1 00:00:08,960 --> 00:00:10,559 South by Southwest has brought many 2 00:00:10,560 --> 00:00:12,579 travelers into Austin to enjoy the 3 00:00:12,580 --> 00:00:14,499 city's music, food, and culture, 4 00:00:14,500 --> 00:00:16,378 but getting out of town via the 5 00:00:16,379 --> 00:00:17,799 Austin airport has turned a bit 6 00:00:17,800 --> 00:00:19,819 chaotic, as TSA agents go 7 00:00:19,820 --> 00:00:21,139 without pay amid a partial 8 00:00:21,140 --> 00:00:22,519 government shutdown. 9 00:00:22,520 --> 00:00:23,539 We're gonna have the latest from the 10 00:00:23,540 --> 00:00:25,959 airport and from local officials. 11 00:00:25,960 --> 00:00:27,659 And Carmen Mejia was exonerated from 12 00:00:27,660 --> 00:00:29,199 a Travis County prison after serving 13 00:00:29,200 --> 00:00:31,039 20 years for a crime she did 14 00:00:31,040 --> 00:00:31,939 not commit. 15 00:00:31,940 --> 00:00:33,719 And once she was exonerated, she 16 00:00:33,720 --> 00:00:35,399 faced threat from immigration and 17 00:00:35,400 --> 00:00:36,359 customs enforcement. 18 00:00:36,360 --> 00:00:38,369 The latest on her story 19 00:00:38,370 --> 00:00:40,249 Coming up on today's show. 20 00:00:40,250 --> 00:00:42,229 The Austin Signal is a production of 21 00:00:42,230 --> 00:00:44,309 KUT News hosted by Jerry 22 00:00:44,310 --> 00:00:45,109 Quijano. 23 00:00:45,110 --> 00:00:46,849 Plus the Texas men's and women's 24 00:00:46,850 --> 00:00:48,689 team are gearing up for 25 00:00:48,690 --> 00:00:50,109 the start of this week's 26 00:00:50,110 --> 00:00:51,669 championship tournaments, who 27 00:00:51,670 --> 00:00:53,509 they're playing and what their 28 00:00:53,510 --> 00:00:54,869 championship prospects are looking 29 00:00:54,870 --> 00:00:55,669 like. 30 00:00:55,670 --> 00:00:57,749 That is coming up next on Austin 31 00:00:57,750 --> 00:00:58,750 Signal. 32 00:01:07,770 --> 00:01:08,969 Howdy out there, thank you for 33 00:01:08,970 --> 00:01:11,269 tuning in to Austin Signal 34 00:01:11,270 --> 00:01:14,209 here on Community Powered 35 00:01:14,210 --> 00:01:15,609 Public Radio. 36 00:01:15,610 --> 00:01:18,809 This is KUT News 90.5. 37 00:01:18,810 --> 00:01:21,769 We are online at KUT.org 38 00:01:21,770 --> 00:01:23,689 and we have more for 39 00:01:23,690 --> 00:01:25,369 you on the KUT app. 40 00:01:25,370 --> 00:01:27,369 It's March 16th, the Monday 41 00:01:27,370 --> 00:01:28,889 of spring break here on the UT 42 00:01:28,890 --> 00:01:30,229 campus and for the Austin 43 00:01:30,230 --> 00:01:31,729 Independent School District. 44 00:01:31,730 --> 00:01:33,449 So enjoy that little break in 45 00:01:33,450 --> 00:01:35,529 traffic while it laughs. 46 00:01:35,530 --> 00:01:37,589 Alas, things are still busy 47 00:01:37,590 --> 00:01:39,809 with South by Southwest going on 48 00:01:39,810 --> 00:01:41,509 through Wednesday. 49 00:01:41,510 --> 00:01:42,329 And if you're looking for something 50 00:01:42,330 --> 00:01:43,709 to do in the next couple of days, we 51 00:01:43,710 --> 00:01:47,689 have more over at KUTX.org. 52 00:01:47,690 --> 00:01:49,669 By now we've seen the videos 53 00:01:49,670 --> 00:01:51,469 of those long lines over at the 54 00:01:51,470 --> 00:01:53,429 airport, and not just the ones 55 00:01:53,430 --> 00:01:55,409 at the Austin-Berksham International 56 00:01:55,410 --> 00:01:57,629 Airport, but all around the country. 57 00:01:57,630 --> 00:01:58,969 Many folks have been saying that 58 00:01:58,970 --> 00:02:00,809 this is happening because of 59 00:02:00,810 --> 00:02:02,809 a partial government Shutdowns 60 00:02:02,810 --> 00:02:04,549 TSA agents have gone without their 61 00:02:04,550 --> 00:02:06,309 first paychecks since the start of 62 00:02:06,310 --> 00:02:07,969 that shutdown, but some politicians 63 00:02:07,970 --> 00:02:09,969 say that this is not the case 64 00:02:09,970 --> 00:02:11,329 Joining us now is key. 65 00:02:11,330 --> 00:02:13,109 UT's transportation reporter Nathan 66 00:02:13,110 --> 00:02:14,229 Bernier Nathan. 67 00:02:14,230 --> 00:02:15,859 Thanks for being on the show 68 00:02:15,860 --> 00:02:17,069 Hey, thanks for having me, Jerry. 69 00:02:17,070 --> 00:02:18,649 So you were out at the airport 70 00:02:18,650 --> 00:02:21,359 earlier today, what was it like? 71 00:02:21,360 --> 00:02:22,819 It was very busy, but I was not 72 00:02:22,820 --> 00:02:24,339 there at those early morning hours 73 00:02:24,340 --> 00:02:26,059 when the security lines were 74 00:02:26,060 --> 00:02:28,099 stretching out onto the sidewalk. 75 00:02:28,100 --> 00:02:29,659 I was there, I showed up around 11 76 00:02:29,660 --> 00:02:31,339 o'clock for a news conference, and 77 00:02:31,340 --> 00:02:33,219 it was very busy but the lines 78 00:02:33,220 --> 00:02:34,959 were all inside. 79 00:02:34,960 --> 00:02:36,239 Okay, so tell us a little bit about 80 00:02:36,240 --> 00:02:37,659 that press conference, who was 81 00:02:37,660 --> 00:02:38,839 speaking. 82 00:02:38,840 --> 00:02:40,919 That was US Senator John Cornyn. 83 00:02:40,920 --> 00:02:43,359 He had scheduled a press event to 84 00:02:43,360 --> 00:02:45,419 deliver trays of Whataburger 85 00:02:45,420 --> 00:02:47,479 to TSA officers who've 86 00:02:47,480 --> 00:02:48,859 been working without a paycheck 87 00:02:48,860 --> 00:02:50,799 because of the government shutdown. 88 00:02:50,800 --> 00:02:52,859 And it's a little bit of competing 89 00:02:52,860 --> 00:02:54,319 stagecraft here. 90 00:02:54,320 --> 00:02:55,739 He showed up with his Whatabburger 91 00:02:55,740 --> 00:02:57,599 tray, went in the elevator to 92 00:02:57,600 --> 00:02:59,179 go bring them down. 93 00:02:59,180 --> 00:03:01,339 And then Congressman Greg Kassar, 94 00:03:01,340 --> 00:03:02,839 whose district includes the airport. 