COVID new hospitalization rate drops below 60 - we're (hopefully) on our way back to Stage 4, at 50 - while two reported deaths on Tuesday keep that daily average steady and high at 7. The fall run of the Pecan Street Festival has been denied its special events permit by the City. Lago Vista High School goes to remote learning for three days, starting today. Governor Greg Abbott signs into law the contentious SB1, the voting restriction bill that prompted the six-week walkout of Democratic House members - that walkout ultimately failed to stop the law, but did influence some concession - while President Joe Biden weighs in. The Texas NAACP has sued over SB1, and is also party in a lawsuit against the University of Texas regarding "The Eyes Of Texas". Governor Abbott has also called a third special session of the Texas Legislature, the main event: redistricting. Goals set for a large increase in affordable housing in Austin, almost halfway thru the set decade, are falling severely short. City health officials and the CDC remind us: it's time for flu shots. A 400-foot apartment building is set to go up near the Capitol. Tonight's Sound and Cinema event at the Long Center features a screening of Dazed And Confused and music from The Texas Gentlemen. An exhibit on Daniel Johnston at the Jones Center downtown opens Saturday. Salt-N-Pepa will play Longhorn City Limits prior to the Rice game. And a hot week remains, with a potential temperature drop coming early next week.
