: 77. Mostly sunny and hot.
🍃 Grass Pollen: low. Ragweed: moderate. Mold: high. Dust & Danger: extremely high.

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Here are the top stories in Austin today:

1) Texas sues after Biden administration issues guidance saying doctors can perform abortions in emergencies. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a suit challenging the federal guidance that he believes would "force abortions" in hospitals. The Biden administration's guidance states that federal law requires doctors to perform abortions for pregnant people in emergency rooms when it is "the stabilizing treatment necessary" to resolve a medical emergency, including treatments for ectopic pregnancy, hypertension, and preeclampsia. The Texas Tribune has more on this story here.

2) Monkeypox is now considered 'community spread' in Austin-Travis County. Monkeypox is now spreading through the Austin and Travis County area at such a rate that the source cannot be traced back to a single person or group, Austin Public Health announced Wednesday. This rate of infection is known as "community spread."

APH recommends people should avoid "skin-to-skin contact with strangers" especially if the person has a rash or their health history is unknown. Monkeypox can also be spread by activities where saliva might be exchanged, including sharing eating utensils or cups and kissing. Check out the rest of this story here at KUT.

3) Body found floating in Lady Bird Lake. Austin-Travis EMS reported that medics found a dead body Thursday in Lady Bird Lake. The Austin Police Department said its homicide division is responding to the scene and that the body could have been in the lake for "a couple days." FOX 7 Austin has more on this story here.

4) Texas mother sues Academy Sports + Outdoors after selling daughter the gun used in her suicide. A Texas mother filed a civil lawsuit in Travis County against Academy for selling a gun to her daughter. Her daughter subsequently used the gun to take her own life. KXAN has more on this story here.

Today in Austin:

  • Virtual Zumba (8 a.m.)
  • Sunset Valley/Brodie Lane Petsmart Adoption Event hosted by Austin Pets Alive! (3 p.m.)
  • Brandi Carlile at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park (Doors at 6 p.m.)
  • Purity Ring at ACL Live at The Moody Theater (Doors at 6:30 p.m.)
  • Austin ISD Presents "The 2022 Summer Theatre Series": Alice In Wonderland (ASL-Interpreted & Audio Description Performance) (7 p.m.)
  • Empire Presents: Vision Arcade Album Tease w/ Favor and Montclair at Empire Control Room (Doors at 7 p.m.)
  • Horse Jumper of Love w/ Strange Ranger and They Are Gutting a Body of Water at Parish (Doors at 7 p.m.)
  • Punchline with Lauren Compton at Vulcan Gas Company (Doors at 7 p.m.)
  • "The Sound of Music" @ ZACH Theatre (7:30 p.m.)
  • Pixar's Luca - Community Cinema, sponsored by St. Mark's Episcopal Community First! Village (8 p.m.)
  • Poetry Jam — Open Mic & Showcase at Historic Victory Grill (8 p.m.)
  • Trucha Soul at My Oh My (Free – 10 p.m.)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with 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

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