95 00:03:02,840 --> 00:03:03,919 Of course, he's the Democrat from 96 00:03:03,920 --> 00:03:05,019 Austin. He used to sit on the city 97 00:03:05,020 --> 00:03:06,020 council. He walked in and 98 00:03:07,030 --> 00:03:08,729 started talking to the media who was 99 00:03:08,730 --> 00:03:10,149 there too, you know, we wanted to 100 00:03:10,150 --> 00:03:11,769 hear from him too, of course, to try 101 00:03:11,770 --> 00:03:14,289 and get both parties on this story, 102 00:03:14,290 --> 00:03:16,049 and it just became, you, know, a 103 00:03:16,050 --> 00:03:17,949 battle of words over 104 00:03:17,950 --> 00:03:19,449 who's to blame for the government 105 00:03:19,450 --> 00:03:20,229 shutdown. 106 00:03:20,230 --> 00:03:21,869 Now, I was there primarily to figure 107 00:03:21,870 --> 00:03:24,029 out what is causing these 108 00:03:24,030 --> 00:03:26,349 long lines, and that is something 109 00:03:26,350 --> 00:03:27,909 that was interesting to me, while 110 00:03:27,910 --> 00:03:29,669 these politicians cannot agree on 111 00:03:29,670 --> 00:03:30,989 who's to blame the shutdown, they 112 00:03:30,990 --> 00:03:32,329 pretty much all agree on what the 113 00:03:32,330 --> 00:03:33,330 cause of the lines is. 114 00:03:34,290 --> 00:03:35,389 What did you hear from airport 115 00:03:35,390 --> 00:03:36,390 officials, Nathan? 116 00:03:37,030 --> 00:03:39,069 Well, they have not 117 00:03:39,070 --> 00:03:41,269 said as much as 118 00:03:41,270 --> 00:03:43,329 Cornyn and Greg 119 00:03:43,330 --> 00:03:45,429 Kassar and also Lloyd Doggett. 120 00:03:45,430 --> 00:03:47,389 They all say that it's actually not 121 00:03:47,390 --> 00:03:49,449 the result of short-staffed 122 00:03:49,450 --> 00:03:50,689 TSA officers. 123 00:03:50,690 --> 00:03:52,229 That there have been very few people 124 00:03:52,230 --> 00:03:53,329 calling out sick. 125 00:03:53,330 --> 00:03:55,029 That in fact the lines are the 126 00:03:55,030 --> 00:03:57,269 result a lot of people traveling 127 00:03:57,270 --> 00:03:58,829 over spring break and South by 128 00:03:58,830 --> 00:04:01,829 Southwest. And especially Doggett 129 00:04:01,830 --> 00:04:03,309 mentioned families traveling with 130 00:04:03,310 --> 00:04:04,518 multiple Czechs. 131 00:04:04,519 --> 00:04:06,679 I bags bags to 132 00:04:06,680 --> 00:04:08,219 carry on and that can slow down the 133 00:04:08,220 --> 00:04:10,199 lines as well Now when I 134 00:04:10,200 --> 00:04:11,439 got some data from the air from the 135 00:04:11,440 --> 00:04:13,379 airport about the number of 136 00:04:13,380 --> 00:04:14,919 flights that are departing per hour 137 00:04:14,920 --> 00:04:16,359 And what I found very interesting 138 00:04:16,360 --> 00:04:18,398 was there's not I 139 00:04:18,399 --> 00:04:19,939 had assumed that the morning there 140 00:04:19,940 --> 00:04:21,958 is a huge Volume 141 00:04:21,959 --> 00:04:23,259 of flights compared to other parts 142 00:04:23,260 --> 00:04:24,559 of the day actually 4 p.m. 143 00:04:24,560 --> 00:04:26,259 Has the most flights per hour really 144 00:04:26,260 --> 00:04:27,979 have yeah What's happening in the 145 00:04:27,980 --> 00:04:29,619 morning is? 146 00:04:29,620 --> 00:04:30,839 A few things. 147 00:04:30,840 --> 00:04:32,659 People tend to show up all kind 148 00:04:32,660 --> 00:04:34,099 of around the same time. 149 00:04:34,100 --> 00:04:35,899 The distribution of arrivals is not 150 00:04:35,900 --> 00:04:38,099 as spread out. 151 00:04:38,100 --> 00:04:40,119 And the TSA lines, while they 152 00:04:40,120 --> 00:04:42,179 open around 3 a.m., they're 153 00:04:42,180 --> 00:04:43,999 not 100% 154 00:04:44,000 --> 00:04:45,039 fully up. 155 00:04:45,040 --> 00:04:47,119 When the clock strikes 3, 156 00:04:47,120 --> 00:04:48,819 all the lanes are open. 157 00:04:48,820 --> 00:04:50,439 And there's 22 lanes now in the 158 00:04:50,440 --> 00:04:51,799 Barbara Jordan Terminal for TSA 159 00:04:51,800 --> 00:04:53,479 screening, and only one of those 160 00:04:53,480 --> 00:04:55,519 planes is down because 161 00:04:55,520 --> 00:04:56,479 of an equipment problem. 162 00:04:56,480 --> 00:04:58,159 This is according to Congressman 163 00:04:58,160 --> 00:04:59,019 Doggett. 164 00:04:59,020 --> 00:05:00,979 So while all 165 00:05:00,980 --> 00:05:02,359 of these politicians are using 166 00:05:02,360 --> 00:05:04,359 Austin as an example of why 167 00:05:04,360 --> 00:05:05,619 the government shutdown needs to 168 00:05:05,620 --> 00:05:07,159 end, and certainly it should, but 169 00:05:07,160 --> 00:05:09,099 that's not, according to all 170 00:05:09,100 --> 00:05:10,819 of the politicians, the reason why 171 00:05:10,820 --> 00:05:12,279 we're seeing these insanely long 172 00:05:12,280 --> 00:05:13,839 lines in the morning at Austin 173 00:05:13,840 --> 00:05:15,039 Berkshire International Airport. 174 00:05:15,040 --> 00:05:17,139 Well, South By used to last two 175 00:05:17,140 --> 00:05:18,259 weekends, Nathan. 176 00:05:18,260 --> 00:05:20,279 I would guess that would be two busy 177 00:05:20,280 --> 00:05:21,799 weekends at the airport. 178 00:05:21,800 --> 00:05:23,359 This year, it's only going for one 179 00:05:23,360 --> 00:05:25,739 weekend, which ended yesterday. 180 00:05:25,740 --> 00:05:27,479 And I'm sure that things were a lot 181 00:05:27,480 --> 00:05:29,419 busier because of that on 182 00:05:29,420 --> 00:05:31,159 this Monday. 183 00:05:31,160 --> 00:05:32,679 I'm sorry, with the festival ending 184 00:05:32,680 --> 00:05:34,519 on Wednesday, do officials 185 00:05:34,520 --> 00:05:36,019 expect a busy Thursday at the 186 00:05:36,020 --> 00:05:37,159 Airport? 