Almost a year after their COVID battles, April and Kyle Abernathy talk about the illness, fight back, life today. In Georgia, February on pace to beat deadly January. Rain, cold and snow? Watching the overnight forecast. Business updates.

Today's first headlines:

• April and Kyle Abernathy, among the region's first COVID victims, talk about their fight to recover, lingering effects and life today. 'We are just thankful to be here.'
• State death toll in February already ahead of record January pace. NW Georgia to top 30,000 total cases by Tuesday. 
• Ware Mechanical Weather Center:  Rain and cold today, a little snow possible early Tuesday. High of 49 today, 41 on Tuesday.  
• Business: No downturn in downtown Rome last year. River District adds Rome Coins shop.

Also today:

• Obituaries: No updates from Sunday.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by thestoragehound.com. Updates on arrests.

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Truett's Chick-Fil-A Sports Report:

• Unity Christian opens state basketball playoffs this week.
• Berry Vikings (1-0) host Rhodes in spring football at 2 p.m. Saturday.
• Shorter Hawks continue drills; open Feb. 28.
• Berry's Collin McHugh signs with Tampa Bay Braves.
• Braves' pitchers, catchers report Thursday.
• Spring sports registration under way with Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation.
• Commit 2 Fit Leprechaun-a-thon 5K and Health Walk returns March 20.