A key Austin COVID statistic has dropped into Stage 3 range, just as universal masking is dropped as a county recommendation based on new CDC data - the CEO of Moderna is predicting an end to the pandemic this year, while cautioning that an Omicron-specific vaccine booster may be necessary. A third day of protests against the Russian attack on Ukraine was held at the Texas State Capitol yesterday. Local restaurant Russian House has changed its name to simply "House" in protest of Russian military aggression. Elon Musk's SpaceX has begun beaming internet service into the Ukrainian combat zone via its Starlink satellite system. Governor Greg Abbott has called for Texas retailers to stop selling products produced in Russia, especially Russian vodka - somewhere, Tito Beveridge is smiling. Japanese rock band CHAI has their equipment trailer stolen in Austin. Transplant Joe Rogan is set to take over the historic Ritz space on East 6th Street, where he intends to launch a new comedy club. St. Edwards University inaugurates its first Hispanic president. Conservative UT think tank The Liberty Institute finds they can't use that name. Sports wins galore over the weekend: A great kickoff for Austin FC's second MLS season, a convincing win over FC Cincinnati at Q2 Stadium on Saturday, final score 5-0. Texas Longhorns Baseball makes short work of Alabama, sweeping its three game series with the Crimson Tide and staying #1. Texas men's basketball squeaks by West Virginia, and plays against Baylor in their last Frank Erwin Center game. And softball, track and field and swimming and diving see championship performances as well.
