Austin, TX
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.”
Austin, TX
Leif Johnson Ford of Austin Brings Certified Vehicle Maintenance Directly to Customers Through Ford Mobile Service
Leif Johnson Ford of Austin is making vehicle maintenance more convenient for drivers across Austin by offering Ford Mobile Service. Factory-trained technicians perform routine maintenance and select repairs at homes and workplaces, helping customers save time while maintaining their vehicles with professional Ford-certified service.
— AUSTIN, TX – Busy schedules no longer have to interfere with vehicle maintenance. Leif Johnson Ford of Austin is helping drivers throughout Austin and surrounding communities keep their vehicles running at their best with Ford Mobile Service, a convenient program that brings certified automotive service directly to customers’ homes and workplaces.
As more consumers search for mobile auto repair, at-home oil changes, mobile vehicle maintenance, and convenient car service solutions, Ford Mobile Service is changing how routine vehicle care is delivered. Rather than spending time traveling to a dealership and waiting for service to be completed, eligible customers can schedule a visit from a factory-trained Ford technician who arrives equipped to perform a variety of maintenance services on-site.
Leif Johnson Ford of Austin’s Mobile Service program offers many of the same services typically performed at the dealership, including oil and filter changes, brake service, battery replacement, tire rotations, recall work, fluid services, filter replacement, diagnostic scanning, software updates, lamps and bulb replacement, and more. Service availability may vary based on vehicle needs and location requirements.
For drivers throughout Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Lakeway, Buda, and neighboring communities, mobile service provides a practical alternative to traditional service appointments. Customers can continue working, spending time with family, or managing daily responsibilities while their vehicle receives professional maintenance at a location of their choice.
The service is especially valuable for owners of Ford F-150 trucks, Ford Super Duty models, Ford Bronco SUVs, Ford Explorer SUVs, Ford Escape crossovers, Ford Mustang vehicles, and commercial fleet vehicles that may experience downtime when taken off the road for maintenance. By bringing service directly to customers, Leif Johnson Ford of Austin helps minimize disruptions while maintaining vehicle performance and reliability.
Mobile vehicle maintenance continues to gain popularity as consumers prioritize convenience, flexibility, and time savings. Leif Johnson Ford of Austin’s certified technicians are Ford factory-trained and qualified to perform maintenance and repairs using professional diagnostic equipment and manufacturer-recommended procedures.
Customers can schedule Ford Mobile Service by contacting Leif Johnson Ford of Austin directly or through the FordPass App, which also allows eligible users to earn FordPass Rewards Points on qualifying service and maintenance visits.
As demand grows for mobile mechanic services in Austin, mobile oil changes, mobile brake service, and convenient vehicle maintenance solutions, Leif Johnson Ford of Austin continues to expand customer-focused programs designed to simplify vehicle ownership while delivering the quality service Ford owners expect.
Drivers interested in learning more about Ford Mobile Service can contact Leif Johnson Ford of Austin to determine eligibility, service availability, and scheduling options for their location.
About Leif Johnson Ford of Austin
Leif Johnson Ford of Austin is a premier Ford dealership serving drivers throughout Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Lakeway, Buda, and the greater Central Texas region. Located at 501 E. Koenig Lane in Austin, the dealership offers a comprehensive selection of new Ford vehicles, quality pre-owned inventory, financing solutions, genuine Ford parts, and certified automotive service. Through innovative programs such as Ford Mobile Service, Leif Johnson Ford of Austin continues to provide convenient, customer-focused solutions designed to enhance the vehicle ownership experience.
Contact Info:
Name: Leif Johnson Ford of Austin
Email: Send Email
Organization: Leif Johnson Ford of Austin
Address: 501 E Koenig Ln #2, Austin, TX 78751
Phone: +15125984480
Website: https://www.leifjohnsonford.com
Release ID: 89194096
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AUSTIN, Texas — Rural hospitals remain a focus for Texas lawmakers as the Texas House Public Health Committee reviews the implementation of major health care legislation passed during the last legislative session.
According to the Texas Hospital Association, Texas is home to 147 rural hospitals that serve a larger share of older and sicker patients, as well as more Medicaid and Medicare recipients, than hospitals in metropolitan areas. Those demographics create significant challenges for health care providers in rural communities.
The association reports that 21 rural hospitals have closed over the past decade. Other facilities have eliminated services, including labor and delivery departments, leaving some pregnant women in rural Texas hours away from birth care.
