A decline in our local COVID new hospitalization numbers hits six days, with UT's COVID-19 modeling consortium predicts hospital overload to begin to drop by mid-February and local health officials advising continued vigilance. Attorney Jose "Chito" Vela wins yesterday's special election outright and becomes the newest Member of the Austin City Council - which is set for a public hearing Thursday in regard to the potential return of the Austin Opera House to the Travis Heights neighborhood. The fire at Texas French Bread on Monday night has destroyed the building, which marks a major historical and cultural loss for the city. Pflugerville ISD considers penalties for teachers who abandon their contracts. Austin is ranked the #8 city in North America (and tops in Texas) for film-friendliness, and the Austin Film Commission releases a new Austin Film Tourism Guide. SXSW '22 is seven weeks away, but questions remain about what it will actually look like. The iHeart Country Festival announces its return on March 7 at the new Moody Center with Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band and more. And a gradual warming trend should bring a sunny and warm weekend.
