COVID hospitalization numbers continue dropping locally, while virus-related deaths statewide continue to climb. That much-hyped Arctic front arrives today, as state officials including Governor Greg Abbott begin backtracking on guarantees of no power interruptions due to cold weather. Local grocery and hardware stores are seeing demand spikes as Austinites prepare for the cold snap - Dallas schools have been cancelled, but thus far Austin schools have not. The Travis County Clerk's office is seeking hundreds of new poll workers for the March primary election, paying between 15 and 17 dollars per hour. Outgoing Austin City Council Member Greg Casar introduces two city measures designed to protect the rights of local renters. Austin ranks high in new national surveys of commercial real estate markets - and in the most dramatic increases in living costs. In advance of Valentine's Day, Eater.com has ranked Austin's Most Romantic Restaurants. Dave Matthews Band and Kenny Chesney announce upcoming Austin concerts. Touropia.com presents the 17 Best Things To Do In Austin, a slightly obvious but interesting rundown of Austin's best known tourist attractions. Texas men's basketball drops one to Texas Tech amidst a tense return to Lubbock by new Texas (and newly-former Texas Tech) Head Coach Chris Beard. And tune in for all we know about the timeline of the next few days' weather - stay warm y'all.
