Hidilao could bring its Chinese hot pot experience to a new location at Domain Northside, per a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing.

The details: A representative for the business did not immediately respond with additional details, but the filing states construction could begin in March.

The restaurant is known for offering a variety of sliced meats, seafood, vegetables, noodles and dumplings, which are cooked tableside in a choice of broth. Other menu items include snacks such as Chinese fried dough sticks, rice cakes and deep-fried crispy pork.

• 11824 Rock Rose Ave., Ste. 160, Austin

City Council's multiple committee assignments for 2026 were set this month, setting up closer review of a variety of priority topics and policy for the year ahead.

Austin council members currently have eight committees they use to consider topics like housing, public safety and the environment. Typical committee sessions can feature briefings from city staff, initial vetting of new policy proposals and public testimony.

Council's new committee assignments were set after brief discussion Jan. 21, and can still be adjusted throughout the year. Additionally, some officials are now working to revive a ninth body focused on regional affordability, with representation from both Austin leaders and officials from counties, school districts, and health and transit agencies.

From residential to retail, check out some of the most expensive permits filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Austin metro this week.

Donley Mixed Use: Construction of a mixed-use retail and residential development is slated to break ground in North Austin. A seven-story parking structure will be attached to the building.

• Location: 2101-2201 Donley Drive, Austin
• Estimated timeline: March 1-June 1
• Estimated cost: $70 million

• Location: 2300 E Second St., Austin
• Estimated timeline: April 1-Dec. 31, 2027
• Estimated cost: $16.3 million

The Austin Blues Festival will return to Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park this spring, presented by Antone's Nightclub and Waterloo Greenway Conservancy.

The two-day festival celebrates music and culture and started in 1999. This year is the festival’s fourth edition and will celebrate Antone’s 50-year lease extension.

The details: The lineup will feature a variety of artists including:

• Parliament Funkadelic ft. George Clinton
• Jimmie Vaughan & Friends
• BADBADNOTGOOD
• Eric Johnson
• Larkin Poe
• Adrian Quesada's Boleros Psicodélicos
• The War and Treaty, Chaparelle
• Los Amigos Invisibles
• D.K. Harrell
• Annie & The Caldwells
• Huston-Tillotson Jazz Orchestra
• Second line parades from Pinettes Brass Band & New Breed Brass Band

Three Democratic candidates are running for Texas lieutenant governor—the second-in-command to the governor—in the upcoming March 3 primary election.

The overview: Vikki Goodwin, Courtney Head and Marcos Vélez are seeking the Democratic nomination for Texas lieutenant governor. The lieutenant governor leads the Texas Senate and can exercise the powers of the governor if the governor dies, resigns, is removed from office or is absent from the state, according to the Texas State Historical Association.

Stay tuned: If no candidate receives more than 50% of the votes in the Democratic primary, a runoff election will be held between the two top vote-getters May 26.

The winning Democratic candidate will face the winner of the Republican nomination in November, and the winner of that election will be sworn in for a four-year term in January 2027.

Four Republican candidates are running for Texas lieutenant governor—the second-in-command to the governor—in the upcoming March 3 primary election.

The big picture: Republican incumbent Dan Patrick is seeking a fourth term in the lieutenant governor's office. The lieutenant governor leads the Texas Senate and can exercise the powers of the governor if the governor dies, resigns, is removed from office or is absent from the state, according to the Texas State Historical Association.

Patrick is challenged by three Republican candidates: Timothy Mabry, Perla Muñoz Hopkins and Esala Wueschner. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the votes in the Republican primary, a runoff election will be held between the two top vote-getters May 26.

Stay tuned: The winning Republican candidate will face the winner of the Democratic nomination in November. The winner of that election will be sworn in for a four-year term in January 2027.