In an “era of restriction” when immigration policies of countries around the world are becoming more strict, dramatic changes can be seen in rates of return migration, according to UT sociology professor Bryan Roberts.
The Austin City Council postponed the third and final hearing on Grayco Partners’ proposed retail and residential community to be built at Lady Bird Lake until December.
The Sheffield Room bubbled Thursday afternoon with chatter in German, Polish, Finnish and English. Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst just stuck with English. Texan, to be exact.
Austin will be facing off against the cities of Leander and Granite Shoals on Nov. 18 when the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will decide whether or not to allow the discharge of wastewater into the Highland Lakes.
Holding a peace sign made of multihued feathers in one hand and a handmade sign that read “Corporate Corruption Opposes Our Public Option” in the other, Julian Ward stood outside Sen. John Cornyn’s office at noon Wednesday.
Texas honors loyal truck drivers’ service to Americans nationwide
While most UT students pay less than $30,000 in tuition, fees and room and board, 58 private universities now set students back at least $50,000 per year.
The Texas General Land Office celebrated Stephen Fuller Austin’s 216th birthday Tuesday. He is known by many as the “Father of Texas” for leading the colonization of the state when it remained under Mexican control during the 1820s and ‘30s.
AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Rick Perry bashed Washington-style health care fixes Monday, but he wouldn’t rule out taking federal incentives to insure more people if Congress offers them.
Community members support initiative which aims to reduce pollution
Austin CarShare celebrated their third anniversary with a fundraiser Monday night on Sixth Street at El Sol y La Luna restaurant. The group reviewed their achievements and encouraged growth in the alternative transportation sector.
Honks from cars and chants from people with Environment Texas and other organizations rang out in front of the state Capitol on Monday morning.
New U.S. Department of Education regulations may affect a university's approach to illegal file sharing, but UT students will not notice any changes to the University's already comprehensive policy.
Construction on underground utilities on East Cesar Chavez Street near Trinity Street began on Sunday for additional development of the Four Seasons Hotel. There will be temporary lane closures, with traffic allowed on the inner lanes.
Olympic swimmer and Texas Ex Garrett Weber-Gale was the keynote speaker at a dinner Thursday night to recognize the Lee Bagan Endowment, a fund for economically disadvantaged students facing cognitive disabilities.
Smiles, colorful bicycles and costumes were some of the many things surrounding the "Roll Beyond Coal" rally in front of City Hall on Saturday afternoon.
Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell gave his State of Downtown Address during the Downtown Austin Alliance’s annual luncheon Wednesday with a focus on redevelopment for economic growth.
Increased competition among insurance companies has caused a drop in Texas insurance rates, according to a recent study.
Small businesses, stable housing market uphold economy in recession
According to a new ranking from BusinessWeek, Austin is currently the second strongest metropolitan economy in the nation, receiving praise for its low unemployment rate and stable housing market.
Student activist groups display scenes of cruelty, violence to raise support
Students walking along Speedway this week may be surprised to see shocking images of human and animal cruelty, which are part of a four-day campaign by peta2 and Students Against Cruelty to Animals.
An Austin business has joined a campaign to make the White House a fair trade household.
For many audience members, hearing a Holocaust survivor’s story for the first time resulted in painful tears, full-body trembles and uncomfortable cringes at revolting mental images.
Manufacturers and power plants dumped 13 million pounds of toxins into Texas waterways in 2007, according to a new report from a state environmental advocacy organization.
Austin's Animal Advisory Commission has found the Town Lake Animal Center in violation of the Texas Health and Safety Code by confining healthy animals with sick, injured or diseased animals.
Kids dressed in a variety of colorful costumes arrived at the George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center with caretakers in tow and a mission on their minds: to carve the best pumpkin just in time for Halloween.
Hundreds of signs adorned with crossed out nooses and photos of executed men were held by protestors on the steps of the state Capitol on Saturday as they called for the exoneration of executed Texas man Cameron Todd Willingham.
Oil companies charging more to compensate for shut-down refineries
The price of gasoline in Texas spiked 14 cents last week, according to studies conducted by AAA Texas.
Mayor Lee Leffingwell promoted Project Energize, a proposed city initiative that would provide households with low-interest financing options for energy-efficiency modifications, on Tuesday.
Proposal would follow energy upgrade rebate program, recent state law
Austin homeowners might soon have a new way to pay for energy-efficient solar panel installations if City Council approves a plan for a residential loan program on Thursday.
A new $2 scratch-off lottery ticket, Veterans Cash, emblazoned with the head of an eagle, will provide funding to meet the immediate needs of veterans and their families in Texas.
Only a few remained in the stands as activists and concerned citizens representing uninsured Americans and fallen soldiers lay on the ground outside Austin City Hall on Saturday afternoon at the "Healthcare NOT Warfare" rally.
The employees of Austin's small businesses are at risk under the current health care system, according to a recent study.
Activist group hosts event to raise support for drug's legalization
The pungent aroma of burning marijuana filled the air above Momo's outside patio Saturday night as patrons expressed their support for marijuana legalization.
Institute receives grant to train college students, raise youth participation
A new program hopes to increase the number of college students involved in the election process with the help of a $53,000 grant.
Days before attack, slain Tyler teacher worried about student
Blood and sweat had to be spilled.
Mayor presents awards for fine arts, Council designates special events
A variety of recognitions were given to citizens at the City Council meeting on Thursday evening — including proclamations designating special events for Austin and certificates of appreciation.
During early-morning hours usually reserved for all-night study sessions and downtown pub crawling, more than 120 apartment residents stood outside, looking through flashing red and yellow lights as firefighters rushed into the building.
A man put to death in 2004 for killing his three children was “a monster,” and suggestions that he may have been innocent are anti-death penalty propaganda, Gov. Rick Perry said Wednesday.
After more than 60 cars were illegally towed during last year’s Texas-OU game, the City of Dallas is making increased efforts to prevent wrongful towing near the State Fair grounds.
The Free Hugs Campaign, a social movement that promotes giving free hugs to strangers in public places, made its way to Austin’s Paul Mitchell Beauty School on Wednesday.
Construction workers, lawyers, family and friends packed into the house they built for Tamika Nobles and her family at a dedication ceremony Wednesday.