One measure aimed at addressing those concerns is House Bill 18, which provides additional financial support for rural maternity care. The legislation increases payments associated with childbirth services in rural hospitals.
“That rural hospital is also going to get a $1500 payment. I mean, they’re going to get the regular reimbursement rate associated with providing those services, but because it’s also a delivery in a rural hospital, they’re going to also get an extra 15-hundred dollars,” a witness told lawmakers.
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KEYE
Only 40 percent of rural hospitals continue to provide labor and delivery services. House Bill 18 was among several bills approved to strengthen the availability and quality of health care across rural Texas, which covers approximately 85 percent of the state’s land mass.
Committee members also heard testimony on efforts to expand telehealth access and recruit health care workers to rural communities. Witnesses highlighted partnerships between hospitals, clinics, and academic institutions for training and residency programs, as well as loan forgiveness programs designed to encourage clinicians to practice in rural areas.
Lawmakers also discussed broadband access and its role in telehealth services. Testimony indicated that many rural Texans continue to rely on libraries and senior centers to access telehealth resources because broadband service remains limited in some areas.
The USC Trojans are currently in a recruiting war with the Texas Longhorns over four-star offensive tackle Austin Attalah. The 6-8, 270-pound lineman currently has 29 offers from programs such as Ohio State, Oregon, Oklahoma, Alabama, Florida, Miami and Notre Dame. To help narrow down his choices, the four-star prospect has planned visits throughout the summer.
Although Attalah has been vocal about USC and Texas standing out among the rest, Attalah’s most recent trip to Austin could give USC a run for its money.
Four-Star Tackle Austin Attalah’s Recruitment
Playing out of Cajon High School (San Bernardino, Calif.), Attalah is nationally ranked No. 15 by On3/Rivals and No. 50 by 247Sports and is the top-10 of his position – No. 2 and No. 6, respectively.
His size and physicality pop when looking at his film. Attalah rarely gets pushed back during one-on-one blocking assignments and turns into a bulldozer when a running play is called his way. He is quick enough to reach the second level and takes pride in finished blocks
Austin Attalah’s Recruiting History With the Texas Longhorns
On March 27, Attalah received an offer from Texas. Then this past weekend, Attalah met with head coach Steve Sarkisian, offensive line coach Kyle Flood and the rest of the Texas staff. Adam Gorney of Rivals has confirmed that the visit went well and that Attalah was impressed with the facility, staff and camp.
Texas’ main recruiting pitch to Attalah seems to be that they have become an offensive line factory. Since Sarkisian took over at Texas, he has had five offensive linemen selected in the NFL Draft – Christian Jones (2024, Round 5), Kelvin Banks Jr. (2025, Round 1), Cameron Williams (2025, Round 6), Hayden Connor (2025, Round 6) and DJ Campbell (2026, Round 6).
In comparison, USC under Lincoln Riley has only had three linemen drafted – Andrew Vorhees (2023, Round 7), Jarrett Kingston (2024, Round 6) and Jonah Monheim (2025, Round 7).
Another advantage that Texas has over Southern Cal is Attalah’s familial ties to the state. His grandparents currently reside in Floydada, Texas, where Attalah has spent summers at the family ranch.
Austin Attalah’s Recruiting History With the USC Trojans
Attalah received an offer from Southern Cal on March 7 during a campus visit. Then on March 26 in Long Beach (Calif.), USC hosted Attalah and other local high school stars for a spring practice. Throughout the practice, the four-star recruit impressed the Trojan coaching staff.
While USC may not be producing at the NFL level the way Texas has, recent recruiting strategies by offensive line coach Zach Hanson can turn USC into the offensive line hub of the past. In 2026, Hanson signed five-star offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe, the No. 5 overall recruit and No. 1 player at his position, according to 247Sports, as well as Vlad Dyakonov and Esun Tafa, both of whom were top-150 prospects.
It also helps that USC is the home of Attalah’s former Cajon teammate, Taylor Johnson, the Trojans’ freshman linebacker.
The Trojans currently have 88 offerees in the 2028 class, 12 of which are offensive linemen – nine at the tackle position. If the Trojans are unable to land Attalah, they can get another California talent in four-star recruit Lincoln Fa’alafi from Serra Catholic. Four-star recruits Maui Tonata and Mataio Fano would also be huge gets at the position.
Attalah is slated for another visit on June 9, according to Gorney and Rivals.
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