APDon't Point That Laser At Me

FBI arrests Austin man after allegedly pointing laser pointer at APD helicopter

It's illegal to point a laser pointer at an aircraft, as one unlucky Austinite found out.

Austin Police Department https://www.policehelicopterpilot.com

KVUE — FBI agents arrested 25-year-old Gabriel Soza Ruedas, Jr. in Austin on Thursday for allegedly pointing a laser at an aircraft flying overhead, according to a press release from the United States Attorney's Office.

It is considered a federal crime to aim a laser pointer at an aircraft, according to a reform act that President Obama signed in 2012. On Wednesday, federal officials filed a criminal complaint charging Ruedas with violating that provision.

The complaint alleges that on February 15, 2014, Ruedas knowingly aimed the beam of a laser pointer multiple times at an APD helicopter that was about to land at the Austin airport.

"Laser strikes can pose serious risks to flight crews, passengers, and even individuals on the ground. They are a serious public safety hazard and will be treated as such by law enforcement officials," United States Attorney Robert Pitman said.

Upon conviction, Ruedas faces up to five years in federal prison and a maximum $250,000 fine.

"Shining a laser at aircraft can temporarily blind a pilot which could result in the loss of aircraft control and human life. This case should serve as a warning to others who engage in this dangerous criminal activity. The FBI will continue to investigate and pursue prosecution of offenders who threaten aviation safety," said Christopher Combs, the FBI special agent in charge.

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To read the rest of the story, head to KVUE.com

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Drop the Debt

UT announces free tuition for families with income under $100,000

Photo by dszc Getty Images

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Beginning next fall, some students accepted into schools within the University of Texas system will receive free tuition and have all fees waived, the board of regents announced on Wednesday.

In order to qualify, families of undergraduates must make less than $100,000 a year.

The board gave preliminary approval to the plan on Wednesday. After the full board’s consideration and vote on Thursday, the plan will include a new, immediate infusion of $35 million directly to campuses to offer the financial aid benefit. The plan also directs additional investment in endowments supporting financial aid to ensure a commitment for tuition relief.

In 2019, the regents established a $167 million endowment at UT Austin to completely cover tuition and mandatory fees for in-state undergraduate students from families with an income of up to $65,000. In 2022, the regents approved a second endowment of almost $300 million called “Promise Plus” to extend the program to all UT academic institutions.

“To be in a position to make sure our students can attend a UT institution without accruing more debt is very important to all of us [...]” Kevin P. Eltife, chairman of the board of regents, said.

Read the full story and watch the video at KVUE.com.

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