When the state shut down Johnston High School in the summer of 2008, nobody thought about throwing a pep rally.
Study says many students claim better cleanliness
With Halloween a few weeks away, the University Health Services Web site has a costume idea for coughing and sneezing students.
Texas has 17 active coal plants and 12 in various stages of permit application and construction — more than any other state in the nation, according to the Sierra Club.
Austinites got the chance to grab a pen and mark up documents and plans Saturday morning at the town hall meeting for the Downtown Austin Plan.
The Austin Convention Center hosted the third annual World of Warcraft Trading Card Game and Minis World Championship this weekend, unleashing some interesting characters on the city.
Area organizations stress need for understanding, early detection in women
About 900 women have been diagnosed with breast cancer this year in Travis and surrounding counties, and 159 of them will lose the battle, according to the Austin affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.
The significant drop in juveniles committed to Texas Youth Commission facilities since 2000 can be attributed to increased screening for mental health issues before they enter the criminal justice system, said members of a panel on youth justice issues Thursday.
A mere four years ago, only the coolest kids had Facebook accounts. Then came the less cool kids, middle-school kids, uncool kids and finally, their parents. Now, corporations can be added to that list.
Students from across the city met at the steps of City Hall to show their support for clean, renewable energy in Austin.
College student organizations across the nation led a campaign this week to convince their senators to support a bill that proposes larger Pell grants.
Hundreds of correspondences between a literary bibliographer and various American writers wait to be inspected before being displayed at the Harry Ransom Center as part of a new donation.
Finding a way to close the carbon cycle and replicate the process of photosynthesis would be like finding the holy grail for Ray Orbach, the new director of UT’s Energy Institute.
At a total of $240,737,419, the Austin Police Department budget took effect late last week.
After supporting Gov. Rick Perry in both the 2002 and 2006 elections, the largest grassroots organization in Texas announced its endorsement Monday of Perry’s new opponent in the race for governor, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.
City agency cracks down on local realtors’ signs in right-of-way areas
A local city department has been cracking down on signs stuck in city property, confiscating more than 2,000 of them in the past two weeks and issuing two citations.
Ruling cause for debate among lawyers, Young Conservatives of Texas
Dallas judge Tena Callahan is causing a stir after granting a legal divorce to a gay couple married in another state Thursday.
Colorful scarves decorated the trees of UT’s South Mall and Northern Indian music blasted from the speakers Friday night as students mingled and danced to traditional Indian songs.
As more college students rely on social media and technology, some people might assert that the youth generation is shifting toward anti-social behavior. But a UT researcher disagrees.
The Austin Water Utility announced Friday that Stage 2 Mandatory Watering Restrictions will remain in place for customers due to the severe drought in Central Texas, meaning Austin residents will continue to see restrictions on activities like watering lawns and washing cars.
The Texas Forensic Science Commission has yet to set a new date to review the findings of a report released last month by arson expert Craig Beyler investigating the science used to convict Corsicana resident Cameron Todd Willingham of arson. The commission was set to review the report and interview Beyler about his findings last Friday, but Texas Gov.
Complaints mount at Texas prepaid electric firms; FBI probes disruption of Perry’s site
It has been 15 years since marketing strategist Ian Wolfman has set foot on the UT campus. After watching the marketing and advertising landscape change globally, the former student returned Wednesday to discuss how digital media has transformed the marketing industry.
“A lot of times, people get into government not knowing how to achieve goals. What’s great about [Johnson] is that he’s goal-oriented,” Mize said. “He gave us real-world examples [of] achiev[ing] our ‘preferred outcomes.’”
On Friday afternoon in the Miriam Lutcher Stark Library, University President William Powers Jr. committed to increasing purchases made from African-American-owned businesses.
Alternate energy source will be the largest of its kind in city of Austin
Austin Energy will begin installing the city’s largest solar rooftop on Austin Water Utility’s Glen Bell Service Center Nov. 1 after City Council approved the construction contract Thursday.
City of Austin officials gathered Saturday for an open-house event at the city’s Combined Transportation, Emergency and Communications Center to emphasize emergency preparation for Austin citizens.
Health policy experts spent an afternoon discussing plans for health and human services legislation from 2009’s 81st Texas Legislature on Friday.
The Bureau of Economic Geology, part of UT’s Jackson School of Geosciences, recently received $6 million to research potential offshore carbon storage sites along the Gulf of Mexico.
TABC cracks down on sale of alcohol to minors in Lubbock; Report: Not all prints go through Texas database
Undergraduate students may be able to lead University courses as early as next spring after the Senate of College Councils passed a resolution Thursday evening.
Record-breaking use of public transit in 2008 caused Texans to save 115 million gallons of gasoline, equal to the amount consumed by 200,600 cars in one year.
Federal analysis report indicates that city ranks well with competition
While Austin’s tourism economy is not invincible, it is maintaining stability compared to the rest of the country.
The Longhorns Express, a Capital Metro shuttle service, will bus fans to the football stadium from two locations starting with this Saturday’s game against UT El Paso.
Plans for cap-and-trade include alternative fuel, more renewable energy
Austin Energy presented the latest work of a citizen panel on planning clean power generation at City Hall on Wednesday evening.
From inside an almost 7-foot-tall, motorized green robot, 11-year-old Katie Gillespey tests out the latest toy from Games2U Entertainment as she zips across the company’s headquarters, shooting laser lights and fog as she moves.
Austin law enforcement officials shared tips with local building owners and managers on how to prepare for and deal with a wide range of emergencies Tuesday at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus.
The housing market in Austin took a hit in August, according to a recent report by the Austin Board of Realtors.
Capital Metro riders made impassioned pleas to reconsider the allocation of federal stimulus funds and not increase fares during the public hearing Monday night after agency officials discussed their 2010 budget.
Commissioner utilizes Austin's online resources as model for education
A recent high school graduate who made use of a Hispanic achievement program that helps Spanish-speaking students transition to American schools explained from the Valley via videolink how the program helped her succeed academically.
Austin residents showed off some truly absurd rides Friday.
Company will use new funds for improvements in bus routes, services
Capital Metro users may see improvements in the coming months sparked by a $2 million appropriation approved by the U.S. Senate last week.
Officials try to quicken pace of long-awaited MetroRai
Under the words “God Bless Texas,” party-goers gathered at The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum on Thursday night to celebrate Texas history and the people who made it.
