Our community transmission rate or CTR sees a considerable jump into Substantial range and ahead of the statewide metric as new cases continue a 10-day acceleration. Texas' first Omicron COVID case is detected in Harris County - concerns over the new variant depress jet fuel demand and result in a recent gasoline price drop. Austin is on trend to set a new annual record for car vs pedestrian accidents. The U.S. Department Of Justice sues Texas, saying our new electoral maps are racially discriminatory - this could delay March's primary election. Austin's startup successes are lauded in the 2021 Inno Fire Awards. Olivia Rodrigo and John Mulaney announce Austin dates in 2022. Eater Austin publishes a new list of Austin's "essential" BBQ joints, while P. Terrys and co-owned Taco Ranch plan to donate all of Saturday's profits to the Austin American-Statesman's Season of Caring fundraiser. Today is the 80th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg has made its remembrance program virtual and free. And a cold morning today will give way to likely record heat by Friday.
