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Top Morning Stories June 17, 2011

The City of Austin breaks ground today on its African American Cultural and Heritage Facility.
Drawing courtesy of the City of Austin.
The City of Austin breaks ground today on its African American Cultural and Heritage Facility.

Groundbreaking for African American Cultural Facility

The City of Austin is inviting people to celebrate Juneteenth at a groundbreaking ceremony this morning for the city’s African American Cultural and Heritage Facility.  It’s going to be built on 912 East 11th Street and includes the restoration of the historic Dedrick-Hamilton House, which was home to the family of one of the first freed slaves in Travis County. 

Juneteenth is a holiday marking June 19, 1865—the day the abolition of slavery was announced in Texas.  The groundbreaking ceremony for the African American Cultural Facility starts at 9:30 this morning.

Election Day Saturday for City Runoff

The run-off election for Austin City Council Place 3 is tomorrow between incumbent Randi Shade and challenger Kathie Tovo.  Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Find Travis County polling place information here. Find Williamson County voter information here.

Austin Symphony Cancels 4th of July Show

The Austin Symphony has canceled its annual Independence Day Concert for the first time in 35 years. This comes after Travis County banned public fireworks displays because of the drought. The sale and use of personal fireworks is also banned in Central Texas right now.

Horns Face Gators in CWS

The Texas Longhorn baseball team plays the Florida Gators in the College World Series tomorrow starting at 6 p.m. This is the 34th time the Horns have made it to the College World Series. The winner of Saturday's game will play North Carolina or Vanderbilt on Monday in Omaha.