COVID numbers are skyward since the beginning of the holiday break - Austin has returned to Stage 4 precautions, testing remains difficult to find, and the State is pleading with the Biden Administration for help, all while Austin ISD plans to resume in-person classes on Wednesday. That sore throat or sniffle has you thinking Omicron, but it's just as likely due to cedar pollen. The Austin Monitor continues its series on City and County leaders. Free Week returns to the Red River Cultural District this week, Thursday through Sunday. Texas adds 36 deaths to its final toll from Winter Storm Uri, while the current cold snap looks to warm up over the middle of this week.