The Texas A&M Institute for Genomic Medicine has created a special grant program to provide University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston researchers with necessary materials to continue programs disrupted by Hurricane Ike.
Two opposing panels made presentations regarding the proposed water treatment plant in Northwest Austin before City Attorney David Smith, City Councilman Chris Riley, Mayor Lee Leffingwell and other City Council members at a public forum Thursday night at the Palmer Events Center.
Spiros nightclub shooting trial date delayed for a month; Travis temporarily lifts burn ban in light of the recent rainfall
City Council will host a public debate with local environmental leaders on the proposed new water treatment plant this evening.
Facebook and Twitter may reveal more about you than your resume
Recent college graduates may want to consider eliminating evidence of their college “recreational” activities, as resumes are no longer the only thing employers pay attention to.
The Austin Community College District celebrated Diez y Seis at the Riverside Campus on Wednesday.
Trigg Lawler left HEB with more than just groceries Wednesday afternoon – he received a free blood sugar test at the fourth annual “Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day.”
The deaths of three construction workers in West Campus this summer drew a flood of federal inspectors to the state. As a result, the U.S. Hispanic Contractors Association will host a training event in health and safety for construction workers on Sept. 26.
Additional 15 minutes intended to increase MetroAccess efficiency
Austin resident Kathryn Rutledge uses MetroAccess, Capital Metro’s transportation service for people with disabilities, as many as 20 times a week to get from her home to Highland Mall.
Mars, Earth’s arid red neighbor, may have had a more active past than previously believed.
Everyone has heard the catchy songs from “West Side Story.” The lyrics from “The Sound of Music” roll right off the tongue. Even the tunes of “High School Musical” ring familiar.
The Center for Border Security and Defense System Research at the University of Texas at El Paso may receive $2 million from the federal government to develop more efficient video monitoring and radar equipment.
Intermittent patches of bubbles broke the surface of Lake Travis, followed by the dark form of a scuba diver carrying a bag of trash gathered from the murky depths.
Award is evidence of excellence, service, says ACC Police Chief Waller
The Austin Community College Police Department is one of 19 state law enforcement agencies and the only community college in Texas to receive “Recognized Status” from the Texas Police Chiefs Association Foundation recognition program.
Colombian journalist Hollman Morris says serving those who are oppressed is worth the danger posed to journalists.
Nine Austin residents gathered at the Capitol on Wednesday morning to rally against the possible outcome of a Supreme Court hearing that would allow more leverage for corporations in political campaigns.
Inside the chapel at the Travis County Correctional Complex, inmates dressed in black and white uniforms met with 15 potential employers at the facility’s biannual job fair.
Students may recognize, for different reasons, both of the current candidates in the upcoming race for lieutenant governor. One of them is Marc Katz, owner of the popular Austin restaurant Katz’s Deli and Bar. The other is incumbent Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.
Cap Metro may reallocate routes based on revamped service plan
More than a week after the shallow end of Deep Eddy Pool was closed, city officials said Friday they still had no idea how or when the original water levels in the pool would be restored.
Initial responses to a survey on the qualifications desired in the next Texas A&M president show that Aggies want a leader who appreciates the university’s spirit and traditions.
The UT Brownsville campus reopened today after a weekend closure due to a shooting that took place directly across the U.S. border from the school.
City-owned utility company Austin Energy is ranked second in the nation among “intelligent utility companies,” according to a study published in the July/August issue of Intelligent Utility magazine.
People entering the AT&T Executive Education & Conference Center on the southwest corner of campus usually wear crisp business suits, but yesterday both professionals and students in flip-flops and shorts came to celebrate the first anniversary of the center’s opening.
Blanton exhibit features significant symbols of Latin cultural themes
Uruguayan artist Francisco Matto relates the past to the modern world through his use of revered cultural symbols, said Pauline Strong, associate professor of anthropology.
By 6 p.m. Thursday there were a few hundred people gathered on the roof of Trinity Garage test-riding rusty bicycles and occasionally falling off when a tire wouldn’t stay on.
Scoop the Poop initiative encourages pet owners to help clean up dog waste
All it takes is one teaspoon of dog feces in a body of water the size of an Olympic pool to make it unsafe for swimming.
Nursing school appoints interim dean Stuifbergen; Austin Triathalon forcesmultiple street closure; McCombs School accepts $230K donation from Chevron
After 20 years of working in the court system, Austin Police Monitor Cliff Brown announced his candidacy for District Judge of the 147th District Court last night at a welcome reception at The Belmont restaurant and bar.
Austin residents may see an increase in their taxes following a proposed 5.5 percent increase to property taxes in anticipation of the start of the city’s new fiscal year.
The Multi-Ethnic Chamber Alliance hosted the Third Annual Multicultural Career Expo on Wednesday at the Norris Convention Center in North Austin, hoping to match up employers with minority workers.
Taking it all off sometimes brings rewards — and condoms.
An Austin Energy town hall meeting Tuesday night presented recommendations on increasing Austin’s renewable energy use through 2020.
Study reveals teenagers more likely to learn about sexual health from peers
Discrepancies between parent perception and teen sexual behavior were revealed Tuesday morning by a new study released by Austin LifeGuard.
New Workers Institute informs employees of penalties, budget issues
Changes in family violence laws that take effect today increase the penalty for strangling or suffocating one’s partner.
Officials report decrease in 'Dillo ridership to blame despite 2008 restructuring
Because of declining ridership over the last few years, the Capital Metro Board proposed Monday that two ‘Dillo bus routes serving downtown be cut in October.
New building plans aim to incorporate energy-conscious design, natural light
Construction begins Wednesday on Austin’s new federal courthouse, a block west of Republic Square Park downtown.
Dog-loving park patrons and other concerned citizens turned out to oppose the proposed switch to on-leash enforcement for dogs at Bull Creek District Park during a public hearing regarding the park’s restoration plan.
Austin bus stops received a face lift Monday when hundreds of elementary school children renovated 60 bus stops across town as part of Capital Metro’s Adopt-a-Stop program.
Kindle’s actions after June apartment collision not a ‘criminal violation’
UT football linebacker Sergio Kindle will not face criminal charges for crashing into and leaving the scene of Ashley Zapata’s Jefferson West apartment in the early morning of June 24.
