Riding to Mexico on a Bicycle Made of Trash

Every January, volunteers travel from East Austin to Mexico to deliver hand-built bicycles to workers in Mexican maquiladoras — work camps around American manufacturing plants. Each journey begins with second-hand parts in an Austin warehouse, where the bikes take shape. They end up nearly 400 miles away. Saddle up with reporter Mike Melanson as he takes us over the border.

Electronic Smokes: Healthy or Dangerous?

Smokers are running out of places they can light up, but an electronic cigarette offers a nicotine fix without the tobacco haze, and it’s legal in Texas workplaces. But it’s too soon to tell whether e-cigarettes are any less dangerous than the traditional kind.

Virtual World Enhances Students’ Real Learning

University of Texas at Austin teachers such as Riley Triggs in the College of Fine Arts are implementing new technology in the classroom. That’s thanks in part to a university division that specializes in using digital tools to push the boundaries of real work and learning across academic disciplines, including art and architecture-real learning in a virtual world.

In Search for Family, Fighting for His Life

A Virginia man desperate to reconnect with his daughter made his way to Texas last fall. But within weeks after arriving here, Michael Watts found himself diagnosed with cancer and fighting for his life. And, at times, living on the streets. Photojournalist Daniel Austin Read chronicles his struggle and a father’s search to find his daughter…while he can.

Food for the Soul at New Orleans Institution

Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in August, 2005, taking more than 1,800 lives and devastating countless homes and businesses. One of those, Mother’s Restaurant, reopened shortly after the storm because the owner saw a need to sustain the rescuers who came to help, and to nourish the soul of the city he loves. Witness a typical day at Mother’s.

After-School Program Offers Haven for Kids

Some at-risk kids in East Austin don’t go home after school; they go to Mission Possible. This outreach center’s mentors help with homework, advice, and whatever else the kids need to stay focused on learning – and away from gangs and drugs. Photojournalist Caryn Werner spent the day at Mission Possible and introduces us to some of the children and the mentors who run the program.

VIDEO: Come Take a Tour of Second Life

Virtual environments like Sim City and Second Life offer a rich learning environment intertwined with visionary amusement. But 500 million real dollars changed hands in Second Life in 2009. That makes this imagined online world a very good place to learn about real business. Broadcast journalist Cheryl Fey transported herself inside Second Life for a look.

The University of Texas School of Journalism

The School of Journalism at the University of Texas at Austin is a vibrant teaching and learning institution offering instruction from seasoned professionals in a variety of reporting specialties, including print, broadcast, photojournalism and multimedia. UT journalism students produce burntOrange magazine, weekly radio and TV newscasts, and contribute to national news ventures including News 21 and ABC News on Campus.