Local COVID numbers hold fairly steady, while the statewide community transmission rate or CRT rises to Substantial range. As the first stateside Omicron case is discovered in California, now is the time to get up to speed on vaccines and boosters - the City of Austin provides walkup opportunities if you have trouble finding an appointment. Several new state laws including SB1, bringing a range of new restrictions on voting access, take effect across Texas today - while some Republican lawmakers are clamoring for a fourth special session. Several areas of Austin recently redrawn into City Council District 4 will not be eligible to vote for outgoing Council Member Greg Casar's replacement in January. Three students are asked to stay home after being involved in a gun scare Wednesday at Akins High School. Former Texas Longhorn and NFL safety Kenny Vaccaro is returning to Austin to start a new e-sports venture. Mayor Steve Adler is chosen to serve on a federal cybersecurity advisory committee. And Democratic candidate for Governor Beto O'Rourke is set to appear at Republic Square Park on Saturday evening.
