Austin Daily Drop - Wednesday December 1 2021

The Austin Daily Drop

Local health officials are on the lookout for Omicron COVID cases, though caution is tempered by early indications that it mostly causes only mild disease. Five people die in two separate shooting incidents in Taylor. The Railroad Commission of Texas removes an opt-out option from thousands of natural gas suppliers, requiring more of them to make winterization modifications - but not likely in time for this winter. Cedar fever season appears delayed - and possibly intensified - by unusually wet weather in October. The progressive political group Ground Game Texas will force a ballot vote seeking the decriminalization of marijuana and the outlawing of no-knock warrants in Austin. Census data indicates that, unexpectedly, housing production outpaced population increase in Austin between 2010 and 2020. Giving Tuesday: Mobile Loaves and Fishes gets over $36 million from the Dell Foundation, and Green Doors gets a share of a six-figure donation from Home Depot. The Barton Springs Bathhouse receives approval for renovations by the City's Design Commission. And Austin Monthly names its 25 Best Restaurants In Austin.