Local COVID-related hospitalization numbers have climbed well into Stage 5 range as of last weekend - the City is mulling what an official Stage 5 declaration might look like. ICU beds are rare, non-COVID patients are having trouble getting admitted, and a new and troubling trend emerges: severe cases among unvaccinated pregnant women. A City commission recommends that APD halt citing or arresting violators of our recently-reimposed camping ban, just as the final and most strict phase is set to begin on Sunday. A State Senate committee on UT's impending departure from the Big 12 includes questions as to whether Texas violated the conference's bylaws by making plans in secret with the SEC. Trudy's North Star location reopens, Bastrop's Ma'Coco brings southern California and Baja style Mexican fare to east Austin, and the old Favorite Liquors store on West 6th becomes the New York Mets-styled Favorite Pizza. Austin FC spearheads a soccer equipment drive for Austin's underserved young athletes. And unusually wet and cool weather looks to continue a couple more days.