187 00:05:37,160 --> 00:05:38,819 I think so because it's not just 188 00:05:38,820 --> 00:05:40,519 South by Southwest, it's also spring 189 00:05:40,520 --> 00:05:41,419 break. 190 00:05:41,420 --> 00:05:43,139 I got some numbers in terms of the 191 00:05:43,140 --> 00:05:44,779 volumes of people that are actually 192 00:05:44,780 --> 00:05:47,079 being screened by TSA each day. 193 00:05:47,080 --> 00:05:48,979 Yesterday, it was over 194 00:05:48,980 --> 00:05:50,859 38,000 people screened. 195 00:05:50,860 --> 00:05:52,619 And if you compare that to the prior 196 00:05:52,620 --> 00:05:54,819 Sunday, March 8, it was 197 00:05:54,820 --> 00:05:56,439 36,000. 198 00:05:56,440 --> 00:05:58,519 So an increase of about 2,000, 199 00:05:58,520 --> 00:06:00,339 but then you look at Sunday, so 200 00:06:00,340 --> 00:06:03,159 two days ago, it was 34,000 201 00:06:03,160 --> 00:06:04,899 but then compare that to the Sunday 202 00:06:04,900 --> 00:06:06,939 a week prior, so nine days ago, 203 00:06:06,940 --> 00:06:08,859 I guess. It was 25,000, so that 204 00:06:08,860 --> 00:06:11,479 was an increase of 9,000 205 00:06:11,480 --> 00:06:13,019 Sunday to Sunday. 206 00:06:13,020 --> 00:06:14,839 And while I think that you're right, 207 00:06:14,840 --> 00:06:16,099 that the South by Southwest 208 00:06:16,100 --> 00:06:18,039 obviously draws lots of people 209 00:06:18,040 --> 00:06:19,859 to town, but some people 210 00:06:19,860 --> 00:06:21,359 might fill throughout on Thursdays. 211 00:06:21,360 --> 00:06:22,779 Maybe someone stays a little longer 212 00:06:22,780 --> 00:06:24,619 on Friday, and then, of course, 213 00:06:24,620 --> 00:06:25,819 you have people who may have 214 00:06:25,820 --> 00:06:27,139 traveled to Austin for other reasons 215 00:06:27,140 --> 00:06:28,679 over spring break, because there's a 216 00:06:28,680 --> 00:06:30,499 lot going on here that 217 00:06:30,500 --> 00:06:31,279 may be departing. 218 00:06:31,280 --> 00:06:33,199 So I wouldn't place a 219 00:06:33,200 --> 00:06:35,189 bet that it's going to be back to. 220 00:06:35,190 --> 00:06:37,189 Non spring break levels as 221 00:06:37,190 --> 00:06:38,489 a result of that. 222 00:06:38,490 --> 00:06:40,629 But I mean, you can only imagine 223 00:06:40,630 --> 00:06:42,329 that it may must play some role. 224 00:06:42,330 --> 00:06:43,809 All right, that is KUT's 225 00:06:43,810 --> 00:06:45,049 transportation reporter Nathan 226 00:06:45,050 --> 00:06:46,469 Bernier. Nathan, thanks for your 227 00:06:46,470 --> 00:06:48,149 reporting. We'll talk to you later. 228 00:06:48,150 --> 00:06:49,150 Thanks, Jerry! 229 00:06:57,060 --> 00:06:59,059 For more than 20 years, Austin woman 230 00:06:59,060 --> 00:07:00,799 Carmen Mejia was serving a sentence 231 00:07:00,800 --> 00:07:01,739 for a crime. 232 00:07:01,740 --> 00:07:03,999 She said that she did not commit. 233 00:07:04,000 --> 00:07:05,779 Now the courts have ruled that she 234 00:07:05,780 --> 00:07:07,719 was right. No crime occurred. 235 00:07:07,720 --> 00:07:09,499 It was an accident. 236 00:07:09,500 --> 00:07:10,639 For more about this story, we're 237 00:07:10,640 --> 00:07:13,459 speaking with Austin Sanders, 238 00:07:13,460 --> 00:07:15,799 reporter from the Austin American 239 00:07:15,800 --> 00:07:17,059 Statesman, who has been following 240 00:07:17,060 --> 00:07:17,939 the case. 241 00:07:17,940 --> 00:07:19,699 Austin, thanks for chatting with us. 242 00:07:19,700 --> 00:07:20,559 Yeah, thanks. Thanks for having me, 243 00:07:20,560 --> 00:07:21,899 Jerry. So can you tell our audience 244 00:07:21,900 --> 00:07:23,979 a little bit about who Carmen 245 00:07:23,980 --> 00:07:26,279 Meja is and what was originally 246 00:07:26,280 --> 00:07:27,389 convicted of. 247 00:07:27,390 --> 00:07:29,269 Right, Carmen Mejia is an 248 00:07:29,270 --> 00:07:31,109 Austin mother for daughters 249 00:07:31,110 --> 00:07:33,689 who are now in their mid-20s. 250 00:07:33,690 --> 00:07:36,089 But they were all young children in 251 00:07:36,090 --> 00:07:37,949 2003 when 252 00:07:37,950 --> 00:07:40,189 she was accused of 253 00:07:40,190 --> 00:07:42,449 killing a 10-month-old baby. 254 00:07:42,450 --> 00:07:44,729 She was two years later convicted 255 00:07:44,730 --> 00:07:47,169 of murder for this, 256 00:07:47,170 --> 00:07:48,489 you know, what now officials are 257 00:07:48,490 --> 00:07:49,969 calling a tragic accident. 258 00:07:49,970 --> 00:07:52,369 When she was accused 259 00:07:52,370 --> 00:07:54,449 of lowering this 260 00:07:54,450 --> 00:07:56,989 baby into scalding hot water. 261 00:07:56,990 --> 00:07:59,009 Causing, obviously, 262 00:07:59,010 --> 00:08:01,109 severe burns that later resulted 263 00:08:01,110 --> 00:08:03,309 in the baby's death. 264 00:08:03,310 --> 00:08:05,169 The whole time, she maintained 265 00:08:05,170 --> 00:08:07,089 her innocence of this 266 00:08:07,090 --> 00:08:09,449 crime and she was finally 267 00:08:09,450 --> 00:08:10,739 exonerated last week. 268 00:08:10,740 --> 00:08:12,699 Yeah, she maintained her innocence. 269 00:08:12,700 --> 00:08:13,659 What were the question marks that 270 00:08:13,660 --> 00:08:15,159 were still lingering after her 271 00:08:15,160 --> 00:08:16,129 conviction? 272 00:08:16,130 --> 00:08:18,689 Well, there was, for a time, 273 00:08:18,690 --> 00:08:20,849 science couldn't explain how 274 00:08:20,850 --> 00:08:22,929 this baby could 275 00:08:22,930 --> 00:08:25,109 have died from, as 276 00:08:25,110 --> 00:08:26,929 an accident, from this kind 277 00:08:26,930 --> 00:08:28,509 of incident. 