KUT’s Morning Newspod for March 16, 2011

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SXSW Street Closures

Downtown Austin has been packed for South by Southwest and you can expect more street closures.  The city’s shutting down East Sixth Street from Brazos to I-35 starting today through Sunday.  Sixth Street will be open for the morning commutes from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m through Friday.

SXSW Music in Full Swing

In the days where bands can put their music online at anytime from anywhere, why do so many bands still pack up and haul their stuff to Austin, Texas for one week every March?  Texas Music Matters’ David Brown explores that question on today’s podcast.

Rep. Howard Wins Another Round in Election Contest

A special House committee Tuesday ruled against Republican challenger Dan Neil for the contested House District 48 race.  The committee unanimously voted to recommend that incumbent Democrat Donna Howard is the winner in the race to represent part of western Travis County.  The next step is for the election challenge to move to the full House.

AG Warning of Possible Japan Charity Scams

Texans are generously opening their wallets to the relief efforts for Japan’s earthquake and tsunami disaster.  The Texas Attorney General is warning people to beware of charitable scams and people trying to capitalize on the tragedy.  The AG says to ask relief organizations for credentials, make checks out directly to charities and not to individual solicitors, and find out how your donation will be used.  Click here for more tips from the AG.