As our local COVID hospitalization rate hovers in Stage 2 range, our Community Transmission Rate or CTR remains too high for local health officials to feel comfortable dropping our precaution levels, especially with the holidays on the way. The deadly outcome of this weekend's Travis Scott concert in Houston leads local leaders to reconsider similar events in Austin. Good news: Austin Energy is working on plans to cut power from fewer Austin homes in severe winter weather, and Bad news: Austin Energy is making plans to cut power from Austin homes in winter weather at all. The new Violet Crown development near Bee Cave draws strong opposition from several local environmental watchdogs. Dozens of Austin-area high school football teams prepare for bi-district playoff action starting this week. Texas Football hits its first four-game losing streak in eleven years. Austin FC goes out on a loss at Portland, but president Andy Loughnane considers the inaugural season a success. Eater has a summary of this weekend's Austin Food And Wine Festival, while Austin360 releases its 2021 Dining Guide. And nice fall weather continues this week.