278 00:08:28,510 --> 00:08:31,109 But what post-conviction 279 00:08:31,110 --> 00:08:32,949 analysis uncovered, which 280 00:08:32,950 --> 00:08:34,908 really this effort began about 281 00:08:34,909 --> 00:08:36,729 three years ago, led by the 282 00:08:36,730 --> 00:08:38,629 Innocence Project when they began 283 00:08:38,630 --> 00:08:40,808 taking on her appeals, And 284 00:08:40,809 --> 00:08:42,689 what they found was that at trial 285 00:08:42,690 --> 00:08:44,269 in 2005... 286 00:08:44,270 --> 00:08:46,069 Burn experts didn't even really 287 00:08:46,070 --> 00:08:48,169 consider some of the evidence 288 00:08:48,170 --> 00:08:50,829 that could have caused the 289 00:08:50,830 --> 00:08:52,769 burns to this baby. 290 00:08:52,770 --> 00:08:54,929 And what experts today 291 00:08:54,930 --> 00:08:57,229 found was that this absolutely 292 00:08:57,230 --> 00:08:59,169 could have been caused by an 293 00:08:59,170 --> 00:09:00,169 accident. 294 00:09:00,170 --> 00:09:01,829 And the burn patterns kind of 295 00:09:01,830 --> 00:09:03,149 resembled what could have an 296 00:09:03,150 --> 00:09:04,029 accident. 297 00:09:04,030 --> 00:09:06,089 But what was perhaps most 298 00:09:06,090 --> 00:09:08,369 key in something that was 299 00:09:08,370 --> 00:09:09,579 highlighted by. 300 00:09:09,580 --> 00:09:11,719 Judge David Wahlberg at this 301 00:09:11,720 --> 00:09:13,419 exoneration hearing last week was 302 00:09:13,420 --> 00:09:15,339 that there was key testimony 303 00:09:15,340 --> 00:09:17,379 that Prosecutors 304 00:09:17,380 --> 00:09:19,459 in the jury in 2005 were 305 00:09:19,460 --> 00:09:21,299 not aware of and that's because it 306 00:09:21,300 --> 00:09:23,079 was testimony from a three-year-old 307 00:09:23,080 --> 00:09:25,339 This is one of Carmen Mejia's 308 00:09:25,340 --> 00:09:27,559 daughters who later testified 309 00:09:27,560 --> 00:09:29,719 to Investigators that 310 00:09:29,720 --> 00:09:31,959 she put the baby in 311 00:09:31,960 --> 00:09:33,819 the bathwater by accident. 312 00:09:33,820 --> 00:09:35,639 It's a three year old This is 313 00:09:35,640 --> 00:09:37,649 something that this is testimony 314 00:09:37,650 --> 00:09:39,429 that Judge Wahlberg characterized as 315 00:09:39,430 --> 00:09:41,509 being locked inside the mind of 316 00:09:41,510 --> 00:09:42,569 a three-year-old. 317 00:09:42,570 --> 00:09:44,489 So obviously that played a 318 00:09:44,490 --> 00:09:46,629 key role in the 319 00:09:46,630 --> 00:09:48,529 high court's decision earlier this 320 00:09:48,530 --> 00:09:50,869 year to not only 321 00:09:50,870 --> 00:09:53,049 overturn Carmen's 322 00:09:53,050 --> 00:09:54,729 conviction to say she was wrongfully 323 00:09:54,730 --> 00:09:56,849 convicted, but also to declare that 324 00:09:56,850 --> 00:09:59,269 no crime was committed at all. 325 00:09:59,270 --> 00:09:59,969 As you said, 326 00:09:59,970 --> 00:10:02,009 She was officially exonerated last 327 00:10:02,010 --> 00:10:03,929 week, but immediately after that the 328 00:10:03,930 --> 00:10:05,109 federal government set up an 329 00:10:05,110 --> 00:10:06,549 immigration hold on her. 330 00:10:06,550 --> 00:10:08,039 Can you tell us what happened there? 331 00:10:08,040 --> 00:10:09,559 This was a really stunning moment in 332 00:10:09,560 --> 00:10:11,799 this Travis County courtroom that 333 00:10:11,800 --> 00:10:13,679 we all watched unfold just 334 00:10:13,680 --> 00:10:15,699 moments before the judge 335 00:10:15,700 --> 00:10:17,879 was to kind of sign the paperwork, 336 00:10:17,880 --> 00:10:19,699 issue the order that would 337 00:10:19,700 --> 00:10:21,459 have dismissed the indictment 338 00:10:21,460 --> 00:10:23,359 against Carmen Mejia and kind 339 00:10:23,360 --> 00:10:24,639 of close this chapter. 340 00:10:24,640 --> 00:10:26,719 He says, but she also has this 341 00:10:26,720 --> 00:10:28,059 ICE detainer request on her. 342 00:10:28,060 --> 00:10:30,119 And this is something that federal 343 00:10:30,120 --> 00:10:32,769 immigration officials do. 344 00:10:32,770 --> 00:10:34,629 Periodically whenever they think 345 00:10:34,630 --> 00:10:36,629 someone, an undocumented immigrant 346 00:10:36,630 --> 00:10:38,489 is in the custody of a 347 00:10:38,490 --> 00:10:40,389 jail sheriff's office, they will 348 00:10:40,390 --> 00:10:42,169 put a hold on that person so the 349 00:10:42,170 --> 00:10:44,129 jail has to hold 350 00:10:44,130 --> 00:10:45,989 on to that person 48 351 00:10:45,990 --> 00:10:47,849 hours after they are to 352 00:10:47,850 --> 00:10:49,769 be released from jail so that 353 00:10:49,770 --> 00:10:51,589 immigration officials can detain 354 00:10:51,590 --> 00:10:53,049 them for deportation. 355 00:10:54,610 --> 00:10:56,589 So Carmen spent 23 356 00:10:56,590 --> 00:10:58,469 years in jail on the 357 00:10:58,470 --> 00:11:00,349 day that she should 358 00:11:00,350 --> 00:11:02,289 be reunited with her children. 359 00:11:02,290 --> 00:11:03,949 Is forced to go back into jail 360 00:11:03,950 --> 00:11:05,929 because she is 361 00:11:05,930 --> 00:11:07,169 thinking she may be deported. 362 00:11:08,230 --> 00:11:09,909 So the federal government put this 363 00:11:09,910 --> 00:11:11,529 detainer on her, what happened after 364 00:11:11,530 --> 00:11:12,079 that? 365 00:11:12,080 --> 00:11:13,919 Right, so in a statement to 366 00:11:13,920 --> 00:11:15,919 the statesman, a DHS spokesman 367 00:11:15,920 --> 00:11:18,339 explained that ICE placed 368 00:11:18,340 --> 00:11:20,159 the detainer request on Carmen in 369 00:11:20,160 --> 00:11:22,099 2009, but in that same 370 00:11:22,100 --> 00:11:23,239 statement, they announced that they 371 00:11:23,240 --> 00:11:24,499 would be lifting it, which meant 372 00:11:24,500 --> 00:11:26,459 that she would be free to 373 00:11:26,460 --> 00:11:28,499 leave and kind of escape the 374 00:11:28,500 --> 00:11:30,959 threat of immediate deportation, 375 00:11:30,960 --> 00:11:32,319 which is what happened when she left 376 00:11:32,320 --> 00:11:33,999 the jail late Tuesday night. 