Austin Public Health officials are optimistic that we could see a reduction in our pandemic precaution levels soon, from Stage 5 to Stage 4 - however, the decline in key indicators for staging has stalled in recent days. Local health authorities are turning their focus to promoting vaccines in neighboring counties with lower percentages than Travis. Total COVID hospitalizations across Texas have dropped below 12,000 for the first time in weeks. Ahead of Federal efforts, local employers are increasingly requiring workers to get shots. Travis County Commissioners vote to spend $110 million on homeless housing efforts, while $5 million is on the way to Austin musicians and show promoters via two programs overseen by the Austin Music Commission. As of Tuesday night about 100,000 Texans along the coast were without power due to Hurricane Nicholas. A group in San Marcos looks to eliminate marijuana possession penalties in their city. Austin FC's support band raises money for an injured member, and also manages to raise even more for local music education efforts. Asleep At The Wheel promises a "very special guest" for their 50th anniversary show on October 15th. Bastrop makes a national ranking for small towns with amazing fall colors, while Austin ranks high on a list of cities with amazing happy hour culture. And, UT will light the Tower orange tonight in honor of its 138th birthday.
