Austin Daily Drop - Wednesday January 19, 2022

The Austin Daily Drop

COVID numbers are still sky-high - a new local record for COVID hospitalizations has been set - but the Omicron wave may be beginning to stall. Local pharmacies begin receiving a new COVID treatment drug. Containment of a major wildfire near Bastrop appears to be improving, while Travis County issues a new burn ban in advance of an inbound windy cold front - which itself could test the Texas power grid. Travis County Clerk Dana Debeauvoir calls recent rejections of vote-by-mail applications "what voter suppression looks like", just as the state places limits on distribution of voter registration forms, citing supply chain issues. Local gas prices rise dramatically, with more increases likely as the weather warms. Austin may be at the forefront of electric car battery manufacturing. Austin City Council will let voters decide on marijuana legalization and a no-knock warrant ban. Austin FC announces its pre-season schedule for 2022. Texas basketball drops a heartbreaker to Kansas State - former TCU football coach Gary Patterson is spotted at the game. Austin's job market and real estate market continue an amazing boom. SXSW announces additions to its featured speakers, while ZACH Theater modifies its upcoming schedule. Hopdoddy Burger Bar acquires a Bryan-based chain to bring its location count to 50. Stony's Pizza is to open a brick and mortar location in Oak Hill. And a winter storm watch is issued for a strong Arctic cold front due to arrive overnight tonight and keep us well-chilled until midday on Friday.