A continued fifth day of decline in our new COVID hospitalization average is a sliver of hope as AISD students are due back on campus today. Austin and several other districts are holding fast to their mask mandates to Governor Greg Abbott's chagrin, while several others remain mask optional - here's a list of local ISD's and their policies. Some AISD classrooms are not only mask-required, but are also lacking proper air conditioning as the school year begins. Meanwhile several smaller, sparsely-vaccinated and mask-averse school districts across Texas have already shut down with breakouts. Health experts are expected to announce boosters for the vaccinated at eight months soon. Hays County is officially the fastest-growing county in Texas according to new U.S. Census data. Gary Clark Jr. breaks in the brand new stage at Waterloo Park this weekend. And, we're likely as not to see more rain today and tomorrow.
