KUT Morning Newspod April 11, 2011
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Firefighters Battling Wildfires Across Texas
Hot, dry and windy conditions kept firefighters across the state busy this weekend. 26 Central Texas firefighters deployed to West Texas Sunday to help battle wildfires in that region. One West Texas fire scorched more than 60,000 acres in Jeff Davis County and destroyed about 40 homes in Fort Davis. The Texas Forest Service told KUT resources were also sent in from 25 states.
West Texas Fire Knocks Out Marfa Public Radio
The fire in the Fort Davis area was responsible for knocking out nearby Marfa Public Radio’s signal this weekend. KUT’s digital technology manager, Jim Reese, was flown over to help. He said Marfa Public Radio went back on the air around 6 p.m. Sunday. ”Marfa Public Radio is the only station [there] that has wide area coverage, so there were no media outlets at all functioning for about 24 hours,” said Reese.
Six Months Left in Seventh Street Upgrade
Construction crews will begin paving a stretch of East Seventh Street today that has been undergoing a massive face lift. The City of Austin is adding wider sidewalks, trees, landscaping and extra lighting to the east-west corridor. Those who’ve driven on it know it’s a bumpy ride. As KUT’s Nathan Bernier reports on today’s podcast, it’s been a tough journey for local businesses too.
Senate to Discuss Guns on Campus Monday
The Texas Senate is expected to continue debate today on a bill to allow concealed handguns on college and university campuses. Republican Senator Jeff Wentworth of San Antonio sponsored the bill. Similar legislation is proposed in the House. Supporters say it would give people the right to protect themselves on campus. Opponents worry it would escalate violence.
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