Catch up with the news in North Texas. Top Star-Telegram stories for April 29
The Star-Telegram covered a range of major North Texas stories on April 29, 2026, from a deadly social media trend to a high-profile capital murder trial. Here’s a quick rundown of the day’s top headlines.
• ‘Benadryl challenge’ turns deadly: A social media trend encouraging kids to overdose on Benadryl to induce hallucinations has killed one child and sent more than 100 patients to Cook Children’s Medical Center emergency room over six months. Dr. Stephanie Felton said teens and pre-teens are primarily affected, and the FDA has warned high doses can cause seizures, coma or death. Reporting by Ciara McCarthy.
• Fort Worth ISD approves more staff cuts: The district’s Board of Managers voted unanimously to implement another reduction in force, with most cuts impacting positions assisting Early Language Learners. The board also voted to close the International Newcomer Academy, the district’s only campus for immigrant and refugee students, despite more than six hours of public pushback. Reporting by Samuel O’Neal.
• Horner admitted to assaulting, beating Athena Strand: A forensic psychiatrist testified that former FedEx driver Tanner Horner admitted to sexually assaulting 7-year-old Athena Strand and punching and kicking her as he tried to kill her. The defense witness said Horner would present a low risk of future violence in prison as attorneys try to spare him from the death penalty. Reporting by Harriet Ramos and Amy McDaniel.
• North Texas progressives turn to firearms: Liberal and LGBTQ+ residents are increasingly buying guns and seeking training, with the national Liberal Gun Club adding more members since January 2026 than in all of 2025. Ike Hajinazarian founded Liberty For All Training Co. to serve clients who don’t fit the typical gun-owner mold, with about two-thirds citing current political events as their motivation. Reporting by Rachel Royster.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.