Viva Big Bend BBQ at Big Bend Brewing Co. Saturday 7/29
Celebrate Viva Big Bend with Marfa Public Radio and the Big Bend Brewing Company!
Saturday July 29th the Brewery is hosting a donation-based Barbeque, with proceeds to benefit Marfa Public Radio. Enjoy your favorite Big Bend beer, plus burgers and dogs from 2pm till the food runs out!
Join us at Big Bend Brewing Company, 3401 West Highway 90, Alpine, Texas 79830.
Texas Music Hour of Power !!LIVE!! Saturday 7/29
* THE SPECTACLE RETURNS *
Make your plans to join us for Joe Nick Patoski’s Texas Music Hour of Power * LIVE * from the studios of Marfa Public Radio and Patio Party. Sat. 6 to 9 this Sat. 7/29. FREE & fun for the Whole Family.
Crazy From The Heat? Come Stir Up A Ruckus!* Meet Pepino McCoy and the World Famous Image Wranglers * Ca$h Prizes * Complementary Perfume For the Ladies * Balloons For the Kiddies * Music For All Occasions * Limbo contest and Human Pyramid *
Participants will have The Chance to be Joe Nick’s * GUEST DJ * on a future TMHoP and win a Salvation starter kit ( includes practice snake, prayer cloth bandana and poster suitable for framing). + Marfa Public Radio swag! *
Esteban Monclova/Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)
Midland’s Oil Boom Brings An Unwanted Side Effect: Meth Abuse
Fortunes in the oil fields are rising, along with methamphetamine use among workers.
Tuesday Interview: Stewart Ramser, Organizer of Viva Big Bend
On this edition of West Texas Talk, Elise Pepple talks to Stewart Ramser, Alpine’s Director of Tourism, editor of Texas Music Magazine, and organizer of the yearly West Texas music festival Viva Big Bend.
Ramser discusses how the festival has grown over the years, some of his favorite acts and what to expect for the 2017 edition of the festival.
GAGE SKIDMORE/FLICKR (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Before The Tea Party And The Alt-Right, There Was The John Birch Society. Now They’re Back In Texas.
At the height of the Cold War during the late 1950s, a conservative fringe group, created by some of America’s richest businessmen gathered with a lofty mission in mind: to eliminate the so-called “Communist conspiracy” they believed gripped the country, and to preserve the foundation of the Constitution and the nation’s Christian roots.
In West Texas, the Sand Dunes of Monahans are a Geological Wonder
This summer your public radio station in West Texas is hitting the state parks in our area and taking a look at the stories behind the places in our backyard. First up, we head to Monahans Sandhills State Park, where the geology behind the dunes started roughly 40,000 years ago, and is part of a larger dune field that stretches across the great plains.
Jennifer Otwell testified in front of the committee on behalf of the Rural Broadband Association.
House Committee on Agriculture Stresses the Need for Rural Broadband
The House Committee on Agriculture held a public hearing on the state of rural infrastructure on Wednesday. The word “infrastructure” may bring roads and bridges to mind, but a large part of the hearing focused on rural broadband.
GABRIEL CRISTÓVER PÉREZ / KUT
Why Can’t The Texas Legislature Work Faster To Avoid Special Sessions Altogether?
State lawmakers are back in Austin to kick off some legislative overtime.
And, as it’s been reported over and over and over again, the special session is needed because lawmakers couldn’t pass a bill to keep a handful of state agencies open and operating. That got some of our listeners wondering if lawmakers could’ve spend their time at the Capitol a little more efficiently.
Chief Park Ranger John Heiner congratulates new U.S. citizens at Fort Davis naturalization ceremony
West Texas residents become U.S. citizens at Fort Davis naturalization ceremony
Eleven West Texas residents became U.S. citizens Monday during a naturalization ceremony at the Fort Davis Historic Site.
Paco Rojas is a well-known journalist n Reynosa. He does not mention specific names of organized crime groups on-the-air. His news reports focus on the locations of alleged crimes to warn citizens to avoid a given area. (photo: Lorne Matalon)
Mexican Border Reporters Under New Stress In State Of Tamaulipas
REYNOSA, Mexico–Even by the normal insecurity that journalists face in Mexico, what is happening right now to reporters in the border state of Tamaulipas is unusually difficult. In late April, Mexican marines killed the leader of a major cartel in that state—setting off a wave of crime that reporters are struggling to chronicle without being targeted themselves. And the story matters to the U.S. because fight is in Reynosa, a city laden with assembly-line factories that provide the U.S. with items like furniture, electronics and computers.
