The first U.S. measles death since 2015 has occurred in rural West Texas, where an unvaccinated school-aged child succumbed to the disease amid a significant outbreak.
State officials reported the death, which happened Tuesday night, highlighting the tragic consequences of a preventable illness.
The outbreak, the largest in Texas in nearly 30 years, has resulted in 124 cases across nine counties since it began last month.
With measles cases growing in Texas and now with the first reported death in the state from the outbreak, local grocery pharmacies are offering MMR vaccines to the public. (Austin American-Statesman)
A doctor has accused Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, of downplaying a measles outbreak in Texas by saying outbreaks are “not unusual” in the United States. (Newsweek via MSN)
A confirmed case of measles has been reported in Rockwall County where an individual contracted measles while overseas and became sick when they returned home.
Credible health officials are strongly urging vaccination.
A doctor’s prescription is required for children 13 and under. However, those 14 years and older can receive the vaccine without a prescription
When do measles patients require hospitalization? (KXAN-TV)
The Texas Lottery director said the group that won a $95 million jackpot in 2023 likely was behind a more recent effort win Lotto again. Lottery Executive Director Ryan Mindell told two state legislative panels his agency got wind of those plans in December and took steps to thwart the bulk purchase before it was made.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation.
Superintendent Paul Norton has voluntarily resigned from his position at Lake Travis ISD following an investigation into a December complaint. (Austin American-Statesman)
An interim superintendent has been named:
A former Eanes ISD teacher was arrested for online crimes against children, the school district said. (Fox7 Austin)
Two people were injured in a shooting in Northwest Austin early Wednesday morning.
A multiple-vehicle collision was reported Wednesday afternoon in the area of S Hwy 183 and Laws Rd. in Mustang Ridge, according to Mustang Ridge police.
Several injuries were reported.
Austin police offered more details on a shooting at an Austin park on Sunday and are looking for suspects.
Police are also seeking a suspect in an aggravated robbery case from back in December.
A man has been arrested following a 2024 shooting in northeast Austin.
Years of legal battles, a decisive citywide vote and extensive public debate over Austin Police Department oversight face potential reversal by a bill moving through the Texas Legislature. Senate Bill 781 threatens to undo the Austin Police Oversight Act, passed overwhelmingly in 2023, which granted public access to police discipline records. (KUT 90.5)
While Austin City Council is set to discuss significant changes to short-term rental regulations today, the implementation of most of those changes is expected to be delayed until summer. This delay, proposed by Mayor Kirk Watson during Tuesday’s work session, is contingent on the outcome of short-term rental bills currently before the state Legislature. (Austin Monitor)
U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett is speaking out against recent federal layoffs initiated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency created under the Trump administration. He argues that these cost-cutting measures have led to job losses that may pose risks to safety and stability, particularly at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
600 IRS employees in Texas will be laid off in the latest round of Elon Musk and Trump’s DOGE firings. (Austin American-Statesman)
A local veteran lost his job at the Austin IRS office. (KXAN-TV)
A rally advocating for legislation to limit phone usage on roadways took place at the Texas Capitol on Wednesday.
The owners of Shield Ranch — a 6,600-acre swath spanning Travis and Hays counties — have made a deal with the city of Austin to preserve a portion of it. (Austin Business Journal)
Three airlines: Frontier Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines are expanding their service from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport with seventeen new routes and destinations this spring.
It’s a busy time for Austin’s airport.
More than five acres burned Wednesday in a brush fire in Blanco County.
PODCAST: The latest episode of Tribcast by the Texas Tribune looks back on the one-year anniversary of the Panhandle wildfires and how prepared Texas is for various natural disasters.
WEATHER
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
The first total lunar eclipse since 2022 happens next month.
Thousands of Texas teachers could receive a pay raise under a proposed school funding bill.
The Texas Legislature is proposing $400 million in cuts to higher education as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick threatens university budgets over DEI initiatives. (Texas Tribune)
A narrow majority of the Texas House signed on in support of the chamber’s school voucher bill on Wednesday, signaling that Gov. Greg Abbott’s top priority is on track to clear the lower chamber.
A 27-year-old Missouri man was arrested and accused of sending threatening emails to Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller earlier this month. (KXAN-TV)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in Texas have intercepted at least 90 people and issued 16 civil penalties this year for attempting to smuggle eggs from Mexico, resulting in nearly $4,000 in fines. (Austin American-Statesman)
Amtrak’s Texas Eagle route from San Antonio to Chicago is bringing back its observation car. (Houston Chronicle)
A San Antonio police officer has been suspended for ten days after threatening to shoot a fellow officer while off duty.
Allegations of inappropriate behavior with minors, dating back ten years to their time at a Dallas-area church, have led to the dismissal of two pastors. This incident adds to a growing list of scandals involving North Texas pastors, who have faced accusations ranging from ethical breaches to criminal offenses. (My San Antonio)
Authorities are seeking assistance in locating Marcus Jackson, a 61-year-old resident of Port Arthur, who is wanted for a parole violation related to a sexual assault of the elderly.
Jackson is a registered sex offender, according to the Port Arthur Police Department.
A Harris County man who faces charges of capital murder and tampering with evidence related to the July 2024 killing of a Harris County deputy was released on bond, sparking outrage.
SPORTS
COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Guard Tre Johnson set The University of Texas freshman single-game scoring record with 39 points, but the Longhorns dropped a hard-fought 86-81 overtime decision at Arkansas on Wednesday night. (Texas Longhorns)
Texas is now 16-12 overall and 5-10 in the SEC.
The top-ranked women of Texas are in Starkville tonight to face Mississippi State at 6:30 p.m. (Texas Longhorns)
NBA: Amen Thompson had 25 points and eight rebounds, Jalen Green added 21 points and seven rebounds and the Houston Rockets beat the San Antonio Spurs 118-106 on Wednesday night. (Yahoo! Sports)
The Spurs and Rockets are idle tonight while the Dallas Mavericks host Charlotte at 7:30 p.m. (Yahoo! Sports)
NASCAR: A preview of this weekend’s NASCAR races at COTA.
As Black History Month comes to a close, we take a look at the rise of Austin’s Black History Bike Ride.
