Five stories that have North Texas talking: Dallas police on the hunt for a serial rapist, a whooping cough outbreak plagues Tarrant County, a Fort Worth museum gets a heavy artifact, and more.
Dallas police are on alert for what they describe as a "serial rapist," WFAA reports. Officials say there have been seven sexual assaults near Fair Park since June. This raises concern as the State Fair kicks off in three weeks. Victims have said that the assailant covers his face with a mask or bandana and he always uses a gun. Police say that the suspect initially tries to rob the victim before forcing himself on them. They advise people to avoid walking alone if possible.
- Whooping Cough Outbreak In Texas Could Be The State’s Worst: A whooping cough outbreak in Texas may be the worst it has seen in 50 years, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. Nearly a fourth of the 1,935 who have been diagnosed with the disease are in Tarrant County. Whooping cough is highly infectious, and state health officials advise anyone with a cough to stay away from babies.
- A Recommendation From Dad: State Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, is under fire for writing a recommendation letter for his son when he was applying the University of Texas School of Law. This wouldn’t have been an issue, if it weren’t for a statement by UT System Regent Wallace Hall’s lawyer alleging that there was some sort of political influence in the admissions process, among other issues. Pitts says he didn’t use his position to circumvent the normal admissions process, adding that his son even had to retake his law school entrance exam. [Texas Tribune]
- Museum Gains A Heavy Piece Of History: The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History has a new artifact: an 8,000 pound steel piece of the World Trade Center. It will be part of an exhibit opening in October, which will include an interpretation of the events of 9-11. There are other pieces of the World Trade Center around parts of North Texas in cities such as Euless, Kennedale, and Cleburne. [Fort Worth Star-Telegram]
- Former President George W. Bush On Instagram, No Selfies Yet: Former president George W. Bush is the latest to join Instagram. He supposedly created over Labor Day weekend and has so far posted two photos. The former president seems to be doing well since we last heard that he was still recovering from his heart surgery. New York Magazine breaks down the types of comments people have been leaving on Dubya’s Instagram.
