The Omicron COVID spike continues spiking higher into Stage 5 range - the City seems likely to officially raise our precaution level to Stage 5 from the current Stage 4 this week. One in three local tests are coming back positive, and greater numbers of vaccinated patients are ending up in the hospital - while vaccinations are still considered solid protection from severe cases. AISD kids return to school today, while officials express confidence that the environment is safe. The University of Texas and Huston-Tillotson University announce remote teaching for the first two weeks of their spring semesters. FEMA is to open six new COVID testing sites in Texas, but none near Austin. KLBJ-FM morning man Dale Dudley leaves the station after almost 35 years. The new Moody Center has racked up over $15 million in ticket sales, months from opening their doors. Former Dallas Cowboys QB Troy Aikman is launching a new low-calorie lager beer from Austin next month. The grassroots org Mano Amiga is underway with a petition effort to decriminalize possession of marijuana use for personal use in San Marcos. The organizers of the Luck Reunion in March announce extra shows with Jason Isbell and Shakey Graves. And topsy turvy weather continues, with two cold fronts inbound by the end of this weekend.
