🌱 RR State Rep Asks Gov For Special Session + Metro To Outpace Austin

Hello and happy Monday! I'm back in your inbox this warm morning to walk you through all the most important things happening in Round Rock. Enjoy...

📣 Our readers love to celebrate good news! You can now shout out your big announcement at the top of the Round Rock Daily newsletter. Whether it's a grand opening, new product for sale, birthday, anniversary, engagement, wedding or new baby, let everyone celebrate alongside you! Submit your announcement here.

Now, today's weather:

Very warm with some sun. High: 98 Low: 75.

Here are the top three stories today in Round Rock:

1. Due to staffing shortages at juvenile detention centers in Texas, "children and teenagers are forced to stay in the cells for up to 23 hours a day, without water or bathroom breaks," according to the Texas Tribune. State Rep. James Talarico (D-Round Rock), who serves on the House Juvenile Justice Committee, asked Governor Abbott to call a special session so lawmakers could address the issues. According to Talarico, the governor took money away from the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, an already starved agency, to send additional funding to Operation Lone Star. (KXAN)
2. According to the Texas Workforce Commission, the Austin-Round Rock metro is expected to outpace the Austin job market by 2030. The metro area is expected to increase by 26 percent, while the City of Austin is expected to increase by 23 percent. (KVUE)
3. Ramsey Saad, the new Chief Information Officer for Round Rock's IT Department, is already planning to improve the city. Saad said, "From public safety to the library, we're working on several exciting projects to improve the experience for our citizens, business community, and visitors." (Government Technology)

Today in Round Rock:

• Run With Round Rock PD At Fleet Feet (5:45 PM)
• Virtual Friends of the Library Meeting At Round Rock Public Library (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for a new home? Check out a beautiful three-bedroom on Strelitzia Cove in Round Rock! View the link to see five new homes on the market in your area. (Round Rock Patch)
• Congratulations to Round Rock Police Department Chief Allen Banks! Chief Banks earned his Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management from Sam Houston State University. (Facebook)
• Learn about all facets of the Round Rock PD and meet your neighbors through the Citizens Police Academy! Learn more or apply today here. (Instagram)

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you soon.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!