Read the latest updates from the past week of coverage in the Central Texas area.
Governor Abbott closes all Texas schools through the remainder of the semester
In a press conference April 17, Gov. Greg Abbott announced that all schools will remain closed through the end of the school year.
Georgetown ISD special education teachers face unique challenges with distance learning
In a job that already requires individualized attention and detail, Georgetown ISD special education teachers are doing their best to make accommodations for students as they continue to learn virtually.
On March 31, GISD announced schools would be closed through at least May 1, and all graded school work would begin April 6. But for students who learn differently, the change can be extra daunting for educators.
St. Edward’s University cuts six varsity athletic programs
The St. Edward’s University varsity men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s golf, men’s soccer and co-ed cheer teams will be discontinued after the spring semester as the university deals with the financial challenges caused by the coronavirus, according to an April 15 media release.
Here’s a breakdown of 4 financial relief programs aimed to save small Texas businesses
The state’s Office of the Governor hosted a webinar on April 15 highlighting four loan services available through the Small Business Association for business owners who may be financially struggling as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Williamson County commissioners consider not adding new positions as budget season approaches
Williamson County commissioners Cynthia Long and Valerie Covey said the county will likely not add any new positions fiscal year 2020-21 as the county moves forward with budget discussions for during an April 14 meeting.
Travis County institutes hiring freeze amid considerations to mitigate budget impacts from coronavirus
The Travis County Commissioners Court voted April 14 to institute a hiring freeze for most jobs under the umbrella of Travis County government in an effort to mitigate the financial hit of the coronavirus—which is projected by county staff to be at least $25.7 million in the current fiscal year.
Travis County health officials: Face masks need to become part of culture to reopen society
Wearing cloth face coverings over the nose and mouth when performing most activities away from home has evolved from a recommendation into a legal obligation under new coronavirus mitigation orders issues by Austin-Travis County officials on April 13.
Escott: Central Texas officials to provide racial, ethnic breakdown of coronavirus hospitalizations, deaths by end of week
Austin and Travis County health officials are not sharing race or ethnicity information with the public when it comes to hospitalizations and deaths, but Austin-Travis County interim Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott said he expects those statistics to be available by the end of the week.
2,000 in-home test kits raise concerns in Hays County
Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra announced during a recent Commissioners Court meeting that 2,000 in-home test kits for COVID-19 would be available for county residents, but no in-home testing kits have been approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration.
Kalahari on track for November opening in Round Rock despite coronavirus pandemic, contractors say
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is on schedule for a November opening in Round Rock despite the coronavirus pandemic, according to general contractors Hensel Phelps.
Ali Linan, Jack Flagler, Adriana Rezal, Olivia Aldridge, Christopher Neely, Warren Brown, Evelin Garcia and Taylor Jackson Buchanan contributed to this report.
