Isaac Y. Thornwell - News of Austin

Isaac Thornwell covers transportation and urban mobility for News of Austin, reporting on how infrastructure and planning decisions shape the city’s growth. A Texas A&M urban planning graduate, he’s known for translating complex transit data and policy into clear, impactful stories for Austin residents.

Freida Parton sits at Dollywood on a bench with a note asking for prayers and glow while Dolly Parton walks in the background

Entertainment News Local News

Freida Parton’s Prayer Request Spurs Dolly’s Reply

Isaac Y. Thornwell January 5, 2026

At a Glance Freida Parton asked fans to pray for Dolly in October. Dolly responded with a playful reassurance that she's fine. The sisters share a...

Lawmakers debating at table with DOJ Epstein Files papers and Obamacare Subsidy Extension

Government News Political News

House Battles Epstein Files, Obamacare, and Funding Deadline in January

Isaac Y. Thornwell January 5, 2026

At a Glance DOJ's rolling release of Epstein files sparks congressional backlash. House to decide on a 3-year Obamacare subsidy extension. A Jan. 30...

Marco Rubio standing before American flag backdrop with Venezuelan flag on his shoulder and Caracas in the background.

Political News World News

Rubio Says U.S. Won’t Run Venezuela After Trump’s Claim

Isaac Y. Thornwell January 5, 2026

At a Glance Marco Rubio says the U.S. will not take day-to-day control of Venezuela. Donald Trump previously claimed the U.S. would run Venezuela...

Raiders celebrating their No.1 pick with confetti and a glowing LED scoreboard showing 34-17 at Allegiant Stadium

NFL Sports News

Raiders Secure First Draft Pick After Giants’ Win

Isaac Y. Thornwell January 5, 2026

At a Glance Raiders secure the first overall pick after the Giants' 34-17 win over the Cowboys. The Giants finished 4-13, giving the Raiders the...

Medical aid worker tending wounded person with Ukrainian drone hovering above damaged farmhouse and Russian border fence

Political News World News

Ukrainian Drone Strikes Kill Two in Russian Border Regions

Isaac Y. Thornwell January 5, 2026

At a Glance Ukrainian drones killed two people in Russia's Belgorod and Kursk regions. Three people were wounded in Ukraine's Kharkiv region. The...

Breaking News Political News

U.S. Airlines Cancel Caribbean Flights After FAA Airspace Closures

Isaac Y. Thornwell January 5, 2026

At a Glance Major U.S. airlines cancel dozens of Caribbean flights after FAA airspace closures. Flights to Puerto Rico, Aruba, Dominican Republic,...

Crowd gathers at protest rally near embassy with banner reading Democracy Now! and confetti floating and flags

Political News World News

U.S. Seizes Maduro, Latin America Condemns Operation

Isaac Y. Thornwell January 5, 2026

At a Glance U.S. operation that seized Venezuelan President Maduro sparks backlash, with Latin American leaders condemning the move. Opposition...

Nicolás Maduro looking back at camera with police motorcade fading into distance near Brooklyn detention center entrance

Political News World News

Maduro Captured at NYC Jail Known for High-Profile Inmates

Isaac Y. Thornwell January 5, 2026

At a Glance Maduro was taken to Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) Brooklyn after a police motorcade arrived on Saturday night. The jail, opened in...

Figure in tactical gear bows hallway with Capitol logos and graffiti reading Justice for the Fallen.

Feature Story Political News

Trump Pardons 1,500 Jan. 6 Convicts; Officers Speak Out

Isaac Y. Thornwell January 5, 2026

At a Glance Trump pardoned about 1,500 Jan. 6 convicts on his second inauguration. Former Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell says the pardons erase...

Passengers clinging to a partially submerged boat with life jackets and distressed faces near the Yobe River in Nigeria.

Breaking News Local News

Yobe River Boat Capsizes, 25 Dead, 14 Missing

Isaac Y. Thornwell January 5, 2026

At a Glance 25 people dead after a passenger boat capsized on Nigeria's Yobe River. 14 passengers missing; 13 rescued. Search and rescue operations...