Local COVID numbers: 3 new deaths reported Monday, daily average remains 5. New hospitalizations have started to drop, but possibly due to hospitals reaching capacity. The Austin Fire Department has lost its first firefighter to COVID, while the Austin Police Department dials back public contact following two APD COVID deaths last week. The suspect in June's mass shooting on East Sixth Street has been formally indicted. Austinites are responding in force to help victims of Hurricane Ida - KUT and KVUE have details on how to join in the effort. Hundreds of new laws go into effect across Texas tomorrow, ranging from abortion restrictions, "constitutional carry", limits on the discussion of racism by Texas schools, a ban on "vaccine passports" and more - all in effect as of September 1. Austin Pets Alive seeks fosters for animals being rescued from storm-impacted areas. And Saturday's season-opening opponent, the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns, are no cupcake for Texas football - they're ranked #23 preseason, just behind UT at #21.