Former, new members welcome current team after 4,500-mile journey
The Texas 4000 team returned to Austin on Saturday after 10 weeks of bicycles, spandex and peanut butter and jelly. Last year’s members and next year’s team gathered at the Four Seasons on Saturday to welcome home the 44 riders of 2009 with dinner, testimonies from the trip and live music.
Houston-based group also sends camera, GPS to collect data from space
A group comprised partially of UT alumni launched a weather balloon that reached 95,000 feet at the Wharton Intergalactic Spaceport near Houston.
About 40 Austinites, including an organizer dressed as a magician, gathered outside City Hall on Thursday to protest under-appraisals of commercial property and upcoming property tax increases in Travis County.
A sustainable building group affiliated with UT’s School of Architecture unveiled a prototype of an environmentally-friendly housing project in East Austin on Thursday.
A small fire ate away a portion of wood siding at the University Quarters apartments near 29th and Guadalupe streets at about 1 p.m. Wednesday.
For months, the news has been peppered with dark reports of the domestic and global economic downturn, but this been easy to ignore such headlines unless you are one of the millions of Americans facing unemployment, loss of housing or sudden poverty.
Financial struggles, employment instability and community college recruitment efforts are most likely the main reasons why enrollment, especially this year, has “overwhelmingly” risen, say some college officials.
Companies offer leniencyon summer electricity bills
Austinites can now follow the City of Austin on the social medium Twitter as part of the city’s Internet-based outreach initiatives that are designed to increase public involvement.
Approved 2007 iniative allows professors to give larger scale of grades
This fall, students who accustomed to studying just enough to receive their desired grade in the past will be forced to work harder or risk losing one-third of a GPA point.
Budget includes 3 percent raise for teachers, as well as other school employees
The Austin Independent School District Board of Trustees voted Monday night to approve a $940 million 2009-10 fiscal year budget along with the incorporation of a salary increase for classified and administrative staff.
Capital Metro held the first of five open-forum meetings on Monday to receive feedback about its new ServicePlan2020.
Hundreds of freshmen take part in Reading Round-Up program
The Austin Police Department began the second Downtown Quality of Life Enhancement Initiative last week, which will implement overtime police hours to reduce overall crime in the downtown area.
New parking pay stations were put into place around Austin this month with the hopes of making parking more accessible, but confusion about the new system could lead to unwarranted parking tickets for students.
The University of Texas Elementary School, a charter school sponsored by UT, received an exemplary rating on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test administered last spring.
UT and other academic institutions emphasize necessity of assistance
Academic institutions are emphasizing the importance of providing services for university students with learning disabilities.
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas and Frost Bank awarded $24,000 to local nonprofits Tuesday, which they hope will help sustain their efforts to provide affordable housing for Austin’s low-income families.
Northwest Austin is facing what the Austin Police Department called a burglary nuisance during a Commander’s Forum held at the SpiceWood Spring’s Public Library Tuesday afternoon.
Local activists pleaded for more environmentally friendly policies and practices to boost sustainability in Austin at City Hall on Thursday.
East Austin community takes action to preserve local economy and youth
In a small, crowded room of the Southwest Key East Austin Community Development Center, local residents gathered on Tuesday to hear how they could stimulate jobs in their neighborhood.
Members of Texas business, education and public policy organizations met at the state Capitol Thursday, claiming the Texas Education Agency inaccurately evaluates dropout rates and accountability of state schools.
At the upcoming American Civil Liberties Union of Texas’ annual meeting, the organization’s leaders say they will search for ways to keep creationism and intelligent design out of the classroom and to promote religious freedom in South Texas.
The trial and sentencing of young children as adults is occurring too frequently, according to report released this week by the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at UT.
One man dead, another injured in sour South Austin drug deal
Elementary and middle school classes available via Web cam with iQ Academy
Hundreds of Texas elementary and middle school students will trade their classrooms for laptops this fall.
AustinGO, the project to redesign the city of Austin Web site, is back on track after city officials announced the first of two requests for proposals Monday.
The Annie E. Casey Foundation, a national organization which researches the well-being of children living in poverty, is aiming to promote more effective policies and services for low-income children and families by analyzing the causes of poverty.
A three-hour standoff with the Austin Police Department ended peacefully when a 22-year-old man surrendered to SWAT team members Monday afternoon.
Erstwhile high-schoolers get second chance to earn GED, attend a university
The Austin Academy received a $150,000 grant from the Texas Education Agency earlier this month for a Dropout Recovery Pilot Program.
Protesters lined Lavaca Street as U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, joined government officials and local leaders in a public rally for health care reform Saturday.
'Fun-struction' activities cater to blossoming skills of creativity, imagination
Standing at a mock construction site where a young boy picks up plastic colored balls with a pulley and then drops them on a conveyor belt, Janine Sisak said this is the first time she’s brought her three-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, to the Austin Children’s Museum.
About 20 people, mainly UT graduate students and Austin For Iran members, have started a three-day hunger strike to show support for prisoners of Iran’s recent political uprising.
Austin Independent School District officials released survey results from a community meeting last week regarding the closure and the future of Pearce Middle School.
Travis County residents voiced their concerns about commercial property owners not paying their full share of property taxes in a panel debate Tuesday morning.
Constables throughout Central Texas may receive training that will help them recognize drug trafficking and how to better prepare themselves if they encounter street gangs or drug cartels.
Andrea Stang, a UT English and UTeach junior, is four years in remission from Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Fashion stores downtown are describing Austin’s first fashion week as a shot in the arm for the industry during a slow summer amid an ongoing recession.
Austin police officers said they expect fatalities for 2009 to exceed those of years past despite national trends that have shown a general decline in traffic deaths.
U.S. Reps. Lamar Smith and John Carter, both Texas Republicans, announced Tuesday that $19.4 million in transportation funding for Austin was included in the proposed 2010 federal budget.
After KLBJ-AM talk show host Don Pryor repeatedly used a racial slur on his program Tuesday, the radio station is attempting to make amends with local leaders.
Austin Water Utility is urging Southwest Austin residents to reduce non-essential water use today after a construction worker accidentally drilled a hole in a 54-inch water main Monday evening.