2016 was one of the most deadly for Mexican reporters in recent history. Most press groups count at least nine killed, some as many 16. Reporters Without Borders annual report documents that Mexico was the third most dangerous country in the world for journalists after Syria and Afghanistan.
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Texas Gov. Greg Abbot gives his annual State of the State address in the House of Representatives Chambers in the Texas State Capitol on Jan. 31, 2017.
What Is The Special Session And Who Pays For It?
During the regular legislative session, Texas lawmakers meet every two years for 140 days. The special session is best described in two words: legislative overtime.
Lawmakers head back to Austin Tuesday for a 30-day special session of the 85th Legislature. They’re tasked with passing sunset legislation to keep state agencies open. After that, there are 19 other items on the agenda — review those here.
As part of our Texas Decides series, a listener wanted to know more about special sessions and who pays for them.
US-Owned Maquilas Welcome Prospect Of Change To NAFTA
Alberto Martinez welds steel at a maquila owned by Florida-based Metal Industries. The company makes vents for air conditioners & heating systems. (photo: Lorne Matalon)
REYNOSA, Mexico—American-owned assembly-line factories known as maquilas that line the Mexican side of the border with the U.S. have been bracing for change since the election of Donald Trump. But not in the way you might expect. They clearly don’t want a border tax placed on their shipments to the United States, as he Trump administration has threatened. But they are embracing the possibility of an updated Nafta saying the current version makes it a harder to operate in Mexico compared to the U.S. It all has to do with time consuming paperwork.
So maquila managers and trade groups interviewed in both countries see regulatory uncertainty as an opportunity. “Nafta is 30 years old. It hasn’t kept up with today’s economy,” said Mike Myers, a Texan who manages a maquila owned by Metal Industries, a Florida company that makes vents for air conditioners and heating systems.
GABRIEL CRISTÓVER PÉREZ / KUT
Special Session 2017: Here’s What’s On The Texas Legislature’s Agenda
The 2017 regular session of the Texas Legislature was one of the most contentious in recent memory. It had plenty of protests, some infighting, a few filibusters and even a death threat. Now, after all that drama, lawmakers are headed back for more.
Borderland Horse Patrols In The Age Of High Tech: Funding Requested In 2018 Budget
Since the terrorist attacks of 9-11. the U.S. has spent over 100 billion dollars on border security technology—cameras, drones, aerostats (blimps) airborne patrols, fencing and walls. But in the U.S. Border Patrol’s most active sector in terms of arrests—-the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas—horses and the agents who bond with them are patrolling terrain that technology alone can’t control. And as politicians debate the pros-and-cons of an expensive border wall, this kind of “old school” border security will continue to be funded at a minuscule cost to taxpayers. Lorne Matalon reports from the Rio Grande at La Grulla, Texas.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick addresses the media at the Texas Capitol on Thursday.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Proposes Millions For Teacher Bonuses And Retirement
With less than a week before the start of a special session of the Texas Legislature, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick laid out a proposal Thursday to give teachers bonuses and increase their retirement benefits, with plans to pay for both long-term using money from the Texas lottery.
Presidio County commissioners discuss embattled precinct 3 commissioner Lorenzo Hernandez at their meeting this week.
Presidio County Commissioners Ask Lorenzo Hernandez To Voluntarily Resign
The Presidio County Commissioner’s Court Tuesday took action on several items related to embattled Precinct 3 Commissioner Lorenzo Hernandez. Nearly two weeks ago, Hernandez was arrested on federal bribery related charges.
Graphic by Todd Wiseman
With 2018 election looming, Texas back in court over political maps
Texas and its legal foes are back in court this week to hash out whether the state can hold the 2018 elections with its existing political maps, via the Texas Tribune.
via flickr.com/photos/mikham/ (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Report: Texas Rarely Penalizes Unauthorized Pollution Releases
A new report out from environmental groups shows that over the last 5 years, Texas has rarely issued penalties against industrial polluters.
A construction site for a pipeline that recently began moving natural gas from West Texas to Mexico.
Effort to Remove Obstacle for Cross-Border Pipelines Moves Forward
A bill moving forward in Congress would remove one of the few barriers to cross-border pipelines, via Houston Public Media.
Governor Rick Perry on hand at the unveiling of a mockup of XCOR’s “Lynx” spacecraft at MAF in 2012.
Reports: Aerospace Company Has Laid Off Remaining Midland Employees
Less than five years after aerospace company opened XCOR opened its Midland headquarters, it’s laid off all of it’s West Texas employees, according to the Midland Reporter-Telegram.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks to supporters at Fourth of July festivities in McAllen.
