May 4, 2018
After a key bus stop was removed due to construction, two major UT shuttles now serve a fraction of their usual ridership.
Class Projects
Central Texas Tortoise Rescue Provides a Home for All Kinds of Turtles
Although most people think of more traditional pets, such as cats and dogs, as needing help, Central Texas Tortoise Rescue provides a needed service for turtles and tortoises that need new homes.
Hill Country Trophy Helps Recognize Achievement in the San Marcos Community
March 28, 2018
Although some may question the wisdom of handing out “participation trophies,” Cindy and Bo Kelly, owners of Hill Country Trophy in San Marcos, say recognizing children for their efforts is a rewarding part of their work.
Alpaca Wool Offers a Sustainable Alternative to Synthetic Fibers
February 19, 2018
Tierra Prometida, an alpaca ranch 15 miles west of San Marcos, is home to dozens of alpacas. Alpaca wool is more eco-friendly than synthetic fibers and even other woolly livestock.
State legislation threatens local tree ordinances in Texas cities
December 4, 2017
This summer, concerned citizens filled the halls of the Texas Capitol, testifying passionately over controversial subjects from insurance coverage of abortions to the “bathroom bill” aimed at transgender people. Meanwhile, city officials and activists from cities and towns across the state gathered in Austin to fight for an entirely different category of living things that call urban landscapes like Austin home: trees.
Hurricane Harvey’s Furry Refugees
November 6, 2017
Cat sisters and Houston natives Jamie and Alice had an uncertain future when their apartment was flooded during Hurricane Harvey. Until, however, a human from Austin took them in to her home.
Austin offers resources to struggling parents
October 18, 2017
In between classes, homework and her other obligations as a student, UT Austin radio-television-film senior Haley Morales has one more responsibility on which she must spend her time: either taking care of her four-month-old son, Hunter, or finding someone to look after him.
Amazon in Austin: How could online retailers impact local grocery stores?
September 27, 2017
When online-bookstore-turned-leading-retailer Amazon.com Inc. was born over twenty years ago, the thought that online stores could replace brick-and-mortar businesses was nearly unthinkable. In 2017, however, it’s entirely possible that Austin will start seeing more Amazon Fresh delivery trucks on the streets than grocery stores.
Coal, Renewable Energy and Carbon Emissions in Texas
Forty-three percent of Americans want President Donald Trump to revive the coal industry and 64 percent think he can do it, according to the spring 2017 edition of the biannual University of Texas Energy Poll.
However, energy market experts believe coal isn’t coming back.
The Value of a Tree: myTreeKeeper and Austin’s Urban Forest
Other than as hammock poles and hiding spots for the elusive albino squirrel, the nearly 5,000 trees on the UT main campus are useful for helping filter the air and keep buildings cool with shade, and a new interactive website can now show curious Longhorns an exact dollar amount for the benefits their favorite tree provides.
Julianne Hodges 