COVID counts continue rising as of Thursday night. Hospitals are under unprecedented strain, as are medical first responders. Austin ISD is closing three testing hubs due to a looming test shortage, while Round Rock ISD students threaten a walkout over that district's lack of remote options. Local health authorities issue new requirements for COVID policies to be posted publicly by businesses, and allow restaurants to place vaccine requirements upon employees - Governor Greg Abbott's office disagrees. Travis County DA Jose Garza orders Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to provide his communications data during the January 6th insurrection. Travis County Clerk officials say as many as half of vote-by-mail applications received recently have been rejected under new state limits. Travis County Judge Jan Soifer rules that Operation Lone Star - Governor Abbott's border enforcement initiative - is unconstitutional, while Austin U.S. Rep Lloyd Doggett joins with a group of 13 lawmakers seeking a federal investigation. A man who rammed a garage and brandished an AK-47 at Nyle Maxwell Supercenter a few days back is still at large. Buc-ee's fans in New Braunfels are sad to learn it'll soon no longer be the largest convenience store on the planet. The Toasted Yolk of Houston brings its "boozy brunch" into Austin. A new Daniel Johnston mural at The Contemporary Austin is set to be unveiled. And a possibly-record-hot Friday is to be followed by a strong and windy cold front tonight.
