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Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

All content by Katie Walsh
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Attendees weather freezing temperatures for art, hip hop, EDM at Houston’s Day for Night Festival

Katie Walsh December 20, 2016

Houston’s concrete jungle proved to be the ideal backdrop for Day for Night festival, an event marketed as “the festival of the future.” The two-day event of around 45,000 attendees...

Five bands to catch at Houston’s Day for Night Art & Music Festival

Katie Walsh December 16, 2016

Day for Night isn’t your typical music festival. The two-day hybrid event packs hip hop giants, electronic dance music legends and dozens of art installations into the heart of downtown Houston....

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30: Associate editor reflects on long, strange trip

Katie Walsh December 5, 2016

Editor’s note: A 30 column is a chance for departing permanent staff to say farewell and reflect on their time spent in The Daily Texan basement office. The term comes from the typesetting mark (—30—)...

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Survivor struggles to regain self worth after rape

Katie Walsh November 30, 2016

Blair sat alone in a lawn chair 20 feet from the bonfire her friends built to celebrate senior prom. She didn’t feel like grabbing another Dos Equis or talking to anyone. As her friends refilled...

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Family, friends host memorial service to honor Abz Zeitler

Katie Walsh and Elizabeth Hlavinka November 21, 2016

To some, she was a mentor, to others a teammate. Some called her their “ghoulfriend,” others knew her as a co-worker, an employee, a daughter, a best friend, a sister.  But whether...

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Tat-Tuesday: Sound On Sound festivalgoers share stories behind their ink

Katie Walsh and Elizabeth Hlavinka November 8, 2016

Editor’s note: Tat-Tuesday is a weekly series that features students around campus and their tattoos. J and Kristin  Some of J’s tattoos are older than most college students. “I’m...

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Sound on Sound Fest: Day Three proves worth the wait

Katie Walsh and Elizabeth Hlavinka November 8, 2016

Rain or shine, the show must go on. As a downpour flooded the festival grounds early Sunday afternoon, hundreds of fans evacuated to cars and shuttles thinking the three-day festival had come to a premature...

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SOS Fest: Day Two brings ultimate dream pop experience

Katie Walsh and Elizabeth Hlavinka November 6, 2016

Day Two of Sound On Sound Festival kicked off to a muddy start after a round of heavy morning showers early Saturday, but that didn’t stop festivalgoers clad in rain boots and jackets from lining...

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Electric hip-hop performances dominate Day One of inaugural Sound On Sound Music Festival

Katie Walsh and Elizabeth Hlavinka November 5, 2016

Slowly but surely, attendees trickled into the Sherwood Forest grounds Friday afternoon for the inaugural Sound On Sound Festival. The fest shares many similarities with downtown Austin’s Fun...

Q&A: Local instrumental band Balmorhea discusses local music scene and upcoming album

Katie Walsh September 29, 2016

It’s been two years since Michael Muller and alumnus Rob Lowe joined their four bandmates on a stage in their hometown. But the local six-piece instrumental group Balmorhea is back and will perform...

Austin-based musician Bayonne talks name change, realities of local music scene

Katie Walsh September 28, 2016

Local electronic solo act Bayonne wants one thing to be clear: he is not a DJ. He is also no longer a folk artist. The man behind Bayonne, Roger Sellers, recently re-branded his folk sound into a more...

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Father-son duo recall rise, fall of Tejano music in Austin

Katie Walsh and Elizabeth Hlavinka September 23, 2016

To the majority of radio broadcasters in the 1960s, Tejano music was the “ugly stepchild” of the industry. But to people like Marcelo Tafoya and his son, Tony, it was Cinderella. “It...

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300: Expert tailgater sports $20,000 trailer, school spirit

Katie Walsh September 6, 2016

Editor's note: In 300 words or fewer, this series spotlights people in our community whose stories typically go untold. It was pitch black when Johnny Harvey pulled up to the 40 Acres in his pickup...