Ted Cruz gets an earful in McAllen for July 4
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, visited the Democratic stronghold of McAllen for the Fourth of July — and received an earful from protesters at one event, via Texas Tribune.
Photo courtesy of Brewster County Sheriff's Office
UPS Cargo Plane Crashes Near Alpine
Monday evening, a UPS cargo plane crashed just north of Alpine, near highway 118. The plane was attempting to return to the airport after experiencing some mechanical problems.
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ANDREW CLINE / SHUTTERSTOCK
State Officials Reassure Texans They Won’t Send Private Voter Data Per Trump’s Request
Texas is going to comply with the Trump administration’s request for a wide range of data on individual voters in all 50 states, and that has some Texans concerned, via KERA News.
Tomas Martinez, with GLAHR, a grass roots organization from Atlanta, chants to excite the crowd in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on Monday, April 18, 2016. Hundreds gathered in front of the U.S. Supreme Court to show their support for President Obama’s immigration executive action as the Court hears oral arguments on the deferred action initiatives, DAPA and expanded DACA. Lexey Swall
Texas Leads 10 States In Urging Trump To End Obama-Era Immigration Program
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and officials from nine other states on Thursday urged the Trump administration to end an Obama-era program that’s allowed hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants to live and work in the country without fear of being deported, via Texas Tribune.
Couples embrace at the conclusion of the "Big Gay Wedding" ceremony on the south lawn of the Texas Capitol on July 4 after the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in June. Photo by Tamir Kalifa for The Texas Tribune
Texas Supreme Court Sends Same-Sex Marriage Benefits Case Back To Lower Court
The Texas Supreme Court on Friday threw out a lower court ruling that favored of government-subsidized same-sex marriage benefits and sent the Houston case back to trial court for reconsideration.
FBI Arrests Two Presidio Officials on Federal Bribery Charges
The FBI on Thursday arrested two Presidio officials on federal bribery related charges. The two officials also face several counts of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud.
Jim Houser (left) and Michael Merritt (right) of the Texas A&M Forest Service surveying a portion of the Davis Mountains preserve, where they have been working to restore the Ponderosa Pine population.
How Foresters Are Saving This West Texas Tree
In the Davis Mountains of far West Texas you will come across vegetation and animals you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the state. Take for instance – the The Rocky Mountain Ponderosa Pine – a soaring tree that’s only found in two other areas in Texas. But in the Davis Mountains over the last decade up to 75 percent of the trees’ population has been lost. Now, scientists and foresters are attempting to save the Ponderosa Pine.
Trump’s Proposed Budget Would Cut Amtrak Service to 220 Cities and Towns
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Gwynne Jamieson (Bayla Metzger) -
Martha Gluck (Bayla Metzger) -
Virginia Platt (Bayla Metzger) -
Protestors in Alpine (Bayla Metzger)
On a sunny Saturday, about two-dozen people protest across the street from Alpine’s Amtrak station as part of a national “Rally for Trains” day of action.
Image courtesy of Study-Butte Water Supply Corporation
UPDATE: Terlingua Water Shortage Continues as Officials Fix Well Motor Damages
This week the town of Terlingua has had limited water supply. Officials believe a lightning strike damaged the motor of the town’s primary water well. Townsfolk have relied on bottled water, while officials are working to find a solution.
Amber Alert Issued for West Texas Teenager
The Brewster County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s help in locating Stormie Clemmer, a 15 year old, female, with short brown hair, green eyes, approximately 5′ 7″ tall.
Stormie was last seen in the Alpine area wearing a black shirt and blue shorts as well as wearing a necklace with a heart and dragon claw.
Clemmer is possibly in the company of Andrew Brian Akers, a 20 year old male, in a black, early 2000’s model, Ford Ranger – The individuals are possibly heading East on I-20.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (432) 837-3488.
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Stormie Clemmer ; Via Brewster County Sheriff’s Office -
Andrew Brian Akers ; Via Brewster County Sheriff’s Office -
Black Ford Ranger Possibly Heading east on I-20 ; Via Brewster County Sheriff’s Office
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn sits with U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and wife Heidi Cruz at the Fort Hood Purple Heart ceremony on April 10, 2015. Photo by Bob Daemmrich
Cruz Declines To Support Senate GOP Health Care Bill, While Cornyn Defends It
Republican leaders in the U.S. Senate on Thursday unveiled their plan to overhaul President Obama’s 2010 health care law. Within hours, Texas’ two Republican senators took opposite positions on the measure. From the Texas Tribune.
