Lots of pandemic-related news today: a big spike in COVID deaths yesterday at 10, surpassing the daily high of 6 over the last several months and bringing our 7-day average up to 5. Dell Children's Hospital reports that pediatric COVID cases under their care have doubled. Austin Police Department loses its second officer to the virus - the second in just two days. Austin City Council gives health officials marching orders for a booster shot distribution plan. Elementary schools in Round Rock and Marble Falls see COVID shutdowns. Texas sees a 550% increase in reported ivermectin poisonings. AISD Police intercept a man with two guns on the campus of Austin High School. West Nile Virus is detected in 78744 mosquitoes. Senate Bill 1, the controversial voting restriction bill, gets initial approval in a late night vote Thursday. A new website contains plans for mitigating wildfire danger for Central Texas homeowners and business owners. The City weighs in on the sudden Bat Fest permit denial. Hot Summer Nights provides free live music thru the weekend in the Red River Cultural District. And Tropical Storm Ida's track has shifted away from the Texas coast, and is now bearing down on Louisiana.
