Austin American-Statesman

statesman.com — By TIM TALLEY The Associated Press MOORE, Okla. - A monstrous tornado at least a half-mile wide roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday, flattening entire neighborhoods and destroying an elementary school with a direct blow as children and teachers huddled against winds up to 200 mph.

statesman.com — By TIM TALLEY The Associated Press MOORE, Okla. - A monstrous tornado as much as a mile wide roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday, flattening entire neighborhoods, setting buildings on fire and landing a direct blow on an elementary school.

statesman.com — American-Statesman Staff A bill that would prohibit state officials from requiring Social Security numbers from Texans who apply for concealed-handgun licenses, as they do now, was approved by the Senate on Monday. House Bill 1349 earlier passed the House and now goes to Gov. Rick Perry to be signed into law.

statesman.com — American-Statesman Staff For months Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo has lobbied lawmakers to expand background checks to more gun sales. On Sunday night, the debate continued on Twitter, where the city's top police officer sparred with users over the need for increased gun control.

statesman.com — American-Statesman Staff Maggie Hernandez holds a baby blue and gold parakeet, proudly noting that he's the first bird ever hatched at the Austin school district's animal center. She's not sure if Junior can fly. Probably not, she says. Junior instantly proves her wrong.

statesman.com — American-Statesman Staff Two weeks after President Barack Obama visited his school, the principal of Manor New Technology High School has been invited to the White House for an informal brainstorming session on education. Steven Zipkes will join U.S.

statesman.com — American-Statesman Staff 3 p.m. update: The jail inmate who killed himself in his cell in Burnet County on Saturday night has been identified as 30-year-old Gregory Mark Currie, who was charged with capital murder last week, according to Sheriff W.T. Smith.