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Texas Exes Pride Alumni Network to march in 26th annual Gay Pride Parade

Katie Walsh and Elizabeth Hlavinka August 26, 2016

Usually, the back-and-forth “Texas! Fight!” chant can be heard echoing the stadium during a football game. But this weekend, it will ring across Congress Avenue. This Saturday, Aug. 27,...

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Students leave University to pursue social app

Katie Walsh and Elizabeth Hlavinka August 25, 2016

A year ago, Chris Prinz walked into his intro to marketing class, beginning his second year at UT. But on the first day of school a year later, he was far from campus, feverishly working behind computers...

First day of school through the years

Katie Walsh and Elizabeth Hlavinka August 24, 2016

The Daily Texan dug in its archives for three stories from three previous decades, all published on the first day of the fall semester. 1986: 19-year-olds mourn lost drinking privileges in 1986 For...

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Fall semester features interesting class options

Katie Walsh and Elizabeth Hlavinka August 22, 2016

Cramming your schedule full of major requirements is not ideal. Sometimes, you need to break from traditional classes and try something different. Below, The Daily Texan compiled five interesting classes...

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History reveals story behind UT traditions

Katie Walsh August 22, 2016

There are many aspects of being a Longhorn that, by the end of freshman year, become second nature. Throwing horns when in front of a camera, or singing “Eyes of Texas” before a football game...

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50 years later, 1966 freshman remembers fallen friends, horrors of Tower shooting

Katie Walsh August 1, 2016

When Artly Snuff caught sight of the UT Tower on his walk home the night of Aug. 1, 1966, he nearly collapsed.  “It took everything I had in me not to throw myself under the stone bench...

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Humanizing Homelessness

Elena Mejia, Katie Walsh, and Cat Cardenas May 5, 2016

In this compilation of stories, the Life & Arts department explores homelessness. Click on our interactive to learn about two initiatives to change negative perceptions about the homeless community, or...

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Austin’s homeless writers speak out through street newspaper

Katie Walsh May 5, 2016

Pirate Joe’s latest poem came on like a dream. After five days of rewrites, it was published in the March issue of The Challenger, Austin’s street newspaper written entirely by homeless authors. “Writing...

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What’s love got to do with it?

In this compilation of stories, the Life & Arts department explores the joys and challenges that come with love. Despite discrimination, distance and life's many responsibilities, these four student...

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UT couple shares story of long-distance relationship, immigration struggles

Katie Walsh May 4, 2016

Several inches of snow coated Austin’s roads, power lines were down and everyone stayed in bed, confined to their homes. But when Alex woke up, he threw on his snow gear and made the trek...

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Male nursing student reflects on life in female-dominated field

Katie Walsh May 3, 2016

When nursing junior Josh Ruiz walks into a patient’s hospital room, all he can think about is the adrenaline about to rush through his body. “[Giving IVs] pumps me up,” Ruiz said....

Screenprinter shares his love for the art at SXSW

Katie Walsh March 20, 2016

Screenprinter Gary McGarvey sits at the Austin Convention Center in front of a wall of his own work. Colorful flatstocks, or concert posters, for artists from Elton John to Leon Bridges hang on display,...

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South By Southwest Film announces Audience Award winners

Katie Walsh and Cat Cardenas March 19, 2016

Out of the tens of thousands of films submitted, 12 films received recognition in this year’s Audience Awards. The winning films are given additional screenings for festival-goers who may have missed...

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Live Blog: SXSW 2016 | Saturday, March 19

Tweets from https://twitter.com/amyyyzhang/lists/sxsw-2016 Update (9:30 p.m.): During Flatstock 53 inside the Austin Convention Center this afternoon, The Daily Texan spoke to screenprinter Gary McGarvey...

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T-Pain discusses his transition from rapper to singer at SXSW panel

Katie Walsh March 19, 2016

Friday afternoon, T-Pain took to the stage inside the Austin Convention Center not to sing, but to have a conversation. A few hundred people say patiently awaiting his entrance, standing up to greet him...