377 00:11:34,000 --> 00:11:36,639 You just mentioned Carmen's family. 378 00:11:36,640 --> 00:11:37,799 What did you hear from them? 379 00:11:37,800 --> 00:11:39,659 What was their reaction to all this 380 00:11:39,660 --> 00:11:41,039 back and forth? 381 00:11:41,040 --> 00:11:42,499 Right, right. Well, they didn't 382 00:11:42,500 --> 00:11:44,639 speak too much to the media. 383 00:11:44,640 --> 00:11:46,059 The four daughters have, you know, 384 00:11:46,060 --> 00:11:47,339 been pretty private. 385 00:11:47,340 --> 00:11:48,939 They have been pretty kind of 386 00:11:48,940 --> 00:11:50,079 staying away from the spotlight, 387 00:11:50,080 --> 00:11:52,339 although a few read 388 00:11:52,340 --> 00:11:54,179 statements or had statements read 389 00:11:54,180 --> 00:11:56,399 on their behalf at the hearing last 390 00:11:56,400 --> 00:11:59,399 week. And one of the daughters did 391 00:11:59,400 --> 00:12:01,319 speak at the hearing 392 00:12:01,320 --> 00:12:03,699 sitting alongside her mother. 393 00:12:03,700 --> 00:12:05,519 And they spoke of the 394 00:12:05,520 --> 00:12:07,499 23 years of incarceration 395 00:12:07,500 --> 00:12:09,489 that their mother experienced as 396 00:12:09,490 --> 00:12:11,509 creating this hole in their lives. 397 00:12:11,510 --> 00:12:14,309 You know, immediately after Carmen's 398 00:12:14,310 --> 00:12:16,429 conviction, the children were 399 00:12:16,430 --> 00:12:17,829 entered into a closed adoption 400 00:12:17,830 --> 00:12:19,609 process and adopted by a different 401 00:12:19,610 --> 00:12:21,349 family. And what that means is 402 00:12:21,350 --> 00:12:23,069 Carmen had no idea what happened to 403 00:12:23,070 --> 00:12:25,169 them. They had no idea what 404 00:12:25,170 --> 00:12:26,669 was happening with their mother 405 00:12:26,670 --> 00:12:29,049 until two or three years ago. 406 00:12:29,050 --> 00:12:30,889 So for them, it 407 00:12:30,890 --> 00:12:32,989 was this kind of relief, 408 00:12:32,990 --> 00:12:35,029 but also a stressful 409 00:12:35,030 --> 00:12:36,849 time because their mother was 410 00:12:36,850 --> 00:12:38,759 finally Her name was clear, she 411 00:12:38,760 --> 00:12:40,939 was exonerated, yet this question 412 00:12:40,940 --> 00:12:42,879 over would she be deported was now 413 00:12:42,880 --> 00:12:44,229 hanging over her head. 414 00:12:44,230 --> 00:12:45,789 What comes next in this story and 415 00:12:45,790 --> 00:12:47,149 what is your newsroom still 416 00:12:47,150 --> 00:12:47,909 reporting on? 417 00:12:47,910 --> 00:12:49,469 Right. Well, the question of what 418 00:12:49,470 --> 00:12:51,509 comes next for Carmen's 419 00:12:51,510 --> 00:12:53,329 immigration status is still up in 420 00:12:53,330 --> 00:12:55,149 the air. She was in the country 421 00:12:55,150 --> 00:12:56,949 legally through what's known as 422 00:12:56,950 --> 00:12:58,789 temporary protected status. 423 00:12:58,790 --> 00:13:00,189 This is something that asylum 424 00:13:00,190 --> 00:13:02,129 seekers, people fleeing natural 425 00:13:02,130 --> 00:13:03,609 disasters, other emergency 426 00:13:03,610 --> 00:13:05,069 conditions from foreign countries 427 00:13:05,070 --> 00:13:07,009 can attain when they come to 428 00:13:07,010 --> 00:13:07,909 the states. 429 00:13:07,910 --> 00:13:09,509 She lost that status. 430 00:13:09,510 --> 00:13:11,389 She fled from Honduras in 431 00:13:11,390 --> 00:13:13,209 the late 90s, but she 432 00:13:13,210 --> 00:13:14,569 lost that while she was in 433 00:13:14,570 --> 00:13:15,889 incarceration. She couldn't keep up 434 00:13:15,890 --> 00:13:17,709 with it. And when 435 00:13:17,710 --> 00:13:19,429 she was released, the Department of 436 00:13:19,430 --> 00:13:21,549 Homeland Security, they said 437 00:13:21,550 --> 00:13:23,509 they would lift the detainer 438 00:13:23,510 --> 00:13:25,269 request so she wouldn't be 439 00:13:25,270 --> 00:13:26,529 immediately detained for 440 00:13:26,530 --> 00:13:27,589 deportation. 441 00:13:27,590 --> 00:13:29,189 But they said that would only last 442 00:13:29,190 --> 00:13:31,169 while her temporary 443 00:13:31,170 --> 00:13:33,249 protected status was active. 444 00:13:33,250 --> 00:13:34,389 But it's not. 445 00:13:34,390 --> 00:13:35,809 So her attorneys say that they're 446 00:13:35,810 --> 00:13:37,789 exploring all potential 447 00:13:37,790 --> 00:13:40,029 avenues to gain legal 448 00:13:40,030 --> 00:13:42,009 status so that she can remain 449 00:13:42,010 --> 00:13:43,969 in the country with her family 450 00:13:43,970 --> 00:13:46,029 where she has been for past 30 451 00:13:46,030 --> 00:13:47,089 years. 452 00:13:47,090 --> 00:13:48,409 We have been speaking with Austin 453 00:13:48,410 --> 00:13:49,849 Sanders. He is a reporter at the 454 00:13:49,850 --> 00:13:51,049 Austin American Statesman. 455 00:13:51,050 --> 00:13:53,069 We will have a link to his work in 456 00:13:53,070 --> 00:13:55,629 today's show notes and at kut.org 457 00:13:55,630 --> 00:13:56,909 slash signal. 458 00:13:56,910 --> 00:13:58,269 Austin, thanks for chatting with us. 459 00:13:58,270 --> 00:13:59,749 Thanks again for having me. 460 00:13:59,750 --> 00:14:01,309 And thank you out there for spending 461 00:14:01,310 --> 00:14:03,389 part of your Monday here with 462 00:14:03,390 --> 00:14:05,249 community powered public radio. 