Almost the entire state of Texas is now in a state of drought, with about 16% now in exceptional drought, including the the Hill Country and watershed areas critical to replenishing the Colorado River.
Confirmed monkeypox cases in Texas have climbed to 20. Meanwhile three local counties - Blanco, Lampasas and Milam - have risen to High risk status for COVID-19 spread according to the CDC. Local hospitalizations continue rising steadily, now up to 142 from 118 one week ago.
Gas prices continue dropping - the statewide average price is now down 16 cents over the last week, hitting $4.33 per gallon, which is still way higher than this time last year when it was $2.81. GasBuddy reports the cheapest gas in central Austin this morning is $4.19.
Airport news: ABIA set a third-straight all-time monthly record for passenger volume in May, topping 2 million in a single month for the first time. Meanwhile, the Austin airport is to receive $15 million for expansion, via President Joe Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Texas Football is ranked #4 in predicted outcomes among the Big 12 in its media preseason poll, behind Oklahoma State, Oklahoma and Baylor, who place at the top of the preseason poll for the first time.
Free outdoor entertainment: tonight marks the return of Zilker Theatre Productions free presentation of Newsies at Beverly Sheffield Hillside Theatre at Zilker Park. Shows run Thursday thru Sunday evenings at 8:15 through August 13. And, the Austin Symphony's Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park continue on Sundays at the Long Center through August 28, those shows start at 8pm.
