West Nile Virus + COVID 'Mu' Variant + Lots Of Live Music

Welcome to the debut of the Irving Metro Daily, and thanks for joining in the fun! In today's edition, you can look forward to tips for avoiding West Nile Virus, news on the upcoming state fair and lots and lots of live music options. Let's get rolling so you can start your day off on an informed note.

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First, today's weather:

Clear throughout the day. High: 92 Low: 71.

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Here are the top stories today in Irving:

1. The Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) reported the 11th human case of West Nile Virus in Dallas County on Tuesday. The organization says the latest patient resides in the 75225 ZIP code. There has been one West Nile Virus-related death in the county this year. DCHHS reminds folks to practice the Four D's:
   • DEET (use EPA-approved repellents when outdoors);
   • Dress (wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing when outdoors);
   • Drain (rid all standing water from in and around your home or workplace where mosquitoes could lay eggs);
   • Dawn and dusk (limit the time you spend outside during the hours when mosquitoes are most active). (Focusdailynews)
2. The 'mu' COVID-19 variant has reached Dallas County. Health officials say they have discovered five cases within the county, with about 2,400 cases total nationwide. Dr. Jeffrey SoRelle of the UT Southwestern Medical Center says it does not appear to be more contagious than delta and may even be decreasing. The vaccine manufacturer Pfizer says the variant appears to be responsive to vaccination. Dr. SoRelle added that this new variant makes it increasingly important to get vaccinated and get the booster if it's available to you. (The Dallas Morning News)
3. Get ready to visit Big Tex and the State Fair of Texas in Dallas later this month! The event was canceled last year because of COVID-19, but the iconic carnival rides, concerts, rodeo action and more are back on September 24 through October 17. The annual extravaganza began in 1886 and has grown and has hosted around 2 million visitors yearly in recent times. (The Killeen Daily Herald)
4. Malls may be hurting, but the Irving Mall is celebrating its 50th anniversary. (The Dallas Morning News)
5. A body found on Sunday has been identified as missing Dallas man, Daniel Fermin Martinez. (CBS Dallas / Fort Worth)

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Today in Irving:

• Baby Bookworms Storytime - Take little ones to the South Irving Library for a special storytime for ages birth to 15 months. (10:30 AM)
• Jessica McVey - Enjoy free live country music at The Ranch at Las Colinas alongside the restaurant's signature handcrafted drinks and delicious ranch-to-table dishes. (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
• Jade Nickol - Head to the Mercy Bar & Lounge for live music for a singer/songwriter said to evoke the musical flavors of Stevie Nicks or Joni Mitchell. (7:00 - 9:00 PM)
• Online: Tried and True Book Club - Indulge in a discussion about Erik Larson's latest work of narrative non-fiction, The Splendid and the Vile. (7:00 PM)
• Vandoliers - Experience the next wave of Texas music at Mama Tried country bar and honky tonk. (9:00 PM)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right! I'll see you soon. If you're liking these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Ash DeMello

About me: I'm a freelance writer from the Beaverton, Oregon, area. I love getting to know new communities, but I know I'm not local to your community, so if you have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Irving Daily, I'm all ears. You can email me at irving@patch.com.