Five stories that have North Texas talking: Campus carry takes effect at community colleges today; what Sam Shepard’s work meant to the Undermain; Richard Linklater talks future films; and more.
Effective today, the state’s “campus carry” law includes community colleges in Texas.
People with a handgun license will be allowed to carry a concealed firearm on campus. But, there will be some restrictions such as in performance halls or child-care centers, the Associated Press reports.
Tarrant County College has put up signs designating some areas as gun-free zones, according to theFort Worth Star-Telegram reports. TCC spokesman Reginald Gates says rifles remain among the weapons banned on campus, and added that open carry of a handgun also isn't allowed.
The Texas Legislature in 2015 adopted a law that already allows concealed handguns at public colleges statewide. It went into effect Aug. 1, 2016. Community colleges were given an extra year to prepare; it’s the last part of the law to take effect.
Private colleges were allowed to opt out under the law and nearly all did — except for Amberton University, a small, nonprofit school based in Garland, according to the Texas Tribune.
As the Star-Telegram reports: “The only people legally allowed to carry concealed handguns on campus are those who have a License To Carry, which means they are at least 21, have a clear criminal record and no record of mental illness. They also have met requirements that include training and proficiency tests.” [Fort Worth Star-Telegram, The Texas Tribune, The Associated Press]
- Susan Stamberg interviewed Dallas emergency physician and photographerJeff Gusky about his work in the“Artist Soldiers: Artistic Expression in the First World War” exhibition at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. [NPR]
- Playwright Sam Shepard has died at 73 from Lou Gehrig’s disease. Dallas’ Undermain Theatre may well have produced more of his plays than any other company. [Art&Seek]
- “I had no idea how dangerous these were,” state Rep. Tony Tinderholt, R-Arlington, on hoverboards after falling off of one and breaking his wrist. [Fort Worth Star-Telegram]
- Director Richard Linklater is hinting at a future film project that could bring him back to Texas, his home state and the setting for several of his past works. [IndieWire]
The High Five is KERA’s daily roundup of stories from Dallas-Fort Worth and across the state.Explore our archives here. And sign up forour weekly emailfor the North Texas news you need to know.