Coronavirus
The total number of hospitalized Corona virus patients in Austin and Travis County has dropped. As of today, 440 remain hospitalized. Still a very large number, but it’s 18 fewer than yesterday and 29 fewer than Wednesday. 159 deaths have occurred. 10,314 people have recovered.
Facemask Order
A lot of Austinites are very unhappy now with the City Council in its handling of the ongoing covid 19 situation, from facemask orders to the initial shut down a few months ago. But city leaders are still garnering some support.
The Austin City Council has now approved some new enforcement mechanisms here, including a $2000 fine if you’re caught not wearing a mask in public, that includes indoors and outdoors. If the city feels that you’re not practicing enough social distancing while you’re outside, they say you need to be at least six feet away from someone else, or you will be subjected possibly to that $2000 fine. The council will also label your business of public health nuisance if you’re not following their new ordinance down to the last detail. Council member Greg Casar tells CBS Austin you will be sued by the city attorney. We expect that level of compliance It could even close a business or shutter a large gathering in a way that we couldn’t before. Casar says this will protect the people He believes are the most vulnerable, such as low income workers
At the same time, the city of Austin is ramping up its efforts to impose huge fines and civil lawsuits. The city of Round Rock is actually scaling back its penalties for not wearing a mask, whereas previously the fine was a $1000. Now it could be no more than $250 but only after a verbal or written warning has been given to you first.
Round Rock Mayoral Election
If you’re hoping hit the polls in November to decide on who will be the next mayor of Round Rock, you’re gonna have to wait till next year. City councils voted to postpone the local election until May. Two round Rock Council seats are also in play here. The council’s already had postponed once before it was originally planned for May 2nd of this year.
Houston GOP State Convention
Texas Republicans follow through on their threat to sue the city of Houston for canceling next week’s scheduled in person GOP state convention. On Wednesday, Texas Republican Party chair James Dickey told delegates legal action was imminent after Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner pulled the plug on hosting their convention. We will pursue all legal options possible against the city of Houston, and they have for breach of contract. Mayor Turner feels confident the city will win. Without running, they’re going to the courthouse that in many cases is hearing and seeing cases virtually who asked them to agree to allow 6000 people to meet in person. An online convention is the GOP backup plan.
Greg Kelly Case
The lead investigator in the Greg Kelly case, has resigned amid growing controversy. That follows the City Park City Council, launching an official complaint against the now former police sergeant, Chris Daly, alleging the investigator lied while under oath in the Kelly case, Greg Kelly was wrongly convicted of a child sexual assault and spent more than three years in prison before the Texas Criminal Appeals Court overturned his case and freed him.
Upcoming Fall School Semester
If you’re a parent in the Leander School district, you’ve only got a few more weeks to decide whether or not your child or your children will take classes online or on campus. There will be no hybrid option here, you have to choose one or the other. The deadline is July 31st and that’s just two weeks before the start of the brand new school year.
Tesla Coming to Travis County
Adele Valley School District it’s OK for an incentive agreement to bring Tesla to Travis County for a multi-million square foot factory. Tesla is looking at 2100 acres of land, near S H 1-30 and Harold Green Road. Under that agreement Tesla would get a tax break of 68 million over a decade and return 5000 jobs created. County commissioners still have to approve a final agreement.
Austin Protests
And the weeks of protests in the Austin area have lead to 44 felony charges. Travis County, D. A. Margaret Moore says the charges included assaulting a police officer, trying to steal an officer’s weapon, criminal mischief, tampering with evidence, rioting and engaging in organized criminal activity. 24 of the charges are state jail felonies.
https://omny.fm/shows/klbjam-flash-briefing-1/am-newscast-7-10-20
