News

The number of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. has been declining since 2007; however, there has been an increase in migrants from other Central American countries, most of whom are teenagers. Being poor in Texas: Government assistance documentary, and a firsthand payday loan experience. Renewable energy continues to push forward as the Texas Renewable Energy Conference hits Austin next week.

Franz Schubert, incredibly talented and poor as a church mouse, wanted the chance to make a decent living from his music, and finally, near the end of his life, he got publishers interested. The down side was that his works were to be dictated by what would sell, and Schubert found his outlets wanted simple music that would sell rather than the big Sonata's that he was interested in.

On Thursday the investigating officer heard from three of the alleged victims in the case against Tech Sgt. Samuel Wicks. He also received stacks of evidence -- over 30 exhibits -- including victim statements, photos, and a sexually explicit video.

Take a special look at women living in the Arab/Muslim world of the 21st century in this presentation on gender in the Middle East.  Dr. Jen'nan Read is a tenured professor of sociology at Duke University and serves as associate director for special initiatives at the Duke Islamic Studies Center.

Read is also a Carnegie Scholar whose research focuses on how culture and religion shape the assimilation experiences of Arab Americans and Muslim Americans, including issues of women's employment, immigrant health, and political integration.

Not just a concert, but a service too

Already in their third season, Musica Sacra SA will perform Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. at Our Lady of Atonement. The program follows the Second Sunday of Advent - both musically and literally.

Robert Finster says there are familiar composers and one you might not know. "David Briggs is a great improviser for the organ, and has transcribed all of the Gigout solos! He works in London at a church, plus he composes very original pieces. I first heard of him on your radio station [KPAC] with Heart and Voice!"

As the buildings are beginning to be identified for the Pre-K 4 SA initiative approved by San Antonio voters in November, city council is busy making their selections for the 11-member board of directors.

Few, if any, operas can bear comparison with the gestation, preparation and final execution of Giuseppe Verdi’s "Un Ballo in Maschera." It is the work that definitively closes his middle period; preceded by "Traviata," "Rigoletto," and "Il Trovatore" and followed by his supreme masterworks "Don Carlo," "Aida," "Otello" and "Falstaff."

Take a quick look at some of the top stories across Texas, from a High Plains history lesson to Special Olympics training in Austin, and more...

From High Plains Public Radio in Amarillo and the Panhandle:

• High Plains History: Southern Stage Route

"A major U.S. Highway that runs through Western Kansas (U.S. Hwy. 83) began as a rough trail that connected various boomtowns who were waiting for the railroads that ultimately passed them by."