463 00:14:05,250 --> 00:14:07,149 This is Austin Signal here 464 00:14:07,150 --> 00:14:09,229 at KUT News. 465 00:14:09,230 --> 00:14:11,389 And you can always find more from us 466 00:14:11,390 --> 00:14:13,489 at kutt.org 467 00:14:13,490 --> 00:14:15,409 slash signal, we'll be back 468 00:14:15,410 --> 00:14:16,430 after this break. 469 00:14:29,550 --> 00:14:30,969 This is Jimmy Moss, program director 470 00:14:30,970 --> 00:14:32,489 with KT, and you are listening to 471 00:14:32,490 --> 00:14:34,029 The Austin Signal. 472 00:14:34,030 --> 00:14:35,969 Another huge weekend, the only 473 00:14:35,970 --> 00:14:37,449 weekend this year for South by 474 00:14:37,450 --> 00:14:39,489 Southwest, and all the legends 475 00:14:39,490 --> 00:14:40,989 came out. Alanis Morissette 476 00:14:40,990 --> 00:14:42,869 headlined a showcase Saturday at 477 00:14:42,870 --> 00:14:44,549 Stubbs for Spotify. 478 00:14:44,550 --> 00:14:46,389 St. Vincent also made an appearance 479 00:14:46,390 --> 00:14:48,089 with her on stage. 480 00:14:48,090 --> 00:14:50,009 Austin's own, we're claiming her, 481 00:14:50,010 --> 00:14:52,129 and Texas State alum Edie Patterson 482 00:14:52,130 --> 00:14:54,169 was here over the weekend for the 483 00:14:54,170 --> 00:14:56,349 premiere of her new comedy, Brian, 484 00:14:56,350 --> 00:14:58,169 that's a feature film, With a 485 00:14:58,170 --> 00:14:59,909 few more screenings to come Still 486 00:14:59,910 --> 00:15:01,389 has to do without a badge. 487 00:15:01,390 --> 00:15:02,849 The public radio day stage is 488 00:15:02,850 --> 00:15:04,269 happening right now with the lineup 489 00:15:04,270 --> 00:15:06,189 picked by KUTX that's happening at 490 00:15:06,190 --> 00:15:08,289 the downright all afternoon. 491 00:15:08,290 --> 00:15:09,609 And the Oscars being held over the 492 00:15:09,610 --> 00:15:10,969 weekend did not scare away the big 493 00:15:10,970 --> 00:15:12,429 stars from South By. 494 00:15:12,430 --> 00:15:14,369 Comedian turned now action star 495 00:15:14,370 --> 00:15:16,649 Bob Odenkirk was at the festival and 496 00:15:16,650 --> 00:15:19,369 in the KUT studios just minutes ago. 497 00:15:19,370 --> 00:15:21,129 Stay tuned for that interview coming 498 00:15:21,130 --> 00:15:23,509 to a radio near you. 499 00:15:23,510 --> 00:15:25,209 And speaking of the Oscurs, once I 500 00:15:25,210 --> 00:15:26,449 was interviewing Oscar winner 501 00:15:26,450 --> 00:15:28,829 Melissa Leo at the Four Seasons. 502 00:15:28,830 --> 00:15:30,609 For a South By film, I just 503 00:15:30,610 --> 00:15:32,249 offhandedly remarked that this is a 504 00:15:32,250 --> 00:15:34,909 nice hotel to stay at and she said, 505 00:15:34,910 --> 00:15:36,809 not at these prices, it's South 506 00:15:36,810 --> 00:15:37,810 By. 507 00:15:38,410 --> 00:15:39,349 This is Jimmy Moss and you're 508 00:15:39,350 --> 00:15:40,809 listening to the Austin Signal. 509 00:15:45,280 --> 00:15:46,859 Well, if the craziness of South by 510 00:15:46,860 --> 00:15:48,639 Southwest and our up and down 511 00:15:48,640 --> 00:15:50,519 weather pattern isn't enough madness 512 00:15:50,520 --> 00:15:52,199 for you, we are now entering the 513 00:15:52,200 --> 00:15:54,719 peak of college basketball season. 514 00:15:54,720 --> 00:15:56,239 And both Texas teams are in the 515 00:15:56,240 --> 00:15:58,179 championship tournaments this year. 516 00:15:58,180 --> 00:15:59,759 Joining us now is Jeff Jones. 517 00:15:59,760 --> 00:16:01,119 He is the sports director and 518 00:16:01,120 --> 00:16:03,079 weekday sports anchor at K-View. 519 00:16:03,080 --> 00:16:05,129 Jeff, thanks for chatting with us. 520 00:16:05,130 --> 00:16:07,109 Jerry, thanks for having me on, man. 521 00:16:07,110 --> 00:16:08,169 Anytime we have a chance to talk 522 00:16:08,170 --> 00:16:09,969 basketball, especially in March, you 523 00:16:09,970 --> 00:16:10,938 know I'm there. 524 00:16:10,939 --> 00:16:12,239 Absolutely, and we got some 525 00:16:12,240 --> 00:16:14,379 basketball happening in Austin this 526 00:16:14,380 --> 00:16:16,059 weekend because the Texas women's 527 00:16:16,060 --> 00:16:17,939 basketball team is a number one 528 00:16:17,940 --> 00:16:19,239 seed. Can you remind our audience 529 00:16:19,240 --> 00:16:21,019 about the season that they've had up 530 00:16:21,020 --> 00:16:22,309 to this point? 531 00:16:22,310 --> 00:16:23,909 Yeah, it's been incredible. 532 00:16:23,910 --> 00:16:25,609 And I don't like to throw around 533 00:16:25,610 --> 00:16:27,109 words like incredible when it's not 534 00:16:27,110 --> 00:16:28,229 warranted, but it's definitely 535 00:16:28,230 --> 00:16:29,689 warranted for this team. 536 00:16:29,690 --> 00:16:31,069 They started off the year hot. 537 00:16:31,070 --> 00:16:32,229 They were the number one team in the 538 00:16:32,230 --> 00:16:33,089 nation for a while. 539 00:16:33,090 --> 00:16:34,709 They've been top three really from 540 00:16:34,710 --> 00:16:35,849 wire to wire. 541 00:16:35,850 --> 00:16:37,469 Um, I think they started the season 542 00:16:37,470 --> 00:16:39,289 with like 20 straight wins. 543 00:16:39,290 --> 00:16:40,669 Then they had a slip up. 544 00:16:40,670 --> 00:16:42,469 They lost back to back to really, 545 00:16:42,470 --> 00:16:44,289 really good teams, 546 00:16:44,290 --> 00:16:46,069 teams that are also top three seeds 547 00:16:46,070 --> 00:16:47,729 in the March Madness tournament, and 548 00:16:47,730 --> 00:16:49,549 they close the regular season now 549 00:16:49,550 --> 00:16:52,139 winning 13 of their last 14. 