Discovering the future of space travel in downtown Austin, scientists and explorers will discuss colonizing mars and women in stem at this year's New Worlds Conference. Senior Science reporter Eric Henrikson takes a closer look at how these events push us further to the stars.

Austin Special Olympian takes home National golf title

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission was already under federal scrutiny as it struggled to keep up with months-long delays distributing food benefits to millions of low-income Texans, who rely on this lifeline. MORE: https://www.kxan.com/investigations/texas-hhsc-was-under-federal-scrutiny-as-snap-delays-continue/

‘Mass casualty event’ halted after man makes threats toward Tesla event, report says

Austin (KXAN) — Staff and volunteers at Kind Clinic started the first of a 24-hour long initiative to test Austinites for sexually transmitted infections Friday evening.

Read more https://www.kxan.com/investigations/dps-agent-denied-transfer-to-care-for-terminally-ill-father/ A veteran law enforcement officer at the Texas Department of Public Safety said he feels betrayed by his own agency after he was repeatedly denied the ability to transfer to the DPS office in his hometown to help take care of his terminally ill father and be with his family.

Read more https://www.kxan.com/news/texas/texas-birds-renamed-due-to-links-with-colonialism-slavery-racism/ Starting in 2024, the American Ornithological Society (AOS), the largest international group of its kind, will begin an initiative to rename some species of birds with English names found in the U.S. and Canada.

Read more https://www.kxan.com/news/texas-politics/how-texas-representatives-voted-in-george-santos-house-expulsion/ George Santos, R-New York, was expelled from the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday, making him the sixth lawmaker ever ousted from the lower chamber.

Read more https://www.kxan.com/news/national-news/winter-holiday-fire-safety-tips-statistics/ The holiday season often includes festive light displays and decorations, which can sometimes present fire risks.

Read more https://www.kxan.com/news/texas-politics/texas-must-remove-floating-barrier-from-rio-grande-fifth-circuit-court-orders/ The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ordered Texas on Friday to remove the floating barrier it deployed in the Rio Grande at Eagle Pass this summer, affirming a lower court’s ruling.

Happening this weekend, internationally known artist Deborah Roberts will be at the Carver Museum in Austin discussing what's influenced her art over the years. Her art has been showcased in Harpers Bazaar, New York Magazine and across the globe. She joins Jennifer Sanders to give us insight.

Nearly half of all children are not properly buckled in their car seat. This weekend, you have an opportunity to make sure your child doesn't fall into that category while also getting to learn a little bit more about one major construction project. KXAN Traffic Anchor Erica Brennes spoke with TxDOT ahead of its "Touch a Truck" event tomorrow in Southwest Austin.

This week Austin leaders have talked about what the city is doing to prepare for any potential winter storm. It comes as FEMA rolls out a message of its own. The agency is asking you take control and have your own plan ready to go if there is an ice storm or any other natural disaster. Sally Hernandez talked to the man in charge of getting that message out for FEMA.