Primary results from national/state/local races: So even though it seems that Hillary won the Texas primary (it's interesting that Obama led in statewide early voting), Obama may beat her in delegate numbers. In the GOP race, McCain is now the GOP candidate as Huckabee gives up the ghost. In Travis County, Ron Paul won 17% of the vote . . . more ›

Michael Olsen could get his job back with APD on a technicality. Man's body found near North Campus area; police say he fell off the roof. Obama's rally tomorrow night will close down roads downtown, so don't say we didn't warn you. Hillary trying to nab the Longhorn vote by wearing burnt orange today? more ›

17-year-old Hannah Hawley (photo at right) has been missing since Monday afternoon and has a heart condition requiring medication. She was last seen at South 1st and W. Stassney Lane. Police ask anyone with knowledge of her whereabouts to call 911. Texans for Public Justice says that our city is losing money on incentive deals. Citizens of Northeast Travis County are opposed to the possible expansion of the landfill in their area. The odor... more ›

An earthquake in Indonesia brings fears of possible tsunami in Indian Ocean. One year into serving as Japan's Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe is resigning. Another government shakeup: Putin is dissolving Russia's current government in preparation for upcoming elections. Aviator Fossett still lost, but six other lost planes have been found in the search for his plane. US Senate will hold hearing on toy safety today. Doesn't Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson deserve better than playing Carrie... more ›

In the mid 1980s, the US Senate (provoked by a high-powered busybody wives club called the PMRC) held a series of hearings on so-called “porn rock”—music containing lyrics about violence, sex, drugs, and the occult. The hearings were pointless but hilarious, providing a public venue for several old, rich, uptight assholes to make fools of themselves reciting lyrics from songs by prominent 80s rock bands. And though the hearings are probably best remembered for testimonies... more ›

• We are beginning to think that perhaps the mining industry isn't the best field to get into right now. Several workers in China are trapped due to flooding in a coal mine.
• The leader of the World Health Organization passed away during surgery to remove a blood clot in his brain.
• New Orleans is deemed as a "Chocolate City" with African Americans significantly outnumbering whites. Mayor Nagin was also re-elected to lead New Orleans again even after his controversial dealings with the Katrina distaster.
• The US Senate voted last week to make English the official language in the United States.
• The domain extension that would allow us all to search for online porn a little bit easier, was rejected for use by the government. Now ICM Registry is to going to sue the government.
• South Korea has freed itself from one kind of evil; Wal-Mart is the second global retailer to vacate the country
• Austin ISD is trying to figure out ways to improve teacher-quality at low-income and minority schools which all happen to be East of 35.
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With all this talk about extreme weather conditions as a result of Global Warming, some governments have good timing. The City of Austin and Travis County are about to release the latest update of flood plains and low-lying areas that could be affected by serious flooding. Homeowners should take a serious look because it could certainly affect home-values and insurance rates. Prime Minister Tony Blair gave a speech regarding the worldwide battle of values... more ›

Austin is Taradise! And Lance and Sheryl split Congrats to Adlai McMahon, winner of our giveaway contest for Bloc Party's documentary/concert DVD, God Bless Bloc Party! The SXSW Music Festival roster expanded to over 1,100 this week, including such esteemed acts as Morrissey and The Flaming Lips Austinist photographer Matt Wright captures yet another amazing night shot in Austin, as well as some sexy shots of last week's Box Magazine issue release party. The... more ›

The US Senate has, rather begrudgingly, named Samuel Anthony Alito, Jr. the 110th US Supreme Court justice. The conservative former federal judge will replace the moderate and graceful Sandra Day O'Connor. Good look, great justice. We just hope Alito takes to wearing doilies when out on the town. more ›

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon undergoes emergency surgery after doctors discover an increase in cranial pressure. Meanwhile, Pat Robertson has the audacity to suggest this is some sort of "divine retribution." The Canadian Medical Association Journal claims that supplying winos with booze might actually be good for them and everyone else. BBC lists the top 100 things we learned this year. Our favorites? "WD-40 dissolves cocaine - it has been used by a pub... more ›