Austin's COVID numbers have been in Stage 2 for 11 days now - why is the city still officially at Stage 3? Austin parents finding it hard to pin down a vaccine appointment for their kids are set for relief from their schools. Still more anti-Semitic activity, this time in San Marcos and Hays County. Austin City Council Member Greg Casar announces a run for the 35th District seat of the U.S. House of Representatives. City and county officials have released a post-mortem on Winter Storm Uri, complete with recommendations for this winter. Elon Musk's SpaceX facility at Boca Chica has run afoul of wildlife advocates. Former UT QB Sam Ehlinger makes his regular season NFL debut in a brief appearance in the 45-30 win by his Indianapolis Colts over the New York Jets. Crowdsourced data site Numbio finds Austin sixth in the entire world for quality of life. Austin, New Braunfels and Round Rock make SmartAsset's list of America's Top 50 Boomtowns. Nine Austin businesses make Inc. Magazine's list of the best-run in the country, led by Bumble who are tops for both Austin and Texas. The original Catfish Parlour on 183 will close as of this weekend after 48 years in business, while Mickelthwaite Craft Meats expands with a new food market and beer garden. The Austin Police Department is seeking volunteers for this year's Operation Blue Santa effort. And a gorgeous fall weekend is afoot - enjoy!
