Suspicious Powder in Dorm Is Being Tested

A University of Texas student found a substance in a roll of quarters that initially tested positive for ricin, a potentially deadly poison, but more tests were needed to confirm the finding, officials said.

The 19-year-old student, who said she unwrapped the powder in her Austin dormitory room Thursday, and her roommate were checked at a hospital for potential exposure to the poison, although neither had any symptoms, officials said.

“I guess you can say I was just weirded out,” said Kelly Heinbaugh, a freshman kinesiology major. “It seemed out of place.... I figured I’d rather be safe than sorry.”