The phrase “no news is good news” is a sentiment seldom shared by working journalists. But after the second mass shooting
in a month
in West Texas, a weekend of “no news” would be welcome. One senses that the Permian Basin shooting marks a turning point, perhaps, in what has become a political stalemate over what to do about gun violence. As you'll hear in our conversation with the mayor of Odessa, below, there is a growing sense that words alone will not comfort those who fear that we are on the wrong course – and that the time for action is overdue. It is just one of several stories, below, that speak to big changes happening in the Lone Star state – each one worthy of a closer listen. Until next Wednesday, we'll see you on the radio.
- David Brown
After Mass Shooting, Odessa’s Mayor Is ‘Mad As Hell’ But Helping His City Cope
Mayor David Turner is unsure of the solution to violence – but is troubled the shooter obtained a firearm after failing a background check.
A Long-Empty Prison Will Soon House Detained Immigrants
Many local residents support the deal, which will provide several good-paying jobs. But some local ministers have concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement taking over the facility.
Lewisville, Texas, is a fairly non-descript place. There’s little to separate it from any of the other suburbs that compose the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, or any suburb anywhere, honestly. I know – I’m from there. So imagine my surprise when, years later, I learned my hometown actually had a genuine claim to fame: the Texas International Pop Festival, a three-day music festival just weeks after Woodstock. Over 150,000 people came to Lewisville to listen to acts like Led Zeppelin, Santana, Johnny Winter, and Janis Joplin. At the time the town didn’t exactly embrace the experience –
but that’s changed. And so has my understanding of the place I grew up. Check out my story, and the Spotify playlist of festival artists I put together.