Last week, more than 6,000 7-Eleven convenience stores across the country put a petition before their customers to help push legislation through Congress that would reduce fees charged by credit card companies when consumers pay with plastic.
Despite being in the midst of an economic crisis, Laredo-based International Bank of Commerce is continuing to expand branches in several cities, including Austin.
Health class no longer required for Texas high school students; Citizens urged to be aware of door-to-door alarm scams; Judge throws out cell phone evidence in “fight club” case; Escaped suspect still wearing handcuffs, say authorities
Children’s health insurance advocates have criticized Gov. Rick Perry for ignoring the Children’s Health Insurance Program during the two-day special session that ended last week.
Economic recession does not hinder the perpetual search for companion
Dating has increased among singles, as the recession and economic woes continue to plague the nation.
The body of a female dog was found burned and mutilated near a Dumpster in North Austin, and the national animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, is offering a $2,500 reward for information on the dog’s killer.
Councilwoman raises motion to postpone after hearing from APD staff
Council members are discussing ways to create a citywide music department without upsetting police union officials, who are prepared to forfeit salary raises in 2010 for the creation of a new cadet class.
Interest groups protest spending bills they claim lack sufficient oversight
Leaders of various political activist groups in Texas lobbied against two bills Wednesday that they say could increase taxes and allow taxpayer money to be used to fund private transportation projects.
In the Tuesday morning rain, outside a parked semitrailer at a training facility near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the Austin Police Department unveiled its plan for the next generation of marksmanship training.
Hispanic residents target of parking-lot robberies in seven unsolved cases
Austin Police Department investigators are seeking public help in apprehending multiple individuals believed to be responsible for a string of recent robberies.
Amid weeks of record-high temperatures, brown grass lawns and water-conservation efforts, Austinites finally got a little break Tuesday morning when a cold front brought 2 inches of rain, a high of 93 degrees and a mostly overcast sky.
The Austin Community College District will expand training programs to strengthen the green-job workforce in hopes of obtaining federal stimulus funds.
House representatives hope for bill to undergo further amendments
A bill bolstering clean energy efforts passed narrowly in the U.S. House last Friday and could alter plans President Barack Obama articulated in his campaign.
A research team from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston says they are close to developing a vaccine to stop the spread of HIV.
Almost 150 members of the Oriya community gathered at the Austin Hindu Temple on Sunday to celebrate the Festival of Chariots, an observance of Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra.
Reports allege football player involved in West Campus crash; Brothers suspected in Spiros shooting have court date reset
The city, non-profits and local businesses: helping keep homeless hydrated
Heat indexes are expected to continue to soar above 100 degrees for most of the week, and while most students can simply run inside for a cool drink of water, many of Austin’s homeless aren’t so lucky.
Project faces high crime level, bad economy, but offers glimmer of hope
City of Austin officials presented much-awaited plans at Austin Community College’s Riverside Campus on Thursday night to residents and investors for the redevelopment of the East Riverside Corridor.
Environmental activists hold local conference to urge local sustainability
Dozens of local environmental groups gathered at City Hall on Thursday to advocate a greener Austin.
Police are investigating a hit-and-run crash which left one construction worker dead along Interstate Highway 35 early Wednesday morning.
More than 25 Republican members of the Texas Legislature and conservative supporters gathered at the Four Seasons Hotel on Wednesday to announce the launch of GOPAC Texas, a political action committee that will strive to get more Republicans elected to the state Senate and House of Representatives.
Interns from UT help assist poor families in disputes with state
Judge Darlene Byrne of the 126th District Court applauded the creation the Travis County Office of Child Representation and the Office of Parental Representation at an open house Wednesday.
The Pecan Street Project, an organization which pushes for clean energy technology, is taking steps to make Austin a leading city in the green energy movement.
Despite recent biking accident, governor rejects road-safety bill
The Austin cycling community questioned Gov. Rick Perry’s veto of a “safe passing” bill that would have added restrictions for motorists and cyclists sharing the roads.
Austin condominium developer Richard Berns has pledged $16,000 to fund the annual Trail of Lights Festival, which faces possible cancellation due to proposed city budget cuts.
After passing 143-4 in the Texas House and 27-4 in the Texas Senate, Gov. Rick Perry vetoed a bill that would have required campus health centers to accept private health insurance.
Low unemployment, job creation key to stable Austin labor conditions
Although Austin faces a tightening job market and rising unemployment rate, the region may be poised for growth, according to the Texas Work Force Commission’s monthly report.
Local market fairing well despite national trend showing downturn
Local realtors say they have seen signs of growth in the damaged real estate industry — despite statistics released last Thursday by the Austin Board of Realtors indicating that the local market is still troubled.
Perry vetoes TV recycling bill, environmentalists disapprove; Man shot Friday near Riverside, suspect claims self-defense
Limit on top 10 percent admissions one of many bills helping universities
During the 2009 legislative session, certain lawmakers managed to shine through the whirlwind of legislation and partisan politics that delayed productivity during the 140 days.
Austin residents gathered to listen to Hayden Herrera, author of “Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo,” speak about the Mexican artist Thursday night at the Harry Ransom Center.
The deadline passed Monday for universities across the country to apply for a new financial aid program for military veterans seeking undergraduate or graduate degrees.
As the attack on the Governor’s Mansion edges past its one-year anniversary, authorities are still searching for the identity of the arsonist who torched the historic building with a Molotov cocktail last June.
The Austin City Council’s proposed cost-saving measures could affect a free animal sterilization program in the city.
In the tradition of college binge drinking, students across the nation are finding out their “Thirsty Thursday” routines are not without consequences. Two recent studies have shown that binge-drinking rates are increasing at the college level and affecting students’ overall academic performance.
Gov. Rick Perry signed a resolution Monday which will allow Texas landowners to vote on a constitutional amendment strengthening property rights.
Concerned citizens, local business owners and environmental activists gathered at the United States Art Authority on Monday to plan changes in Austin’s current waste disposal system.
A bill passed by the Texas Legislature would ban the practice of arbitrarily using shackles on female inmates during labor.
As part of President Obama’s American Recovery Act, the U.S. Department of Labor awarded grants to 183 youth programs across the U.S.
Gov. Rick Perry signed a bill into law Thursday enacting emergency reforms for state-supported living centers, which provide residential facilities for citizens with developmental and cognitive disabilities.
