A viral photo in Jarrell that seemed to show a teacher with a student was labeled AI by the district; officials say they are investigating. Parents are urged not to share the image.

Austin opens cold weather shelters for the homeless as temperatures drop into the high 20s, with free transportation to the registration site and lodging, including for families and pets.

TransPak’s new Manor campus has exceeded the roughly 100‑worker hiring target it set after opening in early 2025, local reporting shows. The 300,000‑sf facility is tied to semiconductor supply‑chain work.

A Georgetown teen was charged with firing a gun at a residence in Round Rock. No injuries were reported, but property was damaged. He was arrested and the case is still under investigation.

A new Joanne Land Playground is under construction at Old Settlers Park. The custom, twice‑larger playscape is funded by the 2023 bond and due to open this spring.

Rapid enrollment and years of budget cuts have left Liberty Hill ISD crowded; a recent tax vote will add funds, but parents and staff say pressure remains.

State records show Layne’s Chicken Fingers filed to open a 2,968‑sq‑ft West Campus spot at 701 W 24th, with construction slated Feb. 2–Apr. 30. The location joins a crowded student food scene.

Round Rock announces city office closures and events to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day, including online services for closed offices, recreational options, and the 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Walk.

Buda updated city rules to make regular live music easier for downtown venues, adding a music‑venue permit, noise limits and a fee waiver through March 2027.

Zell Miller III launched Black Rose ATX, a nonprofit theater focused on youth programs, school partnerships and paid artist-teachers. The group aims to pair shows with in-school pilots and scholarships.

A leadership fight at the University of Austin has prompted resignations, disputed student discipline and questions about donor control as the new school grows. Here’s what happened and what to watch next.

Portland's Killer Burger has filed to open an East Village location on East Parmer Lane, with construction set for February and a summer opening targeted.

Texas Governor Abbott has announced a $15.2 million investment from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund to Tekscend Photomask for photomask production, creating 50 jobs in Round Rock.