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Live Blog: SXSW 2016 | Friday, March 18

Tweets from https://twitter.com/amyyyzhang/lists/sxsw-2016 Update (10:20 p.m.): “Hush” is an exciting thriller from writer and director Mike Flanagan. Starring a deaf heroine who is stalked...

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SXSW 2016: An Interactive Guide

Katie Walsh, Megan Hix, Cat Cardenas, and Sam Limerick March 18, 2016

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Q&A: BØRNS frontman Garrett Borns discusses his love for music, South By Southwest

Katie Walsh March 17, 2016

Garrett Borns, known by his stage name, BØRNS, caught the attention of music lovers last fall with the haunting vocals and dance pop anthems on his debut album Dopamine. The Daily Texan spoke to...

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Five St. Patrick’s Day parties around Austin to celebrate the Irish

Katie Walsh March 17, 2016

Whether or not you’ve hopped on the green beer bandwagon, Austin has you covered this St. Patrick’s Day. Check out these five events to celebrate the Irish. St. Patrick’s Day Austin When:...

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Live Blog: SXSW 2016 | Thursday, March 17

Charles Liu, Megan Hix, Katie Walsh, and Cat Cardenas March 17, 2016

Tweets from https://twitter.com/amyyyzhang/lists/sxsw-2016 Update (2:00 a.m.): Netflix’s “Pee-wee’s Big Holiday” premiered to much excitement at SXSW. However, the long-awaited...

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MTV Woodies ditch award show format for festival, showcasing Chainsmokers, A$AP Ferg

Katie Walsh March 17, 2016

This year, MTV took the “awards” out of the Woodie Awards. Rather than crowning winners, MTV hosted a five-hour music festival simply called the MTV Woodies that showcased an impressive list...

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Duo reviews entire SXSW lineup for website, Operation Every Band

Katie Walsh March 17, 2016

In 2009, Kevin McStravick scoured the streets of South By Southwest without a clue. This year, he might be the most informed person at the festival. McStravick has been reviewing every single band on...

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First lady Michelle Obama discusses Let Girls Learn initiative, sings Boyz II Men at SXSW keynote

Katie Walsh and Megan Hix March 16, 2016

When first lady Michelle Obama answered a question about her thoughts on leaving the White House, she decided to break into a Boyz II Men song. “It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday,”...

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Live Blog: SXSW 2016 | Wednesday, March 16

Tweets from https://twitter.com/amyyyzhang/lists/sxsw-2016 Update (12 a.m.): Check out our recap of the MTV Woodies, which included performances by The Chainsmokers, A$AP Ferg, BØRNS,...

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Kodak celebrates new app with “sensorial exploration of memories”

Cat Cardenas and Katie Walsh March 16, 2016

Inside Kodak’s Memory Observatory, a group of South By Southwest attendees lie on the floor gazing at an image of a man projected out of a kaleidoscope. The man in the image sits at the crowd’s...

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Radio journalist Ira Glass creates balloon poodle on SXSW stage

Megan Hix and Katie Walsh March 15, 2016

Fans of public radio personality Ira Glass will be surprised to learn that Glass, in addition to hosting the podcast “This American Life,” is also a talented balloon twister. During the...

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SXSW: Alia Shawkat talks Maeby Fünke and being a child actress

Katie Walsh March 15, 2016

Alia Shawkat remembers walking out onto set after a long day of school work and getting taunted by George Clooney for her cranky attitude. “George, please,” the then nine-year-old actress...

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Live Blog: SXSW 2016 | Tuesday, March 15

Tweets from https://twitter.com/amyyyzhang/lists/sxsw-2016 Update (8:30 p.m.): Kodak celebrated the launch of their new app, KODAK MOMENTS, this week with the Memory Observatory in the Austin Convention...

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Anthony Atamanuik mocks Donald Trump at comedy show

Katie Walsh and Megan Hix March 15, 2016

It’s six months in the future. All of the Supreme Court Justices are in hiding. Minorities are “learning to concentrate” in confinement camps. A concrete wall lines the border between...

