🌱 Pride Month Proclamations And Protests + Leander ISD Funding

Good morning, neighbors! Elaine Thompson here with your fresh copy of the Cedar Park-Leander Patch newsletter, filled with all the community information you need to know right now. Including news on:

• Family and friends advocate to rule Akira Ross' death a hate crime.
• Mayors address Pride Month proclamations.
• Leander ISD not satisfied with funding.

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Now, today's weather: Warm; an afternoon t-storm. High: 95 Low: 75.

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

1. After Akira Ross' death in Cedar Park, "advocates including family and friends of Ross, call on Cedar Park police to label her murder a hate crime." More details have surfaced about the incident that led up to the suspect, Bradley Stanford, allegedly shooting Ross following an argument. "The FBI defines federal hate crimes as 'criminal offenses that were motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender’s bias against the victim’s race/ethnicity/ancestry, gender, gender identity, religion, disability or sexual orientation.'" (Dallas Voice)
2. The mayors of Leander, Cedar Park and Liberty Hill issued Pride Month proclamations after a Liberty Hill ISD student's suicide due to being bullied for coming out as gay, and Akira Ross' killing for what is thought to be a hate-crime for also being gay. Parents of the student and Ross spoke their concerns. There were council members and attendees in opposition and protest of the proclamations as well as many supporters. "Leander Mayor Christine DeLisle silenced the outburst and several others from both sides during the public comments, which took nearly an hour to complete." (Hillcountrynews)
3. Leander ISD board trustees believe that education was not of top priority in consideration with the $33 billion Texas surplus. "Gov. Abbott signed several bills affecting LISD, including new safety measures which were not adequately funded." Even though Leander ISD received funding, they believe that recruitment and retention of staff will still be a challenge. (Leander ISD News |)

Today in Cedar Park-Leander:

Thursday, June 22

• Social Security, Income and Tax Planning Workshop at Leander Public Library (1 PM)
• FH Kids Summer of Fun! at Cedar Grove Neighborhood Pavillion (1 PM)
• LISD Board Meeting at Vista Ridge High School (6:15 PM)
• Gather HER at WilCo Work Spaces and Events (6:30 PM)
• Victorian Fairies and Ghosts at Cedar Park Public Library (7 PM)

From my notebook:

• In the market for a new home? "As part of our weekly real estate roundup, we're bringing you some recently listed and interesting houses to hit the market in and around the Cedar Park-Leander area." (Cedar Park-Leander Patch)
• A new bakery in town: "Noble Delights Bakery is set to host a soft opening in July at 2091 U.S. 183, Ste. B, Leander. Owned by Regina Noble, Noble Delights Bakery will specialize in custom-made cakes, cookies, cupcakes and an assortment of desserts." (Community Impact Newspaper)
• Road-tripping for the nature lovers: "A writer discovers the benefits of short trails at Purtis Creek State Park, East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society, and Davey Dogwood Park." (Texas Highways Magazine)

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Featured events:

• Made In: Grand Opening Celebration at The Domain (June 24)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (June 27)
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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you soon.

— Elaine Thompson

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