🌱 Violent Crime Still High In The City + PACT Act For Veterans

Welcome back, San Antonio! Elaine Thompson here in your inbox this morning to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town, including news on:

• The city's overall crime rate is lower, except for this particular crime.
• Young boy dies after pool drowning.
• Helping veterans get the benefits they deserve.

But first, today's weather: Showers around in the morning. High: 91 Low: 69.

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Here are the top stories today in San Antonio:

1. San Antonio's overall crime rate has lowered, except for murder. In 2022, SAPD and UTSA teamed up together to develop a "three-year violent crime reduction plan." Some solutions have been to hot-spot police presence in the most concentrated areas with violent crimes, getting community input on how to stop crime, and having more community events to allow less time for crimes to happen. WOAI has the full story.
2. A young child died after drowning in the family pool over the weekend. Zyhir Garrett and his parents were visiting family in San Antonio when the family could not locate 8-year-old Zyhir for 10 minutes. He was later found in the swimming pool with immediate life-saving CPR performed by an uncle and later on, police. His death has been ruled an accident. Visit FOX 29 for more on this story.
3. Congressman Tony Gonzales and VA Secretary Denis McDonough visited San Antonio to promote the "PACT Act to help veterans exposed to toxic waste." Army Sgt. Mario Lopez is a survivor of war and also being impacted by burn-pit toxic exposure. He has suffered an amputation and burn scars over more than half of his body. The PACT Act is to help veterans like Lopez, receive outreach from the VA, regular healthcare, and ability to receive benefits earned as a result of serving. To learn more, check it all out on KENS5.

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Today in San Antonio:

• Summer Flute Classes at Cibolo Flute Studio (9 AM)
• Lapsit Storytime at Cedar Park Library (9:45 AM)
• MetroHealth STD/STI Mobile Clinic at Schaefer Library (1 PM)
• Cedar Park / Leander Business "Happy Hour" by Networking Local at Whitestone Brewery (4:30 PM)
• Comedy Night on the Patio at Spare Birdie (7 PM)

From my notebook:

• San Antonio Rodeo event: "Pull on your boots n get ready to shoot, y'all! 😜 Boots 'N Shoot sign up is officially open and we want to see you there! Join us on Aug. 11 for a day full of shoot games, live music, and great food. Tickets are goin' fast." (San Antonio Rodeo via Instagram)
• Looking for a festive event in July? "Did you know every Fourth of July weekend the River Walk is adorned with 1,000 American flags and so much more? Come experience the patriotic decor June 30 - July 4 during our Stars, Stripes & Lights FREE event." (The San Antonio River Walk via Facebook)
• Check out what SAPD says about preventing crime: "Today, SAPD and UTSA provided an update on citywide crime trends and the hot spot policing initiative. By working with community groups, business groups, HOA’s, and our schools we CAN deter crime and hold those who commit crimes accountable." (San Antonio Police Department via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (June 6)
• A Zoom Discussion on Personal Injury Law in San Antonio (June 14)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update!

— Elaine Thompson

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming San Antonio Patch newsletter? Contact me at sanantonio@patch.com