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.

Ghosts of Katrina in the Ninth Ward

More than 70,000 homes are still damaged or vacant in post-Katrina New Orleans; thousands in the Ninth Ward. Photojournalist Tara Haelle shows us.

“Voluntourism” Serving New Orleans

Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in August 2005. Now volunteers from colleges and service groups are spending their vacations rebuilding.

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.

Pedaling to Mexico on Trash Bicycles

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 along with the recyclists on an adventure across the border…on a bicycle made from trash.

After 12 Years, Wrongfully Convicted Men Go Free

In 1997, Claude Simmons and Christopher Scott were convicted of murder and locked behind bars. In March of 2010, they walked free – not because they had completed their sentences or earned parole…but because they were innocent men. Students helped earn their release, but getting the men out of prison was only part of the battle.

Struggling to Treat the Poor in New Orleans

The New Orleans area lost thousands of hospital beds to Hurricane Katrina–most notably those at Charity Hospital, the institution that cared for  indigent and uninsured patients. Now, community clinics are trying to answer the need.

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.

Volunteer Spirit Brings President Obama to A&M

Former president George H.W. Bush hosted President Obama at Texas A&M University. Although they have political differences, they agree on the need for public service. They shared the stage to mark the 20th anniversary of Bush’s Thousand Points of Light volunteer campaign.