Jill Miller, Rim Rock Photography
Texas Families Find Financial Stability in Nature-related Tourism
West Texas ranchers are broadening their income streams to keep their cattle operations afloat.
Presidio-Ojinaga Port of Entry To Receive $13m Upgrade
The Presidio-Ojinaga port of entry is officially getting a makeover. The effort has been in the works since last year, and will now see the development of new bridges and pedestrian path to help ease traffic.
KUT/Mose Buchele
Research: Fracking Boom Gives Way to Baby Boost
A new study released this month looks at whether an increase in earnings for non-college educated men leads to a boost in marriage rates, among other things. And to find the answer researchers looked at a notorious example of good money made quickly: the fracking boom.
City Council Votes To End Contract with County Sheriff’s Office, Re-establish City PD
The Marfa City Council voted to re-establish a city police department Tuesday evening. The decision comes after nearly 8 years since the City last had its own department, and marks the end of Marfa’s agreement with the Presidio County Sheriff’s Office for dedicated deputies in the area.
This month the Hobby-Eberly telescope finished receiving $40 million upgrades that astronomers hope will help solve mysteries of the universe.
Upgraded Hobby-Eberly Telescope Turns Its Lens to Universe’s Biggest Mysteries
When McDonald Observatory first opened its doors in 1933 it was done with a nearly million dollar donation from a Paris, Texas banker. In his will, W.J.McDonald gave money to the University of Texas at Austin to establish the observatory. A move that confused McDonald’s family and others, since at the time UT didn’t have an astronomy department.
Since then, it’s evolved into one of the nation’s foremost research observatories. Now one of its telescopes finished a $40-million upgrade. The new and improved telescope is now turning its lens towards one of biggest unsolved mysteries in the universe: What is dark energy?
Viva Big Bend BBQ at Big Bend Brewing Co. Saturday 7/29
Celebrate Viva Big Bend with Marfa Public Radio and the Big Bend Brewing Company!
Saturday July 29th the Brewery is hosting a donation-based Barbeque, with proceeds to benefit Marfa Public Radio. Enjoy your favorite Big Bend beer, plus burgers and dogs from 2pm till the food runs out!
Join us at Big Bend Brewing Company, 3401 West Highway 90, Alpine, Texas 79830.
Texas Music Hour of Power !!LIVE!! Saturday 7/29
* THE SPECTACLE RETURNS *
Make your plans to join us for Joe Nick Patoski’s Texas Music Hour of Power * LIVE * from the studios of Marfa Public Radio and Patio Party. Sat. 6 to 9 this Sat. 7/29. FREE & fun for the Whole Family.
Crazy From The Heat? Come Stir Up A Ruckus!* Meet Pepino McCoy and the World Famous Image Wranglers * Ca$h Prizes * Complementary Perfume For the Ladies * Balloons For the Kiddies * Music For All Occasions * Limbo contest and Human Pyramid *
Participants will have The Chance to be Joe Nick’s * GUEST DJ * on a future TMHoP and win a Salvation starter kit ( includes practice snake, prayer cloth bandana and poster suitable for framing). + Marfa Public Radio swag! *
Kilpatrick vs. Candelaria vs. The United States Army
On this episode of Rambling Boy, Lonn recounts the infamous conflict between James Judson Kilpatrick, the town of Candelaria and the United States Army. J.J. Kilpatrick, as he liked to be called, came to Candelaria in 1906 from Laurenceville, Alabama to teach school. By 1918, he was embroiled in a violent feud that lasted until 1921.
Fri. Jul 21 Interview: Patrick Rosal
On this West Texas Talk, Natalie Melendez sits down for a chat with Patrick Rosal, current Lannan poet-in-residence.
Rosal is author of four books, most recently, Brooklyn Antediluvian, which was a finalist for the Kingsley Tufts Award in Poetry.
The son of Ilokano immigrants from the Philippines, he is a former Fulbright Research Scholar and currently an Associate Professor of English at Rutgers University-Camden.
Thu. Jul 20 Interview: Murray Forman
On this West Texas Talk, Jackson sits down with Murray Forman – Associate Professor in Media and Screen Studies at Northeastern University, who for over twenty years has engaged in research about hip-hop culture, contributing to the emerging field of hip-hop studies.
Forman has written extensively about hip hop and hip hop culture in:
- The ‘Hood Comes First: Race, Space and Place in Rap and Hip-Hop
- One Night on TV is Worth Weeks at the Paramount: Popular Music on Early Television
His latest project Old in the Game: Age and Aging in Hip-Hop focuses on the theorization of hip-hop in and as diaspora and issues of age and aging in culture, media, and hip-hop.