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Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg premiere AMC’s dark comedy “Preacher”

Megan Hix and Katie Walsh March 14, 2016

For directors Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, “Preacher” has been a long time coming. The pair started developing AMC’s new dark comedy as early as the filming days of 2007’s “Superbad,”...

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Mumblecore director Joe Swanberg discusses financing independent movies in keynote speech

Katie Walsh March 14, 2016

Mumblecore director Joe Swanberg opened his keynote speech Monday morning with a disclaimer — he was going to talk about money, a subject he said is somehow still a taboo in the film industry. “If...

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Live Blog: SXSW 2016 | Monday, March 14

Tweets from https://twitter.com/amyyyzhang/lists/sxsw-2016 !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+"://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); Update...

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Alia Shawkat shares memories at Upright Citizens Brigade improv show

Katie Walsh and Cat Cardenas March 14, 2016

Sunday night Arrested Development actress Alia Shawkat took the stage at Esther’s Follies and confessed that in high school, she filled a condom with her best friend’s dad’s pee to pass...

Q&A: Australian singer-songwriter Cloves discusses upcoming album, SXSW performance

Katie Walsh March 13, 2016

Australian singer songwriter Kaity Dunstan, known by her stage name Cloves will bring her haunting vocals to Austin this week for South By Southwest. The Daily Texan spoke with her about her first band...

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Live Blog: SXSW 2016 | Sunday, March 13

Charles Liu, Katie Walsh, Megan Hix, and Cat Cardenas March 13, 2016

Tweets from https://twitter.com/amyyyzhang/lists/sxsw-2016 !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+"://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); Update...

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Live Blog: SXSW 2016 | Saturday, March 12

Charles Liu, Katie Walsh, Megan Hix, and Cat Cardenas March 12, 2016

Tweets from https://twitter.com/amyyyzhang/lists/sxsw-2016 !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+"://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); Update...

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Live Blog: SXSW 2016 | Friday, March 11

Katie Walsh, Megan Hix, and Cat Cardenas March 11, 2016

Tweets from https://twitter.com/amyyyzhang/lists/sxsw-2016 !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+"://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); Update...

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Monthly playlist: four bands to check out before SXSW

Katie Walsh March 1, 2016

Don’t head into South by Southwest unprepared. Accompanying the big-name bands attending the festival this year such as Iggy Pop, CHVRCHES and The Avett Brothers, hundreds of lesser-known groups...

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Human trafficking remains prevalent in Austin

Katie Walsh February 26, 2016

When big festivals like Austin City Limits or South By Southwest pass through Austin, they bring with them big business ­— from tourism to human trafficking.  “We often think...

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Faculty lead project to map, estimate human trafficking in Texas

Katie Walsh February 26, 2016

Victims of human trafficking live their lives out in the open, blending in with the people around them. While there is no current estimate of how many victims are living in Texas, a team of UT faculty...

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Live Blog: Grammy Awards 2016

Chris Duncan, Katie Walsh, Megan Hix, and Cat Cardenas February 15, 2016

Follow along as Life & Arts editor Cat Cardenas, associate editors Megan Hix and Katie Walsh, and music writer Chris Duncan live tweet the 2016 Grammy Awards. Scroll down to see who they think should...

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Valentines Day events to attend this weekend

Katie Walsh February 12, 2016

Whether you are single or in a relationship, Austin has you covered this Valentine’s Day weekend. Below is a list of two Valentine’s Day-themed activities under $20 to check out each day this...

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Tat-Tuesday: Students share stories behind ink

Katie Walsh February 9, 2016

Photos by Mike McGraw Kennedy Paris Etched into theater studies junior Kennedy Paris’s skin, directly beneath her heart, is a small tattoo of a heartbeat. “One year ago today,...

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Vegan restaurant, community center celebrates 25 years

Katie Walsh February 2, 2016

Amid the array of Tex-Mex eateries and barbecue joints near Barton Springs Road lies Casa de Luz, a tucked-away haven for vegans, nomads and hippies to share healthy food and conversation. “I...

