Local COVID numbers continue climbing - city and county officials are expected to announce the return of Stage 4 precaution guidelines today. AISD and Round Rock ISD make announcements regarding plans for the approaching fall semester. Hot weather returns, and so do concerns about the Texas power grid - will it be able to keep up? ERCOT says yes, but watch for more conservation warnings. Proposed economic reforms to the Texas energy industry contrast with a large donation to Governor Greg Abbott from a Texas billionaire following his company's enormous profits during the freeze. State lawmakers want a say in UT's alleged plans to ditch the Big 12, while Texas AG Ken Paxton fails in an attempt to increase a gun-related fine against the City of Austin. That tunnel under Lady Bird Lake for a new subway line might have to be dug all the way to Lively Middle School. Austin FC loses to Seattle - and the youngest MLS team ever fielded - while their home pitch at Q2 Stadium books the U.S. Men's National Team for their first Texas World Cup qualifier. Minor signs of a possible slowdown in the Austin real estate market emerge, while Austin boasts strong recovery of pandemic-lost jobs. A controversial book on the Alamo may get a new panel review hosted by UT. And get ready - REAL summer heat is back y'all.
