Local COVID stats are straining at maximums with new records in overall hospitalizations, and in patients on ventilators - and also, over the last week, a gradual increase in COVID deaths. Austin Public Health expects these numbers to be further exacerbated by the return to live school. Governor Greg Abbott says he's testing negative, 4 days past his initial positive test, while State Rep. Troy Nehls of Houston becomes the latest Texas lawmaker to come down with COVID. Austin Rep. Gina Hinojosa charges on MSNBC that House Republicans are not being truthful about attendance to establish quorum in the chamber, as both sides gear up for what's likely to be a nasty battle over redistricting. No Comply Skate Shop gets a reprieve and cooperation from Austin Community College. Local real estate data may possibly show a beginning of a return to relative stability in the market. Austin FC gets a much-needed win over Portland. Peter Blackstock noticed almost no compliance with masking rules at Gary Clark Jr.'s debut of Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park. The Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival returns to its in-person state on September 12. Miami's The Salty Donut makes its Austin debut on South Congress on Friday. Hancock Golf Course is noted in a New York Times piece on walkin' and golfin', with input from Kevin McKinney (we think) of Soulhat.
