Austin COVID hospitalizations, while continuing to rise, may be slowing somewhat - deaths have also not begun to rise significantly so far. News on booster shots for immunocompromised people is expected soon. Tens of thousands of area school kids - all in districts not mandating masks - start classes today, while AISD reports hundreds of students switching from virtual to live classes as a result of required masking. Many live music events are going on today and this weekend, while many others are cancelling, postponing or going virtual. A petition calls for the ACL Fest to cancel its sold-out dates this October, while Duran Duran is announced as Stevie Nicks' replacement. The Austin Chronicle outlines the conflict for music venues who have accepted State relief funds and are now on the hook to carry out their policies. Houston State Senator Carol Alvarado is in the midst of a filibuster against SB1, while the national NAACP calls on the U.S. Justice Department to counter arrest warrants issued for sequestering Democrats, and the Texas Supreme Court declines to intervene on behalf of unpaid legislative staffers. Austonia lists local restaurants increasing masking and vaccination requirements. Out of town buyers are indeed driving local real estate prices skyward by outbidding locals. The city of Kyle wants people named Kyle to help them set a new Guinness World Record. And continued hot weather may be tempered by a little rain this weekend.
