Our Three Questions series continues this month with Claire McInerny, who joined KUT News this summer as our education reporter.
McInerny covers education issues from pre-kindergarten through college, focusing on equity in various education systems. This includes socioeconomic, racial and geographic issues of diversity in Austin.
Previously, she worked in public radio newsrooms across the Midwest, including Missouri and Indiana. Her series on bilingual education for Indiana Public Broadcasting won a national Edward R. Murrow award this year.
She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the University of Kansas.
Follow Claire on Twitter @ClaireMcInerny.
What are you listening to these days?
I’ve had the new St. Vincent album, “Masseduction,” on repeat in my car. I love her music and this new record didn’t disappoint. It sounds more pop focused than previous albums, but the songwriting, as usual, is excellent and it’s really well produced. I also am still listening to Jamila Woods’ first album, even though it came out a few months ago. She’s just an exceptional new artist that I’m excited is getting a lot of good hype.
I listen to so many podcasts (I recently had to break up with a bunch), but a new one I’m digging is “Dirty John” from the “Los Angeles Times.” It’s a true crime story, reported out really well, and a good reminder why dating can be terrifying.
Read anything interesting lately?
I’m currently reading a biography of Jackie Kennedy, which I got after (finally) watching the film, “Jackie,” from last year. I don’t usually gravitate toward biographies or history when picking a book, something I’m trying to change. Before that, I read “We Are Never Meeting In Real Life,” a collection of essays by Samantha Irby, which I recommend to anyone who wants to inappropriately laugh in public places. (I was asked by someone at a coffee shop, “What in the world are you reading that could be that funny?” This book, that’s what.)
What are you loving about the ATX lately?
I just moved to Austin a few months ago, so everything is still really new. I came from the Midwest so one thing I’m digging is the warm weather consistently. I’m missing fall but I also enjoy that I can be outside more than I’m used to this time of year. I live by the trail that goes along Lady Bird Lake, so I’m enjoying going on walks and runs after work. Also, duh, I love the food here and that breakfast tacos are the rule and not the exception. I recently went to my first show at Stubb’s, and really loved that venue. I’m excited to living in a place with so many opportunities to see music.
