40 episodes
Darkness The Drag
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- True Crime
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4.7 • 4.5K Ratings
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On August 1, 1966, a sniper climbed the steps of the University of Texas at Austin’s 27-story tower. Seventeen people were killed and more than 30 others were injured. Fifty-six years later, mass shootings make headlines nearly every week. And the University of Texas tower looms over campus, a reminder of one of the first mass school shootings in United States history that has long been forgotten.
In season four of “Darkness,” host Sara Kinney walks through the day of the University of Texas Tower shooting and outlines its legacy among the decades-long epidemic of gun violence in schools. Hear from survivors, heroes and family members about their day in 1966, their lives since then and the state of gun control today.
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Introducing 'Forsaken'
Introducing a new series from The Drag: "Forsaken."
"Forsaken" is a series that explores the systems that both enhance and oppress the lives of the more than 29 million people living in Texas. Each episode will address issues that Texans face each day – the good and the bad. We’ll explore the criminal justice system, Texas politics, civil rights, social issues and even a little bit of history. Texas is the second-most diverse state in the nation and has equally diverse stories to tell. As the legendary late Texas singer Billy Joe Shaver sings: “You fathers and you mothers / Be good to one another / Please try to raise your children right / Don’t let the darkness take ‘em / Don’t make ‘em feel forsaken / Just lead ‘em safely to the light.”
The first two episodes of "Forsaken" drop Thursday, March 7.
Follow "Forsaken" on:
Apple Podcasts Spotify Or your favorite podcasting app! -
Episode 9: 'These people need closure' | The UT Tower Sniper
Fifty years after the shooting, survivors, heroes and their families return to Austin. A committee pushes for a better memorial for the victims. Some testify at the Texas Legislature, trying to stop a law allowing guns on campuses.
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Bonus: 'Can you feel safe anywhere?' | The UT Tower Sniper
College students discuss their experiences growing up with school shooting drills and the constant fear of a shooter. Host Sara Kinney and a March for Our Lives representative go over the state of gun legislation today.
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Episode 8: 'It's a bleak part of our existence' | The UT Tower Sniper
Forty-four years after the Tower shootings, another shooting occurs on the University of Texas campus. Survivors continue their lives while gun violence grows as a hot-button political issue. The physical wounds begin to heal, but the emotional ones remain.
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Episode 7: 'A loss that cannot be measured' | The UT Tower Sniper
The shooting becomes national news. Students return to classes a few days later. Law enforcement continues its investigation. An autopsy is performed on the sniper. A police officer is laid to rest. Victims start their road to recovery.
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Episode 6: 'A state of shock' | The UT Tower Sniper
Ninety-six minutes after the shooting began, the sniper is dead. Everyone nearby converges on campus. Law enforcement and journalists work to identify the dead. Hospitals struggle with the influx of patients. Friends and families mourn their loved ones.
Customer Reviews
Incredible Storytelling
This podcast and the host does such an incredible, thoughtful job at diving into this story. It was so moving to hear from the people who experienced this horrific event. This story feels so relevant now, especially in the context of gun violence in schools today. Thank you Sara and her team at the Drag for shining a light on this story.
Season 4 Coming Soon!
I’m looking forward to hearing about the story of the tower shooting at UT. I’m very proud of the host behind the scenes and I just know she’s put in so much effort. She is without a doubt a compelling storyteller and she is passionate about her work, can’t wait for others to hear it!
Season 3 of darkness
Amazing story telling!! The host was a perfect fit!