After Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker pleaded with Gov. Greg Abbott to pause sending migrants to Chicago amid subzero temperatures, Texas halted the bus trips.

• But the buses were stopped for bad roads — not over concern for the cold weather once the migrants arrived at their destination, Texas officials said.

What they're saying: "The Texas Division of Emergency Management does not answer to the governor of Illinois, but rather to the directives of the governor of Texas during a declared disaster," Seth Christensen, a spokesperson for the agency, tells Axios.

Driving the news: Chicago city data shows no new buses brought migrants to the city over the past four days, when extreme cold created dangerous conditions across the region.

Catch up fast: Pritzker sent Abbott a letter on Friday warning that sending migrants to Chicago during the extreme weather could threaten lives.

• The Illinois governor also took out full-page ads in Texas papers, asking "for mercy."

By the numbers: Abbott last week said Texas has sent more than 100,000 migrants to sanctuary cities, including 30,800 to Chicago.

The intrigue: At a Monday news conference, Pritzker said Abbott told him he'd keep sending buses "even if it is dangerous," the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

What they're saying: A spokesperson for Abbott declined to comment on the cessation of buses over the past few days and directed Axios to the Texas Department of Emergency Management.

• Christensen said the agency works with bus contractors to ensure that they can safely travel outside of the state, adding that at times they "must pause bus travel when weather conditions make interstate travel dangerous."
• "Border bus operations will continue as long as we have passengers wanting to voluntarily travel to the destinations being offered, and as long as weather conditions allow for safe interstate travel," Christensen added.

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H-E-B's new location at Oltorf and South Congress remains on track to open later this year as the beloved Texas grocery store chain expands its Central Texas footprint.

Catch up quick: H-E-B demolished its long-standing store at that corner and opened a small, temporary store at the adjacent Twin Oaks Shopping Center.

• Construction began in 2022, and the revamped store is expected to be over 145,000 square feet with two levels for shopping, dining and live music, and three levels of above-ground parking.

What they're saying: "The ongoing work involves infrastructure and road enhancements on Congress Avenue, coupled with indoor construction efforts," a spokesperson for H-E-B tells Axios in an email, adding that the store is set to open in "late 2024."

• H-E-B officials have not disclosed an exact date for the store's opening.

Zoom out: H-E-B opened three new stores in the Austin area last year, including its first multi-level location on Lake Austin Boulevard in February.

• The grocery chain is slated to open a new store in Pflugerville this year and is renovating the Tech Ridge location in Northeast Austin.
• And Manor is expected to get a 110,000-square-foot H-E-B in a new retail center, according to development plans obtained by the Austin American-Statesman, although it could take years before the property is developed.

What's next: Expect a store similar to the Lake Austin H-E-B, with escalators, the grocer's True Texas BBQ restaurant, indoor and outdoor seating and an expanded beer and wine selection.

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Officials said at least 649 people have stayed in the city's cold weather shelters as of Tuesday morning, a new record. (KXAN)

✏️ Austin and Del Valle school districts will delay the start of today's classes by two hours due to the cold weather. (Austin American-Statesman)

🏥 Two lawyers filed a petition that asks the Texas Medical Board to clarify what qualifies as a medical exception to the state's abortion laws. (Texas Tribune)

🐎 Rodeo Austin announced its March 2024 lineup of performers, including Wynonna Judd, Tracy Byrd and Gary Allan. (KVUE)

As promised, here's yet more reader feedback on favorite strip mall eateries.

• Apparently, everyone appreciates a low-key bite.

In southwest Austin, Andre L. recommends the Mediterranean bistro Cafe Malta, by William Cannon and Brodie, for "something slightly more elevated."

• Andre also suggests the Evangeline Cafe on Brodie, "a Cajun spot with a surprisingly good burger."

Speaking of more elevated, Eric B. jokes that "for the bougiest strip mall eating experience" try Barley Swine on Burnet Road — with the added bonus of Bufalina Due being in the same strip.

Also on Burnet, Tracie K. is a fan of Nosh & Bevvy, in the same strip mall as Common Interest Karaoke and Slick Willie's pool hall.

• "N & B has great curries and fish and chips in the English pub tradition. (Plus, the mini corn dogs are a personal obsession)," Tracie writes.

Katey O. reminds us of a long-time fave: DK Sushi in South Austin.

• "So unassuming and soooo good."

Out on Howard Lane, Linda H. recommends the pad thai with chicken at KaProw. (Bonus points to KaProw for their website featuring a drone zoom-in of their strip mall.)

• "What's also great about KaProw is they even have a gluten-free menu, and Chef 'O' will work with people who have food allergies. It's a great, family owned place."