Austin, TX

Student and advocacy groups prepare to battle SB17 on college campuses

Published

7 months ago

April 21, 2024

Student and advocacy groups prepare to battle SB17 on college campuses

AUSTIN, Texas — Sitting in what was once the school’s bustling multicultural center, University of Texas at Austin senior and Black Student Alliance member Madison Morris says she feels an emptiness.

“That was an integral part of my college experience and really made me feel accustomed at UT,” Morris said. “Seeing those programs go away makes me feel for the incoming students because I don’t think they’ll get that experience.”

In recent months, Senate Bill 17, a law that requires universities to close their diversity, equity and inclusion offices, has created a massive ripple effect across the state. Schools are essentially dissolving DEI offices, faculty and programming. The loss of DEI offices led to UT students protesting the decision in Austin last week.

“There’s strength in numbers for sure and I think that protest made a lot of noise during the solar eclipse, so there were a lot of people to see it,” Morris said.

Between the court of public opinion and at the state and federal level, Nelson Linder, president of the Austin chapter of the NAACP, says universities have overstepped in their implementation of SB17. While it clearly states DEI offices must close, funding for specific groups or how many people to lay off is largely left up to interpretation. UT Austin and UT Dallas have already released dozens of staff members in recent weeks.

“We’re on the defensive and going to fight for all of our students. This bill and its implementation has a lot of holes in it and we’re going to find every one of them,” Linder said. “We have a multifaceted front, a battle that’s coming in this city, state, and I don’t think they’re prepared for that.”

UT President Jay Hartzell did not respond to requests for an interview on the story but said in a university statement, “It is important to respect the perspectives and experiences of fellow longhorns as changes take effect. It is also important that this continues to be a welcoming, supportive community for all.”

Morris believes many students may now have to find that sense of belonging elsewhere.

“Honestly, if this happened a few years ago before college, I probably wouldn’t even be attending UT right now,” Morris said. “I’m sure there are high school students looking at the news right now, not just here but other schools, and reconsidering their decision before May 1st.”

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Austin, TX

Texas boasts 10 restaurants on OpenTable’s top 100 list for 2024

Published

3 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Press Room

Texas boasts 10 restaurants on OpenTable’s top 100 list for 2024

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas had a strong showing on OpenTable’s 2024 Top 100 Restaurants with 10 establishments making the list.

What You Need To Know

The best foodie city in Texas, at least according to OpenTable, was Austin, with seven restaurants making the list

The rest of Texas’ major metropolitan areas–Houston, Dallas and San Antonio–each only had one restaurant on the list

OpenTable compiles its top 100 list every year by looking at diner reviews from its 14 million verified users

The Lone Star State had the second-most restaurants on the list, tied with Illinois, behind California, which had a whopping 19 restaurants featured.

The best foodie city in Texas, at least according to OpenTable, was Austin, with seven restaurants making the list.

Aba – Austin
J Carver’s
Jeffrey’s Restaurant
Red Ash Italia
Sammie’s Italian
Uchi Austin
Uchiko Austin

The rest of Texas’ major metropolitan areas–Houston, Dallas and San Antonio–each only had one restaurant on the list.

Steak 48 – Houston
Signature – San Antonio
Hudson House – Lovers Lane – Dallas

OpenTable compiles its top 100 list every year by looking at diner reviews from its 14 million verified users.

According to OpenTable’s website, restaurants with enough reviews are automatically considered and are evaluated by their ratings, percentage of five-star reviews, number of alerts set, percentage of reservations made in advance, percentage of capacity and direct searches.

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Austin, TX

‘Superman!’ Jelani McDonald Proves to Be Crucial Piece to Texas Longhorns Defense

Published

12 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Press Room

‘Superman!’ Jelani McDonald Proves to Be Crucial Piece to Texas Longhorns Defense

AUSTIN — Texas defensive back Jelani McDonald made his mark in the Longhorn secondary on Saturday.

McDonald recorded his first career interception, and it was one for the books.

With five minutes left in the first half as Texas led 14-7, Kentucky had possession. The crowd went wild as McDonald dove for the ball to get possession back to the Longhorn offense. Commentators described the play as a “Superman” performance.

WENT FULL SUPERMAN FOR THIS PICK 👀🤯@TexasFootball x 📺 ABC pic.twitter.com/ZV5AxOSWo7
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) November 23, 2024
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McDonald’s teammates also had their takes on the play.

“Superman…I mean everybody knows how athletic Jelani is, we’ve been talking about that all season, and even tied back to last season,” Michael Taaffe said. “He’s so athletic. I’m glad he finally got to show that and for you all to see, because we’ve known that forever.”

McDonald has totaled 22 tackles this season, playing in every conference and two non-conference games.

While he’s not a name on everyone’s mouths, like Quinn Ewers, Isaiah Bond, Taaffe or Kelvin Banks Jr., McDonald proved once and for all his impact on the team. McDonald could very much have a breakout season in 2025, and this play, which recorded Texas’ 16th interception of the season taking the national record, opened up the doors for his campaign.

That pick could even be awarded play of the year.

“I’ve been just happy to see him grow and get better as a player,” Anthony Hill Jr., who played with McDonald in the Freshman All-American game, said.

“He was playing corners, so I was like ‘Who’s this guy,’ and then one the game, he’s playing linebackers, and at one game he’s playing safety,” Hill said.

McDonald has one more shot to showcase his talent in the regular season as Texas faces Texas A&M next Saturday. But with two years left of eligibility, the sky is the limit.

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Other Texas Longhorns News:

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Austin, TX

No. 3 Texas ends UK’s bowl chances

Published

20 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Press Room

AUSTIN, Tx. (WKYT) – The Kentucky Wildcats (4-7, 1-7 SEC) ended their SEC slate with a 31-14 loss on the road against the No. 3 Texas Longhorns (10-1, 6-1 SEC). For the first time in eight seasons, UK will not be bowl eligible.

Junior quarterback Brock Vandagriff started the game for the Cats, going 3-7 for 51 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The staff opted to once against start true freshman Cutter Boley in the second half. The LCA alum wet 10-18 for 160 yards and an interception in the loss.

The Wildcats went 1-2 in the red zone and just 2-12 on third down conversions.

Senior inside linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson had a 25-yard fumble return for a touchdown, and also led the defense in tackles with eight.

Texas junior QB Quinn Ewers went 20-31 for 191 yards and two touchdowns for the Longhorns.

The season concludes next week as Kentucky hosts the Governor’s Cup game against Louisville at Kroger Field. Kick-off is set for noon on the SEC Network.

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