A glimmer of good news from Austin's COVID stats - our hospitalization average dropped a bit last night, for the first time since July 2. Local restaurants back down from vax proof requirements upon learning of a new state law that bans the practice - will live music venues be next? USDA recommends a third shot for the severely immuno-compromised, while Thirsty Planet offers free beer at their Saturday vaccine drive for first shot recipients. TEA holds off of issuing new guidance while more area school districts defy Governor Abbott's orders not to require masks - San Marcos and Del Valle ISD's will do so this fall. Researchers at UT predict several thousand new COVID infections this fall on campus if rules and behavior are not changed. After a 15 hour filibuster, Texas Senate Republicans pass a new voting restriction bill - held at this point from the Governor's pen only by the Democratic walkout in the House. Re-opening celebrations at Waterloo Park on Saturday have been scrapped due to COVID. U.S. Census data reveals huge growth for Austin, but bigger growth numbers in Fort Worth, while new realty data has Austin on track to become the least affordable U.S. city outside of California by year's end. Amazon plans a new distribution hub and 200 new jobs. And Willie Nelson donates a signed guitar to help raise funds for the Pedernales Fire Department Auxiliary.
