The Texas Department of Family & Protective Services is reviewing minimum standards for childcare licensing. Part of the process involves inviting the public to join in stakeholder meetings throughout the state. The Austin meetings will take place on Nov. 5 at...

Inspired by a naturally occurring material found in marine mussels, researchers at UT Austin have created a new flame retardant to replace commercial additives that are often toxic and can accumulate over time in the environment and living animals, including humans....

Seton Healthcare discussed a new study that finds more small children—particularly toddlers—are severely injured after they are attracted by what they see on the screens of larger televisions and reach for them, accidentally toppling them. “I’ve seen deaths related to...

The Junior League of Austin is registering volunteers and collecting coats in advance of its annual Coats for Kids distribution day on Dec. 12. Volunteers can register now through Dec. 11. Coat collection will begin Nov. 16. The club especially needs volunteers who...

Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) will hold a walk on Nov. 7 in its mission to improve the quality of life and the health of individuals with food allergies. The walk will take place at Camp Mabry from 9 a.m. to noon. Olympic gold medalist Mitch Gaylord is...

At press time, the Hidden Pines Fire in Bastrop County that started Oct. 14 had burned over 4,500 acres and destroyed at least 50 homes. If you would like to help with recovery efforts, volunteer organizations in the area are requesting monetary donations. (There is...

In conjunction with National School Bus Safety Week (Oct. 19-23), the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds drivers that it is illegal to pass any school bus that is stopped and operating a visual signal – either flashing red lights or a stop sign. During...

Many of us take holiday meals for granted, but families who are struggling to make ends meet often have to pass up special occasions. Our area food banks are currently accepting monetary donations and donations of nonperishable items, including boxed, canned and...

Oak Hill Elementary School has received the National PTA School of Excellence award, an honor given to 170 schools across the country out of some 20,000 school PTAs nationwide. The award is for achievement in building a strong partnership between families and the...

For the 15th year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area (BGCAA) hosted their annual Day for Kids event in September. Club kids and their families from across Austin enjoyed an afternoon of fun and games. The day's activities included outdoor games such...

The second year of the largest school-based flu immunization campaign in Texas is about to begin. During the "Teach Flu a Lesson" campaign, vaccinations will be offered at no charge to students and their families in 136 schools in nine school districts across Central...

Almost five months after Shoal Creek flooded its building at 10th St. and Lamar Blvd. over the Memorial Day weekend, Goodwill re-opened the location as a store specializing in home goods and décor. The store sells new mattresses, new linens, new and gently used...