Local COVID hospitalization average is on track to leave Stage 5 range by next weekend if current trends hold. However, Smithville and Bastrop ISD's are seeing huge spikes among students and staff while not requiring masks - Austin ISD, which does require them, is seeing much lower spread so far. A new Federal program promises to fill the gaps for school districts punished by state governments for exceeding their prescribed pandemic mitigation protocols. The City says it's "normal" for the ACL Fest to remain without special event permit approval, while recent cancellations over such permits have decidedly not been normal - meanwhile Black Pumas are set for the "Party In The Parks" benefit show to happen the Wednesday between ACL weekends. Data shows Austin's lower-income students lagging behind the Texas average for making it to college. A variety of events around Austin will mark the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks tomorrow. We Are Blood enters a national alliance of blood storage centers. The northbound IH-35 to northbound 183 flyover reopens after several months of traffic snarls Saturday morning at 8. The Driskill Hotel unveils newly refurbished historic guest suites. And the cooldown begins gradually today and gets cooler, and likely wetter, early next workweek.