550 00:16:52,140 --> 00:16:53,739 If you had to make a short list of 551 00:16:53,740 --> 00:16:55,559 the two or three teams that could 552 00:16:55,560 --> 00:16:57,939 win it all, Texas is on everyone's 553 00:16:57,940 --> 00:16:58,609 short list. 554 00:16:58,610 --> 00:17:00,389 And how strong would you say that 555 00:17:00,390 --> 00:17:01,549 their bracket is looking? 556 00:17:03,950 --> 00:17:05,868 Uh, weak. 557 00:17:05,869 --> 00:17:07,789 They're in a great, great 558 00:17:07,790 --> 00:17:09,229 spot. I think of all the number one 559 00:17:09,230 --> 00:17:10,328 seeds, obviously there are four 560 00:17:10,329 --> 00:17:12,189 number one seeds every March for 561 00:17:12,190 --> 00:17:13,749 men and for women of the four 562 00:17:13,750 --> 00:17:15,409 number, one women seeds. 563 00:17:15,410 --> 00:17:17,368 I think UT's path looks the 564 00:17:17,369 --> 00:17:18,929 most manageable, like I don't ever 565 00:17:18,930 --> 00:17:20,848 want to call a March madness path 566 00:17:20,849 --> 00:17:22,749 easy because every 567 00:17:22,750 --> 00:17:24,608 team that's in the field deserves it 568 00:17:24,609 --> 00:17:26,919 and we've all seen how things can 569 00:17:26,920 --> 00:17:28,420 flip on their head in March, you 570 00:17:28,421 --> 00:17:29,999 know, somebody gets hot, especially 571 00:17:30,000 --> 00:17:31,919 if a team gets hot with guard player 572 00:17:31,920 --> 00:17:33,739 with experienced guards, they 573 00:17:33,740 --> 00:17:34,959 can make a run. 574 00:17:34,960 --> 00:17:36,959 But when I look at UT side of the 575 00:17:36,960 --> 00:17:38,799 bracket, it just. 576 00:17:38,800 --> 00:17:40,719 It looks manageable to 577 00:17:40,720 --> 00:17:42,539 me. Michigan is the number two 578 00:17:42,540 --> 00:17:44,279 team in this side of the bracket. 579 00:17:44,280 --> 00:17:45,719 And Michigan is good, but they're a 580 00:17:45,720 --> 00:17:46,859 team that doesn't really have a 581 00:17:46,860 --> 00:17:48,119 dominant big. They have bigger 582 00:17:48,120 --> 00:17:50,099 guards, but no true 583 00:17:50,100 --> 00:17:52,019 center presence, who I think 584 00:17:52,020 --> 00:17:53,719 could bang with a player like Kyla 585 00:17:53,720 --> 00:17:55,539 Oldacre. Remember, Kyla is the UT 586 00:17:55,540 --> 00:17:57,329 center. She stands 6'6". 587 00:17:57,330 --> 00:17:58,889 And she would play against players 588 00:17:58,890 --> 00:18:01,169 who were about six, three or below. 589 00:18:01,170 --> 00:18:02,829 Kentucky is the five seed in this 590 00:18:02,830 --> 00:18:04,249 corner of the bracket. 591 00:18:04,250 --> 00:18:06,149 Uh, Texas has beaten Kentucky and 592 00:18:06,150 --> 00:18:07,909 honestly, Texas beat Kentucky when 593 00:18:07,910 --> 00:18:09,929 Texas was having an off day and 594 00:18:09,930 --> 00:18:11,789 they beat them by a lot, 595 00:18:11,790 --> 00:18:12,949 Alabama's on this side of the brand 596 00:18:12,950 --> 00:18:14,289 and Texas has proven they can beat 597 00:18:14,290 --> 00:18:16,129 them. I just, I 598 00:18:16,130 --> 00:18:17,969 think UT is 599 00:18:17,970 --> 00:18:19,069 looking like they're in pretty good 600 00:18:19,070 --> 00:18:21,389 shape to make a very, very deep run. 601 00:18:21,390 --> 00:18:22,949 And the program has been shaping up 602 00:18:22,950 --> 00:18:24,849 over the last couple of years. 603 00:18:24,850 --> 00:18:26,769 It was Elite 8, and last year was 604 00:18:26,770 --> 00:18:27,929 the Final Four. 605 00:18:27,930 --> 00:18:29,309 What do you think makes them 606 00:18:29,310 --> 00:18:31,509 different this year that could 607 00:18:31,510 --> 00:18:32,889 really take them to the final step 608 00:18:32,890 --> 00:18:34,679 in the championship? 609 00:18:34,680 --> 00:18:36,219 Yeah, excellent question, Jerry. 610 00:18:36,220 --> 00:18:38,159 I think what makes them different is 611 00:18:38,160 --> 00:18:40,579 how much of the same they are. 612 00:18:40,580 --> 00:18:42,259 All of the key players from last 613 00:18:42,260 --> 00:18:44,279 year, you know, save Taylor Jones 614 00:18:44,280 --> 00:18:46,139 are back. 615 00:18:46,140 --> 00:18:48,139 And so what makes Texas 616 00:18:48,140 --> 00:18:49,999 different than how Texas has 617 00:18:50,000 --> 00:18:51,259 been in the recent past? 618 00:18:51,260 --> 00:18:53,179 Is all these players have been 619 00:18:53,180 --> 00:18:54,459 there, done that. 620 00:18:54,460 --> 00:18:55,759 You think about the core of last 621 00:18:55,760 --> 00:18:57,499 year's team, Madison Booker, Rory 622 00:18:57,500 --> 00:18:59,359 Harmon, they're still the core of 623 00:18:59,360 --> 00:19:01,359 this year's teams, but Jordan Lee, 624 00:19:01,360 --> 00:19:03,099 who was leaned on this time last 625 00:19:03,100 --> 00:19:04,099 year, I wanna say she was the 626 00:19:04,100 --> 00:19:05,659 leading scorer in that final four 627 00:19:05,660 --> 00:19:07,759 game that they lost, she 628 00:19:07,760 --> 00:19:08,959 was, the leading score in that Final 629 00:19:08,960 --> 00:19:10,719 Four game that they lost last year. 630 00:19:10,720 --> 00:19:12,299 She's a year older, a year more 631 00:19:12,300 --> 00:19:13,999 experienced, and she's proven when 632 00:19:14,000 --> 00:19:15,919 she needs to take over a game, she 633 00:19:15,920 --> 00:19:17,789 can still lead them in scoring. 634 00:19:17,790 --> 00:19:20,109 Justice Carlton, same way. 635 00:19:20,110 --> 00:19:21,389 Last year she was young. 636 00:19:21,390 --> 00:19:22,389 They didn't really use her a lot 637 00:19:22,390 --> 00:19:23,209 last year. 638 00:19:23,210 --> 00:19:24,589 This year we've seen her go off for 639 00:19:24,590 --> 00:19:26,569 20 plus in a game and lead this team 640 00:19:26,570 --> 00:19:28,209 on multiple occasions. 