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Student shares life as Lyft driver

Katie Walsh and Cat Cardenas January 27, 2016

Though neuroscience senior Taylor Ferguson has lived in Austin for six years, he finds himself visiting a new place every time he gets an alert on his phone.  Ferguson, a driver for Uber and...

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300: Memorial museum security guard enjoys working among natural history

Katie Walsh January 26, 2016

Editor's note: In 300 words or fewer, this series spotlights people in our community whose stories typically go untold. It’s still dark outside as Michael Fallon walks up the stairs to work,...

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Free Austin events to attend this week

Katie Walsh January 25, 2016

Editor’s Note: In this recurring column, staff writer Katie Walsh recommends free events in Austin for the week. Monday, Jan. 25 Fuck This Week Comedy Night Where: The New Movement, 616 Lavaca...

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10 concerts to catch this semester

Katie Walsh and Megan Hix January 25, 2016

The “Live Music Capital of the World” will welcome an array of big-name musicians this semester from Kid Cudi to Florence and the Machine. The Daily Texan compiled a list of 10 shows to catch...

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23rd Street Co-Op “Austintatious” muralist reflects on life as an artist in Austin over the decades

Katie Walsh January 20, 2016

When Kerry Fitzgerald moved to Austin in 1970, he was a UT freshman looking to make concert posters. When he left 40 years later, he was Kerry Awn — cartoonist, muralist, band member, comedian and...

Monthly Playlist: Four bands to watch in 2016

Katie Walsh January 19, 2016

As classes commence and we settle back into old routines, spice up your first week of school with these four up-and-coming artists to watch in 2016. Springtime Carnivore After leaving indie rock group...

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Free Austin events to attend this week

Katie Walsh January 18, 2016

Editor’s Note: In this recurring column, staff writer Katie Walsh recommends free events in Austin for the week. Monday, Jan. 18 Torchy’s Tacos South Congress Opening Party with The...

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Four under-$20 shows to see in Austin this weekend

Katie Walsh January 14, 2016

Who: Tanlines Where: Mohawk, 912 Red River St. When: Thursday, 8 p.m. Cost: $15 Electronic pop duo Tanlines is returning to the Lone Star State this weekend for a special, Texas-only tour to...

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LGBT professors discuss evolving campus climate, UT policies

Katie Walsh December 2, 2015

Editor’s Note: This article appears in a package focused on LGBT issues on campus. Click here to read about the Delta Lambda Phi fraternity and issues trangender students face. On the first...

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UT alumnus to start TV series showcasing Austin comedy scene

Katie Walsh December 2, 2015

UT alumnus Brently Heilbron’s career in comedy began the day he played hooky in the eighth grade.  Instead of sitting in class, 14-year-old Heilbron spent the afternoon successfully auditioning...

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Minds Over Matter: Students discuss mental health struggles, recoveries

Check out our video recap of the Texan Talks: Mental Health and Suicide Prevention: If you or someone you know would like to talk to someone about mental health concerns, contact the UT Counseling...

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Mind Over Matter: UT student discusses battle with depression, road to recovery

Katie Walsh December 1, 2015

Editor's Note: This is one part in a series about students and mental health. To check out the other stories, click here.   For years, economics sophomore Doris Hui knew something was...

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Free Austin events to attend this week

Katie Walsh November 30, 2015

Editor’s Note: In this recurring column, staff writer Katie Walsh recommends free events in Austin for the week. Monday, Nov. 30 Molly Burch with Marcus Brown, Little Marzarn Where: Cheer...

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UT Unspoken: Students reflect on blackout drinking culture

Katie Walsh November 25, 2015

Editor’s Note: This recurring series attempts to offer students an opportunity to share their thoughts on subjects difficult to discuss with peers.  On a typical Thursday evening in West...

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Free Austin events to attend this week

Katie Walsh November 23, 2015

Editor’s Note: In this recurring column, staff writer Katie Walsh recommends free events in Austin for the week. Motown Mondays  Where: The Highball, 1120 S. Lamar Blvd. Time: 8 p.m. Transport...

