The top local stories this evening from KERA News:
On Friday, federal authorities in Dallas announced indictments for eight alleged MS-13 gang members on a range of criminal charges. Officials have seven of the men in custody and are still looking for one.
The charges stem from a spree of six violent attacks committed last summer against rival gang members in Irving and Dallas. The men allegedly used machetes, knives, metal bats, guns and, in one case, a sledge hammer. Ten people were injured.
“Their trademark is violence,” said Erin Neely Cox, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas. “They are required to commit acts of violence in order to be involved in the gang and participate as gang members. One of the principal rules is that its members must attack and kill rivals. It’s cold and calculating and ruthless.”
The gang has gained notoriety for its members’ brutality. President Donald Trump has singled them out as a particular threat, although critics say he exaggerates their numbers and impact.
Cox says several violent gangs are operating in North Texas, but that it’s hard to say how widespread MS-13 is in the area. Officials say the men could face decades in prison if convicted. Since all eight are in the country illegally, they would likely be deported after they serve their time.
Other stories this evening:
- Teachers from across Texas wrapped up their annual meeting in Dallas today. The 800 members of the Association of Texas Professional Educators spent three days in leadership training. KERA's Stella Chavez reports they focused on how to influence the next state legislative session.
- Schools across America are struggling to deal with the opioid crisis. In the West Virginia town of Ravenswood, so many parents are using or incarcerated that the school is also in crisis. Journalist Zoe Carpenter spent time in Ravenswood. Today on Think, she told guest host Courtney Collins that kids living in addicted households develop stress that can turn toxic.
- More than 8 million people have watched the video of composer Ludovico Einaudi playing piano in the arctic, as glaciers crumble around him. That collaboration with Greenpeace is just one of the works that will lure listeners to Fair Park Music Hall on Saturday night. KERA's Anne Bothwell caught up with Enaudi for this week's State of the Arts conversation.
You can listen to North Texas stories weekdays at 8:22 a.m. and 6:20 p.m. on KERA 90.1 FM.
