Hospitalizations for COVID in Austin continue rising, as the metro hits a new all-time low for ICU capacity: 2 staffed beds. Austin ISD is joined among school districts in major Texas cities defying Governor Greg Abbott's ban on mask requirements by conservative-leaning Fort Worth ISD - all five of the state's largest cities have now revolted - while Eanes ISD remains mask-optional amid heated division among the families of its students. Co-owned restaurants Launderette and Fresa's are now requiring vaccine proof for indoor dining. The Austin City Limits Music Festival remains on for October, amidst growing online pressure to cancel and the loss of headliner Stevie Nicks (meanwhile, Tyler The Creator replaces DaBaby). Recent Austin transplant Joe Rogan is under fire after running COVID misinformation on his Friday show. Both of Texas' U.S. Senators - John Cornyn and Ted Cruz - vote against the huge federal infrastructure package, which passed the Senate on party lines this morning. The Texas Supreme Court voids a lower court's order to stop the Texas Legislator from arresting Democratic lawmakers no-showing to deny quorum. And little old Blanco, Texas is in danger of running out of water.