Tuition costs have prevented some graduating high school seniors from attending the college of their choice, according to a recent study.
The City Council decided Thursday to renew the Austin Convention Center’s contract with KLRU-TV for continued sponsorship of the Austin City Limits concert series through 2011.
Rightist groups speak out for parental freedom, but some say fears overblown
A coalition of conservative and libertarian groups rallied on the south steps of the Capitol on Wednesday, asking Gov. Rick Perry to veto a controversial measure they claim would take away parental rights in Child Protective Services cases.
Anti-war activists gathered at the First Unitarian Universalist Church to hear Cindy Sheehan denounce the Obama administration Wednesday night.
Industry experts stressed on Tuesday the need for access to health care and quality education for children from all backgrounds.
While sales stall, they haven't plummeted like rest of the economy
Although pocketbooks may be lighter, alcohol sales in Texas have remained relatively stable despite the ailing economy.
Committee working to expand opportunities for families, disabled
Members of the Austin Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities gathered Monday at City Hall to propose changes to improve the city’s accessibility for its disabled citizens.
Many Central Texas soccer fans have petitioned for a natural grass soccer stadium that would double as a concert venue.
Bastrop motorcycle training instructor Anita Thomas demonstrated the importance of wearing the proper protective gear to ensure better safety for bikers, at a press conference held by the Austin Police Department at Cowboy Harley-Davidson on Monday morning.
Laura Haas, who received a doctorate in computer science from UT in 1981, received IBM’s most prestigious award last week.
A friendly spirit took over as Ms. Classic Carrollton, Kristina Rowe, helped another contestant into her dress Sunday evening at the Texas United America Pageant in South Austin.
Union members fight for improved efficiency and less traffic congestion
The Bus Riders Union of Austin cited dwindling reserves, fare hikes and service cuts as the main concerns facing the riders dependent on public transit in a working proposal to the Capital Metro Transit Authority.
Small jet makes emergency landing at Austin-Bergstrom; Donna Howard discusses 81st legislative session; Committee begins search for new public affairs dean
Since the Gender Equity Task Force report was released three months ago, UT has found some success in addressing sex-based inequities, but progress remains limited.
With state Rep. Jim Dunnam, D-Waco, on the keyboard and state Sen. Bob Deuell, R-Greenville, on the drums, the official “house band” of the Texas Legislature has been “rockin’ out” since the controversy-ridden 2007 legislative session.
Diane Wood, an alumna of the UT School of Law, is being discussed as a potential candidate to replace Justice David Souter on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Friday was a day of remembrance for the families and friends of the 157 UT students, faculty, staff and retirees who died in 2008.
The National Restaurant Association anticipates Texas could lead the industry in growth this year with an estimated $35 billion in sales.
IC2 institute combines engineering, business in new global projects
Members of the IC2 Institute’s Global Fellows Program brought their university research projects into the commercial sector Thursday at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center.
Jury convicts soldier of rape, fatal shooting of 14-year-old girl
Congress should pass a bill that will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 20 percent, said a local climate change expert Wednesday night at Monkey Wrench Books.
Amazon's latest wireless reading device designed to replace text on paper
As the spring semester comes to a close and students look forward to putting away their textbooks, the unveiling of Amazon’s latest Kindle wireless reading device Wednesday again raised questions about replacing traditional textbooks.
UT’s robot soccer team, Austin Villa, clenched the 2009 RoboCup U.S. Open after defeating the University of Pennsylvania 3-2 in the finals.
State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, has authored a bill that would create a lottery scratch-off game to provide more money for veterans.
Scientists discuss health care at technology symposium; Thousands of bees swarm men, dogs in San Antonio
Labor activists demand recognition of the value of immigrants in the US
Hundreds of activists gathered on the south steps of the Capitol on Friday evening...
City Council candidate Chris Riley attends events during kick-off weekend
The fountain of youth rides on two wheels, said Austin Cycling Association President Stanton Truxillo on Friday afternoon.
At University of Washington, reduced funding forces job cuts; Wind knocks Cowboys indoor field roof down; 12 hospitalized
Judge's decision to close court before execution sparked controversy
State Rep. Lon Burnam, D-Fort Worth, called for the impeachment of Sharon Keller, presiding judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, on Monday afternoon at the Capitol.
Flash mob, drum circles fill Austin’s Pease Park at eclectic annual festival
A group of identically dressed people gathered along the south side of Pease Park on Saturday to celebrate Eeyore’s 46th birthday. Their mission: Pull off the world’s largest live “Where’s Waldo?” search.
Education graduate program No. 3 among public colleges
Police are searching for two North Austin men suspected of raping and prostituting an 11-year-old girl last year.
Experimental program focuses new curriculum on technology, teamwork
Parents of Martin Middle School students were introduced Thursday night to New Tech, a proposed East Austin middle-school program that would pool resources from UT and the Austin Independent School District.
Austin mayoral candidates made their last campaign pushes Wednesday night during the final scheduled debate before voters head to the polls.
The Global Leadership Center, Face Aids, OxFam International and other University groups collaborated to host the ONE campaign event at the Texas Union on Wednesday night.
Following Gov. Rick Perry’s unprecedented commutation of Kenneth Foster’s death sentence, an inmate convicted of murder under the Texas Law of Parties, legislators have proposed changes to the controversial law.
Texans looking for a job might not have far to go, according to Forbes.
Despite staff shortages, department postpones upcoming cadet class
Cutting the number of high-ranking officers, letting officers work less overtime and no longer letting free security for private events are among the ways the Austin Police Department plans to save more than $5 million in 2009, as falling tax revenues put pressure on budgets citywide.
Community clinic calls for greater citizen rolein accessibility reform
Between April and June, Kathie McClure is traveling to 17 southern states to raise awareness about health care shortages.
Five kids die after vehicle crashes into Houston area ditch during storm
HOUSTON — Police plan to bring charges against a driver suspected of being intoxicated when he lost control of his car while using his cell phone, plunging the vehicle into a rain-swollen ditch and killing five children, a spokesman said Sunday.
Time Warner Cable halted plans last week to introduce a tiered Internet billing system that would charge customers based on the amount of bandwidth they use.