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Short film celebrates local muralist, musician

Katie Walsh November 19, 2015

In 15 minutes, director Gabriel Sunday invites viewers into the mind and home of Austin icon and artist Daniel Johnston with short film, “Hi, How Are You Daniel Johnston?” After eight years...

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300: Head mechanic finds second home in Union Underground

Katie Walsh November 16, 2015

Editor’s note: In 300 words or fewer, this series spotlights people in our community whose stories typically go untold. Twenty-nine years as a mechanic at the Union Underground has left a collection...

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Freshman perseveres through motocross-induced brain injury, plans to enter medical field

Katie Walsh November 12, 2015

The first thing biology freshman Austin Morgan used to do before hopping on his dirt bike was put on his thigh-high socks. His knee braces followed, hidden beneath the thick fabric of his pants. Then,...

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Nonprofit Austin Bat Cave teaches free writing classes for kids

Katie Walsh November 9, 2015

Children’s poems about cake, life as a foster child and alternate universes where chokers harness energy from the sun make up the regular anthology published by local nonprofit Austin Bat Cave. Formed...

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Free Austin events to attend this week

Katie Walsh November 9, 2015

Editor’s Note: In this recurring column, staff writer Katie Walsh recommends free events in Austin for the week. Monday, Nov. 9 As You Like It – An Apocalyptic Romantic Comedy Where:...

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UT alumnus investigates paranormal in web series, ‘Dead Explorer’

Katie Walsh November 9, 2015

Inside an old Victorian house in Rio Grande City, UT alumnus Alejandro Dominguez stands in the dark, capturing the silence with a recording device. When he plays it back, he hears a little girl’s...

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Free Austin events to attend this week

Katie Walsh November 2, 2015

Editor’s Note: In this recurring column, staff writer Katie Walsh recommends free events in Austin for the week. Monday, Nov. 2 Midnight Comedy Open Mic with Trace Holt Where: Spider...

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UT Austin Magic Club shares delight of sleight of hand

Katie Walsh November 2, 2015

Every time biochemistry senior Fin Gao leaves his room, he makes sure he has one thing — a deck of cards. Gao is the director of the UT Magic Club, a group of student magicians of all skill levels...

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Historic locales hold haunted habitants

Katie Walsh October 30, 2015

While haunted houses such as The House of Torment and Night Terrors offer fake blood and zombies, Austin landmarks such as Shoal Creek and The Driskill hotel offer a real-life scare. Below is a list...

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Texas State Parks Club unites outdoorsy students

Katie Walsh October 27, 2015

Inside a cramped tent in Blanco State Park, a group of soaking-wet students laugh at their misfortune. It’s 4 a.m., and the Texas State Parks Club is in the middle of their first overnight adventure.  The...

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UT alumnus raises suicide awareness through personal story, knitted hearts

Katie Walsh October 26, 2015

When his dinner check arrives, UT alumnus David James slides a small, red hand-knitted heart in with his credit card. The heart reads, “The world needs you.” The small knitted heart is one...

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Free Austin events to attend this week

Katie Walsh October 26, 2015

Editor’s Note: In this recurring column, staff writer Katie Walsh recommends free events in Austin for the week. Monday, Oct. 26 Motown Mondays Where: The Highball, 1120 S. Lamar Blvd. Time:...

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UT alumnus shares secrets behind magic tricks on YouTube channel

Katie Walsh October 20, 2015

UT alumnus Brian Brushwood closes his eyes, leans his head back and lowers a flaming metal skewer down his throat. A few seconds later, he pulls it out, ready for his next trick. Brushwood is an entertainer...

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Free Austin events to attend this week

Katie Walsh October 19, 2015

Editor’s Note: In this recurring column, staff writer Katie Walsh recommends free events in Austin for the week. Monday, Oct. 19 Monday Night Bluegrass Night Where: Radio Coffee &...

