Safety First

University of Texas among top schools for safe sex

University of Texas UT tower and fountain

UT ranked among best schools for practicing safe sex.

The University of Texas at Austin may have an infamous (and arguably true) reputation as a party school, but at least the students know how to party responsibly. According to recent rankings of sexual health on 141 U.S. college campuses, UT is the No. 2 college for safe sex — an impressive move up from the No. 8 spot last year.

The annual Trojan Sexual Health Report Card — a joint operation between Trojan Brand Condoms and BestPlaces — takes into consideration factors such as availability of condoms and other contraceptives, access to medical services (like STI testing), and sexual assault resources to determine the quality of safe sex practices amongst students.

UT's good grades on the Sexual Health Report Card will hopefully reassure concerned parents, especially considering that the university consistently ranks among Playboy magazine's top ten party schools. (UT came in at No. 9 this year after receiving the No. 6 spot in 2013 and No. 4 spot in 2012.) But no matter how wild the party gets, Longhorns seem well-versed in safe sex practices and have a variety of health services available to them on campus.

Rounding out the top three schools are Oregon State University at No. 1 and University of Maryland, College Park at No. 3.

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In Memoriam

Former Austin Mayor Carole Keeton Strayhorn dies at 85

dignitymemorial.com

Carole Keeton Strayhorn was Austin's first female mayor.

Former Austin mayor, Texas railroad commissioner, and Texas comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn died on Wednesday, March 26 at the age of 85.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson confirmed the news of Strayhorn's passing to KVUE senior reporter Tony Plohetski on Wednesday evening. In a statement, Watson referred to Strayhorn as "a powerful personality that filled a room," and someone who "pushed people to think about the future but also made you laugh at the drop of a hat."

Strayhorn served as Austin's mayor from 1977 until 1993. She served on the Texas Railroad Commission in the 1990s before being elected as Texas Comptroller in 1998.

A statement by Strayhorn's family in the care of Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services says that she "died peacefully at her home in Austin, Texas, surrounded by family." It anticipates a public memorial "within a couple of months;" in the short-term, only a private family service is planned.

"Mom accomplished so much in life on behalf of others because she cared deeply about making a difference and improving the lives of families and individuals from all walks," the statement says. "Her tireless dedication and ability to get things done were unmatched. ... Above all, she was a loving mother and grandmother who always put her family first."

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

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