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott signed an agreement Friday with the attorney general of Nuevo León, Mexico, to strengthen ties between the two officials’ departments and to allow for increased collaboration on cases that involve both states.
An amendment to the state budget bill that would have prohibited state funding of stem cell research was struck down in the state House of Representatives on Friday.
Cornyn announces plan to start committee to evaluate agencies; At convention, Young Democrats focus on youth participation; New center at law school to study legal issues of medical innovatio; University raises funds for new computer sciences building; At Online Journalism Symposium, speakers focus on media’s future
Barbara Jordan was a lot of things: the first black female in the Texas House of Representatives, one of the first black females to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and a political icon.
Alan Bersin will return to a familiar job by cracking down on illegal immigration and the drug trade across the U.S.-Mexico border with a new title: “border czar.”
More than 30 students filled Mary E. Gearing Hall for a roundtable discussion about the top 10 percent rule as part of the 23rd annual Heman Sweatt Symposium on Civil Rights.
Todd Maclin, head of commercial banking at J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., spoke Thursday on the essentials of business leadership during financial crisis, giving insight into the practices that have kept the company afloat.
Austin-based computer company Dell Inc. was recently surpassed by Hewlett-Packard for the No. 1 spot in domestic PC shipments, according to a Gartner Inc. report released Wednesday.
The University Interfaith Council coordinated with three other campus religious organizations Wednesday night to discuss how different religious traditions understand and are addressing the current financial crisis.
FORT WORTH — Texas Christian University will not provide on-campus housing specifically for gay students this fall as previously planned, officials said Monday.
Massage Envy worker arrested for allegedly assaulting patron; Tax filing deadline has passed; penalties include interest, fines
Potential 2010 candidate to tour state this summer, would run as Democrat
Texas icon Kinky Friedman continues to mull over another run for governor.
The city of Austin plans to cut down 28 diseased trees at Barton Springs Pool by early May.
NEW YORK — As a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy, Dan Choi faced an ethical dilemma.
City Council candidates made their environmental issues known to the public Thursday.
Candidates discussed environmental issues and the energy concerns of Austin citizens at the 2009 Austin Combined Environmental Forum at City Hall.
Candidates for city office filed their latest campaign finance reports Thursday, and figures show a tight mayoral race between Mayor Pro Tem Brewster McCracken, Councilman Lee Leffingwell and former Austin mayor Carole Keeton Strayhorn.
Personal belongings stolen in recent Gregory Gym thefts; U.S. Department of Education cancels PLUS loan auction;
Proposed law would give murder charge to drunk drivers who cause deaths
Following the death of a middle school girl in December, students from a Houston-area high school presented a petition at the Capitol on Tuesday to strengthen drunken-driving laws.
Voters have until Thursday to register to vote in the May 9 general and special elections.
Unemployment figures in Austin have yet to reach levels seen during the last recession, but more people are utilizing unemployment services than in recent years.
Groups push for accessible job-seeking services, more private funds for prosthetics
Lucy Vasquez’s 11-year-old son was born with autism.
Mayor pro tem cites parking space, housing as industry challenges
The Austin Music Commission and members of the Austin music industry discussed proposals Monday to improve the city’s live music scene, including the possibility of a municipal music department.
With the polls set to open for early voting on April 27, Austin’s five mayoral candidates discussed the state of Austin’s tourism industry and the city’s budget
troubles Friday.
Members of the Texas Legislature met with public and private interest group representatives from across the state Friday to debate the pros and cons of the 2009 stimulus package and Texas’ appropriation of its portion of the funds.
BRIDGEPORT, Texas (AP) — A Bridgeport man has been charged with capital murder in the death of a police officer killed Thursday afternoon when a vehicle pursued in a high-speed chase slammed into his patrol car, authorities said.
Woman hit by vehicle while crossing Guadalupe Street; Senate of College Councils introduces new leadership; Photos of aftermath from King assassination posted online;
The greatest danger of the 21st century may be Iran’s development of nuclear capabilities, said Israeli ambassador Sallai Meridor.
Adam Babiker has no grandmother.
Legislation to make the Texas unemployment insurance system qualify for federal stimulus money eased through a House committee Wednesday as controversy loomed over Gov. Rick Perry’s dismissal of the funds.
Central Texas is on the cusp of violating federal ground-level ozone standards, said CLEAN AIR Force representatives at City Hall on Wednesday, which marked the start of the 2009 Ozone Season.
UT-El Paso project targets instructions provided to witnesses
Last month, a man convicted and imprisoned for a 1985 rape in Lubbock received the first posthumous exoneration in Texas history. Labs like the Eyewitness Identification Research Laboratory aim to prevent the need for exonerations.
UT graduate student one of 10 to recieve prestigious grant; Government professor wins teaching fellowship award
State Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, the father of two UT students, said in a lecture on campus Tuesday that he could feel college students’ pain, referring to the challenges they face.
An interactive online game introduced Monday asks Austinites for recommendations on how to best power the city.
Conservatives promote job creation, educational reform during recession
In light of Texas’ recent economic downturn, the Texas Conservative Coalition revealed a plan Monday at the state Capitol to create and maintain state jobs.
A crowd of red-clad workers and activists from around Austin participated in Saturday morning’s Cesar E. Chavez “Si Se Puede!” march and rally.
Five human rights leaders shared their experiences with University students and professors at the Texas Union’s Santa Rita Room on Sunday.
The City Council on Thursday indefinitely postponed a vote to contract a California-based company to redesign the city of Austin’s Web site.
Mayor Will Wynn unveiled plans Thursday for German company Daimler AG to provide 200 Smart cars to Austin for a car-share program.
The 2009 mayoral candidates took questions on their plans to assist local sustainability efforts Wednesday night at a forum held at Austin City Hall.
The State Firemen’s and Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas honored six fallen firefighters from across the state Wednesday morning by adding their names to the Volunteer Firemen’s Monument located on the south lawn of the Capitol.
Bills could make electric vehicles more affordable, tighten emission rules
Electric vehicles lined the Capitol on Wednesday as representatives from the clean energy and electric vehicle industries rallied support for Senate and House bills that will place Texas on par with California’s zero-emission standard.
Last spring, amid fears that UT might become the next Virginia Tech, the UT Police Department arrested two students in two weeks for threatening the campus with weapons, charging both with third-degree felonies.
