UT Theatre Festival Goes Online Because of COVID

byBrynne Herzfeld

AUSTIN, Texas — When COVID-19 halted performances in front of live audiences, UT Department of Theatre and Dance students and faculty showcased their creations in a new and safe way.  The 2021 edition of the Cohen New Works Festival, a biennial celebration of student work, took place April 12 through 16. Begun in 2007, this […]

UT Students Struggle to Cope with Police Killings of Young People of Color

byDominique LaVigne

AUSTIN, Texas — In the last two weeks, police killed at least four young people of color: Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, Adam Toledo in Chicago, Anthony Thompson in Knoxville, and Ma’Khia Bryant in Columbus, Ohio. All of the victims were under 21 years of age. The deaths coincided with the trial of Derek […]

Upcoming Austin Election Includes Proposal for “Strong Mayor” System

byClark Dalton

AUSTIN, Texas — A proposition on the May 1 municipal election ballot seeks to change Austin’s city government to a “strong mayor” system, which would make the mayor Chief Executive Officer. Proposition F is one of eight propositions for voters to decide May 1. Early voting started this week. The mayor would have more responsibilities […]

Celebrating Earth at UT

byMaggy Wolanske

AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas Campus Environmental Center (CEC) is working on multiple events to get students excited for Earth Month.  Activities include a seed swap, campfire chats, UT Farm Stand, microfarm workshops, and an art contest.  “The Office of Sustainability, in general, celebrates Earth Month, so that’s why we have so much programming […]

Reporting Texas TV – April 15, 2021

byReporting Texas TV Staff

Journalism students from Moody College at the University of Texas made their third newscast of the semester on April 15, 2021. This week student journalists report on the governor’s opposition to Covid-19 vaccine passports, disruptions to STAAR testing, and the return of live music to the Live Music Capital of the World.

Technical Issues Delay and Cancel Student Evaluations in Texas

byKenny Jones

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Statewide technical glitches on April 6 interrupted about 250,000 online exams administered by the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR).  Students taking written STAAR exams were able to finish without any technical issues. Those taking virtual exams could not continue midway or even log in. A teacher from San […]

Forty Acres Fest Brings Live Music Back to Campus

byANDRÉS GARCIA

AUSTIN, Texas — Live music returned to the University of Texas campus last weekend for the first time since the outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020.  Forty Acres Fest, an annual concert organized by Campus Events + Entertainment, took place April 10. The four-hour-long midday festival was somewhat of a departure from the way the festival […]

Abbott Bans COVID-19 Vaccine Passports

byLibby Cohen

AUSTIN, Texas — While lawmakers argue across the country whether mandating the COVID-19 vaccine is constitutional, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed an executive order effectively banning vaccine passports last week. If enacted, the passport would allow vaccinated people to do certain things like eat in a restaurant or go to a library. Abbott’s order withdraws public […]

Live Music Gradually Returns to the Live Music Capital of the World

byAshley Miznazi

AUSTIN, Texas — Venues and musicians are fighting to maintain Austin’s reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World. However, while the lights turned off, bills did not stop and venues struggled to make rent.  Red River Street hosts the largest cluster of live music venues in the city and is known as a […]

Reporting Texas TV – April 8, 2021

byReporting Texas TV Staff

Journalism students from Moody College at the University of Texas made their second newscast of the semester on April 8, 2021. This week student journalists report on effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, blood donation centers, and home building, as well as disparities between the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournaments.

Doctors Provide Support for Pandemic-Related Mental Health Issues

byBrynne Herzfeld

AUSTIN, Texas — Health concerns across the state are improving with the distribution of vaccines, but the mental health effects of pandemic-related isolation can’t be treated with a shot. Isolation affects many people and in different ways. UT neuroscience student Sarah Stofel said she was more organized and motivated before the pandemic. Isolation has changed […]

NCAA Tourney Amenities Prompt Call for Greater Equity in Women’s Sports

byClark Dalton

AUSTIN, Texas — All 63 games of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament were played in Texas for the first time, including a few games in Austin, but amenities for the athletes at some venues drew national attention. Photos of a weight room with a single set of dumbbells displayed just one of several inequalities between […]

Home Buyers and Builders Face Pandemic-Related Construction Shortages

byKenny Jones

AUSTIN, Texas — Builders finished more new homes in Travis County in 2020 than any year prior despite facing challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Home Builders Association of Greater Austin said contractors completed a record-breaking 21,500 homes, even though there were decreases in the supply of building materials and labor. Many material and […]

Blood Donation Centers Respond to Multiple Challenges

byMaggy Wolanske

AUSTIN, Texas — Blood donation sites were among many businesses affected by COVID-19 closures and are now implementing new strategies to encourage needed donations.  Nick Canedo, Vice President of Community Engagement for the Austin-based We Are Blood, said the shift to remote learning and working decreased the number of individuals donating. “It’s been a challenge, pretty […]

Reporting Texas TV – April 1, 2021

byReporting Texas TV Staff

Journalism students from Moody College at the University of Texas made their first newscast of the semester on April 1, 2021. This week student journalists report on University Health Services efforts to vaccinate students, reaction to The Eyes of Texas History Committee’s report, how small businesses are faring one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, and […]

Austin Small Business Revenue Has Long Term Impacts After Pandemic, Study Shows

byAshley Miznazi

AUSTIN, Texas — Researchers at the Cockrell School of Engineering hope to shed light on the impacts the pandemic had on Austin’s lifestyle and economy after a year. Their findings showed small businesses were hit hard. There are 40% fewer businesses open than pre pandemic days. For small businesses able to stay open, revenue dropped […]

Hays County’s Indigenous Community Continues Struggle for Recognition

byBrooke Nevins

Hays County Commissioners Court raised the ire of critics by failing to reappoint members of its historical commission during a meeting earlier this year, a move that effectively dissolved a committee that represented the interests of Tejano and Indigenous groups.  The criticism came from citizens after the court did not reappoint members of the Hays […]

“La Copita” Ushers in New Rivalry Between Austin and San Antonio

byAndrés Garcia

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas soccer fans are gearing up for the inaugural matchup between Austin FC and San Antonio FC. The game will take place April 1 as part of “La Copita,” a preseason tournament consisting of several Division 1 and 2 professional soccer clubs from all over Texas. San Antonio FC, formerly the San […]

UHS Encourages Students to Sign Up for Vaccine as Texas Opens Qualifications

byLibby Cohen

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Department of State Health Services announced that anyone over the age of 16 is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine starting this week. The new qualifications greatly expand who can receive a vaccine in Austin through the University of Texas at Austin, as campus serves as a vaccine hub for […]

UT Professor Releases Independent Report Countering the Eyes of Texas History Committee

byDominique LaVigne

AUSTIN, Texas — The Eyes of Texas History Committee released its report about the university alma mater on March 9, but some found it less than satisfactory.  Professor Alberto Martinez spent 15 days researching the song’s history to write an independent report on The Eyes of Texas after the official committee concluded the song was not […]