Austin Daily Drop - Monday May 16, 2022

The Austin Daily Drop

On Saturday, a Planned Parenthood-organized abortion rights rally drew about 10,000 protesters and a Donald Trump rally drew about 8,000 attendees - friction between the two sides was superficial at worst, and both events concluded with very little police interaction.

Early voting begins today for the runoffs of both parties' primaries.

Lawsuits against Alex Jones by families of Sandy Hook shooting victims appear set to proceed, after the sorting out of bankruptcies filed for several of Jones' media holdings.

After being asked to conserve power over the weekend, Texans now face a likely record-breaking wave of heat and thus power demand through much of this week, though cooler temps and rain may be on the way before June.

Just when we need a cool dip, the opening of many of Austin's pools will be delayed due to ongoing lifeguard shortages.

Austin rent is rising fast, for sure - but it's increasing even faster in Round Rock, Pflugerville and Georgetown.

If you're shocked by your recent home value appraisal, and you're looking for someone to blame, Texas Monthly has an outline of that complex picture from the perspective of an East Austin homeowner.

If you missed last night's total lunar eclipse, don't sweat it - the next one will happen in November.

The Austin Animal Center has issued an urgent call for volunteers, fosters and adopters, as their shelter capacity is now consistently beyond limits.

Former Texas and NFL safety Earl Thomas, who had been wanted for weeks on a warrant for violating a protective order, was arrested Friday night at a restaurant in Orange, just east of Port Arthur and Beaumont.

Austin FC dropped their second match in a row this weekend, losing to Real Salt Lake 2-1 on the road - the conference-leading LAFC visit Q2 Stadium on Wednesday.

Texas Softball prepares for this weekend's NCAA Seattle Regional, as head coach Mike White issues an apology for flipping a referee the bird during the Big 12 tournamant.

And, Kendrick Lamar has announced a concert at the Moody Center on July 21 - tickets go on sale Friday.