641 00:19:28,210 --> 00:19:30,169 So if there is a rare, 642 00:19:30,170 --> 00:19:32,229 rare day where both Rory Harmon 643 00:19:32,230 --> 00:19:34,529 and Madison Booker are off, 644 00:19:34,530 --> 00:19:36,069 you have more experienced players 645 00:19:36,070 --> 00:19:38,049 who you can lean on to carry the 646 00:19:38,050 --> 00:19:39,909 team this go-round than we've see in 647 00:19:39,910 --> 00:19:41,309 the past few years. 648 00:19:41,310 --> 00:19:42,769 So the Texas women's team is going 649 00:19:42,770 --> 00:19:44,649 to start this tournament again this 650 00:19:44,650 --> 00:19:46,709 year at the Moody Center. 651 00:19:46,710 --> 00:19:48,269 When does the action start and when 652 00:19:48,270 --> 00:19:49,669 will the Longhorns be back on the 653 00:19:49,670 --> 00:19:50,670 court? 654 00:19:50,820 --> 00:19:52,819 Yeah. So the action for Texas 655 00:19:52,820 --> 00:19:55,059 starts on the 20th, 656 00:19:55,060 --> 00:19:56,219 that's Friday. 657 00:19:56,220 --> 00:19:57,159 We don't yet know who they're going 658 00:19:57,160 --> 00:19:57,999 to play. They're either going to 659 00:19:58,000 --> 00:19:59,499 plan Missouri state or Stephen of 660 00:19:59,500 --> 00:20:00,679 Austin, SFA. 661 00:20:00,680 --> 00:20:02,099 Uh, I kind of just root for the 662 00:20:02,100 --> 00:20:04,079 in-state team. So I hope that SFA 663 00:20:04,080 --> 00:20:06,679 has a chance to play against Texas. 664 00:20:06,680 --> 00:20:08,639 Um, if Texas wins that game, which 665 00:20:08,640 --> 00:20:10,639 I believe they will, they'll line 666 00:20:10,640 --> 00:20:13,019 up again on Sunday, uh, 667 00:20:13,020 --> 00:20:14,759 and they'll play either Oregon or 668 00:20:14,760 --> 00:20:15,859 Virginia tech. 669 00:20:15,860 --> 00:20:17,259 Both of those contests will take 670 00:20:17,260 --> 00:20:18,739 place right here in Austin. 671 00:20:18,740 --> 00:20:19,839 Like you said, on the court of the 672 00:20:19,840 --> 00:20:20,669 moody set. 673 00:20:20,670 --> 00:20:22,329 So let's talk quickly about the 674 00:20:22,330 --> 00:20:23,229 men's team. 675 00:20:23,230 --> 00:20:24,729 They also snuck into the tournament 676 00:20:24,730 --> 00:20:26,049 at the very end. 677 00:20:26,050 --> 00:20:27,009 Did you anticipate that they were 678 00:20:27,010 --> 00:20:28,010 gonna make the field? 679 00:20:28,630 --> 00:20:30,449 You know, it's weird because if 680 00:20:30,450 --> 00:20:32,229 I had to put my money on Texas being 681 00:20:32,230 --> 00:20:33,969 in or out, I would have put my on 682 00:20:33,970 --> 00:20:35,369 them being in. 683 00:20:35,370 --> 00:20:37,309 I had a conversation with ESPN's Joe 684 00:20:37,310 --> 00:20:39,129 Linaugherty, who is their, their top 685 00:20:39,130 --> 00:20:40,629 bracketologist is what they call 686 00:20:40,630 --> 00:20:42,769 him. It's his job to predict 687 00:20:42,770 --> 00:20:44,889 who makes the tournament and 688 00:20:44,890 --> 00:20:46,109 Jerry, I'm not sure if you follow 689 00:20:46,110 --> 00:20:48,089 Joe's work, but Joe is 690 00:20:48,090 --> 00:20:49,809 excellent at his job. 691 00:20:49,810 --> 00:20:51,809 He went 68 for 68 this 692 00:20:51,810 --> 00:20:53,369 year. So he predicted every team 693 00:20:53,370 --> 00:20:55,309 spot on and he told us that he 694 00:20:55,310 --> 00:20:57,878 thought Texas would make it in. 695 00:20:57,879 --> 00:20:59,859 Whether they deserve to be in or 696 00:20:59,860 --> 00:21:01,819 not, that's a conversation you can 697 00:21:01,820 --> 00:21:04,059 have, but I did expect 698 00:21:04,060 --> 00:21:05,419 them to get in. 699 00:21:05,420 --> 00:21:06,359 You said they snuck in. 700 00:21:06,360 --> 00:21:07,359 That's exactly what they did. 701 00:21:07,360 --> 00:21:08,999 I think they were the third to last 702 00:21:09,000 --> 00:21:10,619 team to make it in. 703 00:21:10,620 --> 00:21:12,259 They have to play against NC State 704 00:21:12,260 --> 00:21:13,939 in one of those first four matchups 705 00:21:13,940 --> 00:21:15,139 in Dayton. 706 00:21:15,140 --> 00:21:16,779 So they're in the field, but they 707 00:21:16,780 --> 00:21:18,599 have to earn their way into the true 708 00:21:18,600 --> 00:21:19,679 first round. 709 00:21:19,680 --> 00:21:20,789 We'll see if they can do that. 710 00:21:20,790 --> 00:21:22,309 All right, that is Jeff Jones. 711 00:21:22,310 --> 00:21:23,489 He is the sports director and 712 00:21:23,490 --> 00:21:25,589 weekday sports anchor at K-View. 713 00:21:25,590 --> 00:21:26,909 Jeff, thanks for making the time. 714 00:21:26,910 --> 00:21:28,589 Enjoy the games. 715 00:21:28,590 --> 00:21:29,409 We'll do, we'll do. 716 00:21:29,410 --> 00:21:31,069 Appreciate the invite. 717 00:21:31,070 --> 00:21:32,949 And that Texas game against North 718 00:21:32,950 --> 00:21:34,949 Carolina State is set to 719 00:21:34,950 --> 00:21:37,589 tip off tomorrow night at 8.15. 720 00:21:37,590 --> 00:21:38,809 And if you've never been out to the 721 00:21:38,810 --> 00:21:40,569 Moody Center to catch the Texas 722 00:21:40,570 --> 00:21:42,529 women's team, it is definitely worth 723 00:21:42,530 --> 00:21:43,589 your time. 724 00:21:43,590 --> 00:21:45,609 And if your on spring break this 725 00:21:45,610 --> 00:21:47,529 week, enjoy yourself out there, 726 00:21:47,530 --> 00:21:48,969 and don't forget to keep it tuned in 727 00:21:48,970 --> 00:21:50,829 right here to the Austin signal. 728 00:21:50,830 --> 00:21:53,249 On KUT News, 729 00:21:53,250 --> 00:21:55,269 this is community powered 730 00:21:55,270 --> 00:21:56,390 public radio.