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How Does Texas Punter Room Look Like After Red River Rivalry?

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How Does Texas Punter Room Look Like After Red River Rivalry?


Sophomore punter Ian Ratliff earned his first start and collegiate minutes in the 2024 Red River Rivalry game.

Until this weekend, true freshman Michael Kern had punted each game, with 11 punts through five games, averaging 42.8 yards per punt and a total of 471 yards. Kern was listed as questionable in both Wednesday and Thursday’s injury reports, upgrading to probable on Friday.

“We think (he’s) the best punter in the country,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said to the Austin-American Statesman on signing day. “We think this guy’s got a skill set for the future.”

Though he was taken off the injury report on game day, Kern did not see game time against the Sooners, instead, it was Ratliff who had his first chance to prove himself.

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The Longhorns weren’t forced to punt too many times, but in the three attempts, Ratliff recorded 133 yards. The Sooners, on the other hand, were forced to punt six times.

Ratliff averaged 44.3 yards per punt, nearing Kern’s records of 45.5 and 45.75 against UTSA and ULM, and the sophomore managed one 50+ yard attempt.

Assumedly, Kern will resume his starting duties next week vs. Georgia, but it is certainly comforting for the Longhorns to know they have two quality legs at their disposal.

“I’d like the guy to hit the ball and punt the ball directionally well. I think that’s something right away that we look for,” assistant head coach Jeff Banks said to the Austin-American Statesman about what he expects from a punter. “From a technique standpoint, if he can be two steps and get the ball off quicker, I’d like that. That’s probably where we start is just form-wise, getting him to be compact, and to be able to strike the ball the same every time.”

It is never the case in which fans get excited when their team is forced to punt, but with Ratliff’s solid performance, Texas fans won’t need to stress too much if the moment arises where he is called on again.

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Austin, TX

Weekend Events to Impact Austin Traffic

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Weekend Events to Impact Austin Traffic


A couple of events could change how Austin residents move around this weekend. Here’s what drivers need to know in order to plan ahead.

The city of Austin’s Transportation and Public Works department alerted residents to the upcoming events on Friday.

Cupid’s Undie Run

The first event is the Cupid’s Undie Run on Saturday, Feb. 21. And it’s exactly what the name would indicate: Participants nationwide get together to run a mile in their underwear for charity. The cause is raising funds to study the group of genetic conditions known as NF.

A chunk of West Avenue from 6th to 9th streets will be closed from noon until 3 p.m. Be advised that neighborhood parking restrictions will be in full effect (not to mention actively enforced) during this time. So plan ahead and use Capital Metro or the parking garage at City Hall.

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Austin FC vs Minnesota

The second event that will impact traffic on Saturday is the Austin FC vs Minnesota game at Q2 Stadium from 7:30-10:30 p.m. in North Austin. The area is accessible by Capital Metro’s McKalla Station rail station and bus service as well as MetroAccess. Visitors can also use walking routes, bicycles and micromobility devices, and rideshare.

ATX Open

And, finally, women’s-only tour-level tennis tournament ATX Open kicks off on Saturday and will run through March 1. The event will close West 35th Street from Mount Bonnell west to the end of the road through March 1. Additionally, the event will close Mayfield Park until March 1.

When it comes to alternative transportation, the city recommends Capital Metro, bicycling, taking a rideshare or a scooter, or even taking one of the city’s many trails.





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Austin named best capital city to live in by WalletHub

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Austin named best capital city to live in by WalletHub


AUSTIN, Texas — The city of Austin is the best capital city to live in the United States, according to a new study by WalletHub.

The list evaluated the 50 capital cities in the country under four different metrics, affordability, economic well-being, quality of education and health and quality of life. Austin was ranked first in economics and quality of education and life, and WalletHub gave an in-depth explanation for the Texas capital.

“Austin offers both a safe and fun environment, with the second-highest life expectancy for residents and an extremely high number of attractions and restaurants per capita. It also provides a good environment for business, with new businesses opening at the second-highest rate in the country. It’s also one of the most educated cities overall, with the fourth-highest percentage of residents ages 25+ with at least a bachelor’s degree,” the list stated.

Austin was over four points above the second-place city, Raleigh, N.C., which itself was just above Atlanta. The lowest ranked city in the county was Jackson, Miss.

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Austin has also been honored in different ways, such as being the 87th best city in the world, according to World’s Best Cities, along with the greater state of Texas having some of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.



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APD Seeking Tips in Credit Card Fraud Case

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APD Seeking Tips in Credit Card Fraud Case


The Austin Police Department is asking for community help in identifying a pair of individuals believed to be connected to fraudulent use of a vehicle burglary victim’s credit cards.

APD asked for help identifying the two individuals captured on security footage at the Walmart and Murphy Gas Station. According to the press release, the two suspects were recorded making unauthorized purchases at both stores after a vehicle burglary.

The victim’s vehicle was burglarized on the morning of Dec. 22 in the 300 block of Atlanta Street while the victim was jogging.

The two suspects were seen in a white, four-door sedan with extensive damage to the front left quarter panel. APD released photos of the vehicle and of the two men.

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Anyone with information can submit an anonymous tip through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program online or by calling 512-472-8477.

APD also offered a few safety tips to help residents avoid become victims of vehicle burglaries. The tips include:

  • Make a habit out of locking the vehicle, even if you’re only leaving it for a short time.
  • Hide or take any valuable items with you.
  • When possible, park in well-lit and high-traffic areas.
  • Use anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks, alarms, or GPS tracking devices.
  • Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

There is evidence to suggest that popular parks and trails in Austin are often hot spots for car burglaries. In response, the department announced last year a coordinated initiative alongside the District Attorney’s Office, the County Attorney’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The effort was aimed at coordinating enforcement, prosecution, and prevention efforts. Contact the department’s Burglary Unit for more information.





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