1. City of Austin to provide free computers to public housing residents
The Housing Authority of the City of Austin and Austin Pathways are giving away $80,000 in scholarships to its residents.
Scholarship recipients range from newly graduated high school students to returning adult students and those attending college for the first time. The recipients were honored during a ceremony Friday.
The disbursement is part of a pilot loaner program funded in part by The Grant for Technology Opportunities Program. In addition to the scholarships, the City of Austin provided computers for the 42 scholarship recipients as part of the city’s new loner pilot program.
2. Displaced artists to receive grants
Arts organizations facing displacement because of higher rents or lack of spaces available are getting from help from the city.
The Austin Cultural Arts Division will offer grants on a competitive basis to people looking for affordable arts spaces. Nonprofits serving at-risk or disadvantaged communities; African-American, Latino, Asian, Arab-American and Native American communities; and women's organizations are encouraged to apply. Organizations may apply for a financial assistance grant of up to $50,000 for tenant improvements and up to $35,000 for rent stipends.
3. Court rules to dismiss University of Texas campus carry lawsuit
A lawsuit filed by University of Texas professors over the constitutionality of campus carry was dismissed Thursday.[/caption]On Thursday a district court tossed out a lawsuit that claimed campus carry—the right of licensed gun holders to bring their concealed handguns on Texas university campuses—was unconstitutional.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton praised the court's decision, calling it the "correct outcome."
4. Austin Community College slated to adopt budget tonight
The Austin Community College board of trustees plans to vote on the next fiscal year budget tonight. The board is considering a 3 percent employee raise and has already voted to keep tuition rates the same.
5. Inaugural Red River Cultural District festival starts this week
The first annual Hot Summer Nights festival includes free live music by dozens of artists.[/caption]The first annual Hot Summer Nights music festival, presented by the Red River Merchant's Association, is happening July 13-16. The free event will feature local food, artisan vendors, and live local music at several venues in the Red River Cultural District, including Barracuda, Beerland, Cheer Up Charlies, Elysium, Empire Control Room & Garage, Mohawk, The Side Bar, The Sidewinder, Stubb's Bar-B-Que, Swan Dive and Waller Ballroom.
Artists performing this week include Bronze Whale, Emily Bell, The Stabbies, Major Grizz, MoonLasso and Burning Years.
Correction: This story has been updated to reflect that HACA awarded $80,000 in scholarships, not $80,000 worth of computers.
