KERA News

Big Tex Makeover: Head And Hat Taking Shape

BJ Austin — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:21:48 +0000

Big Tex is beginning to look like himself again after fire destroyed the State Fair icon last October.

Before Boy Scout Vote, Activists In Both Camps Sound Off

Courtney Collins — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:35:59 +0000

Five Stories that have North Texas talking: people for and against banning gay scouts speak up, Van Cliburn competition kicks-off without namesake, a Texas company builds fuchsia homes for flora and fauna and more.

14th Cliburn International Piano Competition Set To Start After "Draw" Party

Bill Zeeble — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:35:13 +0000

For the first time since its inception more than fifty years ago, the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition will take place without its namesake. Cliburn died in February from cancer. There are additional changes to one of the world’s most prestigious music contests that brings the classical music focus to Fort Worth. The once-every-four-year competition is about to begin again with tonight’s traditional “draw” party.

What Boy Scout Vote Could Mean For Local Groups

Courtney Collins — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

No matter which way Boy Scout delegates vote this week on banning gay members, a local leader says troops may be impacted.

We caught up with Cubmaster James Maddux at the Rangers game Sunday during Boy Scouts of America weekend.

National Weather Service In Fort Worth: Sounding The Alarm For North Texas

Shelley Kofler — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:10:52 +0000

The local weather forecast you got this morning. The tornado warnings you heard yesterday. The minute-by-minute tracking of storm locations delivered by news reporters. They all began with a team of meteorologists and weather observers at the National Weather Service Office in Fort Worth.

Making History, And Eating Cake, In Farmers Branch

Lauren Silverman — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:02:08 +0000

For the first time in the history of Farmers Branch, a Hispanic council member has been sworn in. Ana Reyes, 39, will represent District One – which has a majority of Hispanic residents.

The Bathtub May Not Be The Safest Place During A Tornado: Have A Plan

BJ Austin — Tue, 21 May 2013 23:47:54 +0000

Scenes of destruction after last week’s deadly tornadoes in North Texas and this week in Moore, Oklahoma played a role in the decision by some school districts Tuesday to dismiss early under the threat of severe weather, which included possible tornadoes. What should schools, businesses and families do to prepare? KERA’s BJ Austin went to the Red Cross’ Anita Foster to find out.

Water Restrictions Coming For Tarrant Customers

Shelley Kofler — Tue, 21 May 2013 22:11:57 +0000

It may be raining this week, but the Tarrant Regional Water District is planning ahead for a dry summer.

It has notified its client cities and providers that it will begin Stage One watering restrictions on June 3.

You Can ‘Cue Better: Barbeque 101 With Daniel Vaughn

Lyndsay Knecht — Tue, 21 May 2013 22:05:56 +0000

New Texas Monthly barbeque editor Daniel Vaughn says he has the “best business card in the world.” But the former architect arrives at the glossy’s office with thousands of miles of searching for the best joints and reams of greasy butcher paper in his wake. Here are four tips for those procuring or preparing ‘cue in North Texas from Vaughn’s hour on Think Tuesday.

Dallas ISD Cancels After-School Activities, Other Districts Updating Parents

Stella M. Chávez — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:49:57 +0000

Update, 3:59 p.m.: Rockwall ISD's buses for secondary school students will be delayed up to 45 minutes.

Update, 3:48 p.m.: Mesquite ISD will release its high school students at 4 p.m.; buses running 30 minutes later than normally scheduled.

Update, 3:45 p.m.: Plano ISD says most activities will continues as schedule but asks parents to check with their students' individual campuses.