COVID numbers continue in upper Stage 2 range (city remains officially at Stage 3) while vaccinations for kids under 12 begin. The first report on real-world vaccine efficacy by an agency of the state of Texas finds huge disparity in outcomes between vaccinated and unvaccinated people, the latter of whom are proven to be at much greater risk of death from the virus. A city auditor report finds that Austin was woefully unprepared for last year's winter freeze, and makes recommendations for improvement. A special election to fill the District 4 Austin City Council seat soon to be vacated by Greg Casar could come in late January. Famed attorney Thomas J. Henry has filed a lawsuit against Travis Scott and others involved in the deadly concert mishap in Houston last weekend. APD has uncovered a trove of stolen bikes, power tools and more, and are seeking the rightful owners. Torchy's Tacos CEO G.J. Hart steps down, founder Mike Rypka will fill in for now. Buzz Mill Coffee opens a second location in East Austin. College Station's Layne's Chicken Fingers is eyeballing an Austin debut early next year. Bird's Barbershop has launched a major hiring initiative including signing and referral bonuses. UT announces a Gold Award for its services to military veterans and families. And filmmaker Wes Anderson has West Anderson Lane rechristened - temporarily - in his honor.
