KERA News | News for North Texas

New Law Focused On Fight Against 'Modern-Day Slavery'

Texas ranks second in the nation for human trafficking cases, and Texas Sen. John Cornyn was in Dallas Tuesday to highlight a new federal law he co-wrote to provide resources and funding to fight traffickers and support victims. It’s called the Abolish Human Trafficking Act, though Cornyn acknowledges there’s still a lot of work to be done to end what he calls “modern-day slavery.”

A sign directs passengers to different terminals inside the closed Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport Jan. 15 in Houston. The security checkpoint inside the terminal has been closed for several days. — Associated Press

How Texans Can Get Help During The Government Shutdown

Volunteers participate in the homeless count in 2016. — Associated Press

Annual Homeless Count, Under New Leadership, Aims To Better Target Resources

A One-Of-A-Kind Sendoff For Herb Kelleher, The Heart Of Southwest Airlines

By Eric Aasen • 12 hours ago

As soon as a drum line marched onto the stage, you knew this was not going to be a mournful, melancholy memorial service for Herb Kelleher.

The Continuing Impact Of School Segregation In Texas

By KERA News • 12 hours ago

James E. Smith and his son James Jr., 6, stand in front of Kashmere Gardens Elementary School in Houston on Sept. 7, 1960. The Texas Tribune explored the legacy of desegregation and its continuing impact in a series of stories called "Dis-Integration." — Associated Press

Texas has a long history of neglecting schools tasked with educating students of color. Poor facilities, underfunding, less experienced or qualified staff — they're just a few of the complaints mentioned in lawsuits filed against Texas towns and school districts.

The Texas Tribune explored the legacy of segregated schools and their continuing impact in a series of stories called "Dis-Integration."

Republicans Usually Tout 'School Choice' As A Priority For The Legislative Session. Not This Year.

By editor • 15 hours ago

Thousands of people will rally at the Capitol today to call for more K-12 options as part of National School Choice Week. But inside the Capitol, the once-prominent conversation isn't happening.

The Supreme Court’s Choice To Take On A Small Gun Case Could Have Big Implications

By Chris Haxel • 15 hours ago

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case on regulations that ban New York City residents from transporting handguns outside the city. — Chris Haxel, KCUR

For the first time in nearly a decade, the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case involving constitutional gun rights.

While the ruling will directly affect only a small group of people ‒ New York City residents who are licensed to own a handgun and want to be able to take that gun outside city limits ‒ the court's decision to accept the case could signal a new willingness to wade into questions surrounding the Second Amendment.

Trump Defers To Pelosi And Delays State Of The Union Address

By Scott Horsley • 15 hours ago

Updated at 1:15 a.m. ET

President Trump said Wednesday night he won't be looking for an alternative place to give the State of the Union address. Earlier in the day, asked about House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., insisting he could not speak on the House floor until a partial government shutdown is over, the president said, "We'll do something in the alternative."

A&M Scientist Will Help Determine What's Next In Astronomy Research

By Michael Marks • 16 hours ago

From Texas Standard:

Between SpaceX moving its rocket manufacturing to Texas from California, and the so-called super blood wolf moon, you may have missed this bit of space news: Texas-based astronomer Robert Kennicutt will be leading the Astro2020 Decadal Survey. Every decade, the study mandated by Congress helps set set priorities for what scientists will study in the coming years in the realm of astronomy and astrophysics.

Sheila Jackson Lee Steps Down From Two Powerful Posts — But Not From Congress

By Abby Livingston, Texas Tribune • 16 hours ago

U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, is stepping down from her two most powerful roles within congressional and House Democratic circles.

Amid Shutdown, Atlanta Preps For Super Bowl — And 'Mass Exodus Monday'

By editor • 16 hours ago

One city that is particularly worried about the partial government shutdown? Atlanta, which is set to host Super Bowl LIII on Feb. 3. The city’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport — the world’s busiest — potentially faces a stiff logistical test coming while the government is not fully open.

House Democrats Float '21st Century' Border Security Plan

By Associated Press • 16 hours ago

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., leaves the chamber after speaking about his plan to move a 1,300-page spending measure, which includes $5.7 billion to fund President Donald Trump's proposed wall along the U.S.-Mexico border — Associated Press

House Democrats are putting forward a new proposal to end the government shutdown, aiming to lure President Donald Trump away from his demand for a border wall by offering billions of new dollars for other border security measures.

Texas Wants To Put More Autonomous Vehicles On The Road

By Andrew Weber • 16 hours ago

Like a mirage on a sun-beaten West Texas highway, the future of autonomous vehicles in Texas isn't altogether clear. A new state effort hopes to remedy that.

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Comedy Central Premieres Final Season Of 'Broad City'

By Sam Sanders • 2 minutes ago

Incoming Migrants Overwhelm Spain's Refugee Centers

By Lucia Benavides • 2 minutes ago

Shutdown Day 34: Senate Set To Consider 2 Competing Bills

By Domen • 2 minutes ago

Provoked By Trump, The Religious Left Is Finding Its Voice

By Tom Gjelten • 2 minutes ago

Religious conservatives have rarely faced much competition in the political realm from faith-based groups on the left.

The provocations of Donald Trump may finally be changing that.

Nearly 40 years after some prominent evangelical Christians organized a Moral Majority movement to promote a conservative political agenda, a comparable effort by liberal religious leaders is coalescing in support of immigrant rights, universal health care, LGBTQ rights, and racial justice.

In Another Recession, It Could Be Tough For Washington To Boost The Economy

By Danielle Kurtzleben • 7 minutes ago

It just might be time to start thinking about a recession.

Not a recession in the immediate future, of course. The latest jobs report was unexpectedly strong, and the economy is growing at a good clip.

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Here Are 39 Things You Should Do In Texas Before You Die

Texas Independence Day is March 2. (On that day, back in 1836, the Texas Declaration of Independence was adopted at Washington-on-the-Brazos.) So, to celebrate, the KERA News staff figured we’d come up with a list of quintessential Texas experiences – a list of things you should do in the Lone Star State before you kick the bucket.