🌱 Leander Celebrating Juneteenth + Hotel Occupancy Taxes Coming

Good morning, neighbors! It's Tuesday in Cedar Park-Leander and I'm here in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in the community, including news on:

• Akira Ross murder witnesses tell their side of the story.
• Juneteenth in Leander celebration.
• Possible taxes for short term rentals.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 96 Low: 75.

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Here are the top stories in Cedar Park-Leander today:

1. More details are surfacing according to witnesses of Akira Ross' murder. Witnesses told their side of the story, noting that the shooter, Bradley Stanford, fired shots at Akira Ross after a hostile verbal exchange. The two witnesses in the vehicle Ross rode in texted each other a warning about Stanford arming himself. More details can be found at KXAN.
2. Leander will host a Juneteenth Block Party from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on June 17. "Juneteenth National Independence Day, which became a federal holiday in 2021, commemorates an end of slavery in the United States." There will be live music, food trucks, craft vendors, fun zone for kids, and a swimming pool and splash pad. More event details can be found at Black PR Wire.
3. City of Leander looks is exploring Hotel Occupancy Taxes for short-term rentals. Nothing is official and the city has not made a move on this idea yet. “We want to minimize nuisances, educate people coming to our city, support tourism, collect the tax and then advocate for the citizens interest,” a city leader said. Read the full story at KXAN.

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Today in Cedar Park-Leander:

Tuesday, June 13

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (8:30 AM)
• Heroes Night Out Coffee and Donuts (9 AM)
• Teen Tuesdays: Escape Room Challenge at Leander Public Library (5 PM)
• Teen Library Council at Cedar Park Public Library (6:30 PM)
• Green Thumbs Up Gardening: Why Do Leaves Turn Yellow? at Cedar Park Library (7 PM)

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From my notebook:

• UT Austin news: "A man was arrested after stabbing someone and leaving them in critical condition near the UT Austin campus Monday morning." (KEYE TV CBS Austin)
• Father's Day menu: "Mandola’s Italian Kitchen is first-come, first-served dining. Curbside pickup and take-out are also available via Mandolas.com or by calling the nearest location." (KXAN.com)
• 4th of July in Austin: "Parades, festivals and fireworks! BBQ and grilling with all the yummy sides. Enjoy the holiday with family and friends. Celebrate USA in Central Texas! Happy Independence Day Y'all! (Audacy)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (June 13)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with a new update!

— Elaine Thompson

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Cedar Park-Leander Patch newsletter? Contact me at CedarParkLeander@Patch.com