Stephen MacMillan Moser, a fashion columnist for The Austin Chronicle, was arrested Tuesday afternoon on charges of arson after allegedly setting fire to his roommate’s car in the City Hall parking garage on March 13, according to the Austin Fire Department.
Gov. Rick Perry’s $50 million grant to create a research facility at his alma mater stirred controversy in the state Legislature this week.
Citizens and representatives from across Texas gave testimony Wednesday afternoon before a select committee of representatives at the Capitol regarding the allocation of stimulus funds to local governments.
After years of discussing the possibility of a new flagship university in Texas, legislators are taking concrete steps to create new first-tier research universities.
DALLAS — Two former condominium owners have rejected a $2 million offer from Southern Methodist University to settle their lawsuit claiming the university forced condo residents to sell their homes so the university could buy the land for the George W. Bush Presidential Library.
On the heels of the recent abolition of the death penalty in New Mexico, dozens of activists lobbied on the steps of the Capitol on Tuesday afternoon to advocate reform in the death penalty system as well as the impeachment of Judge Sharon Keller.
Legislators this session are taking a marked interest in creating new professional schools in Texas.
KILLEEN — Charges have been filed against three men who allegedly dragged a police officer through a parking lot with an SUV before the officer fatally shot the driver, a Fort Hood soldier.
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center showcased the work of 24 local artists and craftsmen during its annual Art & Artisans Festival on Saturday.
Even with consumers cutting back on personal expenses, Austin received an economic jolt from the annual South by Southwest festival, which attracted more than 100,000 visitors from around the world.
Sexual satisfaction in both males and females is often related to motives for having sex, UT researchers have found.
Nich Hearn, Matias Brizuela, Will LaRue and Todd Hyden, members of the Brotherhood of Christian Aggies, discuss how to tackle the debris that still litters East Beach at Galveston six months after Hurricane Ike hit.
Amid searches for cars, broken locks, officers cite lack of recognition
Friday the 13th was barely an hour old when two UT police officers found themselves arguing about cardinal directions with a drunken student who was entirely caked in mud.
A bill proposed to the Texas House of Representatives aims to ensure a reporter’s privilege to withhold anonymous sources in court in the name of preserving a free and active press and the public’s right to information.
Texas Student Media director Kathy Lawrence recommended Wednesday that six TSM positions be consolidated into three.
Minister stayed behind despite danger, felt duty to support community
GALVESTON — The Rev. John Bostock, minister of Galveston’s Church of Reality, never regretted his choice to stay on the island during the onslaught of Hurricane Ike in September, even when faced with certain death.
GALVESTON — For more than 30 years, Clary’s Seafood Restaurant was “one of the reasons to come to Galveston.” But after Hurricane Ike’s winds blew through the city, the restaurant remained unopened and stripped of its former charm for months.
Salvia divinorum users are not the only ones trippin’ out over the hallucinogen, as legislators are attempting to restrict the use and the sale of the plant.
Legislation would require picture identification
Republicans urged Democrats and state legislators at the Capitol on Tuesday to pass a voter identification bill that would require Texans to present a picture ID before voting.
Forty-five percent of Texans think making health care more affordable and accessible should be the state Legislature’s No. 1 priority, according to a poll conducted by the Texas Hospital Association.
Hopefuls disagree about newspaper’s focus, cite Web site as a useful tool
While the two candidates in the Daily Texan editor-in-chief runoff election agree that they know little about the sports section, they disagree on just about everything else regarding the newspaper.
UT students join APD’s efforts to remove trash left behind by homeless
About 50 students marched down the alleyways of the Drag on Saturday with Austin Police Department officers to pick up trash left behind by transients.
Federal Trade Commission accuses organic grocer of violating anti-trust laws
Whole Foods Market Inc. will sell 12 Wild Oats stores and one Whole Foods store in accordance with an agreement made Friday with the Federal Trade Commission.
Texas law enforcement targets unpaid misdemeanor fines; Kepler spacecraft program aims to study planetary evolution
When local resident Kim McPherson took her German Shepherd, Sassy, for a walk Saturday at Auditorium Shores, she noticed about 60 volunteers picking up trash and painting benches.
The Texas State Employees Union held a gathering in Burdine Hall on Thursday to address a push for an increase in state funding to prevent privatization and an across-the-board pay raise for state university workers.
Decision encounters opposition from owners of properties along trail
The City Council voted unanimously Thursday in favor of a hotly debated resolution to construct the Riverside Boardwalk Trail.
Perry supports bill aiming to reduce gang violence; Students to suggest methods to reduce carbon emissions; Graduate students want own assembly to be governing body
UT alumnus John Worsham sat at his computer at 11:59 a.m. sharp, poised and ready to purchase tickets for the upcoming Flight of the Conchords performance at Bass Concert Hall.
Gov. Rick Perry announced his support today for a bill that will fight transnational gang violence at a Capitol press conference.
Austin will become the largest US city to adopt ‘Veterans Preference’ in the hiring of city employees.
Austin police make first arrest in 2007 manslaughter case; Two convicted of their roles in Gulf drug-trafficking ring; Committee approves bill protecting needle exchange
Anti-immigrant sentiment runs deeper in California than in Texas — the states with the largest Mexican immigrant populations — according to a study conducted by two UT students and a Texas A&M University professor.
In a difficult time for the newspaper industry, a private investment group led by a UT alumnus showed interest in purchasing a Denver newspaper before it published its final edition last week.
Representatives from the Texas Department of Agriculture and Criminal Justice Division and other government officials presented the plan for the distribution of stimulus money to the Federal Economic Stabilization Funding Committee on Tuesday at the Capitol.
For the first time in three years, the race for editor-in-chief of The Daily Texan is contested. Candidates Audrey Campbell, Josh Haney and Jillian Sheridan have traded their pens for posters as students begin voting today.
The country’s economic downturn may have spurred hiring and salary freezes, but student financial aid may avoid budget cuts in upcoming years.
The Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas Education Agency and a House committee appointed to oversee the spending of federal stimulus dollars in Texas warned state agencies Monday against spending the funds too quickly and not abiding by stimulus guidelines.
Monday marked Texas Independence Day, the 173rd anniversary of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The Young Conservatives of Texas celebrated the occasion by handing out free pieces of cake on the West Mall.