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Dog-ear this: The Daily Texan’s Guide to the Texas Book Festival

Katie Walsh October 16, 2015

While thousands of flower crown-clad hipsters stormed the streets last weekend for Austin City Limits Music Festival, a crowd of well-behaved booklovers will flood the city for the 20th Annual Texas Book...

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UT alumnus sells Netflix and Chill Condoms to launch third startup

Katie Walsh October 13, 2015

Four hours and $8 was all it took to launch UT alumnus Yousef Okasheh into Internet fame.  Okasheh created an online company — Netflix and Chill Condoms — which sells sets of three...

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Free Austin events to attend this week

Katie Walsh October 12, 2015

Editor’s Note: In this recurring column, staff writer Katie Walsh recommends free events in Austin for the week. Monday, Oct. 12 Music Mondays Where: Whole Foods Arbor Trails, 4301 W William...

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TBT: Texan reporter laments high turnover rate of restaurants on the Drag in 1985

Katie Walsh October 8, 2015

Dating back to 1932, no restaurant has been able to survive on the corner of 20th Street and the Drag. Before it became a construction lot, a series of failed restaurants occupied the area. In a 1985...

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300: Moody College desktop support specialist discusses his love for people

Katie Walsh October 6, 2015

During his 11 years at UT, Rod Edwards has shared elevator rides with Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett and Asleep at the Wheel frontman Ray Benson. As the desktop support specialist in the Moody College...

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Free Austin events to attend this week

Katie Walsh October 5, 2015

Editor’s Note: In this recurring column, staff writer Katie Walsh recommends free events in Austin for the week. Monday, Oct. 5 Whip In Oktoberfest Where: Whip In, 1950 South Interstate Highway...

2015-09-28_Longhorn_Furries_Junyuan

UT club encourages students to find ‘fursonas’

Katie Walsh September 30, 2015

Physics senior Joe Seifert walks into the bathroom. One minute later, he emerges as EJ the otter, clad in a hoodie, pink scarf, brown fur tail and otter head. Seifert is the founder of Longhorn Furs,...

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Free Austin events to attend this week

Katie Walsh September 28, 2015

Editor’s Note: In this recurring column, staff writer Katie Walsh recommends free events in Austin for the week. Monday, Sept. 28 Fantastic Arcade 2015 Opening Night Party Where: Empire Control...

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Radio-television-film senior lecturer preserves history of Barton Springs through interactive documentary, “Living Springs”

Katie Walsh September 25, 2015

Twenty years ago, Barton Springs’ cool waters saved radio-television-film senior lecturer Karen Kocher from her first Texas summer. While she used to bring a towel and a swimsuit, she now hauls a...

2015-09-20_Sarah_Abare_Blanton_Portrait_Junyuan

300: Blanton Museum gallery teacher shares passion for educating others about art

Katie Walsh September 22, 2015

Editor’s note: In 300 words or less, this series spotlights people in our community whose stories typically go untold. Every time Sarah Abare visited her grandfather as a kid, she ran straight...

freeweekaustin0831_illo_MelanieWestfall

Free Austin events to attend this week

Katie Walsh September 21, 2015

In this recurring column, staff writer Katie Walsh recommends free events in Austin for the week.  Monday, Sept. 21 Mega Mutt Monday featuring Teddy Long Where: Banger’s Sausage House...

2015-09-15_Fragile_Rock_Joshua

UT alumnus starts 10-piece emo puppet band

Katie Walsh September 18, 2015

Propelled by the audience member’s hands, an emo puppet crowdsurfs to a Backstreet Boys and Joy Division mashup.  The puppet, Milo S., is part of Austin’s Fragile Rock, an emo...

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Austin couple runs museum of oddities out of East Austin home

Katie Walsh September 15, 2015

A miniature glass bottle of collected eye boogers sits atop a shelf inside Scott and Jen Webel’s East Austin home. Across the room, a fetal pig floating in a jar of its own placenta rests on a ledge...

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Katie Walsh