As local new COVID hospitalization numbers continue in upper Stage 2 range, national new case rates are rising, leading to confidence that a winter surge is on the way. A group of Hays CISD parents speaks up in opposition to vaccine clinics being hosted by Hays schools. Austin EMS drops a disqualifier for applicants who have used marijuana in states where it is legal - and we need those medics, as we've hit a new record for annual traffic-related deaths. Travis County DA Jose Garza announced new efforts to combat local gun violence - just as another shooting happens on Sixth Street - inside the bar The Lodge. City leaders are considering upping Austin's relatively low standards on petition-driven ballot initiatives. Austin ranks high on a list of remote-work cities. Tiff's Treats surpasses $500 million in value as their expansion efforts continue across several states. Lotteries are announced for $10 tickets to the Austin run of Hamilton. And get ready - a strong cold front is inbound and will drop our temps by about 20 degrees for Thursday.
