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 • 5 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 • 5 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 • 8 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 • 8 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.

Pelosi To Trump: House Won't Host State Of The Union Until Shutdown Ends

By Scott Horsley • 8 hours ago

Updated at 4:25 p.m. ET

President Trump promised to find an alternative setting for his State of the Union address, after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., insisted he could not speak on the House floor until a partial government shutdown is over.

The president and the speaker traded barbed letters Wednesday, with Trump initially saying he wanted to deliver the speech next Tuesday in the House chamber — the traditional location.

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

By Michael Marks • 8 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 • 8 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 • 8 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 • 8 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 • 8 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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'Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied' As Government Shutdown Affects Federal Courts

By Tovia Smith • 2 hours ago

In federal courts around the nation, the wheels of justice may soon be grinding to a halt.

The government shutdown has already caused delays and disruptions throughout the federal court system, and officials are bracing for things to get a lot worse next week.

The Fight For Native Voices To Be Heard

By editor • 3 hours ago

Nathan Phillips and Nick Sandmann sparked a nationwide debate after video surfaced of their confrontation on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. There are myriad perspectives on the event, and reporter Jacqueline Keeler writes that this video "reveals the triumvirate of experiences that largely define American history."

Federal Panel Considering Recommendations For Mandatory National Service

By David Welna • 3 hours ago

A commission studying national service says there's a compelling case to be made for mandatory national service, not necessarily military, for young Americans. Final recommendations are a year away.

Director Bryan Singer Faces New Scrutiny Over Allegations Of Sexual Misconduct

By Kim Masters • 3 hours ago

Bohemian Rhapsody director Bryan Singer faces renewed scrutiny over sexual misconduct and assault allegations after The Atlantic published years of detailed accusations on Wednesday.

At Least 5 Dead In Shooting At Central Florida Bank; Suspect In Custody

By Ian Stewart • 4 hours ago

At least five people were killed when a man opened fire Wednesday afternoon in a bank in Sebring, Fla., according to officials.

At a brief news conference, Sebring Police Chief Karl Hoglund named 21-year-old Zephen Xaver, of Sebring, as the suspect. Xaver is in police custody.

"Today has been a tragic day in our community," Hoglund said. "We've suffered a significant loss at the hands of a senseless criminal doing a senseless crime."

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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.